Calgary

Four Days in Calgary Before Heading to Banff: Hits and Misses Recommended Spots ✅Calgary Central Library Design and Ambiance: The library features a modern and unique architectural design. It's clean, spacious, and well-organized. Book Selection: The library has an extensive collection of books suitable for all ages. Facilities: The top floor has a quiet reading room, perfect for those who want to spend a peaceful day reading. There's also a dedicated children's play area. Tip: If you have ample time, consider spending a whole day here to fully enjoy the library's offerings. ✅Calgary Zoo Location: Easily accessible via the CTrain Blue Line. Experience: The zoo exceeded our expectations, especially coming from Washington, where we have high standards for zoos. Highlights: The zoo has a wide variety of animals and offers opportunities for close encounters. It's a place where both children and adults can have a great time exploring different animal exhibits. Stephen Ave Walk & Devonian Gardens Stephen Ave Walk: This pedestrian walkway is located in the heart of the city's mall. It's lined with numerous restaurants on both sides, making it a great spot for dining. Devonian Gardens: Located on the top floor of the mall, this garden is a popular spot for office workers to gather for lunch or after-work relaxation. The garden has a unique atmosphere, somewhat reminiscent of Amazon's Spheres. +15 Walkways Purpose: These walkways are not a tourist attraction but a practical system built to help Calgarians avoid the harsh winter cold. Amenities: The walkways are lined with coffee shops and food courts. The Brookfield Center, in particular, has excellent lighting and a pleasant atmosphere. Tip: The Deville coffee shop nearby is highly recommended for its delicious beverages. ✅Chinook Centre Shopping: This large shopping center on the south side of Calgary is perfect for purchasing Canadian brands like Canada Goose, Moose Knuckles, Lululemon, and Aritzia. Value: With the favorable exchange rate and a 5% tax, shopping here is quite affordable and offers great value. Misses ⛔️Studio Bell Location: Conveniently located near the library. Experience: While it's a significant landmark for Canadian music culture, I personally found it less engaging due to my limited knowledge of Canadian music. It might be more appealing to music enthusiasts. ⛔️Telus Spark Science Centre Content: The exhibits are primarily designed for children, and the Infinity Dome movie was not particularly impressive. Tip: This place might be more enjoyable for families with young children who are interested in interactive science exhibits. Conclusion Calgary offers a mix of cultural, educational, and recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet day in a library, explore a world-class zoo, or enjoy some retail therapy, the city has something for everyone. While some attractions might not be as engaging for all age groups, the overall experience of exploring Calgary's diverse offerings is definitely worth the time. #CanadaTravel #Calgary #CalgaryLife #CalgaryAB #BanffNationalPark #BanffSurroundings