SPEND A PERFECT DAY IN CALGARY
FOLLOW THE LEAD OF OUR READERS’ CHOICE VOTERS BY VISITING SOME OF THEIR FAVOURITE PLACES
Calgary is a vibrant community full of fun things to see and do — but how often do you take the time to explore the spoils of your own city? Next time you have a day off or just want to spend time taking in all that Calgary has to offer, our Readers’ Choice winners’ list can guide you to a perfectly balanced day in our extraordinary city.
KICK OFF YOUR DAY WITH A WORKOUT
Build up the energy to start your day by getting your blood flowing with a little bit of exercise. Moving your body not only keeps you in shape for a day of adventure but can also put you in the right frame of mind to enjoy all that awaits. Synapse Health and Fitness won the gold medal for Best Fitness Centre or Gym thanks to its holistic strategy and health-centred approach. Those looking for a different kind of workout might want to sweat it out at Calgary Hot Yoga, get their core in check at one of the city’s many Club Pilates locations, or scale their way up the wall at the Calgary Climbing Centre. With so many options, there’s no excuse not to have a little fun while staying fit.
TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SPECIAL
Even if you don’t need or really intend to buy anything, there’s something soothing about wandering around the city’s best shops to check out what’s on the shelves. If fashion is your passion, our readers chose Bellissima, a shop full of smart and classic women’s clothing, as its top ladies’ boutique, with O’connors taking the top spot for menswear. Shopping isn’t just about clothing — if hunting for used treasures is where you find your joy, Fair’s Fair Books is a haven for readers in search of used books, while Iron Crow Antiques and Objects of Intrigue is full of eclectic vintage finds. Shopping for a midday snack can also be a pleasure, especially if you stop at either of the Calgary Farmers’ Market locations: both the South and West locations won high praise from our readers.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
A perfect day requires at least some time dedicated to pampering and self-care. A few hours at the spa is the best way to achieve maximum relaxation and our poll saw a tie for first place between the Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa in Mount Royal and the RNR Wellness Spas at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel and Hotel Le Germain, representing some of the most luxurious spa facilities in the city. If a massage or facial isn’t in the cards, something more practical like a haircut at Chatters, Diva Salon and Spa or Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop may do the trick. Or, if you want to give yourself an esthetic treat that will last a lifetime, get some ink or a piercing at Atticus Tattoo, the top choice for local tattoo parlours.
TIME TO DINE
Delicious food is a big part of any day out on the town and our list includes more than enough restaurants to keep urban explorers satisfied for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Good Earth is the perfect spot to stop for a morning coffee and muffin, while those with bigger morning appetites can sit down for a full hot breakfast at Red’s Diner. From there, the world is your oyster when it comes to restaurants in Calgary: we’ve got everything from the dim sum at Silver Dragon, the delectable barbecue at Korean Village and a full Moroccan experience at Sultan’s Tent. For more casual fare, some winners included burgers at Peters’ Drive-in and fried chicken at Chicken on the Way. For an elegant experience, visit our readers’ favourite patio at River Café (weather permitting, of course) or stop into any location of The Keg for an opulent steak dinner.
GET YOUR GROOVE ON
Finish off your perfect day in Calgary with a night full of fun and frivolity. Experience local culture by taking in some live music at the King Eddy or a play at Stage West Dinner Theatre. If a casino atmosphere is more your speed, our readers’ top choice, the Grey Eagle Casino, also has an excellent dinner buffet and regularly hosts world-class concerts. Cowboys Casino is another fun option, coming in as the top nightclub on the list. For something a bit quieter, tuck into a top cocktail bar like Proof or the readers’ favourite pub, The Ship and Anchor, for a nightcap before calling it a day.