Hello From The Canadian Rockies - Part 2 First Impressions Of Calgary
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From The Canadian Rockies - Part 2: First Impressions of Calgary
As an experienced traveler, I often leverage Airmiles to book affordable flights. With a Westjet Airmiles Mastercard, we flew from Toronto to Calgary for just 1600 Airmiles, significantly cheaper than the usual 3000 Airmiles in peak season with other airlines.
Arrival in Calgary
We touched down in Calgary at 11:25 am, greeted by overcast skies and a chilly -12°C. Given our limited time, a quick city tour was essential. Jocelyne Morrison from Time Out For Touring, a Calgary resident of 10 years, warmly greeted us for our whirlwind city exploration.
Exploring Calgary's Vibrant Arts and Volunteer Spirit
Calgary’s airport immediately enchanted us with its unique statues and sculptures at the baggage carousels. Volunteers don cowboy hats and red vests, embodying Calgary's spirited hospitality. Jocelyne shared that 7 out of 10 Calgarians volunteer, contributing significantly to the success of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games.
A Scenic Tour
Our city tour commenced, revealing Calgary's distinctive flat terrain punctuated by low hills. On clear days, the Rocky Mountains are visible to the west, though our view was obscured by clouds. Calgary, divided by the Bow River and Center Street, consists of four quadrants, each with its unique layout.
Natural Landscapes and Urban Expansion
Nose Hill, a prominent Calgary feature, exemplifies the city's prairie landscape, characterized by grasslands and semi-arid forests prone to summer grass fires. Calgary is booming, as evidenced by the cranes dotting the skyline and burgeoning subdivisions. Renowned as the Energy Capital of Canada, its population has surged to one million.
Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Passing McMahon Stadium, the base for the Calgary Stampeders, we learned of its role in the 1988 Olympics. Canada Olympic Park (C.O.P.) also beckoned, offering a plethora of stories to unfold.
We ventured onto Sarcee Trail into downtown Calgary, admiring the striking skyscrapers. Canadian Pacific HQ relocated from Montreal in 1996, bringing an influx of families and marking Calgary’s rapid growth.
Quality of Life and Community Spaces
Calgary excels in offering quality of life, boasting countless trails beside the Elbow and Bow Rivers and numerous off-leash dog parks. Residents enjoy 55 golf courses throughout the city.
In the downtown core, Jocelyne highlighted Gulf Canada and Canadian Pacific headquarters. Outside the CP office, you’ll find the last steam locomotive they used. Calgary Tower, an iconic structure with a revolving restaurant, now features a glass-bottomed viewing area, although standing on it is not for the faint-hearted.
Heritage and Modern Living
Our exploration led to Fort Calgary, established in 1875 as a North West Mounted Police outpost. It’s now a museum reflecting the region's peaceful relations with native tribes, unlike in the United States.
Inglewood, near Fort Calgary, emerged as a charming neighborhood with historic homes, vibrant shops, and restaurants. Scotsman Hill offers spectacular views of the Calgary Saddle Dome against the skyline backdrop.
A Taste of Calgary’s Flavorful Side
Jocelyne guided us past the famed Calgary Stampede grounds, hosting an epic 10-day western celebration. In Eau Claire, we witnessed industrial transformation into a bustling residential area.
Calgary’s unique "+15" elevated walkways connect skyscrapers, allowing sheltered exploration of downtown. These walkways offer a practical alternative to the underground paths in cities like Toronto.
Crossing the Elbow River, we entered the lively Kensington area, a hub for dining and shopping. Here, you can delight in chocolates by renowned Belgian chocolatier Bernard Callebaud, acclaimed as some of the world’s best.
Final Stops Before Resting
Our tour continued through Uptown 17th Avenue and vibrant 4th Street, lined with eateries and eclectic stores. We finally reached the historic Twin Gables B&B, our cozy retreat after a brisk city introduction.
Conclusion
This four-hour tour provided a captivating overview of Calgary, guided expertly by Jocelyne. It was a perfect gateway to Calgary, heralded as "The Heart of the New West."
For photos and more, visit [Travel and Transitions](http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/calgary_first_impressions.htm).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Hello From The Canadian Rockies - Part 2 First Impressions Of Calgary.
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