Explore Calgary in 48 Hours

Posted by TravelKorner on July 30, 2014 in Destination - Canada, English | 1 Comment

By Rod Raycroft

“If you called yourself a cowboy, you’d better be one.” That’s what Calgary-bred wrestler Bret “The Hitman” Hart said when he refused to adopt a cowboy persona with the World Wrestling Federation. Simply being born in the Alberta metropolis doesn’t influence your ability to bust broncos at the rodeo. Nonetheless, the prairie city is known for its fair share of Stetsons and a penchant for country music.

Whether you’re heading there for some Stampede two-stepping or just stopping in for a few nights at one of Canada’s most dynamic locales, here’s a guide to what awaits in Calgary.

THE FIRST DAY

Upon arrival, there are a few transportation options to get you downtown: taxi ride ($35–45), express city bus ($8), or rental car. For a luxury stay, book in at the Fairmont Palliser (from $199/night) or the Delta Bow Valley (from $159/night). Those hoping for a bit of local insight should consider a room at River Wynde Bed & Breakfast (from $110/night).

Start your night poolside with a drink at the Hotel Arts’ restaurant Raw Bar by Duncan Ly. Try the Blossom Cooler, which combines mandarin vodka with maraschino liqueur, orange-blossom water, Chinese five-spice syrup, and cracked ice, topped with soda water and edible flower petals. If you’d rather go cowboy style, ask for a boilermaker—beer with a shot of whisky.

Next, head for dinner at the CHARCUT Roast House, where owners Connie DeSousa and John Jackson pay great attention to pairing beverages with culinary offerings. Their wine and beer lists feature selections from many small-production vineyards and craft breweries. Start with a few fresh-shucked oysters, either broiled or chilled with a smoked tomato mignonette ($3.50/each). Then, customize your order with their signature Spit Roasted Alberta Prime Rib by the ounce (minimum 8 oz. at $4.50/oz.). Finish off with the Preserved Blueberry in a Jar—cheesecake layered with graham crackers and preserves ($8).

Grab a cab to Calgary’s most iconic western bar, Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall. It’s known worldwide for its museum of rodeo memorabilia and photographs, as well as its barbecue fare. This is where you’ll find that true western experience, with live country music from Thursday to Saturday and free drop-in line-dance lessons on Friday nights, and any night of the week you can take a ride on the obligatory mechanical bull. If you’re in town for the Stampede, book ahead for Ranchman’s Chute Pass to skip the line ($50).

FULL DAY

Get your morning started by seeking out the Holy Grill for breakfast. Order the Bacon Avocado Crisp, which includes a fried egg, cheddar, mayo, eggplant, spinach, and tomato on a toasted kaiser ($7), or try the Wakey Wakey, consisting of two eggs and spicy Italian sausage or bacon, with smash browns and toast ($10.50).

Spend your afternoon doing what the Jamaican bobsleigh team did at the Calgary Olympics, in 1988. Canada Olympic Park offers bobsleigh rides ($65/person) for you and three friends, accompanied by a professional driver. You’ll travel at speeds up to 120 km/h down the Olympic track, twisting and gliding around 14 turns, reaching 5G forces, all in only 60 seconds. You’ll talk—and brag—about for it for the rest of your life. Afterwards, grab lunch at the Eightyeight Lounge before hanging out at the zip line and other attractions.

Afterwards, it’s time to unwind at Santé Spa in the Hôtel Le Germain. Indulge in their signature Energizing Hot Stone massage ($195). Warm therapeutic stones glide rhythmically over your body to release tension from tight, sore muscles and improve circulation during this 90-minute rubdown. It’s the perfect cure before another night on the mechanical bull at Ranchman’s!

For a slightly different, yet familiar, dining experience, go to Bolero, Calgary’s Brazilian-style steakhouse. If you’ve never enjoyed the churrasco experience ($30–40), you’re in for a meat-lovers delight when 16 skewers of slow-roasted, mouth-watering options are brought to your table—Alberta beef, chicken, pork loin, lamb, linguiça, baby back ribs, and glazed pineapple.

Not up for another night of line dancing and bull riding? Swing by The Blues Can, where live music happens every day of the week. The atmosphere is dark and intimate, with great acoustics and a good view of the stage from every table—perfect for enjoying anyone from a big-name act to a talented local performer.

THE FINAL HOURS

Saddle up early if you only have a few hours to grab a hangover cure before heading to the airport for your flight check-in.  Try the handy take-away brunch at the Over Easy Breakfast Company, their Soul ‘N A Bowl is a delicious concoction of herbed potatoes topped with bacon lardons, cheese curds, and two poached eggs, covered in brown-butter hollandaise sauce ($11.95).

Before you depart, be sure to shop at Riley & McCormick. Known as Canada’s Pioneer Western Store, it’s the place to purchase a head-to-toe getup—hat, belt, buckle, and a pair of boots. Sure, maybe you can’t call yourself a cowboy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look like one.

INFO BOX:

ACCOMMODATIONS: Fairmont Palliser, (866) 540-4477, http://www.fairmont.com/palliser-calgary; Delta Bow Valley, (888) 890-3222, http://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bow-Valley; River Wynde Bed & Breakfast, (403) 270-8448, www.riverwynde.ca

ATTRACTIONS: Calgary Stampede: (403) 261-0101, http://www.calgarystampede.com; Canada Olympic Park/Eightyeight Lounge, (403) 247-5452; http://www.winsport.ca; Riley & McCormick, (403) 262-1556, http://www.realcowboys.com

ENTERTAINMENT: Santé Spa/Hôtel Le Germain, (403) 264-8990, germain.santespa.com; Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall, (403) 253-1100, http://www.ranchmans.com; The Blues Can, (403) 262-2666, http://www.thebluescan.com

 GENERAL: Calgary Tourism, (403) 750-2362, http://www.visitcalgary.com

RESTAURANTS: Raw Bar by Duncan Ly/Hotel Arts, (403) 206-9565, http://www.hotelarts.ca/dining/raw-bar; CHARCUT Roast House, (403) 984-2180, http://www.charcut.com; Holy Grill, (403) 261-9759, http://www.holygrill.ca; Over Easy Breakfast Company, (403) 278-3447, www.eatoeb.com; Bolero, (403) 259-3119, http://www.bolerocalgary.com