Paging CALGARY Mags...

[Pura Vida]

So i'm headed to Calgary Sept 9 - 14th. I have one full day to play around somwhere, obvious choice is head in the direction of Banf/Lake Louise, but any additional info is appreciated. I'm up there for a tech course, but will have the GF in tow and we are down for just about anything. Any recomendations of places to kill time in the off hours I would be stoked on. We like good food, good drinks, and good people. We both like to play photog and any recomendations on that end would be great too. A mag schwilling meet up would be fun if you do that sort of thing in Calgary...

[Mex]

As far as NiteClubs go Cowboys is usually the place everyone has to go to at least once and it's right down town. Great if you like servers with Big tits and Cowboys hats. If I remember right, Thursday's is one of the big nights. And all the University kids will be in town so expect a Gong show.(Don't worry you don't have to dress like a Cowboy)

Ceili's is an Irish pub with rooftop patio thats like 30 ft from Cowboys. IT's a pretty good place.

Melrose is on 17th Ave or now know as "The Red Mile" (named after the street party that ensued after every Flames game in 2004) it's alright too. There are lots of other pubs/bars on this stretch.

We usually hit up Kensington. A trendy stretch of road just north of the Bow River, essentially a part of down town. 4 or 5 pubs (OJ's, The Yard House, Molly's, FATS), FRESH (the ski shop) is there and some other trendy shops. Easily walked from downtown by taking the pathways on the river. It's a little more low key, the pubs here aren't the size of Ceili's or Cowboys.


Thai Son is a Thai restaurant (no shit!) downtown that's pretty good and there are a few other spots on the same stretch that are also good.

Small cool breakfast places are Cadence in Bowness and the Galaxy downtown.

IF you are looking for a place to spend your American money and pick up some gear Mountain Equipment Co-op is downtown just down the street from Thai Son.

Kananaskis Country on HWY 40 (a turn off on the way to Banff) has some pretty good views of some rugged mountains. IF you wanted to take a completely scenic way to Canmore and then on to Banff you could take HWY 40 to the Smith-Dorrien/Spray lakes road. This is where most of us Calgarians do our backcountry skiing. It's a little longer to get to Canmore this way and the Smith-Dorrien is gravel.

I pretty much hit some of the better known places in town. I'm sure others on here will give you some different ideas. Everyone in town knows these places so it shouldn't be hard to get directions when you get here.

Hope that helps.

[L7]

The maple leaf is good eats in Banff. Personally I'd pass on cowboys and ceilidgh's(sp?) but that's me. I'd check for music or some of the pubs around kennington Molly's was mentioned by Mex I think. If you really want to lengthen the drive to Canmore/Banff head south to Longview and take the road to Highwood house and then hop on 40 north right over the highwood pass (spectacular) and then you can pick up the Smith Dorien to Canmore. Good mix of gorgeous ranch country, foothills and mountains.

In Banff it's a nice hike up Sulphur mtn and then you can ride the gondola down free if you're a bit lazy or there are lots of other less populated hikes all around.

I'm away from the 5-12th and then I'm around but in Cochrane where the bars and eats suck. Good Sushi at Sushi boat at Crowfoot crossing which is near Cochrane.

[f2f]

if it's your first time in the area make sure to check the big touristy names off the list: lake louise and the hotel, banff and the gondola. athabasca glacier is a long day-trip from calgary, but definitely worth it. we were in knee deep snow just off the glacier on september 5th last year, you could be in luck with some of the white stuff.

there is a lot to see, especially the first time. lucky you

no recommendation on drinkie bars in calgary as the guys above have done well (i lived near kensington for 4 years, the pubs there are good if you like your pints, for poshy stuff 17th ave SW, the red mile, did it for us; Ming is an interesting martini bar there)

[Pura Vida]

Thanks for the info so far! Just what I was looking for. I will most likely be back in late October for another week. I figure a better chance for snow then, but still stoked to check out a new place while "working"

[DownhillRider]

For killing time in Calgary cafe med or ice are pretty cool to just hang out and smoke shisha..cafe med seems to be busier/stuffier, but has better flavors than ice.

[bigtrubs]

Spend Wednesday evening at the Ship and Anchor on 17th Ave just East of Western Canada High School.

I also recommend that you go into the Kananaskis and hike up to either Buller pass or Galatea pass, both great hikes and amazing views. I agree with L7 as well on the Sulphur Mtn hike, it's a good solid uphill climb but the gondy saves you the nuisance or hiking downhill. Otherwise one of my favorite short(er) hikes is into Grotto Canyon on Hwy 1A, the entrance to the hike is right across from the factory on 1A in the greater Exshaw area, you hike up this gorgeous rocky canyon along a riverbed, there are even really old rock paintings to check out. Or, if you don't want to drive quite as far hike up Yamnuska Mtn, it's the first mountain on your right as you enter the Rocky Mountain range via the Trans Canada.

[Oarhead]

Cowboys: meat market for the 16-22 year old crowd. Not a big fon myself but it is exactly what you expect.

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though.

Can you tell that I am jaded?

Places that I like better:
Hi-Fi: a club that has good music and dancing. A plcae for people that like to think that they are more 'underground' or down with the scene but actually are not. Still a great plcae to go though. The DJ's are very good and the shows that come through are great.

The Well: a downstairs martini bar/lounge. A good atmosphere with good music and a good mix of crowd. A bit more shi-shi but not as bad as...

The Mercury: for the 9-5 cokehead professinoal crowd. Always ferraris and GT40's or lambos parked outside. Not as good as the old mercury but still entertaining. I prefer the well myself. The food part of the mercury ('eight') is supposed to be quite good.

Broken City: rock out with your cock out. A fun place to go and have dirty rock wafting through the air and people that are having fun. A lower number of people that do their best to look as though they are bored but will stay for everybody else's sake are present.

Ming: martini bar and nice atmospehre. good drinks. Good lcoation for people watching.

Ship and anchor: Cheap beer and a fantastic patio out on the street. Get a steak sandwich, a pint of anything local and an apple pie with ice cream and you are set for the afternoon if the weather is right. Not a big fan of the inside since it is pretty smoky. A lot of ageing hipsters with thick dark glasses and t-shirts that proudly state that they know way more about the indie music scene than anybody else in the bar but still a great place.

Food:
Laurier Lounge: tapas bar, nice ambiance and good food.
Thai Sa On: already mentioned. A better thai restaurant than 'The King And I'. Thai Chili Club is a close second IMO.
Brava Bistro: One of my favorites, classy yet not pretentious with excellent food. Do a walk by to check it out.
River Cafe on princes Island in Eau Claire is fine dining but a uique location and atmospere.

Breakfast:
Galaxy: awesome little diner. Some weekend mornings can have waits of about an hour after 9am. Go early and get the Huevos or breakfast Burrito anda creamsicle shake. OOOOF! Brad the owner is a super classy guy and great to talk with. Belmont Diner is its sister in Marda Loop.

Nelly's: Choose form a couple of locations. An excellent choice too. I think the Marda Loop location (it is actually across from the belmont) and the 9th ave locations are the best.

Fiasco Gelato: Kensington or 17th ave. The name says it all. They have really good gelato.

Lots of other suggestions have been made for things to see/do. Two other suggestions:
1) If the weather is really good then you should rent a raft from the U of Calgary and float down the Bow river. A summer classic. Just don't get killed in the Weir.
2) Go to Johnstone lake right above Banff and do the Rope swing. It is on the far side of the lake from the parking llot and about 750 meters up the shoreline. Follow the power lines for a bit and then cut over ot he shoreline and you should be able to find it. There is a decent beach (alberta style on the other side of the lake that alot of the locals go to when the weather is hot. Yes, the water is colder than some expet but this is albert where we ride grizzly bears and mooses to work and swallow our chewing tobacco.

[L7]

Cowboys: meat market for the 16-22 year old crowd. Not a big fon myself but it is exactly what you expect.

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though.

Can you tell that I am jaded?

I pretty much would have said that but I didn't want anyone to think I was as old and jaded as you.

[powderface]

Cowboys: meat market for the 16-22 year old crowd. Not a big fon myself but it is exactly what you expect.

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though.

Can you tell that I am jaded?

Places that I like better:
Hi-Fi: a club that has good music and dancing. A plcae for people that like to think that they are more 'underground' or down with the scene but actually are not. Still a great plcae to go though. The DJ's are very good and the shows that come through are great.

The Well: a downstairs martini bar/lounge. A good atmosphere with good music and a good mix of crowd. A bit more shi-shi but not as bad as...

The Mercury: for the 9-5 cokehead professinoal crowd. Always ferraris and GT40's or lambos parked outside. Not as good as the old mercury but still entertaining. I prefer the well myself. The food part of the mercury ('eight') is supposed to be quite good.

Broken City: rock out with your cock out. A fun place to go and have dirty rock wafting through the air and people that are having fun. A lower number of people that do their best to look as though they are bored but will stay for everybody else's sake are present.

Ming: martini bar and nice atmospehre. good drinks. Good lcoation for people watching.

Ship and anchor: Cheap beer and a fantastic patio out on the street. Get a steak sandwich, a pint of anything local and an apple pie with ice cream and you are set for the afternoon if the weather is right. Not a big fan of the inside since it is pretty smoky. A lot of ageing hipsters with thick dark glasses and t-shirts that proudly state that they know way more about the indie music scene than anybody else in the bar but still a great place.

Food:
Laurier Lounge: tapas bar, nice ambiance and good food.
Thai Sa On: already mentioned. A better thai restaurant than 'The King And I'. Thai Chili Club is a close second IMO.
Brava Bistro: One of my favorites, classy yet not pretentious with excellent food. Do a walk by to check it out.
River Cafe on princes Island in Eau Claire is fine dining but a uique location and atmospere.

Breakfast:
Galaxy: awesome little diner. Some weekend mornings can have waits of about an hour after 9am. Go early and get the Huevos or breakfast Burrito anda creamsicle shake. OOOOF! Brad the owner is a super classy guy and great to talk with. Belmont Diner is its sister in Marda Loop.

Nelly's: Choose form a couple of locations. An excellent choice too. I think the Marda Loop location (it is actually across from the belmont) and the 9th ave locations are the best.

Fiasco Gelato: Kensington or 17th ave. The name says it all. They have really good gelato.

Lots of other suggestions have been made for things to see/do. Two other suggestions:
1) If the weather is really good then you should rent a raft from the U of Calgary and float down the Bow river. A summer classic. Just don't get killed in the Weir.
2) Go to Johnstone lake right above Banff and do the Rope swing. It is on the far side of the lake from the parking llot and about 750 meters up the shoreline. Follow the power lines for a bit and then cut over ot he shoreline and you should be able to find it. There is a decent beach (alberta style on the other side of the lake that alot of the locals go to when the weather is hot. Yes, the water is colder than some expet but this is albert where we ride grizzly bears and mooses to work and swallow our chewing tobacco.

You forgot two bars. The T&C and the Cecil Hotel. Be sure to hit up either one. Great nightlife and very friendly people at both, and cheap beer too.. Don't forget that collared shirt since they won't allow any bums in.

[Eldo]

Cowboys: meat market for the 16-22 year old crowd. Not a big fan myself but it is exactly what you expect.

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though...

I must not be jaded yet. Those were two of my favourite places, before home ownership cured me of spending $150 a weekend at the bars.

It will sad to see both places fall to the wrecking ball soon. I have many fond memories of Cowboys and Ceilis. Well maybe not actual memories, but vague recollections.

[fridge]

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though.

I don't like Ceillis at all, but I guess I don't fall into that category of people yet.

Go to "the back alley" and I guarantee that you will pick up a girl from Nunavut with big boobs. Good times.

[Oarhead]

You forgot two bars. The T&C and the Cecil Hotel. Be sure to hit up either one. Great nightlife and very friendly people at both, and cheap beer too.. Don't forget that collared shirt since they won't allow any bums in.

Yeah, I don't know how I missed those. They also don't have interac or visa there so make sure you bring a lot of cash with you. Nothing less than a wad of C notes.

[Mex]

Cowboys: meat market for the 16-22 year old crowd. Not a big fon myself but it is exactly what you expect.

Ceillis: Meat market for the 25-50 year old crowd of professionals who like to pretend that they are really important and good looking. Pretty good patio though.

Pretty bang on description. That's why I go maybe once a year.

[Pura Vida]

Thanks for all the info! Yeah we aren't big on places filled with yahoo frat boy types. More into off the beaten path type places and especially places with good live music. Hope to share a drink with some mags.. So as far as food goes, what would be a place to splurge at. We are adventerous eaters and anyplace serving something tasty and different we'd be into.

[Oarhead]

River cafe is your best bet for top dining that is a bit different. Last time I was there they had rack of caribou. Call ahead because they change their menu and days of operation in the next month I think.

There is a little cafe in Canmore that I have heard very good things about: The Crazy Weed. Apparently the foo is great. I have never been there because it is always closed whenever I drop by but it gets good reviews. Some of the other may have something to say about it though.

Music: BeatNiq is a downstairs jazz club. It is below a nice little restaurant called the PiqNiq (oh the clever play on words). To get into the beatniq you go into the alley, through the kitchen and down the stairs, very Good Fellas-esque but a lot shorter. Pretty coool music whenever i have been there and good atmosphere however it has been a while since i have been.

[Eldo]

Calgary has a lot of superb East Indian restaurants. Glory of India in downtown, Rajdoot and Moti Mahal are in the beltline, Taj Mahal is on Macleod Trail south and the Clay Oven is in N.E. Calgary. All have awesome food, as spicy as you want it.

Whereabouts in Calgary will you be staying? So we can give more restaurant ideas.

Also, while you are busy with your seminar, is your GF going to need things to do in the city? If so, what is she interested in? Shopping, museums, music, art, sporting stuff?

Some ideas:

The Glenbow downtown is one of Western Canada's best museums. Local history plus new exhibits and some cool permanent displays. The rock and gemstone display is awesome, as is the display of war stuff, suits of armour etc.

There's an Winter Olympics museum at Canada Olympic Park (on west edge of city) with some interesting displays and optional tours up the 90m ski jumping tower.

The Cantos Music Foundation is an awesome place for musicians. It has displays of keyboard instruments from modern times back to pipe organs. It is only open a few hours a week or by pre-arranged tour.

Check out Millennium Park which is the world's biggest free skateboard park on the edge of downtown. Watch kids wreck themselves while not wearing any helmets.

The biggest shopping mall in CAlgary is Chinook Centre, which is where teens wander around all day looking cool and hanging out. Downtown many of the office buildings are connect by +15 walkways so you can wander inbetween a bunch of shopping centres: Eatons' Centre, TD Square, The Bay, Scotia centre. There is a three story indoor park in TD Square called Devonian Gardens which is free and a good place to wander with a bag lunch.

The Calgary Zoo has some cool displays including a prehistoric park with lifesize dinosaur models, ponds, authentic plants etc. An africa display opened a few years ago which is really well done. Go into the Botanical Garden Conservatory and find the butterfly room where all these huge beautiful butterflies fly around and land on you.

The Calgary Tower is your standard tall building with an observation deck. But they recently added an area with a glass floor, so you can stand on it and look down 600 feet to the streets below. It's actually a hard thing to do. Great views from the tower of the city, mountains, prairies etc. Easy to spot the tower, it looks like an Olympic torch, which is why they made the Calgary Winter Oympic torch in the shape of the tower.

You can probably Google to find website for most of these places and get more info.

[waxman]

so far everybody has been pretty correct as far as food/drinks but heck you are in Alberta, get in touch with your inner redneck and go to the Shooting Edge on Blackfoot Trail, shoot handguns/SMGs, no experience needed....and if you go to Banff L7 forgot to mention Barpa Bills....

[mntlion]

first snow of the year!!!

[f2f]

i <3 canadia!

[Oarhead]

first snow of the year!!!

Saw that this morning and promptly knocked a coffee cup off off the table with my boner.

I don't care if it all melts, WINTER IS COMING!!!

[DownhillRider]

first snow of the year!!!

YEEEESSSSSS!!!!!! Skiings close...!!!!!

Gotta agree with waxman, the shooting edge is fun...but bring $$$$, it isn't very cheap.

[Johnny Gunn]

Can't really add to much to what's already been said. Sheit, I haven't even been to some of those places mentioned above and I live here.

I'm love'in the white stuff. Now I know why I've been as hard as a rock all day long.

[DougW]

River cafe is your best bet for top dining that is a bit different. Last time I was there they had rack of caribou. Call ahead because they change their menu and days of operation in the next month I think.

River Cafe is good but not large portions. Another along the same line on 8th ave is Teatros right by the concert hall and across the street from the museum. 8th ave is a ped mall in that section of downtown.

Glory of India- love the lunch buffet but less impressed when I have gone there at night. Maybe as I didn't leave ready to explode. Very popular at lunch so be there at 11:30 or have a res..

There's a Ethiopian place in Kennsington just down from Fresh which is good.

[Oarhead]

River Cafe is good but not large portions. Another along the same line on 8th ave is Teatros

There's a Ethiopian place in Kennsington just down from Fresh which is good.

Fine dining is not about all you can eat Doug. It is about pretending you have a palate that is sophisticated enough to for the food. Like I make Rack of Caribou at home on a regular basis and can really notice the subtleties of the River Cafe method

Teatros is a great call

There are 2 ethiopian places in Kensington: Blue Nile and Marathon. Which one is better? Always looking for a good place to go.