|
|
Calgary, Canada an overviewJan 28 '02 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Great people and Great Adventure! Many people come from all over the world to take in Alberta and the Rocky Mountains and since I live here I thought I might drop some advice for fellow travellers. Alberta is first off not a backwater Province that is hard to get around. Medical care is great and the water is just fine. Most people will probably arrive at Calgary international airport and head out from there. It has been rated as one of the best in North America so expect few problems and delays. Since the Airport is located a ways from downtown you need transport to get there. You can hire or cab or better yet (and way less money) grab a shuttle bus called the Airporter and it will drop you right in front of several hotels downtown. For most travellers downtown is the best place to stay and close to all amenities. Check the web and make reservations, as they do tend to fill up quickly some weekends. Downtown you can access the excellent Light Rail Transit to almost any part of the city. Be sure to take in The Devonian Gardens (an indoor garden downtown), the Bow Museum and be sure to take in the Eu Claire area by the river and the numerous art galleries along Stephen Avenue Mall. If you want some real Alberta nightlife a good place is called Cowboys. For food do not worry as there are numerous establishments serving everything from steak to sushi to Turkish food. If shopping is your passion you can hit several inclusive malls and the biggest is called Chinook Mall. For a better deal though go to the outlet mall that called Deerfoot Mall. If you need outdoor gear walk over to Mountain Equipment Co-op and the other establishments surrounding it. If you want to hike, backpack or climb the people in the stores are the best to ask and guidebooks are available. Cheapest groceries are found at Superstore and Safeway. They also sell clothes, personal hygiene items and various sundries. If you forgot anything backs home don’t worry you can get it here. There are numerous drug stores also and I recommend London Drugs for their selection. If your really on a tight budget and need clothes head to Value Village as they sell used clothes (you might be surprised at the selection). There are lot’s of things to do in Calgary from the Science Centre to live plays to fine dining. Be sure though to head up the Calgary Tower (it’s impossible to miss, it is that big tall needle building right in the centre of the city), the Calgary Zoo is wonderful and if your up to it rent a bicycle and head out to one of the many bike paths along the Bow River. Just about every hotel will also be able to provide an excellent source of pamphlets and such for almost any event and adventure. If your going to Banff National Park, which you should, there are excellent bus services to there from downtown. A great walk is to Johnston Canyon, also take the gondola up the top of a mountain for breathtaking views. Banff has a superb Tourist Information area and will set you up with a great time whatever it is you want to do. If you want to go off the beaten path check out Kananaskis Country. As an aside, the animals in Banff are all wild and as such dangerous. Do not think a bear is friendly and the Elk will attack also. Of course that is if your really stupid and approach them or better yet feed them. Just remember their wild and you will be fine. Banff and Calgary are at fairly high elevations so even in the summer throw in a good jacket as night always gets a little cold. The best thing to bring is a good day-pack with a map, guidebook, binoculars, jacket and water bottle. Part of what you will find is the friendliest of people here who are not afraid to help you out. It is very safe here at night and crime is quite low, but it does happen. Beyond these tips I hope you have fun here!  |
| Write the first comment on this review! |
|
Ads by Google
|
by knotheadusc
by artemis8
