by Jules Lister

Created on: July 09, 2009

Back in April 2008 I managed to get the chance to fly out to Calgary for a couple of weeks to see a friend of mine, who had emigrated there a couple of years earlier. This was an added bonus as I did not have to worry about the normal hassle and cost of having to find a Hotel, the prices do vary depending on when you visit. None more so then when the world famous Calgary Stampede is on where you can go and see one of the greatest spectacles your likely to to experience, but then Hotel availability and cost can be rather prohibitive otherwise the costs are dependent on the exchange rate but are very reasonable.

Calgary itself is very spread out around a central downtown area where most of the shops and attractions are. One thing they do well is that their public transport runs on time and regardless of weather which aids to getting around. Talking of the weather be prepared as this can be extremely varied and can change from a Sunny day to snow in a matter of literally an hour, so pay special attention to the weather forecasts. It is not uncommon to get several inches of snow in a couple of hours and the temperature can drop to some very chilly minus numbers, -17 not being too bad. But despite all this though the buses and trains still run on time and regular, so there is no problem for either the locals or tourists getting around and even from the urban areas it is very quick getting in to town.

The city is new and feels fresh, but it also has the pedestrian in mind as they have a special way for people on foot to get round the city called the +15 walkway. This is an elevated walkway the snakes through the city blocks one floor above street level that allows you to pretty much walk across down town without setting foot on the streets outside.

For one of the best views of the City there is the Calgary Tower which gives a panoramic view and if it is in season is the restaurant up there as well. The Calgary Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Prehistoric Park is some where that you find yourself easily losing time in with its spectacular exhibits, although the Prehistoric park is a bit odd. Within Calgary there is plenty to see and do special note must be the Glenbow Museum which is very informative and varied in its contents.There is plenty of dining along with some great bars and more than enough shopping for everyone. It is suggested to anyone though to grab yourself a guide book either before you go or as soon as you can when you get there as there are many hidden gems

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