With a booming agriculture and petroleum industry, and up and coming culinary scene, Calgary is steadily climbing its way to the top of our luxury destinations list.
Although Calgary may not be the first city that comes to mind when choosing a destination for a luxurious getaway, the city boasts iconic and hidden gems that are the pinnacle of splendor. From exclusive boutiques in up-and-coming neighborhoods to top-rated restaurants, here are the reasons why we believe Calgary should be your next destination.
Essentials
one
If possible, try to plan your trip to Calgary in the summer months – preferably during the Calgary Stampede. It is one of Canada’s largest agricultural fair that spans about 10 days. It attracts millions of tourists each year and has activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.
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There are public pathways a plenty. Calgary has an extensive urban trail system – you’ll often see folks riding their bikes to work or for play in chilling temperatures as low as -30!
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The Bow River which runs through the city attracts anglers from all over the world for its first class fly fishing.
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Calgary has the most sunshine days of all the major cities in Canada, so pack your sunglasses even in the winter. A stroll through the neighborhoods of Inglewood, Kensington, 17th Avenue and Stephen Avenue will confirm that no matter what season, as long as the sun is shining Calgarians enjoy patio time!
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You can’t take a trip to Calgary without visiting Alberta’s Rocky Mountains nearby. Rent a car for the day and drive up to Banff, which is an 1 hour 30 minutes west of Calgary. BASICS
TIME ZONE: UTC/GMT -7 (GMT -6 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Basics
CURRENCY
Canadian Dollar
TIPS
Tipping is on average 15%
TAX
Alberta has a 4% tourism levy and a 3% Destination Marketing Fee at participating hotels in Calgary, but no provincial sales tax.
GETTING AROUND
Calgary Transit is the city’s local transportation system. Take advantage of the CTrain fare-free zone downtown that runs along 7th Avenue from 8th St. SW to City Hall. Regular fares outside this zone cost $2.75 one-way for an adult. Or better yet, rent a car. Although Calgary has a great transportation system, the trains can run every hour during the weekends. They also stop running at midnight and don’t start up again till 5am.
Due to the taxi shortage in the city, hailing one on the street is near impossible, and the wait times are also a little longer than in most cities. To get as much out of your trip as possible without waiting for the taxi or train, definitely consider renting a car and mapping out your own route.
WHEN TO VISIT
The summer months, especially in June and July during the Calgary Stampede.
Get There
AIRPORT
Calgary International Airport, or YYC, offers non-stop flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The airport is situated about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Calgary.
VIA RAIL
To get a true Canadian experience and see as much of the prairies and Rockies as possible, take the Via Rail. However, the train doesn’t go directly to Calgary. The only stops it makes in Alberta is Edmonton and Jasper, a city nestled directly north of Banff National Park. Consider taking the Via Rail to Jasper, spending a few days at Banff National Park and making your way down to Calgary via a rental car.
Airport to City
Taxi: A taxi into the downtown area from the airport costs $35-$45CAD.
Sleep
Hyatt Regency
Located just steps away from the Calgary Tower, the Hyatt Regency is a perfect example of the city’s historic allure. Walking into the hotel you will notice the majestically high ceilings and soft light illuminating the natural stone walls. Suites have city or mountain views and the hotel has full service amenities for both business or leisure.
Hôtel Le Germain
One of city's newest and most modern boutique hotels, Le Germain embraces the historic elements of Calgary by infusing stunning contemporary design inspired by the city. The artistic touches of the hotel are echoed throughout the warm, inviting suites that evoke a sense of minimalism and comfort.
Hotel Arts
Named TripAdvisor's Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in Canada, boutique Hotel Arts in downtown Calgary boasts both cosmopolitan design and guests. Rich mahogany columns warm up the stone walls in the lobby, while the suites are as comfortable as they are contemporary.
Dine
Model Milk
Just voted Best New Restaurants in Canada in 2012 by enRoute magazine, Model Milk has a fun atmosphere with loud rock out soundtrack in a unique multilevel brick room. The design is a play on its past life the milking room of this 1930s dairy: milk bottle chandeliers, enamel barn lamps and tables slide on a central beam. The menu is as local and quirky as the design. Order and share the MM Maple Hill Fried Chicken that comes with waffles ($54CAD).
Rouge Restaurant
Rated The Best Restaurant of the Year by Avenue Magazine in 2010, Rouge Restaurant is known for its fine French platters (rich with truffle oil and fois gras) as well as its location. Located in the Inglewood neighborhood on the banks of the Bow River, Rouge is housed in the historic home of Canadian politician A.E. Cross built in 1891. For a taste of history and fine dining French in a contemporary setting head to Rouge for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
Rush
Rush's downtown location occupies a large space in what was once Calgary's main post office, a magnificent modernized building. They offer fine dining surf and turf in a open, sexy setting. The dark leather chairs and light high back bar stools and live music makes it a perfect ambience for after work drinks, power lunch or dinner and romantic dinners. Order the daily carve of Pork (~$29 CAD).
Shop
Purr Clothing
If you are looking for local Calgarian style, head to Uptown 17th Ave that feature local Canadian/Albertan and Calgarian designers and products. A great shop to visit in this neighborhood is Purr Clothing, which peddles contemporary styles to quirky pieces that will become a staple in your wardrobe.
Tory Burch
Located inside the Chinook Centre just south of Downtown Calgary, Tory Burch recently opened its doors in Calgary as the second store in Canada. With rich teal velvet and magnificent chandeliers adorning the ceiling, Tory Burch is the perfect shop to visit for all your preppy luxe style desires.
Leo Boutique
This boutique, which is named after the owners' shared astrological sign, carries carefully curated pieces from all over the world. They are known for their high-end distinct and eclectic fashions.
See
MOCA
Explore unique designs and artwork at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown Calgary. Its minimalist interior is well-balanced by the colorful and strikingly eccentric displays that flow throughout the various spaces and exhibits. Bonus: admission is free.
Calgary Tower
If you’re not afraid to venture 155 metres in the sky, then go to the Calgary Tower’s revolving restaurant Sky 360. The restaurant offers breathtaking 360-degree cityscape and landscape views. If you’re an early bird, we recommend having a breakfast Mimosa and watching the sunrise over the vast prairie land. For night owls, start your night out on the town by watching the sunset over the mountains with a glass of Lincourt Chardonnay in hand.
Inglewood
Whether you’re in the mood for a venue with lively blues played by local musicians, sampling sweets from the finest Chocolatiers or indulging in the variety of scents and tastes at various teashops, Inglewood is the neighborhood to see. This historic neighborhood is one of Calgary’s oldest, known for its culture and arts hub of Calgary is evident from the architecture and the brick-laden mom-and-pop shops.
Do
Tea at Fairmont Palliser
What better way to spend an afternoon of sightseeing than to relax with a cup of finely blended tea in the historic and cozy Oak Room or Lobby Lounge. The Afternoon Tea ($30CAD/per guest) includes The Fairmont blended teas, Fairmont Wellness teas, a selection of tea sandwiches, dainty pastries and traditional English raisin scones served with house made jam and Devonshire clotted cream. Insider Tip: Book as early as possible the Afternoon is popular and one of its kind in the city.
Junktiques
If you’re in the market for some great antiques, check out Junktiques in Inglewood. Don’t be fooled by the name, though. This shop offers a variety of beautiful antique and refurbished pieces. From artwork to board games to dining rooms sets, Junktiques has pieces that will catch any visitor’s attentions.
Jelly Modern Doughnuts
For an alternative to cupcakes and a new twist on an old favourite head to Jelly Modern Doughnuts, situated downtown Calgary in a cheerful pink and white eatery. Opened by sister/professionals-turned-entrepreneurs Roseanne (lawyer) and Rita (speech pathologist), the doughnuts are organic and hand filled and dipped, made fresh daily by Chef Grayson Sherman, a former Executive Chef in New York and Calgary. Order a beautifully boxed 16 three bite doughnuts ($28.95CAD) pick the quirky and popular: maple bacon, lemon curd and strawberry shortcake (a seasonal flavour).