I don't know what to do or where to go, but at least visit
-Saddledome
-Calgary Zoo
-Calgary Tower
-brewpubs and distilleries
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Since I like to think I'm pretty decent at these things.
Saddledome is right off the C-Train tracks. You won't be able to get in during the summer unless there's another event.
Calgary zoo also can be found right off the tracks on the NE line. We have Pandas now, so that makes it pretty God damn sweet. It's a nice little zoo with some Dinosaurs as well because of Alberta's history.
Calgary Tower is downtown, and a block off the main train line. It's like 18 bucks to get inside and do a little tour. I think they have guided tours every so often that are included in admission.
K, Brewpub time. OR the BEST time. Calgary's become a bit of a brewery hub; outside of Victoria it's probably climbing the ranks in Western Canada at a breakneck pace. It's too bad I'll be boating between the 22nd and 25th, or else I'd take you through the barley belt. I'm sure someone else on the board would be more than happy to give you a little tour.
So, it's totally best on bike. Just because everything's far enough where it's like a bit too much to walk, but you're also drinking a lot of beer and it's too close to drive. More or less between 58th Ave SE and Inglewood, there's something like 10 breweries. They're all really f***ing good too.
What I'd suggest is getting on the train (with bike) and getting off at Chinook, go kind of late afternoon so that you can take your time. Head NE until you hit Prairie Dog. They'll be open by the time you get to Calgary, and it's legit. I've got a lot of buddies in the brewery world and I've sampled their beer. Good shit. In addition, they're going to have like the biggest smoker outside of the Southern states... Grab some BBQ. Head further North to Annex. Annex is really good. Paradise found is my fav and their root beer is great.
From there, I'd do Born Colorado and Banded Peak. Grab some brews and enjoy how fun they are. After swing by Paddy's BBQ; great beer, and as you might imagine, great BBQ. Get a little snack to keep the liquor from doing you in.
From there, enjoy a little cemetery ride and the Stampede grounds. Could double down to see the Dome here too. Now, you're close to Inglewood/Ramsay. There are two of them there are absurdly good. I'd suggest getting High Line out of the way, it's pretty good. They have one called Kent or Smokes. Both are good. Can check out Revival too, I haven't been there yet, but I've heard it's fun. After that, I'd suggest swinging down to Ramsay and getting some Dandy, those guys are pros.
I like finishing the night off at Cold Garden. Amazing beer, funky hipster place with the most women ratio you'll find on your brew tour. If you're not pounded by then, you can go downtown for more fun or hang out at Cold Garden til close.