Earlier this month, I took my second trip up to Calgary. The weather didn't disappoint as it has an unpredictable reputation. As we "celebrated the harvest" on Canadian Thanksgiving (this falls just over a month earlier than the American Thanksgiving holiday) snow covered the previously colorful yards. My cousin and her family hosted me so we mostly participated in kid-friendly activities, but also broke away for a girls' night one evening. Aside from quality time with family, highlights from this vacation included:
1. Telus spark science center- This two story building is full of exhibits and experiences that fuel curiosity. Here children (and adults) and learn the "whys" behind practical sciences that we use in everyday life such as forms of energy including electricity, building and fashion, photography and cinematography basics, geology, and human physiology. I even got to lay on a bed of nails...these exhibits are so fun, you forget that you're even learning. We participated in a live show "H2Whoah" displaying the science behind molecules, water, and liquid nitrogen. At the end everyone got to run up front and touch a real cloud made from the liquid nitrogen.
2. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee- Analog, Rosso, Purple Perk, and Alforno Bakery and cafe are among the shops you absolutely must google. the hipster coffee culture is strong here and a cappuccino at any of these cute cafes won't disappoint.
3. Strolling the "neighborhoods" surrounding downtown- It goes without saying that downtown is the busiest area on the weekdays with business men in suits navigating the Plus 15 system of overhead walkways, shoppers visiting the CORE mall and enjoying a stroll on Stephen Avenue on their lunch hour, but there are some adorable areas on the outskirts that are worth any visitor's time as well. The north end boasts shaded pathways along the glistening Bow river and a park on Prince's Island. Chinatown is just between the Bow River and 4th Ave. SW. If you're interested in shops, restaurants, bars, or nightclubs, uptown 17th Avenue is your "party street." Inglewood, a historic district with a lot of character, is the place to stop for antique stores and coffee shops. Then there is Kensington just north of the Bow River with a fun-modern environment containing a fun mix of shops and art. Get out of the downtown bubble and experience all the areas that Calgary has to offer!
4 Dinner at the Calgary Tower- If you've never dined at a rotating restaurant, this experience will knock your socks off. With a reservation at the SKY 360 restaurant, your 510 ft. elevator ride up the observation deck is waived (saving $18/pp). The restaurant revolves slowly making its way back to where you began every 45 minutes. I recommend scheduling your reservation an hour before sunset to get the best views. Afterwards, head on up to the observation deck and step out onto the glass floor suspended 525 feet above the city streets for the best panoramic view around.
