Calgary is home to the legendary Calgary Stampede, gateway to Banff National Park, and the emerald waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The city sits in the lush Bow River Valley, carved by glaciers millions of years ago. Crystal clear waters flow from the Rockies that meet in a confluence of rivers at the city’s core, providing incredible outdoor opportunities in this dynamic tourist destination of 1.5 million. As a Calgary native, here is my personal list of Calgary’s best kept secrets – where to eat, drink, stay and play in this fantastic city.
Calgary is a well-known economic hub within Canada’s west, evidenced by its breathtaking skyline. Calgary is also a major international tourist destination with over 8 million visitors each year visiting the area. Visitors to Calgary discover plentiful leisure activities in the many regions in and around Calgary, including nearby Kananaskis Park and world-renowned Banff National Park.
This charming city in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Canada has nearly every activity you could desire, for every skill level, including fly fishing, skiing, hiking, biking and watersports like extreme white water rafting!
Calgary’s Best Kept Secrets: Culinary
Calgary’s features world-class culinary experiences due to its abundant local talent, local ingredients, and diverse ethnic cuisine from nearly every culture. The area is known for producing some of the best beef on the planet. When visiting Calgary, you will find world-renowned Alberta Beef nearly everywhere, from the corner diner to world-class steak houses.
If you are in the mood for a classic steakhouse experience a la the 1960s, you can’t miss Caesars, an old-world institution known by nearly everyone who has worked and dined in Calgary’s downtown core.
Read more about outdoor activities like Fat Tire Winter Bike Trekking in the Calgary Banff Area!
Where to Eat and Drink in Calgary’s Downtown Core
These are some of my personal favourite local spots in and around Calgary.
Yellow Door Bistro – This charming bistro is located in the acclaimed boutique hotel, Hotel Arts. I love their bar seating, whimsical decor and focus on local ingredients. I’ve been there for cocktails at the bar as well as for their Flat Iron Steak Frites. A hometown favourite of mine. Website, Menu, Contact: +1.403.206.9585
Blanco Cantina – this Beltline Mexican cantina is in the busy 17th Avenue area (the street is also sometimes referred to as The Red Mile). Blanco is not at all a “Best Kept Secret” as it is a chain restaurant, but it does offer a fun atmosphere and makes great margaritas! Website
Pulcinella – “Straight out of Naples” is their claim, this lively Kensington restaurant offers fresh, authentic, “Napoletana cooking”. This is one of my go-to places before concerts or events at the nearby Jubilee Auditorium, and also a great place to bring out-of-towners for an incredible pizza or pasta experience. Obviously, try the pizza! However, you can’t go wrong with any of their dishes or antipasti, such as the Prosciutto with Whipped Gorgonzola or the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. Website, Menu, Contact: +1.403.283.1166
River Café – Located within serene Prince’s Island Park, in the heart of Downtown Calgary, this Calgary staple of Canadian Cuisine is one of the most charming and romantic culinary destinations I’ve been to in Calgary. Their objective is to deliver seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen practising responsible stewardship. The locale and decor is well worth the visit alone. Website, Menu, Contact: +1.403.261.7670
Eighty-Eight Brewing Company – Every beer on offer in this top-notch brewery and taproom pays homage to Calgary’s past, including, of course, their name – ’88 Brewing Company, which is a reference to Calgary’s 1988 Winter Olympic Games. A wide variety of beers are paired with their massive square ‘Portland Street Pizza’ served in the cozy taproom. I love the Wave Pool Tropical IPA! Website, Menu, Contact: +1.403.452.5880
Palomino Smokehouse & Showroom – The proprietors describe it as “BBQ, Bands, and Beer in the heart of downtown Calgary”. What more can you ask for in Stampede City? This is a lively music and BBQ venue with a fun vibe, directly adjacent to the Hyatt Hotel. Worth the stop. Website, Menu, Contact:
Calgary’s Signature Libation, the Caesar!
Two things that are synonymous with Calgary’s tourists are the Calgary Stampede and the classic Canadian Cocktail, the Caesar. Created in 1969 in what is now The Westin Calgary hotel on 4th Ave SW., the drink was conceived originally in the old worldly lounge called the Owl’s Nest, which I remember seeing in my early years! The drink is often referred to as the Canadian version of the Bloody Mary, with a twist. (I think it is far better!)
The drink is often accompanied by various accoutrements, from the traditional celery stalk to shrimp and various seafood concoctions, even mini-burger slides on a stick. If you want to sit and drink one where it was invented, you can grab a seat in what is now the Keg restaurant and Bar in the Westin Calgary Hotel. The Keg features a pretty decent Caesar and has a great selection of Burgers, Steaks and Prime Rib.
Where to Stay in Calgary’s Downtown Core
The best place to stay in Calgary is in the Beltline area of Calgary’s Downtown, or near the east end of Stephen Avenue Mall (8th Ave. S.W.), a walking street that is full of restaurants and bars, and near the Light Rail Transit system, which is free to ride within the downtown core.
Hotel Arts – This Boutique Hotel is an intimate, low-key luxury hotel that is often frequented by touring artists and celebrities filming TV and Movies in and around Calgary. The standout feature is the year-round outdoor pool on the rooftop, complete with a poolside restaurant patio. The Pool is covered with an inflatable roof in the rougher weather. Website, Contact: +1.403.266.4611 Email: [email protected]
Hyatt Regency Calgary – The Hyatt is situated in one of the best spots in Downtown Calgary. Next to transit, the vast majority of pubs and restaurants are just steps away in one of the most lively areas of town. This hotel is a go-to favourite of mine as well as my friends and coworkers! Website
Conclusion
Calgary is a great place to visit in any season, it’s a safe, clean and hospitable city with close proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. These are just a few of my personal favourites that I think are “Calgary’s Best Kept Secrets” that I like to share with visitors to Calgary, whether they are here for leisure or business. Let me know below what your personal favourites are. I would love to check them out!