A major city in the province of Alberta, Canada; the city of Calgary is a hustling hub of western culture and arts. Due to its close proximity to Banff National Park, it is often referred to as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. A diverse dining scene, modern architecture, and excess of entertainment are just a few of the key elements that bring this dynamic metropolis to life.
Things To Do
Enjoy the Scenery at Devonian Gardens
An urban oasis in the heart of Calgary, Devonian Gardens welcomes its visitors into a world of peace and tranquility This 2.5-acre garden space was designed to showcase over 500 trees, a living wall, fountains, fish ponds and even a playground. Admission to the park is free, so pack a book or bring your lunch to enjoy while basking in the beauty of nature.
Get a 360° View of the City
From the bustling city below stretching to the Canadian Rockies, visitors can see it all from the top of Calgary Tower. Guest can ascend 517 feet (157.6 meters) to the observation deck and walk across the glass floor beneath their feet. Equipped with a quick bites eatery, two restaurants, a gift shop and theater room, there’s plenty to do and see at the top. The tower’s exterior features LED light shows daily before sunrise and after dusk with colors to commemorate national holidays, local sports teams and important causes. General admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the first floor of the tower for $23.
Borrow A Book From the Calgary Public Library
With 22 locations in the district, a visit to the Calgary Public Library is a must. Their keystone location, Central Library, combines eye-catching architecture with modern interior design to create four floors of innovative space for browsing and learning. Sign up for a free library card for access to device borrowing, printing, creative spaces and programs – all on top of their entire book, movie and music collection. Free guided, public tours are offered for drop-in group up to 10, but registration is strongly recommended.
Shop & Dine Along the Stephen Avenue Walk
Lined with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and historic buildings, the Stephen Avenue Walk is a bustling National Historic Site. A large collection of the buildings have been preserved to represent the city’s “Sandstone Era” from 1880 to 1930. The area is a pedestrian mall by day, but after 6 p.m. it turns into a “living street” or space where vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists coexist. This small sliver of 8 Ave SW is located between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE.
Win Big at GRETA Bar & Arcade
The fun starts from the moment you walk through the door at GRETA Bar. Flashing lights and nostalgic sounds of classic arcade games combine with a variety of alcoholic beverages and street food to create the ideal adults night out. Open Tuesday-Sunday, the “barcade” offers drink and gaming specials every day. Their world-inspired street food menu includes sharable plates and handheld items that can be ordered from the food truck window or served sit down restaurant style. Whether you’re looking to improve your Pac-Man skills or race your friends in Mario Kart, head over to GRETA for an action-packed adventure!
Discover Unique Architecture
Towers and bridges and buildings, oh my! Calgary’s outstandingly unique architecture is something to experience. The Bow is the most recognizable building in the city’s skyline. Housing two major energy companies, retail spaces, sky gardens and the Wonderland Sculpture, its construction fosters a sense of community and collaboration.
Connecting residential communities to modern urban downtown, the Peace Bridge is an iconic landmark. Its sculptural architecture provides pedestrians with protection from rain and winter weather conditions as they cross the Bow River.
The architecture appreciation doesn’t stop there. Studio Bell National Music Center, TELUS Sky, Calgary Public Library, Calgary Tower and Historic City Hall are just a few fan favorites on the list of extraordinary buildings and structures in the city.
Dining
Bank & Baron Pub boasts a blended atmosphere of history and sophistication. Reclaimed within the Bank of Nova Scotia building along the infamous Stephen Avenue, this traditional urban pub allows diners to unlock an entryway to the past. Carefully curated menu items attract a mature audience with an appreciation for quality cuisine. A variety of beer, wine and cocktails are offered to pair perfectly with any meal. I’d recommend the Alberta Sirloin steak bites to start and allow your tastebuds to guide you accordingly.
GRETA Bar provides an around-the-world inspired menu of street food shareable plates and handheld sandwiches. Their fresh, never frozen locally-sourced ingredients construct international dishes including Jamaican spring rolls, bulgogi beef bao buns and traditional Quebec poutine. Their astounding array of alcoholic beverages will quench your thirst and have you ordering another round in no time.
Bottlescrew Bill’s has teamed up with Buzzards Restaurant to offer traditional pub dishes and burgers. More popularly known for being Calgary’s original beer bar, ale enthusiasts gather at Bill’s for a taste of their local drafts and international brews. Their three heated, covered patios operate year-round, so your four-legged friends can join the party. Proud to support local musicians, the outdoor stage is guaranteed to draw a crowd.
Lodging
Located among the hustle and bustle is the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel. Recently upgraded and redesigned, the Sandman Signature offers guests renovated hotel rooms and amenities. Their extensive list of courtesies includes free WiFi, 24/7 business and fitness centers, a pool and more. Conveniently positioned along the C-Train line, lodgers have immediate access to the entire city at their fingertips.
Transportation
Getting around downtown Calgary is quite simple with many options to choose from. The C-Train is an efficient light rail system that operates two transit lines. It is free to the public within the downtown core between City Hall Station and Downtown West/Kirby Station, also known as the TD Free Fare Zone.
If the C-Train can’t get you where you’re going, Calgary Transit manages an extensive bus network with routes that cover the entire city. There are a variety of fares available for purchase including single fares, day passes and monthly passes.
Cycling and walking are also popular forms of transportation within the downtown district. Over 620 miles of regional pathways make the area very cyclist friendly. The downtown core is home to the largest expanse of walkways in North America. Known as the Plus 15 network, this group of 86 pedestrian bridges enables climate-controlled travel between offices, retail centers and parking lots within a 50-block radius.
Whether you’re passing through on your way to Banff National Park, joining the millions of Calgary Stampede fans that visit annually or simply checking a new city off your bucket list, you can’t pass up the opportunity to explore this sociable center. Packed with endless entertainment and hospitality, the Stampede City is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Love Always.
Leave a comment