Calgary…I could go on forever. It’s such a wonderful place – you can quickly head to the mountains, or you can spend time right in YYC! Here are some top suggestions of things to do, and most importantly, places to eat.

Activities

Explore

• Head to Spruce Meadows – depending on the time of year, you can check out professional horse shows, a professional soccer game (the Cavalry), wander through the Christmas lights, or go to the Christmas Market, etc.
• Check out what Festivals are available – Lilac Festival, Veg Fest, Taste of Calgary, Grape Escape, Beer Fest, to name a few
• Visit Heritage Park for everything from rides for kids to a train for the whole family, the Gasoline Alley Museum to high tea, and everything else in between
• Rent out a Pedal Pub (take the pedal pub to breweries, and have a blast singing, dancing, and pedalling your way to all of them!)
• Take a walk in Prince’s Island Park (and go see the Peace Bridge)
• Take a walk in Fish Creek Provincial Park
• Watch Shakespeare by the Bow (summer only, in Prince’s Island Park – check the schedule, because weather dependent, but it’s pay-what-you-will…pack a picnic and some lovely people)
• Go to any of the Farmer’s Markets (Blackfoot Farmer’s Market is my favourite)
• Run the “Memorial Stairs” (McHugh Bluff), across from Prince’s Island Park
• Go Skating at the Olympic Plaza (seasonal), and while you’re there, you could head up the Calgary Tower, if you so desire!
• If you can be in town for the Calgary Stampede, don’t miss it!

Indoor

• Go play games at the RecRoom (fun for kids an adults alike)
• Get tickets for a show at Theatre Calgary or Broadway Across Canada
• Again, go to any of the Farmer’s Markets (Blackfoot Farmer’s Market is my favourite)
• Workout Classes – many options everywhere, depending on style and what area – some noteworthy ones are Hot Shop for Spin & Hot Yoga, Breathe for (hot)yoga, and CrushCamp for an intense workout!

Great for the Kids

• Head to Granary Road to eat, shop, and maybe do some Goat Yoga (pre-book for that). Plus, such a fun set up for the kids!
• Visit the Science Centre
• Head to the mountains!

Adult Only

• Have a fine dining experience by pre-booking Dine Under the Stars (seasonal in Fish Creek Park)
• Go bowling, and grab a drink, at National on 10^th (Chinook Mall for bowling with kids)
• Go laugh it up by seeing a comedy show at Yuk Yuk’s
• Treat yourself and have a spa day at Ca Va Bien

Now to the Food…

Cafés

• Monogram Coffee (very unique)
• Annie’s Cafe (seasonal café in Fish Creek Park)
• Analog (probably my fav!)
• Phil & Sebastian’s (treat yourself to the gluten-free chocolate chip banana bread)
• Nosh by Nourish (completely gluten-free)

Brunch

• Brok’in Yolk (farm-to-table style)
• Coras (classic crepes)
• OEB Breakfast Co. (you’ll love it!)
• Diner Deluxe (I’m a fan of the egg burrito!)

Quick Lunch

• Seed N Salt (healthy, quick downtown lunch)
• Jusu (great juices and bowls)
• Freshii (always!)
• Chopped Leaf (and again…always!)

Dinner

Mexican Cuisine

• Anejo
• Native Tongues (my fav Mexican!)
• Blanco Cantina (Taco Tuesday is half-price)
• Calavera Cantina

Asian Cuisine

• Anju (Fusion)
• Li-Ao (one of my favourite sushi places…get the mango roll)
• Shokunin (sushi that legit melts in your mouth!)
• Japanese Village Steakhouse (book for a group – dinner lasts only about 90-mins, but they entertain you with a cooking show right in front of you)
• Open Sesame (great for big groups and build your own stir-fry)

Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine

• The Coup (vegetarian and vegan, and delicious)

Burgers

• Naina’s (stuffed Burgers & intense grilled cheese)

Pizza

• Una Pizza (up there with the best pizza in Calgary)
• PZA (my new fav for pizza – lots of options for GF, vegan, etc.)
• Pulcinella (more traditional pizza)
• Tom’s House of Pizza (get the cheese with feta pizza!…you won’t regret it)
• Bow Tie Pizza (if you like a thick crust pizza, this one’s for you!)

Farm to Table

• River Café (in Prince’s Island Park, so lovely, and all seasonal food)
• The Ranche (small portions, and very Western-feel)
• Rouge (love the seasonal, local, farm-to-table style)

Casual Dining

• Cactus Club
• Joey
• Earls
• Madison’s 1212 (fun nachos!)

Finer Dining

• Elbow Room (really nice for a group to share)
• Ten Foot Henry (sharing…one of my fav restaurants in Calgary)
• Starbelly (in Auburn Bay, but with a downtown feel – get the lamb ribs)
• The Nash (cool vibe, and fun drinks too)
• Tango (good tapas, small-plate sharing-style)
• Bridgette Bar (fun environment, and unique sharing…get the Rigatoni!)
• The Lake House (worth it for the water setting alone!)

Steakhouses

• Chairman’s Steakhouse (top steakhouse in Calgary, in our opinion, and it’s in Mahogany!)
• Major Tom (40 floors up isn’t a bad place to watch a sunset and eat so much cheesy goodness, drink a cocktail, and don’t forget all the sharing options at this steak house!)

More Than Just Food

• Alvin’s Jazz Club (the food is only part of the experience; catch a whole show at Alvin’s!)

Ice Cream

• Made by Marcus
• Village Ice Cream
• My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe
• Annie’s Cafe (seasonal, adorable little café in Fish Creek Park)
• XO Ice Cream & Waffles

Happy exploring and eating in one of my favourite cities!!