When you’re travelling alone, you experience things much more simply and without the influence of the groups excitement. I’m happy to report, that even as a solo adult traveller Heritage Park is still one of the best activities to enjoy when visiting Calgary.

Whether you’re an adult, a kid or a kid at heart, diving into the past inside Heritage Park is what everyone needs in this fast-paced, technology-driven world. Heritage Park offers visitors the opportunity to see a glimpse of how Calgarians used to live in the early 1900s. It is home to Canada’s second-largest collection of heritage buildings. You can step inside more than 100 historic homes and structures from Alberta’s past. As someone who is inherently curious I adore this kind of exploration.

Here are some suggestions on how to spend the perfect day at Heritage Park Calgary!

Table Of Contents

1. Hours & Admission
2. Access & Accessibility
3. When To Go
4. Map of Walking Tour
5. The Famous 5
6. Midnapore Station
7. Laggan Station
8. First Nations Encampment
9. Livingston House & Barn
10. Drew's Saloon
11. Gleichen School
12. Hudson's Bay Company Fur Trading Fort
13. Burnside Ranch House
14. Main Street
15. Cottage Hospital
16. Thorpe House
17. The Strathmore Standard
18. Post Office & Telephone Exchange
19. Alberta Bakery
20. Wainwright Hotel
21. Club Café
22. Flett's Blacksmith Shop
23. Wing Chong Chinese Laundry
24. S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler
25. Botsford Harness Shop
26. Claresholm General Store
27. Gledhill's Drugstore
28. Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour
29. Midway
30. Prince House
31. The Montefiore Synagogue
32. Gasoline Alley

Hours & Admission

Heritage Park is open 365 days a year. But the most important area of the park (the historical village) is only open from late May to mid-October. So I would only consider going during this time or during their Christmas Celebrations. The park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Pricing: Adults: $29.95 | Children (7-15): $19.95 | Children (3-6): $14.95 | Seniors: $22.95

Included in your admission is entry to the various historical homes, street theatre performances, daily activities, and special exhibits. Also included in your admission is access to unlimited rides! Although there aren’t many rides, it’s incredible that they still offer this included in your entry, as many other places like this often charge extra. Rides include S.S. Moyie paddlewheel ship, antique steam train, horse-drawn wagon rides and antique midway rides.

Access & Accessibility

By Car

Heritage Park is located a 20-minutes drive from the city in the Southern Eagle Ridge neighbourhood. If you choose to drive, there is a large parking lot outside the park. Parking is $8.00 for the first 7 hours and $8.00 per ½ hr after that to a maximum of $32.00.

Bike Path

Heritage Park is also very accessible by bike! Calgary is known for its fantastic bike trails. You can make your way to the park on your bicycle via the Elbow River Pathway.

Public Transit

If you are looking to arrive via public transit, there are several options depending on your starting destination. If you’re leaving from the central downtown area, you can hop on the #3 Bus to Elbow River Station and transfer onto the #502 Bus west. This takes you directly to the doors of Heritage Park. A single ride on the Calgary Public Transit system costs $3.50 for adults and #2.40 for children.

Accessibility

Although the park is dedicated to authenticity, this results in many of the buildings being inaccessible to wheelchairs. In addition to this, the pathways are mostly gravel, which is difficult to traverse in many mobility devices. And the boardwalks that surround the main street have no ramp access.

Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square are the only areas fully accessible by wheelchairs. Some of the exhibit sites have been made accessible by wheelchair. Those spots are identified by a wheelchair symbol on the map. But like I said before, the gravelly road makes it hard for the wheelchair to even make it out there. I understand the dedication to historical accuracy, but I feel like there need to be some considerations made to ensure everyone is included in the experience.

When To Go

As the exhibits are both indoors and outdoors, it’s best to arrive on a day with good weather. Many park elements won’t be as enjoyable if it’s raining. Heritage Park often offers special daily events like music in the park, market nights, and different festivals. So check their events calendar before planning your trip. These special events can really make your trip extra special.

How Long To Spend?

I was amazing at how many things there were to do here! I’d advise arriving early to give yourself at least four to five hours to explore the park. You’ll want to go inside the preserved building, eat some delicious food and enjoy the views around the park on one of their historic pieces of transportation.

How to Interact with the Actors

Inside all of the open buildings, you’ll find real-life historical reenactors. They are there to set the scene and tell you all about the building’s history. While they have their standard spiel about the location, these people are VERY knowledgeable historians. Feel free to ask the questions, be curious! They loved when I asked them weird or exciting questions and were excited to answer them. If I asked a tricky question, they would run around to other people to get a consensus on a good answer. Some of the actors working in the park have been there for ages, and were well into the 60s and 70s. So don’t hesitate to chat with them; their stories are worth the price of admission in itself!

Land Acknowledgement

Before stepping into the park, it’s essential to recognize that Heritage Park is located in the traditional territories of Treaty 7 peoples. This includes the Blackfoot people (the Nii-tsi-ta-pi) composed of the Kainai, Piikani and the Siksika Nations; the Tsuut’ina Nation; and the Iyarhe (Stoney) Nakoda, including the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations; and is situated within the Métis homeland and the home of the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.

I didn’t see any Land Acknowledgement signage in the park but found this online. I wanted to make sure to include this here. Perhaps I missed it, but I still think this kind of acknowledgement is important, especially given the type of history the park delves into.

Map of Walking Tour

For our self-guided tour, we will walk through the park in chronological order. This way history moves along with you!

The Famous 5

Walking into the park, you make your way up a slight hill with the various dates of the park’s historical buildings embedded into the concrete. The first large building you’ll pass is the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. The famous five were a group of Albertian women who dedicated their lives to empowering the voices of Canadian women. They were Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” according to the British North America Act. This meant that women were, therefore, ineligible for appointment to the Senate. When this was announced, these women weren’t going to just sit there and accept that. They submitted the “persons case” to the highest court in the British empire, and in 1929 the judgement was reversed. This ruling meant that women could no longer be denied rights based on a narrow interpretation of the law.

The house itself can find storytellers and interpreters who tell the story of these women’s activism. The home itself is a replica of Nellie McClung’s former Calgary home, from 1923 to 1932. One of the things I noticed on my tour was the focus the park held on the impact and importance of women. Unlike many historical records written by men that underplay the role of influential women, this park really highlighted the work and impact of women in Canadian history.

Midnapore Station

Just up from the Famous Five House are the train tracks and where you’ll find the old Midnapore Station. The station was built between 1900 and 1940 as a part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

When building these railway stations in the Prairies, they used pre-designed templates to apply to different locations. Their location and purpose directed what amenities were required. Midnapore Station represents the “combination” station design. This station included a house, a freight storage room, a waiting area and an office all under the same roof.

The antique Morrissey, Fernie & Michel steam train runs around the park throughout the day. Trains can be boarded from three stations; Midnapore Station, Laggan and Shepard Station. Most people seem to get on the train at Midnapore Station first thing upon arrival. But I would actually advise skipping this for the time being. Instead, take the train when you return back to the main gates at the end of the day. It’s nice to see some of the buildings you’ve now explored from far away and get a different vantage point on the layout of the park.

The train runs very slowly, so riding it around the entire loop takes precious minutes out of your day. I would advise getting on at Shepard Station and riding towards Midnapore Station. This part of the journey is the most scenic and gives you a taste of a 19th-century train ride.

Laggan Station

From Midnapore Station we are going to walk along Heritage Park road (Livingston Trail) towards Laggan Station. This area of the park is called “The Settlement” and represents the years from 1860 to 1880. This train station is an example of designs built for the Canadian Rockies during the 19th century. Unlike Midnapore Station, which was meant for local travel, this was one of the first “tourist stations” built to service Lake Louise. These stations were luxurious and featured restaurants complete with silver dinner service.

First Nations Encampment

Crossing the train track, we head to the north-east part of the park to find the First Nations Encampment. As you cross the bridge into the Emcampment you can immediately see the white and yellow buffalo skins that form traditional Tipis. Surrouding the tipis are some indigenous women who can answer your questions and speak directly yo your about their rich culture. Tipis were the traditional dwelling of Alberta’s First Nations. The First Nations people of Alberta moved their camps seasonally in response to the buffalo herds, so it was important they could be easily taken up and down. Women were in charge of the tipis as they were the ones who set them up and took them down. Only two women were able to set up these huge dwellings in just under an hour!

Life in the Encampment

If you had a horse, your Tipi could be slightly larger, measuring 15 feet in diameter. But for those who carried it on their backs, theirs would measure 6 ft. These Tipis were decorated with illustrations. The images symbolic of their family history, myths, or even the family’s crest. The door of the Tipi always faces east. This is to allow the families morning prayers to travel towards thee rising sun. The east facing direction also helps keep the strong western winds out of dwelling.

Livingston House & Barn

Just north of the Encampment is the Livingston House and Barn. Sam Livingston was a farmer who built this house in 1878. He was contracted to supply fresh meat to the northwest Mounted Police at Fort Calgary. Livingston was one of the first individuals to settle in Calgary. He travelled extensively around Calgary before finally claiming his permanent homestead in the beautiful Elbow River Valley.

Livingston built his two-storey log house to accommodate his growing family. He would later go onto build a barn which served as a granary, bunkhouse, and garage. When Livingston died, his land was eventually bought by the City of Calgary. But it wouldn’t be until 1946 that the park began to take shape, and his formed homestead was restored in 1968. I love the furnishings in his house, full of furns and heavy fabrics. This, along with the fireplace in the centre of the room, really gives the impression of how cold winters would have been in the Praries.

I. G. Baker & Co.

Behind the Livingston house, is the small street that represents rural main streets of the 1880s. Here you’ll find the Drew’s Saloon, the Stopping House and the I. G. Baker & Co. I. G. Baker Company was a mercantile and grocery company based in Fort Benton, Montana. It was started by Isaac Gilbert Baker and his brother, George Amos Baker, in 1866. The company set up their first store in Calgary, Alberta, in 1875. Its aim was to help the exhausted and goods-deprived northwest Mounted Police who arrived here from Winnipeg. In 1891, the Canadian assets of the company were purchased by its chief rival, Hudson’s Bay Company. This building is a replica of the original store. Today you can step inside and shop for stick candy, jams and other small wooden toys.

Drew’s Saloon

In 1886, ex-U.S. army officer Henry “Boston” Drew built this saloon in Spitzer Crossing, Alberta. Drew found that many visitors on their way to Calgary or Fort Macleod needed a place to stay along the way. So Drew went about building a second storey above his residence. There he installed four bedrooms which served as the “Stopping House” for travellers. Today, Drew’s Saloon is a lovely spot to stop to grab some snacks or even a glass of beer or cider.

Mounted Police Barracks

The log cabin next door to Drew’s Saloon was home to the Mounted Police. This outpost served as the Barracks for the NWMP. The original structure was located 145 km east of Calgary and was built in 1905. Back then, it was indeed the Wild West out here. Heavily armed outlaws raided ranches in Alberta. Their aim was to steal herds of cattle and bring them across to Montana. The Mounted Police were stationed around the province to help patrol and prevent this thievery. In just ten years, the patrols were dismantled. But not because they were ineffective. The police patrols were so effective that the cross-border thievery stopped entirely. And they effectively put themselves out of a job.

Gleichen School

At the end of the boardwalk, you’ll come to the old Gleichen School. This is a great chance to see how life was like for the school children of these early settlements. This school was built in 1888 from logs that were floated down the Bow River. Just as today, the school had little funding and the meagre supplies. Teachers were underpaid (again, little has really changed). And yet, their humble one-room schoolhouse was responsible for the education of all ages of school children in the area.

Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort

Up the hill to the west, you can make out the huge wooden walls of the Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort. The fort’s layout was designed as a 1965 replica of an 1835 fur trading fort built in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

The Hudson’s Bay Company was a North American fur trading company with posts as far as Alaska, Oregon and Labrador. Inside these forts, about 30 labourers, clerks and traders would live and work together.

Hunters would bring their latest catch into the clerk to sell, and buyers would come soon after to pick up the latest furs. My favourite part was walking around the original store to see the prices of all the different items. It was incredible to see the fantastic range of things available to these early settlers.

Be sure to stop by the campfire outside the fort to hear stories from one of the traders!

Our Lady of Peace Mission

Outside the Fort is the small wooden church called the Our Lady of Peace Mission. Although most information printed about the church names the missionaries as “teachers, preachers, healers, translators and peacemakers,” we know their mission held a more upsetting truth. The information we now have regarding mistreatment and murder of indigenous children at the hands of church is something every visitor should sit with. It is difficult to see this church overlooking the peaceful First Nations Encampement nearby and not feel an immense swell of sadness. I truly hope Heritage Park aims to focus more on the injustices done by the church toward the indigenous people of Canada, as this is an important part of our history not to be forgotten.

Burnside Ranch House

Walking west along the railway, you can see farm yard animals in the ranch poking their heads out of their cages. Walking up to the ranch house, you can check out the chicken coops, horse barn and see some of the antique farming equipment. Amazing to imagine the amount of work they got done with this rustic equipement.

Ranch House

The large yellow house with wrap-around verandah was once owned by the MacKay family. It was built in 1904 in Grand Valley, eight kilometres northwest of Cochrane, Alberta. The MacKay family is the very same family that started the famous MacKay Ice Cream Shop in Cochrane.

After the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, life was easier for settlers to make permanent moves into the prairies. More and more people were buying up land and developing it into these types of farms. Immigrants from many parts of the country and other countries were flocking to the prairies. Vast and inexpensive lands could be just the opportunity people wanting to start a new life were looking for.

The interior of the house is a charming peek inside a frozen moment of country life. Inside the kitchen, women are set on making baked goods using only ingredients, kitchen utensils and appliances from the 1900s. The smell of baking breads wafting throughout the entire house smells enchanting.

Main Street

Take a walk along the Ranch Road, past the old Horse barns, towards Cochrane Fire Hall. The road emerges onto Main Street. This area of town is set in the 1910s and is the most vibrant part of the park. Townspeople in historic garb walk up and down the street. Gossiping about the latest news in town and starting up a conversation with the guests. This is such an amazing opportunity to chat with the actors and learn more about the daily events. When I visited, there was an election happening! Various townspeople had signs in their windows advertising their choice elector. And people in the street were discussing with the guests who they were going to vote for.

There was also a new circus in town. Various actors were running about main street, performing different scenes from that story. It was so funny and really brought the town to life! These live theatrical scenes makes the historic village more than a museum, but a living piece of history.

Cottage Hospital

Before heading right into the central part of Main street, veer to the left to check out the charming Cottage Hospital. The white house with green time is decorated in amazing gingerbread trim traditional of the 1900s. The main purpose of the Cottage Hospital was to treat men injured in their work on the railway. These cottage hospitals were small, temporary and poor. They were run primarily by female nurses, and only every so often would a doctor come into town. Doctors didn’t work for free and often had no interest in lending their skills to the poor. This was unlike the nurses, who were often nuns and willingly gave their service to care for the poor.

Unlike today, this hospital didn’t have proper antiseptics or sanitary measures. Surgery was often conducted on the dining room table. That being said, many of their techniques were the beginning of modern medical history. These were the early days of discovery and the development. These women were leading the way to curing illnesses we are now able to treat easily today.

Thorpe House

The Thorpe House was my favourite home in the entire park. Walking inside I was overwhelmed by the incredible wallpaper that covered the entirety of the walls around the house. The Thorpes were a Norwegian immigrant family who moved to Calgary to work at the Eau Claire & Bow River Lumber mill. Bernt Thorpe was a skilled millwright and was in charge of building and maintaining the mill’s expensive machinery. As such he would have been paid a hefty salary to build this incredible folk Victorian house.

The house was eventually owned by Mrs. Lillian Jacques, Thorpe’s youngest daughter, who later donated the house to Heritage Park in 1969.

The Strathmore Standard

As a trained graphic designer, I’m a sucker for the newspaper office. Step inside the Strathmore and Bow Valley Standard Offices to see how newspapers in small prairie towns worked. Inside, you can watch the typesetter at work creating the newspaper pages and printing them on the giant, seven-ton Wharfedale press.

The press had been imported from Edinburgh, Scotland and built in 1870. One single page of the paper would take the typesetter about 8-hours to hand lay each letter. Often the typesetter was also the publisher, editor, and reporter and marketing director. In a small town, you had to do it all!

Barons Snooker Parlour

To stop it for a little game of pool, walk inside Barons Snooker Parlour. No, the Snooker Hall wasn’t owned by a Baron; it was named after the town in which the Snooker hall was originally built, Barons Alberta. A village in southern Alberta, Canada. Snooker Parlours originally only allowed men to play inside and were placed of bad repute. Drinking aplenty was the name of the game, and during the temperance movement, these establishments were greatly frowned upon. Nevertheless, their popularity only continued.

Along with the snooker table they also houses pool tables, bowling lanes, and even a bathroom where you could rent a bath for 75 cents! After a huge drinking bender one can imagine how bad you’d smell and a bath was definitely in order!

Post Office & Telephone Exchange

Head across the street and hop inside the Post Office & Telephone Exchange. Back in the 19th century, there was no email, Tiktok or texting. The only way you could correspond with your loved ones was via the mail. Therefore, just like social media is the most popular pasttime for people today, the post office was the hottest place to be back then! People would rush daily to see if there was any news from back home. 

The first post office in Calgary was established in 1883! Before then the Mounted Police were postmasters for the area, dropping off mail on horseback throughout Western Canada. Often post offices also featured electronic telephone switchboards and the one inside the Post Office still works today and actually is used to connect to 16 other phones spread throughout the park.

Today you can visit the Post office and still send off a postcard with a unique Heritage Park stamp to send home to your friends and family. This is such a cute and unexpected treat for someone to receive as snail mail truly feels like a thing of the past and yet feels so special to receive.

Alberta Bakery

If you’re getting peckish, be sure to stop into the old Alberta Bakery. You can smell this place all the way down the road. The Bakery was originally built in 1912. Back then, going out for your baked goods was something no good housewife would ever be caught dead doing. They did their baking at home and took pride in their homemade bread. But the bachelors who worked on the railroad or with the North-West Mounted Police didn’t know how to bake and would frequent bakeries like this.

In addition to snacks and sweets like Cinnamon Buns, Butter Tarts, Gingerbread people and Sausage rolls, you can also get entire loaves of bread to bring home. Their sourdough is to die for!

Wainwright Hotel

In any small town, where you see the same people day in and day out, the hotel is the most exciting place to be! It’s here where locals get to greet the newcomers and talk their ear off about the goings on outside of their village. Everyone from new farmers, visiting doctors or even a theatre troupe would come to stay. And the same is true of the Wainwright Hotel, here in Heritage Park. It’s here where heritage actors are constantly abuzz, chatting with the visitors on their way to get something to eat. They wander around the gorgeous grand veranda that wraps around the exterior of the 1909 era hotel. Something about these verandas feels like the wild west and you almost sense like there is a old style gun fight about to break out!

The Wainwright Hotel is where you can have a formal dinner inside the elaborately decorated 20th century dining room. Unlike the more rustic rural adornments, the Wainwright Hotel features more modern, elegant décor. If you prefer something a little bit more relaxed and just need to rest your legs you can stop into the authentic saloon where you can grab a drink at the bar and enjoy some piano music.

Club Café

Quick detour down Railway Street. The various establishments on Railway Street represent a vital community invaluable to the growth of the Prairies. And that was the Asian community. Chinese immigrants, mainly men, arrived in Canada around the 1880s to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. There were over 17,000 recorded men who came from China to work on the railway. Sadly, over 700 of these men were killed, primarily due to the extremely unsafe working conditions.

Once work was done, they were stranded in Canada with much less money earned than they had promised. They were often paid less than half of what their white coworkers earned. This meant most of them could not afford to return home, sending what they did make back home to support their families. But never wanting to give up, the remaining Chinese immigrant began to open businesses. Many of these were laundries, groceries and restaurants.

The Club Café is an eatery in the park where you can still grab a delicious snack lunch today! The building is based on pictures of the historic Won’s Public Lunch. This Chinese Café was initially located in Olds, Alberta and was built in 1918. These Chinese Cafés were a staple of small prairie towns in the Edwardian era. Although dubbed “Chinese Cafes,” the food served here wasn’t what we think of as Chinese food. Instead, it was an extensive western menu with very low prices. You could get a cup of coffee for five cents!

Flett’s Blacksmith Shop

Across the street is everyone’s favourite, Flett’s Blacksmith Shop. With, of course, the working blacksmith putting on a show for the visitors. In the 1900s, the blacksmiths were one of the most influential people in town. Not only did blacksmiths service the horses and oxen used for transportation and agriculture, but they also serviced farming equipment that was the backbone of the agriculture industry in the Prairies. The blacksmith was once owned this shop was Tom Flett, who built it in Airdrie in 1902.

Wing Chong Chinese Laundry

As mentioned before, many Chinese immigrants opened up Laundries during this period in history. Domestic work was one of their only options regardless of their many talents. The laundry we can visit today is designed after June Jay Tse’s laundry. June Jay Tse moved to Canada to work on the railway, and after that contract ended, he worked delivering laundry. He worked hard and eventually was able to purchase this building and open his very own laundry shop.

Walking inside, you can see how a typical laundry would have looked in 1914, complete with the price list! If you turn down the hallway, you can peek into the back rooms. The first represents the Chinese kitchen, and the back room is set up as the living room of a moderately successful Chinese family.

S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler

Let’s quickly head back to Main Street and walk to the water to catch a ride on the S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler. In the early days of the Province, many parts of Alberta were inaccessible on land. The many large rivers and lakes were the only way to get to these remote places. These were traversed by steamships, just the one we can still ride on today! Because many of the streams and rivers had such low water levels, large tall ships would never have been able to get through. But a paddlewheel boat can function in just a few inches of water! The S.S. Moyie was built in 1898 and used to take supplies and people to mines and railway construction sites all over the Province.

Today the Paddlewheeler is used to take guests on a short ride around the Elbow River. From this vantage point, you look back up at the park giving you a different view of the entirety of the village.

As you continue you’ll also enjoy some breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary from the waters of the Glenmore Reservoir.

Front Street

Head back up the stairs and make your way to Front Street. Front Street is where we find the antique outdoor Shopping mall. The row of shops here contains an old harness shop, general store, candy and druggery.

Botsford Harness Shop

The old Botsford Harness Shop was one of the first kinds of the store that would pop up on the main streets in new prairie settlements. These shops worked with leather creating horse harnesses to connect a horse to wagons, carts, and farm machinery so they could pull them. It would be one of the most critical farming equipment on the farm. The shop would also sell saddles, shoes and boots, all made with the same leather. Today you can shop here for unique gift items, figurines, jewellery, hats, dolls, cast-iron creations, wooden toys and more.

Claresholm General Store

The Claresholm General Store was opened by another family of Norwegian immigrants in 1905. These stores were another popular hangout, especially when the delivery cart arrived with the newest imports from around the country. Back then, many store owners still used the barter system, trading items in stock for anything the farmers had to trade that they could also go on to sell in-store. Most of what they sold was dry goods and rare and precious – candy! Just as much a treat as it is today. You can still shop inside for vintage-inspired candy, which gives you a hit of sugar and that nostalgic hit of dopamine.

Gledhill’s Drugstore

My favourite store in any old heritage museum is the druggery. I’m obsessed with antique pharmacies and learning more about how medicine worked ages ago. Gledhill’s Drugstore was initially built in 1908 in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. These drug stores were a rich environment. The embossed tin ceiling, bevelled glass mirrors, and stunning maple flooring were materials not likely to be found in the Prairies. Walking into this place would have felt almost royal to local farmers! This wealthy, opulent interior communicated to the customer the pharmacist was clearly successful and therefore knew what they were doing…although this wasn’t always the truth! There were quack doctors and pharmacists aplenty back then who made their mint selling elixirs that never worked.

Pharmacists were responsible for much more than just medical advice and dispensing medicine. They were also veterinarians that helped farmers with their sick animals. They marketed, created and sold poultices used as sunscreens, bath products, bug sprays, soaps and lotions. Today the store can still be toured, and many of the original products are hidden behind the glass.

Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour

A clear favourite on hot summer days is the Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour. In the 1930s, General Store often was renovated to feature soda fountains and served fresh ice cream. The sweet treat caught on with teenagers who couldn’t yet go out to the bar. Instead would hang out at the ice cream parlour late into the night. Often drug stores or general stores already featured carbon dioxide tanks that were used in developing medicines so converting these to make sugary drinks was an easy shift.

The Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour was originally the Elves Bros. General Store built in 1910 by Fred and Reuben “Rube” Elves. It was located in the small town of Vulcan, which rose to popularity near the Canadian Pacific Railway construction site. The interior was designed to replicate the looks of the old Olivier’s Bakery and Confectionery Shop in Calgary, circa 1910.

Midway

The part of the park I most enjoyed as a child was by the Midway. And although the ride is primarily meant for children, I made a point to still get on ‘The Whip’ to see if it lived up to the hype I remember. To be honest, it really did. But I think that might have been the nostalgia talking. But I’m not the only one who gets nostalgic about the rides. Even in the western Prairies, the Canadian Victorians felt that entertainment was essential to life.

The Whip

The Whip dates back to 1914 and was one of the world’s first thrill-based rides! It first debuted in Luna Park in Coney Island, New York and quickly began to be manufactured for fairgrounds worldwide. The Whip at Heritage Park actually dates back to 1921!!! Things really were made to last back then. But this is the only functioning portable Whip still known to exist. Be sure to study the floral decorations on the front of the cars. These were inspired by photographs taken of the Whip at the Johnny J. Jones Carnival in Edmonton.

Bowness Carousel

Another classic carnival ride that everyone can enjoy is the Bowness Carousel. This adorable, closed-top carousel dates back to 1904 and has been lovingly restored. My favourite part of the ride has always been the paintings of the Victorian women in the centre of the carousel. The carousel was originally built in 1904 and made in Louisville, Kentucky. Unlike other carousels that go up and down, with horses placed on long poles connected to the ceiling, this carousel is a more open concept. And the horses bob back and forth rather than up and down.

Dangler Swings

The Dangle Swings are another gorgeous antique treasure still part of children’s memories at the park. The Swings were first invented by Fritz Kreis, a German manufacturer of amusement park rides, in 1920. When they debuted in Europe, they were the first of their kind and genuinely wow-ed everyone who saw them. Not just for the ingenuity of the ride but for the gorgeous painted frames around the central pole.

Prince House

As we make our way towards the gate where we entered, we walk down Prince Street. One of the largest buildings on the street is the grand Prince House. Peter Anthony Prince was a lumber and hydroelectricity magnate who, at the time, was one of the wealthiest men in the Prairies. He not only started the Calgary Water Power Company in 1890, but he also owned a flour mill, a meat-packing plant, grain elevators and a brewery. In 1894, Prince built this house for his family on the west end of town.

Of all the houses in the park, this one is by far the most opulent. Lush furnishings decorate the interior. Tiffany stained glass light fixtures hang from the ceiling against richly ornate window curtains.

Upstairs the bedrooms are an intimate peek into the simple things the Victoria Prince family enjoyed. A group of teddy bears sits around a table enjoying a cup of afternoon tea. Such sweet moments are frozen in time.

The Montefiore Synagogue

The last stop on our tour is inside the Montefiore Synagogue. This beautiful Synagogue was initially located in the Montefiore Colony near Sibbald, Alberta, in 1919. Many Jewish immigrants had fled to Alberta as early as the 1880s, feeling waves of antisemitism spreading across Europe. In Montefiore, a small Jewish community built their Synagogue. The building also served as a meeting hall and a school for the religious education of the colony’s Jewish children.

Despite the antisemitism that was seemingly infecting the rest of Europe, the small settlements in Alberta were welcoming to the new settlers. And Christian farmers were often known to help out at the Synagogue during their religious celebrations. When you lived in such a small community, everyone was in it together and helped wherever they could, regardless of religion.

In 1927 a severe drought caused most of the citizens of Montefiore to abandon the village, and the Synagogue was turned into a grain shed. It remained this way until 2008. It was eventually purchased by the Little Synagogue on the Prairie Project Society and brought to Heritage Park to be restored. During this restoration process, they discovered thousands of books, a precious Torah, a wooden Ark, and a bimah hidden away inside. These historical treasures were a priceless find and are still on display for you to see! Today the Synagogue serves as one of the few surviving examples of wooden synagogues built by pioneers on the Canadian prairie.

Gasoline Alley

Before leaving the park, if you still have some energy, you should take a peek inside the Gasoline Alley Museum. The Gasoline Alley Museum is an indoor exhibition that tells the story of the automobile. It features a rare collection of vintage vehicles, gasoline pumps, signage, and more.

Since Calgary was built upon the Natural Gas industry, it’s no surprise to see this automobile collection here. Along with, of course, some beautiful vintage gas pumps! The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of rare vintage vehicles and artifacts relating to the auto industry.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this day out at Heritage Park. A walk back in time to be enjoyed by anyone of any age. Although it might be marketed as something to do with the kids, I was amazed by how great of a time I had just on my own. Exploring the amazing treasure and historical antiquities, I found here!

Let me know in the comments if you’re planning a trip to Calgary and what you want me to cover next.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect Day in Heritage Park Calgary as an Adult! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Spend a day in Inglewood, and you will experience an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, modern eateries, family-owned cafés, independent boutiques, natural health stores, and more! This tour will show you the best parts of Inglewood and why you should spend your next day there!

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Where to Eat
3. Where to Drink
4. Where to Shop
5. What to See & Do

History

Inglewood has the distinction of being Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood. It was established in 1875 after nearby Fort Calgary was built. When the area was built, Inglewood had the very first “main street” in the city! Over the years, the central part of downtown moved westward, but still, much of the historic nature of the area remains. Since the area also borders the Elbow and the Bow rivers, it is home to several nature preserves. This makes it such a wonderful place to visit as you can get a taste of the urban city and the peaceful natural environment all in one place.

Where to Eat

Rosso Coffee Roasters

Inglewood doesn’t rise early, but if you find yourself in the area looking for your morning cup of coffee, you should head over to Rosso Coffee Roasters. Rosso is extra special since they source and roast their own beans and have even won awards for their top-notch brews! If you’re looking for something to bring home with you, their roasted beans are a great treat to enjoy long after your trip is over.

Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar

Gravity Espresso is one of those coffee shops that feels like a staple of the community. Their little artist gallery inside featuring new local talent is such a beautiful way to learn about the artisans who make their living in Inglewood. Sitting in this comfy shop you’ll get to watch locals meet up, chat with their favourite baristas and smile at strangers as their morning begins with a great cup of coffee. And the coffees are really that good!

Red’s Diner Ramsay

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, which adds potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Madison’s 12|12

Madison’s 12|12 is known for its community-focused and community-funded approach to owning a restaurant. They have created a beautiful space for people to gather, create, enjoy, share, and become inspired. Their menu is a ridiculous mix…And I mean that in a good way! They have their iconic poke bowls, a large selection of vegan options and their most popular item: craft nachos! There are over 10 different bonkers varieties of nachos: macaroni & cheese nachos, wilted kale & roasted yam nachos, loaded perogies jack nachos, and the Reuben nacho. But the nacho selection doesn’t end there! They even have dessert nachos. You can try their apple pie nachos, cinnamon sugar tortilla chips or the Inglewood dream cake with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips and creamed almonds.

The Blue Store

The Blue Store is where you need to come to find your essential groceries plus some truly extraordinary delights! If you’re looking for Korean Fried Chicken, this is the place for you! Grab some to-do along with a tray of Yakuza Sushi and a large iced slushie! Their aim in creating this general store was to bring affordable groceries to everyone in the community and embrace the nostalgia of this heritage building. They have restored the original hardwood floors and tin ceilings and added a 60’s & 70’s inspired mural outside. This is the perfect place to grab a handful of snacks and ready-to-eat meals and head over to the edge of the Bow River to enjoy your meal with the best view in town!

Inglewood Drive-In

If it’s time to get something to eat for lunch, head on over to the Inglewood Drive-In. This retro Diner is one of those classic spots you just can’t miss. Don’t let the dated exterior fool you; this place is an iconic Calgary destination. Everything from their mouth-watering handmade burgers, thick milkshakes, crispy onion rings, and perfectly seasoned french fries will make you coming back for more. They even serve up a Dole Whip ice cream! One of the only places you can get this pineapple treat outside of Disneyland. But the old-school foods aren’t without a few modern twists. They have new additions like the curry veggie burger and the spicy kimchi burger.

Deane House

One of the best ways to end off your day is with dinner at Deane House. Deane House was initially built in 1906 for Captain Richard Deane, who worked at Fort Calgary. Eventually, the house was moved the where you find it today. It was moved in 1929 to an area with a better view of the Elbow River. Over the years, the house was used as a boarding home and then purchased by the city to be used as a gallery.

Today, it’s home to one of the best restaurants in the city. In the summertime, you can dine outside in their immersive garden, rain or shine. Although they have a complete a-la-carte menu, the best option is their delightful 5-course chef’s tasting menu. The chef curates this selection weekly to suit the flavours and fresh produce of the month. The 5-course menu is $90 per person, which is truly a great price for the quality of food you receive. It’s such a fantastic way to cap off your evening.

Where to Drink

Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.

To end the night, take a walk over to the Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. Ol’Beautiful Brewing Co. is located in this little hidden away corner of Inglewood, where you’ll want to while the night away. I’m not going to lie; the design of the beer cans drew me in right away but it was the amazing atmosphere that made me want to stay. The time-worn and well-loved interior designs of their taproom feels like it belongs in the hippest streets of Los Angeles or New York City. Inside this chic and vintage-adorned interior, you can sit and enjoy any of their amazing craft brews. Best of all surrounded by their friendly staff and incredible regulars. They are more than happy to help you find your perfect brew! If the weather is nice, their outdoor patio is a lively and fun place to enjoy your drinks.

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Cold Garden Beverage Company

Revival Brewcade

If you’re a night owl and aren’t yet ready for your night to end, head back up to 9th avenue to Revival Brewcade. While the bar is stocked with incredible drinks, the best thing about this place is the retro pinball and arcade machines that line the walls. One of my biggest pet peeves about so-called “retro arcade bars” is how expensive the games can be. But here at Revival Brewcade, you can buy a $5 all you can play pinball card!! This will keep you there all night trying to get the top score!

Where to Shop

Fair’s Fair Books

Inglewood is home to some of the best shopping in all of Calgary. Make your first stop at the famed Fair’s Fair Books. This shop has been open since 1988, curating one of the best-used books stores in the province. While some used bookstores are a real shot in the dark for finding what you’re looking for, this enormous store really feels more like a high-end new bookstore as their selection is so deep! Plus, the cute and quirky decorations really make the place so inviting.

The Apothecary in Inglewood

If you’re looking to relax, then you need to visit the Apothecary in Inglewood! You’re overwhelmed with the intoxicating smell of aromatic herbs, spices, and more just walking in the door. This store is known for its zero waste goods, pure essential oils, bulk herbs and refillable products. Forget Lush bath bombs and instead grab yourself a few of their handmade herbal bombs to pamper yourself in an indulgent bath. I love their selection of locally crafted candles as well. Nothing better than scents to bring back travel memories!

Moonstone Creation

Moonstone Creation is an Indigenous-owned and family-run business proud to represent over 60 Indigenous makers and artisans from across Turtle Island. So many people buy Moccasins as a souvenir when visiting anywhere in Canada but rarely are these created by Indigenous makers. To purchase an authentic pair of Moccasins is expensive, but that is because they are intricately made by hand, with genuine leather and embellished with meaningful beading. But most importantly, you are supporting and honouring the Indigenous culture by buying them from Indigenous creators.

If you are looking for a beautiful gift or souvenir, they also have lovely beaded feather & orange shirt brooch kits. It’s a great way to learn about the history of beading and the methods which they have used to create these crafts for hundreds of years. The kits come with all the supplies you need. They also run beading workshops throughout the year, so check their website to see if one is running while you’re in town!

The Livery Shop

If your style is chic minimalism, then The Livery Shop is the place for you! Just walking inside makes me feel lighter. The shop carries a great selection of local and Canadian designers. It’s also a fantastic place to come for gifts, especially during the holiday season. One of their most popular brands is Camp Brand Goods which sells the most adorable and cozy casual outdoor wear inspired by vintage camp aesthetics.

Smithbilt Hats Inc

There’s perhaps no better accessory to shop for in Calgary than a cowboy hat. And no better place to do so than Smithbilt Hats Inc. The Smithbilt’s company was started by Morris Schumiatcher in 1910. The Schumiatcher family immigrated from Russia to Canada and changed their name to Smith when they arrived. The family made and sold dress hats with small brims, as was the style in Europe at the time. But as they spent more time in the prairies, the Stampede Board wanted to have Smithbilt’s create a special hat to promote western wear. This was where the white cattleman hat was invented. The white cattleman hat soon became the symbol of the Stampede and of Calgary itself.

You can still buy your very own white cattleman hat today in the shop. But there are so many more designs to choose from. Everything from classic styles to modern, brightly coloured hats withs feather and jewelled embellishments. Even if hats aren’t your thing, checking out the artistry required to handmake these hats is well worth your time. Drop-in and visit this truly historic Calgary establishment.

Tea Trader

Walking into the Tea Trader feels like stepping back in time. Tins line the walls on one side and wooden crates of freshly imported tea line on the other. Tea Trader was established in Calgary in 1993 and chose historic Inglewood as its destination since the business seemed to fit right into the old main street. It recently moved south to the Ramsey Design Centre. But is still easily accessible on a day out in Inglewood. They even have an old cash register on display which makes shopping here so unique. In terms of the tea, they carry you can find lots of traditional teas with complex flavours. They even have unique seasonal flavours that will really make warming up on a cold day all the more enjoyable.

Purr Fine Clothing & Accessories

Shopping for clothes in Inglewood is terrific as you can find such unique stores. Purr Fine Clothing and Accessories is one of the best examples. It carries everything from designer pieces, locally handmade clothing to casual streetwear and fantastic accessories. The curation inside this store is phenomenal! I’ve been somewhere that felt more lovingly hand-selected. The staff is always more than helpful to recommend great items you might not immediately lend towards but might really surprise you! Some of the things are on the pricer side, as they are often small batch and ethically made, but their sale section is always a great place to find amazing deals.

Elysian Alchemy

Elysian Alchemy is where to come if you are into the metaphysical and spiritual goods. It’s a mystical general store. Walking inside, the smell of incense fills your nose, and the beautiful stones are simply dazzling. Here, you can get everything from handmade beauty products with herbal healing qualities, candles, crystals, tarot, and oracle cards.

That Old Retro Store

That Old Retro Store is the perfect place to come if you’re a fan of vinyl and vintage records. It’s a dream for music lovers. Floor to ceiling is thousands of records, vintage music posters and gorgeous retro Stereo Equipment, which they repair and restore. The staff here are so friendly and will help you find whatever you’re looking for. Very important in sorting through such a treasure trove of vintage vinyl.

Recess

For anyone who loves stationery as much as me, visiting Recess is like being a kid in a candy store! There’s nothing better than a bright white interior filled with vividly bejewelled paper treasures. If you haven’t grabbed a new journal to document your travel memories, this is the perfect place to get one. If you’re interested in learning how to create beautiful hand lettering to take your journaling game to the next level, then you should grab one of their customs Learn to Letter Guides. They have so many unique items that will spice up any desk drawer.

Plant

Even if you can’t bring any of these little beauties home with you, a visit to Plant Shop is sure to brighten any grey day. The Plant Shop aims to help re-connect people with the natural world and inspire them to build and maintain more beautiful spaces! Just walking around the shop and looking at all the exotic plants is such a serene experience. They have great selections of handmade and ceramic planters as well in a myriad of exciting designs. So if you have some green beauties at home, you can bring these home as a memento of your trip. Plus their custom DIY Terrariums are a gorgeous gift for anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant to bring some greenery into their home office.

The Silk Road Spice Merchant

The Silk Road Spice Merchant is my favourite shop in town. This is the perfect place to come to upgrade your pantry! The colours, smells and flavours of the spices on offer here are captivating. The Silk Road Spice Merchant started up when the owners couldn’t find the kinds of international spices they wanted to try in their cooking. So they aimed to start up their own store where they would carry every type of spice imaginable! One of my favourite things in their shop is their Hot Cocoa blends. They offer Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa, Winter Spice (with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and mace,) Cinnamon Cardamom Hot Cocoa and even Chai Masala Hot Cocoa. All of these warm, exotic flavours are the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold night.

What to See & Do

St. Patrick’s Island Park

St. Patrick’s Island Park opened in 2015 after a major facelift. Today, you can ride down the immaculate bike paths along the Bow River, admiring not only the natural beauty but the incredible public works of art along the way. The kids have lovely play areas, and the restored river channels make beautiful swimming spots in the summer heat. A place called ‘the rise’ is this large grassy knoll that literally rises up nine meters high. From this vantage point, you can look out over the parks around you, and it is an excellent place for sunset picnics and great toboggan runs in the winter.

Harvie Passage

The Harvie Passage Lookout is wonderfully designed to give visitors a stunning view of the rapids below. Harvie Passage is a fast-running channel off the Bow River. After a massive flood in 2013, the city went about an extensive redesign to not only make this part of the river safer (for the rafters who would constantly sneak onto the waters) but provide a more enjoyable experience for river-based recreationists.

Inglewood Wildlands & Bird Sanctuary

The Inglewood Wildlands is a vast wildlife reserve spread out over 36 hectares on the southeast edge of Inglewood. Inside the reserve, over 270 species of birds can be spotted at different times of the year. The best time to come is in the Spring and summer, but you can still find life here in the park, even in the fall and winter. The peaceful park is a great place to come to escape the busy city. Here you can stroll along the serene walking pathways, cross bridges over the river and even find a lagoon.

Scotsman’s Hill

If you’re looking for a spot to watch the sunset over the city, take a walk through ENMAX Park to the top of Scotsman’s Hill. To get there you’ll walk through the Elbow Riverpath which is the most serene walking path surrounded by Calgary’s relaxing natural landscape. Scotsman’s Hill is one of the best places in the town to give a view of Calgary’s skyline set behind a steep escarpment facing the Elbow River.

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Table Of Contents

1. Location
2. Access
3. Castle Mountain Chalets History
4. About Castle Mountain 
5. Castle Mountain Room Options
   • A Word About the Train
6. Castle Mountain General Store
7. Activities around the Castle Mountain Chalets
   • Bow Valley Parkway
   • Storm Mountain Lookout
   • Castle Mountain Internment Camp
   • Castle Mountain Viewpoint
   • Rockbound Lake Trail
   • Johnston Canyon
   • Snowshoe Trails
   • Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Park and Ride

Location

Castle Mountain Chalets is located at the base of Castle Mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Castle Mountain Chalets is located just 1 hour and 40 minutes from Calgary, making it the perfect place to visit on a weekend trip. Their chalets boast panoramic views of Castle Mountain, Storm Mountain and the Sawback, Misty and Bow Ranges.

Access

From Castle Mountain Chalets, you have easy access to many of the most popular spots in Banff.

• Lake Louise Parking Lot: 20 minutes
• Lake Louise Park and Ride: 10 minutes
• Johnsons Canyon: 8 mintues
• Banff Village: 25 minutes
• Tunnelhead Mountain: 25 minutes
• Cave & Basin National Historic Site: 29 minutes
• Lake Minnewanka: 31 minutes
• Canmore: 35 minutes
• Radium Hot Springs: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Jasper: 3 hours

Castle Mountain Chalets History

One of the best parts of visiting Castle Mountain Chalets is the deep history locked into the property. The original Chalets were built in 1939 and named “Castle Mountain Bungalows.” The owners chose the location as it was the intersection of the roads to Radium Hot Springs and the main highway. In addition to the Chalets, they provided an essential gas station stop for travellers going through the park. Still to this day, this is one of the only places to gas up midway through the road to Banff. Spread throughout the property are various vintage gas pumps on display. Almost like a de facto museum.

About Castle Mountain 

Castle Mountain is the easternmost mountain of the Main Ranges in the Bow Valley. The mountain sits across the Castle Mountain Fault. The fault was responsible for thrusting older sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that formed the upper part of the mountains. These formations covered younger rocks, giving them the appearance of a castle. The mountain was named in 1858 by James Hector for that very palace-like appearance. 

One of the most famous historic landmarks is the nearby Castle Mountain Internment Camp. During World War I, any persons deemed “enemy aliens” or suspected enemy sympathizers were sent to internment camps. These prisoners were confined to mainly outdoor camps around Banff National Park. It was with the forced labour by these prisoners that much of Banff National Park was built. Whenever you drive along the road or walk through a hiking trail, chances are these areas were built by prisoners. A beautiful memorial to the victims of this internment camp can still be found just a 5-minute drive from the Castle Mountains Chalets. It is definitely worth a trip to learn more about this piece of unknown Canadian history.

Castle Mountain Room Options

Castle Mountains Chalets offers various different room types and chalets. The most popular option is their amazing one and two-bedroom chalets. These are perfect for large families as they are spacious enough to feel like a home away from home. These chalets marry rustic comfort and relaxing elegance. 

The chalets feature a full kitchen, an open living room with pull-out queen sofa, and a large wooden dining table. The dining table sits perfectly in front of the fireplace where you can sit and enjoy a warm burning fire. Fresh wood is brought to your room daily. Fireplaces are located in every suite as the Chalets are open year-round. Even in the summer, it can get pretty chilly in the morning, so these fireplaces are indeed a wonder to have!

The entire Chalet is made of wood, but it never feels too dark with the gorgeous skylights providing pool of light from above. And these skylights allow you to stargaze at night without ever having to brave the cold. All the chalets are all pet-friendly, so this means you can bring along your furry friends. Most of the trails allow for dogs on leashes. So it’s an excellent opportunity for a memorable trip with the pups.

Deluxe One-Bedroom Chalets From $267 | Superior Two-Bedroom Chalet From $311

The Mountain View Suites are located inside their large central lodge. These suites offer beautiful balconies facing the mountains where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee. The bedroom has one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in; it was like falling into a cloud! Plus, the bedroom is large enough to fit an entire dresser, so if you’re staying for a longer amount of time, you’ll really feel at home.

The soaker jacuzzi tubs were the selling point for me! Sittig in the tub after a long day of hiking was the perfect way to unwind. The suites come with a full kitchen with pretty much everything you need to pack your picnics or dine at home. The living room also features a pull-out couch to fit more people if you are a larger party. The Mountain View Suite is not suitable for pets, but this means if you have any allergies, they are perfect for you.

Mountain View Suites From $239

The Mountain Pine Chalet and the Classic Cedar Chalet are both fantastic options for couples. Unlike the other Chalets, which have separate bedrooms, these Chalets feature one open room. Much like a bachelor’s apartment with the bed right in the centre of the living room. They are much smaller in size but still contain amenities of the other Chalets. The only other difference is that the bathrooms in these suites are much smaller and do not have a large jacuzzi tub. But for those who aren’t into bathing, you won’t even notice the difference.

Mountain Pine Chalet From $238 | Classic Cedar Chalet From $210

A Word About the Train

Castle Mountain Chalets is located right beside the train tracks. While the trains run pretty infrequently, they do pass by and are extremely loud. We were definitely awoken by the trains as they passed at night. But if you’re not a light sleeper like us, you should be fine. Ask the front desk when you check-in for a Chalet father away from the tracks if you you’re a light sleeper.

Castle Mountain General Store

In 2020, the Chalets updated their amazing General Store. Although this facelift has modernized the offerings inside, they kept the adorable vintage and historic decorations. This makes the shop feel like an old-fashioned general store. If you’ve ever been camping as a child (or an adult), you’ll remember one of the best parts of the trip after is a visit to the Tuck Shop or General store. As a kid, I always loved taking my allowance to buy weird, obscure candy that only ever seemed to exist inside these campground general stores.

And the Castle Mountain General Store is truly one of the best ones I’ve ever visited. Not only is there a vast, eclectic candy selection, but there is also so much more! They, of course, have lots of essential camping and hiking items like bug spray, bear spray, gas cans, and firewood. But they also have a superb selection of fresh, raw meat to cook back at your Chalet. Or on one of their open BBQs.

If you don’t feel like cooking, they also have a vast selection of pre-made meals that can be eaten cold or require minimal reheating. These meals are also great picnic items to bring with you on a hike. I had their egg salad and am happy to say it was delicious and as fresh as homemade! They also offer these fantastic BBQ packages, including hot dogs, buns, marshmallows, roasting sticks and 4 handcrafted Grizzly Paw Sodas. Perfect for an instant campfire meal! All for just $25! 

Activities around the Castle Mountain Chalets

Although most people make their way to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake on a trip out to Banff, there is so much to see and do right around Castle Mountain!

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48-kilometre secondary highway that runs parallels to the Trans-Canada Highway. It connects Banff to Lake Louise. Before the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway, it was the main highway between the two towns. Many people choose to cycle along the Bow Valley Parkway as vehicle speed is limited to 60 km/h. Not only is it safer for bike riders, it almost means the noise is reduced as well. So all in all a more peaceful ride. There are several roadside pull-outs where you can enjoy stunning views across the Bow Valley and Bow River.

A bike ride to the Storm Mountain Lookout or the Ukrainian Internment Camp Memorial is just a short 16-minute ride down the road. So even inexperienced riders will see so much along the road without a tremendous amount of effort. The road is mostly flat and easy to navigate as you go. If you don’t have your own bike, the Chalet rents them out for just $15 for up to four hours!

Storm Mountain Lookout

As previously mentioned, just a short 5-minute drive or 10-minute bike road along the Bow Valley Parkway is the amazing Storm Mountain viewpoint. A handful of picnic tables are dotted above the beautiful Bow River, with the shadow of the great Storm Mountain looming across the river. There are a few interpretive signs along the edge which identify the different landmarks along the ridgeline.

Best of all is the train tracks which run along the river’s edge making for such an iconic photograph. Many people think you need to go all the way to Lake Louise of Moraine Lake to see the iconic turquoise waters but so many parts of the Bow are just as ethereal and saturated!

Castle Mountain Internment Camp

A further minute down the road in the car or 5-minutes by bike is the Castle Mountain Internment Camp Memorial. One of the most unspoken parts of Banff’s history was that early work to build the infrastructure of the park was done mainly by prisoners of the nearby Castle Mountian internment camp. The camp was established in 1915 and contained a total of 660 “enemy aliens” of WWI. This included primarily Ukrainian immigrants who were sent here due to their home country being a part of the Austro-Hungary empire. It was later proved that almost none of these prisoners had any collusion with soldiers on the other side of the world.

The primary purpose was to use forced labour to push the Banff highway on through to Lake Louise. The small memorial here is dedicated to the Ukrainian prisoners. While very small, it is a worthwhile visit if you’re in the area, as this part of Canadian history is too often overlooked.

Castle Mountain Viewpoint

Many people accessing Castle Mountain Chalets will cross the Castle Mountain Bridge, over the Bow River. Take a walk down the road to the bridge on foot as it is one of the most scenic places in the area. On the other side of the bridge, there is a gorgeous view of the Castle mountains framed above the turquoise Bow River. We loved coming down to the river after a day of hiking with our packaged sandwiches. Sitting by the river, relaxing to the sound of the rushing waters, is the perfect way to end the day.

Rockbound Lake Trail

3-minutes down the road from the Chalets is the entrance to the Rockbound Lake Trail. From the trailhead, you can take one of three hikes of varying difficulty. The easiest is the Silverton Falls trail which is only 1.8 km return. The track does switchback along some steep pathways, so you should still be wearing good walking shoes. And always carry bear spray even if you think the trail is not intensive. Bear can be found deep into the forest or just by the roadside. The Silverton Falls trail leads you directly to an incredible, two-tiered waterfall that cascades over a series of narrow ledges. From the peak of the path, you also get beautiful views out of the forest around you.

If you are looking for a more difficult day hike, you can take the Tower Lake Trail which is 16 km return. The Tower Lake trail offers gorgeous views of the forest and lots of great chances to see wildlife along the way. The first half of the path is pretty tough as you gain elevation, but as you reach the plateau the stunning backside of Castle Mountian is slowly revealed. Tower Lake will creep into view, surrounded by the shadow of Eisenhower Tower. If you are still full of energy, you can continue along the Rockbound Lake trail. The Rockbound lake trail is another 1.9 km and culminates at the beautiful Rockbound Lake glacial cirque. 

Johnston Canyon

Just 8-minutes down the road from the Chalets is Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is an unbelievable hike with such an accessible trail. The elevated catwalk takes you into the canyon towards the mighty falls carved into the ancient limestone cliffs. You have the option of simply hiking to the lower part of the falls, which is a short 2.3 km return hike or continue on towards the upper fall’s viewpoints which is a 5.1 km hike. Thankfully, both options are very walkable for most people, even inexperienced hikers. The trail is also well-populated, with benches along the way if you want to stop and rest while enjoying the majesty all around you.

Snowshoe Trails

If you visit during the winter, the Castle Mountain Chalets provides visitors with 20+ km of groomed trails for snowshoers. Their dedicated professional grooming equipment produces a firm and immaculately groomed surfaces for anyone wanting to explore trails at the foot of Castle Mountian. If you’ve never been snowshoeing before, this is an excellent opportunity to give it a try! The General Store rents out snowshoes for just $15 for up to two hours. The perfect amount of time to get a taste of snowshoeing!

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Park and Ride

The Lake Louise Park and Ride shuttle lot is located just down the road from the Chalets. The Park and Ride Shuttle will take you directly to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake in under 25 minutes! With no need to worry about finding that impossible to find a parking spot! So many trips to Lake Louise have been ruined when you show up and can’t find a parking spot. But no more! Tickets on the shuttle must be booked in advance to ensure you reserve yourself a place on the bus. But after you have your spot booked, your trip to these iconic destinations is bound to be stress-free!

All in all, there really is no better place to stay in Banff than the historic Castle Mountian Chalets! It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, relax, unwind and discover the incredible treasures which make up the Canadian Rockies. Let me know in the comments where you’re most looking forward to exploring on your next trip to Banff!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Castle Mountain Chalets, Best Place to Stay in Banff! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. First Nations Land Acknowledgement
2. Banff History
3. Park Pass
4. When to Visit?
5. How to Get to Banff
6. How to Get Around Banff
7. Banff Accommodation
8. Hiking Tips
9. The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour
10. Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning
11. Fairview Lookout Loop Hike
12. Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise
13. Moraine Lake 
14. Moraine Lake Shore Trail
15. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
16. Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

First Nations Land Acknowledgement

Long before this area of Canada was known as “Banff,” the land was home to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuits. The area is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, including the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta, as well as the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc. It’s important to acknowledge those whose territory we are visiting as an act of gratitude. This is just one of many steps it’s important to recognize as a step in the journey of reconciliation.

Indigenous people have lived in the area around what is now Banff National Park for over 10,000 years. They were drawn to the Bow River as it provided a means of travel and access to rich hunting and fishing spots. The name “bow” refers to the reeds that grew on the banks of the glacier-fed river. These reeds were used by Indigenous peoples to make their hunting bows. In the Blackfoot language, the river is called Makhabn, which means “river where the bow reeds grow.“

Banff History

Banff National Park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It and encompasses over 10,000 square kilometres of glacier-capped mountains, canyons, and valleys. It was actually Canada’s first national park and is the flagship of the nation’s park system! If you are Canadian, visiting the park is a right of passage. If you’re a visitor, Banff feels like the peak of Candian iconography!  

The park was first established when workers on Canadian Pacific Railway discovered a series of natural hot springs. They came across them on the side of Sulphur Mountain in 1880. They were amazed by the seemingly healing properties of the springs. In 1885 the area became a federal reserve where they promoted the springs as a resort and spa just off the new railway line. It’s amazing to imagine that even over a hundred years ago, there was a direct railway that brought visitors into the Rockies. Sadly, although commercial trains still use these tracks, there is no tourist train that runs into the mountains. This is a result of corporate infighting in the ownerships of the railway’s tracks. Hopefully, they’ll resolve this in our lifetime, as a train ride through the Rockies into Banff would be so scenic.

Developement of Banff National Park

Eventually, the “Rocky Mountain Park,” as it was then known, began to expand to cover more and more areas outside the springs. It wasn’t officially named “Banff” until 1884. President George Stephen, Canadian Pacific Railway, decided to name the area after his birthplace of Banff, in Scotland. 

To provide tourists with more access to the wonders of the expansive forest, construction of more roads was required. One of the most unspoken parts of Banff’s history is that this work was mostly done by prisoners of the nearby Castle Mountian internment camp. It was established in 1915 and contained a total of 660 enemy aliens of WWI. The main purpose was to use forced labour to push the Banff highway on through to Lake Louise. Grand hotels were built to accommodate the incoming tourists. Including the famous Fairmont Lake Louise. 

Park Pass

Entry into the entirety of Banff National Park requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

When to Visit?

The best time to visit Banff is during the summer and early fall. Even at the height of the summer, the weather in the mountains is so much colder than in the city. Even in June, you might still see some snow! So visiting in the summer means the weather up in the mountains will be much more pleasant for exploring. My other favourite time to travel to Banff is in the fall. The crowds are much lighter, and the colours of the changing seasons are beautiful. Just be sure to dress for the chillier mornings. The winter in Banff is a sight to see, but various roads are closed, and the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Louise is frozen over.

How to Get to Banff

As mentioned before, Banff is an easy day trip from Calgary, and there are many different ways to get there. While many people think renting a car is the only option, Banff is much more accessible than you might think via public transport!

By Car

To get to Calgary by car, you’ll need to rent one from the airport or any car rental locations downtown. Car rentals in Calgary for a simple, mid-size vehicle can be found as low as $60/day. The prices go up in the summer months, so I would plan on about $100/day if travelling in high-season. If you are travelling in the summer or during busy holidays, book your rentals months in advance. You might be surprised to find car rentals book up relatively quickly as a drive into the mountains is such a popular activity. If you can’t find any rentals downtown, consider looking at the airport since they usually have more rental availability there.

By Bus

What really surprised me was that you can actually take the bus from Calgary, directly to Banff and Canmore! On-It Regional Transit offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary. You can book a spot on their Saturday service 6:40 am bus which arrives in Banff around 9:15 am. Return buses to Calgary run about every hour after 5 pm. This means you can easily spend a whole day in Banff without a car!

If you’re looking to stay in Banff overnight or for the entire weekend, you can book one of their Friday Night tickets. They will get you into Banff at 8:30pm and you can stay the entire weekend, returning Sunday afternoon. There is only one bus on Friday Night so book those tickets in advance. Sunday buses run six times a-day. Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

How to Get Around Banff

Shuttle Bus

If you are driving, please please consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle Bus. This shuttle bus runs to and from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Traffic congestion in the Lake Louise area is horrific, and parking is extremely limited! The parking lots are consistently full by sunrise (!) and remain full throughout the day. This means you’ll be hectically driving around and around the parking lots praying for someone to leave. Unless you’re willing to get to the parking lot at 6 am this is a real shot in the dark and could easily ruin your trip!

And don’t think if the parking lot is packed, you can just park down the road. No, park rangers patrol the area and pretty much anywhere you could think of parking is restricted. Plus, even if you arrive early and find a spot at Lake Louise, then you’ll miss the early-bird parking at Moraine Lake. And vice-versa. But not to fear! This is where the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus comes in hand.

You must book your tickets in advance as only a certain number of tickets are sold every day. Walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youths (6 – 17 years), and children under 6 are free! You need to book your ticket in advance and select your specific departure time. This is to ensure no one timeslot is overcrowded. This requires a little bit of extra scheduling but is worth the effort.

Park and Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Park and Ride

This shuttle bus runs from the Park and Ride lot to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Park and Ride area is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway as marked on the map. But there are plenty of signs to direct you on your way. Once you arrive you check-in at the desk to get your ticket and wait for your designated bus. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. From the Park and Ride, you can either go directly to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the park with NO STRESS. No worrying about finding parking spots or the need to arrive at 4 am.

I honestly cannot recommend this service enough. Not only does the shuttle bus take you from the parking lot to either Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you can also take the shuttles between the two lakes. As many times as you want. This guided itinerary to 24-hours in Banff is created around using the public transport system and the shuttle bus as it is truly the BEST WAY to explore the area with ease. The buses run about every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait very long in between shuttles to get where you want to go.

Roam

But how do I get around once I arrive if I take the On-It bus? Well, lucky for you, your On-It tickets allow you to travel for FREE on local Roam Regional services! Roam is the local transit system around the Bow Valley. Even if you don’t have an On-It ticket but want to ditch your car for the day you can get a 1-Day pass for the Roam local transit system. Tickets cost only $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Kids under 13 are free! 

For a 1-Day ticket onto their expanded network, including buses to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon, tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and students.

Banff Accommodation

Although you can easily do this 24-Hour Guide on a day trip from Calgary, staying a night in the mountains is a beautiful way to get more out of your trip to Banff. Plus, there is so much more to do outside of this one-day guide. Accommodation in Banff can be pretty pricey, so if you’re looking to save some money, try visiting during the week and avoid weekends and holidays.

Castle Mountain Chalets

Castle Mountain Chalets is my #1 choice for a stay in Banff. While many people choose to stay in the famous Banff village, this area has become somewhat too touristy for me. If I’m going to head out into the mountains, I want to feel like I’m away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Castle Mountain Chalets are located off the Trans-Canada Highway, just 20 minutes away from Lake Louise, 10 minutes from the Park and Ride lot or 24 minutes from Banff Village. So no matter where you’re off to, this is the perfect outpost.

The chalets are located under the shadow of the incredible Castle Mountain, which towers above. Their rustic and yet opulent buildings are simply stunning. The aroma of the cedar log walls is intoxicating and deeply comforting. They offer a combination of suites inside their lodge (from $189/night ) and larger chalets (from $159-$290 per night). 

Juniper Hotel

The Juniper Hotel is located just on the other side of Banff village. So despite being so close to all the action, it manages to feel tranquil and out of the way. Although the hotel is more than 60 years old, there is a reason it stands today as an icon of Banff tourism. Friendly staff greet you upon walking in the door, and as soon as you step into your room, with its unparalleled views of the mountains, you’ll find it hard to leave! Opt for the deluxe room as it features mountain views and your own private balcony or deck! Starting at $209/night

Airbnbs in Banff and Canmore

In Banff Village and nearby Canmore, there are dozens and dozens of apartments created as timeshare opportunities. These are popular with locals from Alberta who loves to take weekend escapes to the mountains. But during the year when they are not staying there, they rent them out on Airbnb and VRBO. This means there are a plethora of different apartments always online for you to choose from! Lots of people love staying inside Banff Village since there are so many excellent bars and restaurants. So you can get the feeling of going out for a night on the town while in the middle of the mountains.

The best part is there are so many different kinds of rooms, so you can find something for any price point. Wanna splurge? Find yourself a suite with a panoramic view. Need to save some money? There are lots of you can get a smaller single room in Canmore which can be almost half the price of Banff village! If you have a large family these are especially great as they have large kitchens where you can save some money by cooking dinner at home.

A Note about Forest Fires & Smoke

If you’re planning a trip to Banff in the summer, you need to be aware that forest fires as far away as British Columbia might affect the visibility in Banff. Smoke is something any Calgary resident is familiar with. But to visitors, you might, like me, be surprised by just how thick the smoke can be. When smoke is especially prevalent, you should avoid heavy exercise outdoors. If you have a mask, consider wearing it even when outside to prevent excess smoke inhalation.

The views around Banff can be changed drastically by the presence of smoke. Try your best not to let that get you down. I know coming to Lake Louise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some people and they might be disappointed not to get the iconic view which has been made so famous. There is no way to really plan around this, and all you can do is make the best of it. Places where the views are closer to you, like Lake Minnewanka or Johnston Canyon, might be great alternatives if the smoke is very heavy and you want to try Lake Louise of Moraine Lake another day.

Hiking Tips

Many of the short hikes/walks around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are very easy. They don’t require any high fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. Take it at your own pace and just enjoy the beautiful views. Remember to always dress in layers. You might get outta bed in the morning with frost in the air, but by midday, it could be sweltering! So be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a large refillable water bottle, as even with a short or easy hike, you need to keep hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking or running shoes. Even if the trails are flat, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to be comfortable.

Be Bear Aware! 

Even if you’re going on an easy, well-populated hiking trail, you need to be careful of bears. In fact, the area around Lake Louise has the highest ratio of grizzlies to humans in Canada! Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind.

In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour

Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning

Lake Louise is by far the most popular place in all of Banff National Park. It’s the main draw for many visitors. It’s the Eiffel Tower of the Mountains. There are many lakes in the world, but there’s only one Lake Louise. It’s one of the most photographed lakes in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. With its turquoise waters and the surrounding mountain peaks, the lake has become a must-see destination.

As mentioned before, the parking lot at Lake Louise fills up before sunrise. Be sure you’ve booked yourself an early morning ticket onto the Banff Park and Ride Shuttle to Lake Louise. The park fills up a lot throughout the day, and the earlier you arrive, the more you’ll have the place to yourself. Although dealing with loads of tourists is part and parcel with the experience of visiting Lake Louise. But there are definitely ways to get around being overwhelmed by the crowds. Arriving early is one of those ways.

About Lake Louise

Lake Louise was previously named Ho-run-num-nay (Lake of the Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people. The name “Lake Louise” was given to the waters in the 19th century. It was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. She was also the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, then the Governor-General of Canada.

The lake is situated between three great mountains, Mount Temple, Mount Whyte, and Mount Niblock. In the center of the snowcapped mountains, you can make out the massive Victoria Glacier in the center. When the glacier melts it gives the lake that iconic brilliant turquoise colour. The glacier melt that trickles down into the lake contains large particles that refract light’s blue and green wavelengths.

The lake’s water looks like the perfect place for a dip but trust me, you won’t make it past putting your toes in the water. That same glacier melt which colours the waters also means that the lake is either freezing or frozen over! We tried dunking our legs in on one of the hottest days of the years and quickly jumped right out! No chance!

Canoeing on Lake Louise

Renting a canoe on Lake Louise is a bucket list activity for many visitors. And by renting one early in the morning, you’ll find the lake to be the most peaceful and least crowded. As the day goes on, the line for the canoe rentals can get pretty long. Personally, I would recommend renting a canoe at Moraine Lake instead. Moraine is slightly cheaper and I think a little more scenic. But if you have your heart set on renting one at Lake Louise then don’t let anyone stop you! Especially if it’s a nice clear day, the views you’ll get of the waters are indeed spectacular. I’m just personally more a fan of Moraine Lake over Lake Louse (controversial opinion, I know.)

The boathouse where you can rent a canoe is located along the left side of the lake. But here’s the kicker, the cost to rent a canoe is $135/per hour, or $95/hour if you are a hotel guest! If you are travelling with a larger group, the divided cost might be a little more manageable but for couples, it’s a pretty pricey activity.

Fairview Lookout Loop Hike

There are a variety of different hikes you take around Lake Louise. But the Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is my favourite for beginners who just want a taste of hiking in the mountains but don’t want to get into any too difficult or too long. This hike starts on the trail beside the canoe boathouse and loops up around the hillside to the east of Lake Louise.

Most people opt for the Lake Louise Lakeshore walk, a leisurely walk around the west side of the lake. The Lakeshore walk is great in its own right, as it’s super accessible with a paved trail for wheelchair and stroller use. But this trail is SUPER packed with people almost all the time. When we took the alternative Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, we didn’t see a single person on the track the entire time we were walking. It felt so much more peaceful and more like a true hike into nature.

The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is also a short 1 km one-way hike that will take around 45 minutes roundtrip. The walk heads up into the woods towards a gorgeous lookout over the lake and the historic Fairmont Hotel. While the Lakeshore hikes provide unobscured views of the lake the entire time, this is all at the same elevations. The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, on the other hand, actually gives you a more rich introduction to flora and fauna of the Lake Louise area. And that view at the top is otherworldly! On the way back down towards the hotel, the trail pop in and out of the water edge where you’ll get some truly amazing shots along the water. Far better than anything you’ll see on the Lakeshore Trail.

Fairmont Hotel

To cap off the perfect morning at Lake Louise, book yourself an Afternoon High Tea inside the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise in their Fairview Restaurant. The Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise is a historic icon of the area. And although the hotel prices are astronomical, the high tea they offer is shockingly well priced. Plus, you get a stunning view of the entire lake from the inside.

History of the Fairmont Hotel

The origins of the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise began in 1890 when Cornelius Van Horne, a Canadian Pacific Railway manager, built a small log cabin on the shores of the lake. He thought the scenic lake would make for the perfect vacation destination as it was easily accessible by the nearby Canadian Pacific Railway. He named the small lodge, the ‘Chalet Lake Louise’. The small hotel was originally only able to accommodate 50 guests. But over the years, as its popularity grew, the hotel began to expand.

By 1912, the property was seeing over 50,000 people through its doors yearly. Over the years, various fires that swept through the hotel changed its appearance. The current incarnation of the hotel was built in Renaissance Revival style. Renaissance Revival-style architecture drew its inspiration from early western European architecture and consisted of colonnades, low-pitched roofs with grand staircases and magnificent lobbies.

Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise

Once you are escorted inside the grand tea room at the Fairview Restaurant, you’ll be seated at a table either right against the windows or facing the windows. The benefit of being a two-some is that the tables against the windows are for groups of two and have the best view! So if you’re a group of four, consider making two separate reservations inside so you’ll get the window-side tables. Reservations for the high-tea are available from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Afternoon Tea Highlights

The Afternoon Tea features a selection of one of their luxurious tea blends paired with a three-tiered tray of delicious goodies. They are fantastic with accomodating dietary restrictions and even have an entirely vegan menu as well. We caught a glimpse of the vegan trays, and they looked incredible! They also have options for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

The top tray features your choice of scones. We went with the jalapeno cheddar and the Saskatoon berry. The jalapeno cheddar paired perfectly with the marmalade and apricot jam! But my favourite topping for the scones is, of course, the clotted cream. The second tier features tiny savoury pastries like blackened tuna on a croissant, brioche toast with honeycomb and brie, and prawn & avocado.

The last tier is the sweet desserts, and although the sizes look small, we were beyond stuffed by the end of the meal. The staff kindly allowed us to take what we couldn’t finish home. We were sure to eat up the desserts that we knew wouldn’t travel well first. These desserts included macaroons, truffles, passionfruit pot de crème, salted caramel cake, olive oil tarts and lemon meringue. 

Moraine Lake 

After lunch, head back to the parking lot and hop on the Shuttle Bus or Roam Bus towards Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is only 20 minutes away from Lake Louise. As you don’t need to worry about the parking lot being full, it’s a beautiful and relaxing drive through the mountains.

Moraine Lake is known for its incredible colours, which change with the time of day and season. In my opinion, Moraine Lake is THE most iconic view in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a gorgeous glacier-fed lake, just like Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters contrast with its rugged surroundings. The lake is set at an elevation of 1,740 metres and is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. There’s nothing quite like a clear blue sky and shining sun reflecting off the pristine waters of Moraine Lake.

One of the reasons that Moraine Lake isn’t the first choice for visitors, like Lake Louise, is because of its small parking lot and narrow road. Both these aspects made getting to the lake a bit more complicated. But with the introduction of the shuttle bus, more and more people are starting to discover the natural beauty of this amazing National Park. 

Moraine Lake Shore Trail

The Moraine Lake Shore Trail is the most leisurely hike around the lake. And unlike the Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise, this trail is more dynamic, with different views that change as you go. The track is 1.5 km long and takes only about 45 minutes to return. The way the trail weaves in and out of the forest and down to the water’s edge makes it such a beautiful walk, over boardwalks and ending at a babbling rapids. The Rockpile trail, located right off the parking lot, is the most popular route, so you’ll find this trail is a little hidden gem. The stunning colour of the water, just like that of Lake Louise, is created with that glacier water that floods into the lake when the glaciers start to melt in late June.

Canoe Rental

As mentioned before, you can rent canoes on Moraine Lake for $124/hour. While this is still pretty pricey, many people view a trip to Moraine Lake as a bucket list activity. Nothing something you’d splurge on every day. Getting onto the waters is a truly unique experience. Don’t break the bank and feel like you MUST do this, but if you have the money saved and are a big fan of canoeing, you will definitely enjoy yourself.

Rockpile Trail

As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll find access to the famous Rockpile Trail. There is a reason this short hike is so popular. The Moraine Lake Viewpoint, located just 0.4km uphill, is genuinely one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see with such an easily accessible trail. And once you get to the top, you’ll be glad you did!

Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The ten peaks are the ten different mountain peaks that can be seen across the vista. The views you get from the peak of the Rockpile Trail were featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Since then it has been called the “Twenty Dollar View.” The tallest of all the mountains seen from the viewpoint is the Deltaform Mountain, which stands 3424 meters tall.

Banff Village

To end your day, head back down to Banff village. If you take the Shuttle bus, it’s a short drive from the Park and Ride parking lot. If you arrived via the Roam bus, you can easily take the bus directly back to Banff from Moraine Lake.

Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

There are so many unique places to eat in Banff Village, so you really have the pick of the litter. One of the best places we found was Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar. This trendy new restaurant was designed to emulate the atmosphere of being around a campfire bbq. The menu focuses on woodfired food, smokey-savoury flavours and their in-house distilled beverages. Such a homey place to relax after a long day in the mountains.

Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

To end your day in Banff, consider a trip out to Lake Minnewanka to stargaze. If you didn’t drive your own car to Banff, the Roam bus will take you directly from Banff Village to Lake Minnewanka. But be aware the last bus generally leaves around 8:30 pm. The bus ride to Lake Minnewanka is about 30 minutes from Banff, and by car, it’s only 13 minutes. The parking lot is relatively large, and at night, you’ll find it’s much more empty than during the day.

Many people will go up the Banff Gondola to stargaze at the summit, but at $65 per person, the view you get for free from the shores of Lake Minnewanka is just as amazing! Those of us who live mainly in crowded cities rarely get to see the skies without light pollution. And seeing the stars under the gentle shadow of the mountains is such a spectacular sight to see.

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Hopefully, this guide helped you in your planning of the perfect day in Banff! There is so much more to see and do, but you can still take in so much magic from the Rockies for those who can only make it out for the day. Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with me as to if Moraine Lake or Lake Louise is the prettiest spot in Canada!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect Day in Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Grab a Coffe at Gravity Espresso

Gravity Espresso is one of those coffee shops that feels like a staple of the community. Their little artist gallery inside featuring new local talent is such a beautiful way to learn about the artisans who make their living in Inglewood. Sitting in this comfy shop you’ll get to watch locals meet up, chat with their favourite baristas and smile at strangers as their morning begins with a great cup of coffee. And the coffees are really that good!

Have Brunch at Red’s Diner

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, which adds potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Grab a Novel at Fair’s Fair Books

Inglewood is home to some of the best shopping in all of Calgary. Make your first stop at the famed Fair’s Fair Books. This shop has been open since 1988, curating one of the best-used books stores in the province. While some used bookstores are a real shot in the dark for finding what you’re looking for, this enormous store really feels more like a high-end new bookstore as their selection is so deep! Plus, the cute and quirky decorations really make the place so inviting.

Be Entranced at The Apothecary in Inglewood

If you’re looking to relax, then you need to visit the Apothecary in Inglewood! You’re overwhelmed with the intoxicating smell of aromatic herbs, spices, and more just walking in the door. This store is known for its zero waste goods, pure essential oils, bulk herbs and refillable products. Forget Lush bath bombs and instead grab yourself a few of their handmade herbal bombs to pamper yourself in an indulgent bath. I love their selection of locally crafted candles as well. Nothing better than scents to bring back travel memories!

Become a Cowboy at Smithbilt Hats Inc

There’s perhaps no better accessory to shop for in Calgary than a cowboy hat. And no better place to do so than Smithbilt Hats Inc. The Smithbilt’s company was started by Morris Schumiatcher in 1910. The Schumiatcher family immigrated from Russia to Canada and changed their name to Smith when they arrived. The family made and sold dress hats with small brims, as was the style in Europe at the time. But as they spent more time in the prairies, the Stampede Board wanted to have Smithbilt’s create a special hat to promote western wear. This was where the white cattleman hat was invented. The white cattleman hat soon became the symbol of the Stampede and of Calgary itself.

You can still buy your very own white cattleman hat today in the shop. But there are so many more designs to choose from. Everything from classic styles to modern, brightly coloured hats withs feather and jewelled embellishments. Even if hats aren’t your thing, checking out the artistry required to handmake these hats is well worth your time. Drop-in and visit this truly historic Calgary establishment.

Find some Indigenous Made Treasures at Moonstone Creation

Moonstone Creation is an Indigenous-owned and family-run business proud to represent over 60 Indigenous makers and artisans from across Turtle Island. So many people buy Moccasins as a souvenir when visiting anywhere in Canada but rarely are these created by Indigenous makers. To purchase an authentic pair of Moccasins is expensive, but that is because they are intricately made by hand, with genuine leather and embellished with meaningful beading. But most importantly, you are supporting and honouring the Indigenous culture by buying them from Indigenous creators.

If you are looking for a beautiful gift or souvenir, they also have lovely beaded feather & orange shirt brooch kits. It’s a great way to learn about the history of beading and the methods which they have used to create these crafts for hundreds of years. The kits come with all the supplies you need. They also run beading workshops throughout the year, so check their website to see if one is running while you’re in town!

Fill up on Stationary at Recess

For anyone who loves stationery as much as me, visiting Recess is like being a kid in a candy store! There’s nothing better than a bright white interior filled with vividly bejewelled paper treasures. If you haven’t grabbed a new journal to document your travel memories, this is the perfect place to get one. If you’re interested in learning how to create beautiful hand lettering to take your journaling game to the next level, then you should grab one of their customs Learn to Letter Guides. They have so many unique items that will spice up any desk drawer.

Bring Home a Plant

Even if you can’t bring any of these little beauties home with you, a visit to Plant Shop is sure to brighten any grey day. The Plant Shop aims to help re-connect people with the natural world and inspire them to build and maintain more beautiful spaces! Just walking around the shop and looking at all the exotic plants is such a serene experience. They have great selections of handmade and ceramic planters as well in a myriad of exciting designs. So if you have some green beauties at home, you can bring these home as a memento of your trip. Plus their custom DIY Terrariums are a gorgeous gift for anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant to bring some greenery into their home office.

Get Your Spices at The Silk Road Spice Merchant

The Silk Road Spice Merchant is my favourite shop in town. This is the perfect place to come to upgrade your pantry! The colours, smells and flavours of the spices on offer here are captivating. The Silk Road Spice Merchant started up when the owners couldn’t find the kinds of international spices they wanted to try in their cooking. So they aimed to start up their own store where they would carry every type of spice imaginable! One of my favourite things in their shop is their Hot Cocoa blends. They offer Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa, Winter Spice (with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and mace,) Cinnamon Cardamom Hot Cocoa and even Chai Masala Hot Cocoa. All of these warm, exotic flavours are the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold night.

Lunch at Inglewood Drive-In

If it’s time to get something to eat for lunch, head on over to the Inglewood Drive-In. This retro Diner is one of those classic spots you just can’t miss. Don’t let the dated exterior fool you; this place is an iconic Calgary destination. Everything from their mouth-watering handmade burgers, thick milkshakes, crispy onion rings, and perfectly seasoned french fries will make you coming back for more. They even serve up a Dole Whip ice cream! One of the only places you can get this pineapple treat outside of Disneyland. But the old-school foods aren’t without a few modern twists. They have new additions like the curry veggie burger and the spicy kimchi burger.

Hop on a Scooter

If the weather allows during your visit, you need to spend the afternoon explore Inglewood on a Scooter. There are several different companies that serve the Calgary area, with the various brands of scooters littering the sidestreets of the city. Bird scooters, Lime and Neuron Mobility, are the most popular and readily available in the city. Download the related app, and you’ll be able to see which scooters are the closest to you. You can also see on the app which scooters have the most battery life since you don’t wanna get stuck with no battery.

These scooters are so much fun to ride. Although you can easily walk to the following destinations spread out around Inglewood, the scooters are a blast to use and make the journey a little more speedy and a lot more fun! Simply hop on the scooter and make your way into the parkland towards our next destination.

Relax at Harvie Passage

Head north along 13th Street and east along New St. along the Bow River. The residential neighbourhood quickly gives way to the beautiful natural environment of the Pearce Estate Park. This tree-filled pathway is such a calming part of the city and the fact its mere steps away from the main street is one of the amazing things about Calgary.

Making your way along the river, you’ll reach the Harvie Passage Lookout. The Harvie Passage Lookout is wonderfully designed to give visitors a stunning view of the rapids below. Harvie Passage is a fast-running channel off the Bow River. After a massive flood in 2013, the city went about an extensive redesign to not only make this part of the river safer (for the rafters who would constantly sneak onto the waters) but provide a more enjoyable experience for river-based recreationists.

Kids and adults can wear lifejackets and ride down the western passage, which was created as a natural river ride. Lots of locals bring floaties or small rafts to ride down the river rapids as well. Even if you don’t have any of these with you, the stone steps they have created make a great place to rest your feet on a hot day. It’s incredible to see the entire community come out on hot days to enjoy this amazing riverside feature. And best of all, it’s totally free!

Enjoy a 5-Course Dinner at Deane House

One of the best ways to end off your day is with dinner at Deane House. Deane House was initially built in 1906 for Captain Richard Deane, who worked at Fort Calgary. Eventually, the house was moved the where you find it today. It was moved in 1929 to an area with a better view of the Elbow River. Over the years, the house was used as a boarding home and then purchased by the city to be used as a gallery.

Today, it’s home to one of the best restaurants in the city. In the summertime, you can dine outside in their immersive garden, rain or shine. Although they have a complete a-la-carte menu, the best option is their delightful 5-course chef’s tasting menu. The chef curates this selection weekly to suit the flavours and fresh produce of the month. The 5-course menu is $90 per person, which is truly a great price for the quality of food you receive. It’s such a fantastic way to cap off your evening.

Sunset on Scotsman’s Hill

If you’re looking for a spot to watch the sunset over the city, take a walk through ENMAX Park to the top of Scotsman’s Hill. To get there you’ll walk through the Elbow Riverpath which is the most serene walking path surrounded by Calgary’s relaxing natural landscape. Scotsman’s Hill is one of the best places in the town to give a view of Calgary’s skyline set behind a steep escarpment facing the Elbow River.

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Late Night Drinks at Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.

To end the night, take a walk over to the Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. Ol’Beautiful Brewing Co. is located in this little hidden away corner of Inglewood, where you’ll want to while the night away. I’m not going to lie; the design of the beer cans drew me in right away but it was the amazing atmosphere that made me want to stay. The time-worn and well-loved interior designs of their taproom feels like it belongs in the hippest streets of Los Angeles or New York City. Inside this chic and vintage-adorned interior, you can sit and enjoy any of their amazing craft brews. Best of all surrounded by their friendly staff and incredible regulars. They are more than happy to help you find your perfect brew! If the weather is nice, their outdoor patio is a lively and fun place to enjoy your drinks.

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Play some Games at Revival Brewcade

If you’re a night owl and aren’t yet ready for your night to end, head back up to 9th avenue to Revival Brewcade. While the bar is stocked with incredible drinks, the best thing about this place is the retro pinball and arcade machines that line the walls. One of my biggest pet peeves about so-called “retro arcade bars” is how expensive the games can be. But here at Revival Brewcade, you can buy a $5 all you can play pinball card!! This will keep you there all night trying to get the top score!

After a day of cold brews, boutiques, beers and bars, it’s time to head back to your hotel or home for the night. Hopefully, you found more interesting shops along the way, which keep you coming back to Inglewood for more! Let me know in the comments if I missed your favourite place!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How To Spend the Perfect Day in Inglewood Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Coffee & Cafes
   • Analog Coffee
   • La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
   • Lukes Drug Mart
   • Kaffeeklatsch
2. Brunch
   • Our Daily Brett
   • Red's Diner on 4th
   • Galaxie Diner
   • Monki Bistro
3. Lunch
   • Park By Sidewalk Citizen
   • Native Tongues Taqueria
   • Actually Pretty Good
   • Myhre's Sandwich Shop
4. Sweet Treats
   • Hoopla Donuts
   • Don't Yell At Me Cafe
   • Made By Marcus
   • Black Sheep Pâtisserie
5. Dinner
   • Lulu Bar
   • Comery Block Barbecue
   • Aida's Bistro
   • A1 Cafe & Bodega
6. Markets & Specialty Shops
   • Peasant Cheese Mission
   • Kalamata Grocery
   • Bridgeland Market
   • The Blue Store

Coffee & Cafes

As soon as my feet touch the ground in a new city, I’m on the hunt for a good cup of coffee! Partly to quell the jetlag and partly as a means to just sit back and relax. When 9 am hits on vacation, there’s no need to jug down that coffee and run to the office. Instead, you can savour the brew, bring out a book and just take in the sounds of the city.

Analog Coffee

Walking into Analog Coffee almost felt like walking into someone’s family kitchen. The vibes inside were so friendly. Everyone seemed to know each other, buying drinks for their friends and catching up with the staff. This is always a key indicator to know when a place is good. They have a wide selection of signature coffees and tea lattes for those who aren’t a fan of the bean. These pastries are all brought in from local bakeries. The indoor-outdoor seating offers a comfortable setting any time of the year. During certain hours of the day, they even have a small DJ booth area where you can enjoy live music! Truly a unique and special place to spend your mornings.

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe holds a very place in my heart. It was where my grandparents would come every morning to enjoy a chai latte and mocha with each other even in the last years of their lives. Dating till the very end! But it’s not just my warm fuzzy memories that make this cafe and bakery an extraordinary place. Locals flock to the bakery every morning with a line out to the door.

The family-owned restaurant offers up a distinctive variety of fresh, flaky pastries. There is seemingly always something new to try and make your mouth water. And their coffee is the perfect companion to those sweet treats. For me, their chai latte is a personal favourite, but their espresso is deep and delicious. Be warned that this place is always busy, so your order might take a bit longer than the typical coffee shop. Just take a seat on their Parisian inspired patio, and people watch while you wait on your order.

Lukes Drug Mart

Coffee in a Drug Store? Not exactly the first place you might think of, but trust me on this one, Lukes Drug Mart is worth the trip to Bridgeland, just north of the river! And yes, it really is a Drug Store. In fact, it is the oldest independently owned pharmacy in Calgary, opening in 1951. This location is now home to a trendy cafe. But the store is also filled with a small vinyl record collection, specialty grocery items, quality skincare and cosmetics. As well as the typical drug store items you’d expect to find in a pharmacy.

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Kaffeeklatsch

Kaffeeklatsch is a cozy little cafe located on 12th avenue. The word ‘Kaffeeklatsch‘ is a combination of two Germain words, which mean “coffee” and “gossip.” What more could you want! The word is the perfect description of what truly feels like a homely coffee shop where friends meet up to chat and get caffeinated before work. The shop is home to a small lending library, so if you forgot a book to bring on your vacation, you can pick one up here and just drop it back off before you leave!

One of the best parts of the coffee shop is pairing your morning brew with their traditional german pastries available fresh every morning! One of the more unique coffees available only at Kaffeeklatsch is the Black Forest Cake Lattee. This drink is made with chocolate milk, espresso and topped with cherries and whipped cream. If you wanna drink your pastries, this is the thing for you!

Brunch

Our Daily Brett

Hidden away, up in the Mount Royal neighbourhood, is one of the BEST brunch places in all of Calgary. Our Daily Brett prides itself on good, honest food, and it really lives up to the hype. Their adorable and chic restaurants are also home to one of the best curated retail shops in the entire city as well. So once you’re finished eating, you can browse the walls filled with local goods. Their menu is so diverse, with something for everyone. But the Huevos Rancheros and Shakshuka are some tried and true favourites.

If you’re a fan of pickles, you MUST order a side of their fresh turmeric pickles with chilli flakes. It makes for the perfects savoury bite to pair with your meal. If you want something special to drink, try their lavender fog latte! Honestly, anytime I see this one on the menu, I order it up as fast as I can!

Red’s Diner on 4th

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner on 4th is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, adding potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Galaxie Diner

The minute I spotted the retro-painted exterior of the Galaxie Diner, I knew I was going straight inside. While the trendy decor is one thing, good food is another, and happily, I was met with both! They are best known for their incredible breakfast burrito, but for me, the sourdough french toast is ALWAYS the way to go! That slight tang the sourdough gives to balance out the sweetness is perfect. With bottomless cups of coffee, toast and hashbrowns, there really is no reason to leave!

Monki Bistro

If you have a sweet tooth, then run, don’t walk, over to Monki Bistro. Handily they have two locations, one downtown and one over in the hipster neighbourhood of Inglewood. They frequently have specialty items on the menu, such as their Cookies and Cream French toast. This intensely rich dish is covered in crumbled Oreos, Nutella, whipped cream and cheesecake sauce served atop their iconic MONKI French Toast (which is thick as a brick!) Another one of their super unique items is the Brisket Poutine. This dish is made with slow-braised beef brisket cooked with truffle ricotta, cream cheese, and mushrooms. Then it’s topped with hashbrowns, smoked gouda, mozzarella cheese mix, a poached egg, hollandaise and a dash of hot sauce! I mean…Are you drooling yet?

Lunch

Park By Sidewalk Citizen

Right off of Central Memorial Park, you can dine on some of the most delicious shareable lunchtimes treats at Park By Sidewalk Citizen. Sidewalk Citizen has several locations around Calgary, but this is my absolute favourite. There is no way to not mention the gorgeous decor, which is a blend of beautiful natural wood and fantastical plants which feel like they blend right into the park’s backdrop. I’m one of those people that loves “sides,” and this restaurant serves up some of the most delicious sides, which I was more than happy to have as my entree. The honey, lemon and rose halloumi was some of the best things I’ve ever eaten! So simple and yet so deep! Don’t miss out on this place!

Native Tongues Taqueria

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know my deep love for Mexico City! So whenever I’m anywhere else in the world where I see a taqueria that reminds me of Mexico City, I have to go right in. And Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary was one of those places that felt like it transports you somewhere else, both with the decor and the food!

They focus on traditional Mexican street and market foods, which makes it the perfect place for lunch. If you’re visiting with a friend or a group, you MUST try the salsa tasting. The tasting consists of freshly made tortillas and an assortment of five different salsa. Each one is increasing in the spiciness. The waiter comes out and presents each salsa to you like they were fine wines; it was amazing! The pork belly taco was my favourite, though, but that’s no surprise, as it’s always the best choice

Actually Pretty Good

If you are looking for the cutest spot to grab a pizza, look no further than Actually Pretty Good! If you are gluten or dairy-free, this place also offers up some amazing alternatives for any diet. Their incredible creations are really unique, especially the Club Med Pizz, which has semi-sun dried tomatoes, charred red onion, calabrian chillies, roasted red pepper, kale, feta, mozzarella. YUM! Also, be sure to grab one of MANY of their dunking sauces; Hot Honey of the Roasted Garlic Tahini really takes that crust to the next level!

Myhre’s Sandwich Shop

When most people think of smoked meat, think of Montreal. Luckily Calgary has its very own authentic Montreal smoked meat at Myhre’s Sandwich Shop. Their counter even has a sign on it that says, “We specialize in skeptical Montrealers,” so you know it’s going to be good if they’re that confident. Although I do love a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, I can’t say no to a grilled Reuben! Plus, the interior of this place just feels like you’re in a different time and place. Everything about this place truly hits the spot.

Sweet Treats

Hoopla Donuts

I am someone who feels like a meal isn’t complete without dessert. Especially when I’m on vacation, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat. And a specialty donut shop is just one of those things that I’m always on the lookout for! Hoopla Donuts caught my eye right away with this modern and brightly coloured branding, but when I walked inside and saw their selection of donuts, my jaw dropped.

Their aim is to create high-end donuts with unique ingredients and flavours. Even the presentation is of the utmost importance. It’s almost like a fancy pastries shop. Their flavours range from everything from crème brûlée (which actually has a hard brûlée crust on top,) cherry chocolate pie, caramel corn, raspberry chai old fashioned, London fog and horchata. Best of all, many of their flavours are available in gluten-free versions, and some are naturally vegan! Trust me, make this one of your first stops, and you’ll be back every day!

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe is a boutique bubble tea shop that specializes in some of the most incredible bubble tea flavours. Bubble tea is another one of those sweet treats that pair flawlessly with walking around the city. It powers you up and is the ideal thing to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. I was entranced by their cotton candy milk tea but was so worried it would be too sweet, but once I tasted it, I was so happy to find that it was the PERFECT level of sweetness. This place truly knows what they are doing.

Their goal is to make beautiful and tasteful layered milk tea, chocolate milk, creative sparkling water and freshly ground coffee, so even if you don’t like bubble tea, there will be something for you! Those jade pearl with Sakura milk tea, though, is absolutely worth a try if you’re in town!

Made By Marcus

If you love ice cream, then you NEED to make time to head over to Made by Marcus! And luckily for you, they have four locations around Calgary, so you have no excuse not to go. Made By Marcus actually started out as a macarons bakery. Macarons require lots of egg white, and so not wanting to waste anything, they turned the yolks into small-batch ice cream. Well, the ice cream started to outsell the macarons (and aren’t we all over macarons), so they decided to just make the ice cream!

And this is no ordinary ice cream. They create truly unique made-from-scratch ice cream with local ingredients supporting Alberta-based farmers, roasters, distillers and artisans. Every month they released limited batches like Peach Blackberry Habanero, Whisky Caramel Cornbread Crunch, Odd Company Passionfruit Coconut Sour and Apricot Almond Tart! But their classics are still super special flavours like Lemon Saffron coconut sorbet, sea salt and goat milk caramel, chinook honey lavender apricot and vegan chocolate brownie fudge!

Black Sheep Pâtisserie

Every time I’m travelling I spend a bit of time before I leave looking up the top-rated restaurants and shops in the city I’m visiting. And rarely do you find a shop with a rating as high as Black Sheep Pâtisserie. It’s almost unbelievable. So obviously, I had to try it for myself. Their croissants are what have been making the rounds online, and they do not disappoint! They are airy, flaky and gorgeous to look at! But these aren’t just regular butter croissants. You can get raspberry filled with house-made jam, pear and vanilla, even grapefruit! All made with that iconic coloured ribbon of dough which makes them perfectly instagrammable! But it’s not just stunt food; it’s the real deal.

Dinner

Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar is where you go to escape from the ordinary in Calgary. They tried to recreate a little backyard oasis in the centre of downtown. Their aim is to make guests feel like they’re on vacation with their Pacific-inspired menu. And they really did succeed. Just sitting out on the patio with my adorable kitty-cat cocktail, I felt like I should be on the beach in Honolulu. Their wagyu beef tartare was amazing, but the best part of the meal was the BBQ crispy half duck served on turmeric crepes with pickles and tamarind sauce. Gluten-free and tasty beyond belief!

Comery Block Barbecue

I had passed Comery Block Barbecue several times while walking around the city. The smell drew me in every time, so I made sure to book a reservation ASAP. Comery Block Barbecue is a West-Tennessee-inspired BBQ and Bourbon joint on 17th Avenue. While I’m no whiskey aficionado, I do adore some good BBQ. They serve meat by the half-pound, but as usual, for me, it’s the sides that make the entire meal. Their collard greens were indeed some of the best collard greens I’ve ever had! That cornbread with honey butter was out of this world. The atmosphere in this place is so cheery with large shared tables and music that just makes you wanna get up and dance. The kind of place to come to spend a long summer evening watching the sunset and the little twinkle lights come on to light up your night.

Aida’s Bistro

For a taste of Lebanon in the centre of Calgary, you have to head over to Aida’s Bistro. Just the sheer variety of these international restaurants is the one thing that surprised me so much about Calgary. Who knew you could travel around the world in just one city. And Aida’s Bistro is one of the best. Their meals are genuinely made with love, and the intimate environment feels like you’re eating mom’s home cooking. Try their dip sampler platter as the perfect way to start your meal. Their shared plates are the perfect amount for two people, and I love the feeling of eating together like this.

A1 Cafe & Bodega

A1 Cafe and Bodega is a unique blend of a restaurant and neighbourhood grocer in the centre of Calgary’s hip downtown neighbourhood. The bodega section of the restaurants serves the community with local produce. The restaurants then use the products that would otherwise go to waste to help create a zero waste environment. Their aim is to create foods that sustain you and the planet! But the food is out of this world! The dishes are loosely Mediterranean-influenced, with a long list of charcuterie items and sharable plates. I know, I know here I go with the shared plates! But trust me on this one, the dill and butter potatoes, roasted beets and ricotta, harissa octopus and peaches and cream stracciatella are all too good to be kept to yourself!

Markets & Specialty Shops

Peasant Cheese Mission

If you prefer to make a little picnic and take that with you while you’re in town, there are some truly unique and fantastical markets and specialty shops you need to visit! Peasant Cheese Mission is one of the most amazing cheeses and charcuterie shops in the entire city. The people who own the shop are some of the kindest and most helpful cheesemongers without an ounce of pomp.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a cheese shop doesn’t want to cut the cheese too small, and you end up with huge chunks of cheese you’ll never finish eating on your little picnic. But this place knows how to help you curate the perfect mini platter for your vacation, so you don’t have any leftovers at the end of the meal. Be sure to ask for their pickled purple cauliflower; it’s the most incredible pairing for any cheese plate.

Kalamata Grocery

Kalamata Grocery is one of those grocers you might pass right by but is totally worth popping inside. This building has been home to a grocery store since it opened in 1912! Kalamata Grocery Store. This tiny international grocer features a fantastic selection of foods, spices and candy from around the world (specializing in Greece, Turkey, Spain.) Pop in to shop the olive bar, try their hand-made feta, grab some Turkish honey, and pick up a few ricotta cheese triangles.

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Bridgeland Market

Bridgeland Market is one of those places that feel like it’s from a bygone era. It manages to maintain that old-school corner store feeling while serving up everything the modern gourmand requires! There is a wonderful selection of local products as well as some international delights. They have cold brew coffee on tap, custom-made floral bouquets and wide selections of produce, fresh bread, meats and cheeses. Be sure to snap a picture outside with their hilarious marquee sign, which is always changing up their sayings to make people smile.

The Blue Store

In the popular neighbourhood of Inglewood, the Blue Store is where you need to come to find your essential groceries plus some truly extraordinary delights! If you’re looking for Korean Fried Chicken, this is the place for you! Grab some to-do along with a tray of Yakuza Sushi and a large iced slushie! Their aim in creating this general store was to bring affordable groceries to everyone in the community and embrace the nostalgia of this heritage building. They have restored the original hardwood floors and tin ceilings and added a 60’s & 70’s inspired mural outside. This is the perfect place to grab a handful of snacks and ready-to-eat meals and head over to the edge of the Bow River to enjoy your meal with the best view in town!

After reading all this, you must be drooling? After wiping away that drool, get yourself onto a plane, train or automobile and make your way to Calgary to try these places for yourself! Let me know in the comment if I missed any of your faves!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Spots you MUST EAT at in Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.