OT: Visiting Calgary (General City / Area Discussion)

Lunatik

Registered User
Oct 12, 2012
56,250
8,384

tfong

HFBoards Sponsor
Sponsor
Sep 29, 2008
10,402
972
www.instagram.com
My first impression when you guys were trading room numbers was that somehow TFG was operating an escort service and II pimping the accommodations for said escorting. Then I think Johnny must be the cameraman.
 

yukoner88

Registered User
Dec 16, 2009
20,084
24,419
Dawson City, YT
Calgary LRT Transit Question

Hello folks,

Visiting Calgary next weekend, just wondering what the hours of operation are for the train system.

Thanks in advance!
 

Johnny Hoxville

The Return of a Legend
Jul 15, 2006
37,549
9,343
Calgary
K guys, let's keep the series talk in the appropriate thread. As unfortunate as that is, this is an OT thread for those visiting the city.
 

Bruins4Ever

Registered User
Sep 12, 2004
5,247
0
Caledonia, Ontario
Hey guys, I'm heading to Banff for work for a few days and my girlfriend is coming out after the conference. We're going to be in Banff/Calgary from April 30-May 4th.

The plan right now is to hang in Banff on the 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and kill a few hours in Calgary before we fly out on the 4th in the evening.

What are some cool things to do in Banff/Canmore/Yoho/Lake Louise area? We're probably not going to be doing any skiing, but any advice you could give on cool hikes, activities, restaurants, etc. are more than welcome.

Also, if we're going to be in Calgary for a few hours, what's a cool neighbourhood (we're 25 and 26) to kill some time in? Any hip/trendy shopping areas or neighbourhoods we could stop into for a few hours?

Thanks guys, any help is appreciated!

PS - Go Flames! Finish those pesky Canucks! I'm firmly on the Calgary bandwagon this year.
 

Ace Rimmer

Stoke me a clipper.
Banff - you'll want to take the gondola up to the top of the mountain, that's a pretty touristy "must do" kind of thing. Lots of shops & stuff in the town itself too, no shortage of activities.

You'll find lots of hiking trails and such, locals will have the best advice as to where. Bears - they're coming out of hibernation and have their young with them, very hungry and very uppity. If you see a bear warning sign, it is not a joke.

For Calgary - Eau Claire was fairly trendy (is it still? guys?) at one point, also Kensington and Inglewood would also be places to kill some time.

Safe travels!
 

Unlimited Chequing

Christian Yellow
Jan 29, 2009
23,635
9,583
Calgary, Alberta
Nah, I live by Eau Claire and there's nothing really going on there unless it's Canada Day or some sort of festival.

I would recommend Kensington, Inglewood, and of course 17th Ave SW (aka The Red Mile). If we're still in the playoffs by then, 17th Ave should be buzzing a bit unless you're going there after a Flames win, then it will be buzzing a lot. Even if we're not, there's still a lot of trendy shops and restaurants along there. Start at 17th Ave and 2nd Street SW and start heading west.

You can also check out Stephen Ave downtown. Flames Central and TD Square is along there.

http://www.coreshopping.ca/
 

Lunatik

Registered User
Oct 12, 2012
56,250
8,384
Bringing this back on topic: I hear good things about Holy Smoke BBQ here in Calgary. Visitors should go check it out.
How does it compare to Big T's?

I may slip up to Calgary for another staycation this year. Maybe hit up the Stamps home opener again?
 

Fig

Absolute Horse Shirt
Dec 15, 2014
12,977
8,454
Ahh I knew you guys would come to the resuce! Thanks so much and I can't wait to visit!

The hot springs are worth going to as well. It's just a big swimming pool with hot spring water, but after a hike, it feels so good. The tea house in Lake Louise is a nice hike, or if you want a nice walk, there's a nice saunter around the lake. I like Lake Moraine too, but not sure if it's open yet. Johnston Canyon is a nice walk as well with the waterfall and inkpots. Bring warm clothes in layers even if it seems like a nice day. Weather can change fast.

Ask locals about hikes. It can range literally from walks in nature (paved) to climbing hills and/or mountains (unpaved) or walking in wet sludge for 14 hours.

If bears are out, ask a local about bear spray and learn how to use it. You can hurt yourself with it. I also know individuals who buy bear spray and forget to clip off the safety. You can't use the spray on a bear if it's not ready for use. I know wildlife is exciting, but if you see a bear or a deer or big horned sheep, don't run at it to take a selfie... You'd be surprised how much this happens. Approach cautiously if you're crazy, and for sure don't outright charge at it like some tourists do.

Canmore isn't bad either if you want to head over there. A bit quieter than Banff and has a few hiking trails nearby.
 

Johnny Hoxville

The Return of a Legend
Jul 15, 2006
37,549
9,343
Calgary
If you have a choice, I suggest staying at the Rimrock in Banff. By far it's my favourite, even over the famous Banff springs. The views are spectacular! Banff is lots of fun, decent night life for a small town and tons of good restaurants.

I can't speak for Calgary, I live here but I'm loser and never go out.
 

getzforfighting*

Guest
22 year old coming to calgary next week from the 4/5th to the 10th. Going to both of the hockey games, but is there anything else I should check out while I'm here. Nightlife spots would also be appreciated!
 

Rangediddy

The puck was in
Oct 28, 2011
3,710
809
22 year old coming to calgary next week from the 4/5th to the 10th. Going to both of the hockey games, but is there anything else I should check out while I'm here. Nightlife spots would also be appreciated!
Between the Red Mile and Stephen Ave, you could do a good amount of bar hopping in one night. There's not much in the way of Nightclubs anymore, Commonwealth and the Standard being the only ones I really know about.

On 10th Ave there is Craft and National which are giant beerhalls beside each other and more or less the same (National being my preference because of bowling downstairs). They'll both be somewhat busy any night of the week.

If you're out real late on a Saturday (after 2am) and want to experience something different... go to Singapore Sam's on 11th. I won't say anything more, you'll just have to see it for yourself. :sarcasm:
 

chubeyr

Registered User
Aug 19, 2005
483
34
I will add to others comments!

Smugglers Inn, Prime Rib! Strongly recommend blackened prime rib, and Owners cut! Massive amount of meat, high quality and savory. Salad bar is excellent and I love their soups.

Amazing meal to be had there. Yet if your on a budget you wont like their prices. As a special treat time to time its money well spent.

Yet I agree with others. M&M meats in Calgary. You can pick up 4 seasoned steaks on sale for $9.99 current sale is $12.99. At that price you expect to be disappointed.

I only bbq with the best steaks money can buy. Been my motto for years. I am a cook, yes you can make a cheap steak tender if you spend time and effort to prepare it, generally though on a bbq it ends in disaster.

My 67 year old father always said he could not cook a steak ever. Cheap cut of steak, cheap bbq ( $70 ), that's why he could not do it. Convinced him to buy a $350 BBQ on clearance for $160. Said that was a lot of money for a BBQ! I laughed, showed him what a lot of money is for a BBQ! Never the less a BBQ that can maintain its heat helps so much. Bought good good cuts of meat and Dad made awesome steaks. He was amazed at himself. Then they bought M&M cheap steaks. I expected shoe leather. 4 6oz steaks that were tender as hell for $10? Marinated Herb and Garlic with tonnes of flavor! Best deal on the planet in my mind!
 

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