I didn't really see much of...
by ABL1958
I didn't really see much of Calgary, other than what one sees from the airplane as one comes down for a landing. What impressed me most about the city was the broadness of it. It goes on for miles. The heart of the city centers around tall skyscrapers and is then surrounded by miles of suburban landscape. Beyond that is the prairie that leads up to the Rockies, my destination. Calgary was only my starting point on this trip, the beginning of my experiencing the Rockies. And that experience is unforgettable. I'll enclose pictures because they speak to the beauty far better than my words can. Feel free to ask me questions as well.
An interesting site with interactive maps of the area: http://www.ccvb.pair.com/flash/downtowncalgary.htm
Located in south central...
by lexnrena
Located in south central Alberta, Calgary is the heart of the pronvince. Oil fields all around. The picturesque Bow River meanders its way through the city.
1.5 hours drive on Highway 1 west to Banff National Park, 2 hours to Lake Louise.
A 3 hour drive north is Edmonton.
above is a map of Calgary Spending time with Lena of course.
That is where she is from and I dragged her back to B.C. with me.
Skywalks between Skyscrapers
by penumbra
Some Canadian cities tunnel underground to avoid winter weather. Calgary has taken to the air. Regardless of the weather outside, Calgarians can still get to their favorite lunch spot without even putting on a coat. These tunnels in the sky get their name, +15’s (pronounced “Plus Fifteens”) from the fact that they’re supposed to be at least fifteen feet above the road to allow trucks to pass underneath. City planners have encouraged new buildings to incorporate Plus 15’s in their design with the result that most of Calgary’s downtown buildings are now connected via the second floor. Because these walkways are so popular with pedestrians, entire communities of stores, food courts and services have grown up on this level. If you keep to the street level, you’ll miss half of downtown. Currently, there are 57 bridges and 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of public walkways. For the directionally challenged, there are blue signs over each walkway entrance giving the name of the street being crossed and a picture of the direction being traveled (North: Fish for the river, East: Wheat for the prairies, South: A Train for the Railway and West: Mountains for the Mountains). As well, there are blue maps of the system periodically available on pedestals within the buildings.
Packing List
by Kaglis
If you are coming in the winter, pack some warm stuff. Layers are the best because the weather changes in Calgary can be extreme and frequent.
Summer is not hot, just comfortable. You will need something for the evenings as the air gets cool at night. When camping in the mountains be prepared for some cool nights. When the sun goes down the temperature cools off, but then you'll wake up to some heat when the sun beats down on you.
Most developed camp sites are well equiped with water supplies, wood (that you have to buy) but if you are going back-country camping be prepared to be self-sufficient. It you're coming for Stampede, get on your cowboy boots and hat!
Drive the route 66
by cyclephil
for a great day trip drive east on highway 22x and you will be heading to Kananaskis Country. Once you pass the turn off for Bragg Creek the road is AB66. along this route you will find little lakes and the Elbow river. Driving to the end of the road you will be greeted with spectacular views of mountains and alpine meadows. when you turn around the drive will be totally different as you will be going down hill and will see beautiful valleys and rivers. stop at elbow falls for a nice little vista overlooking the falls, have a picnic and there are latrines there if needed. after go into Brag Creek for some ice cream at the alpine village mall. note you can not go past the falls in the winter, but still a nice drive.
http://www.kananaskis.com/
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Cowboy up!
JACK
A Pheasant struts around its territory.
Dinasoar looks real amid the rocks and trees.
