Alberta in June
I haven't had the drive to write for a while. To be able to sit down and put something on the screen has felt like a chore.
Today I woke up with a plan to write about something. I have been doing a good amount of travelling as of late, since it is summer and we have the time during this season. Most have been great little holidays and have felt really fun for me.
I'm lucky to have family in Alberta. I once also used to live there many years ago, so I am kind of attached. Most people only get a chance to see the Rockies a few times in their life, meanwhile I know some of the mountains by name. I like the fact I can visit Calgary and understand a little more about how things work there and to take of the blinders of being an Ontarian to see their side of the story. I also like to go to Banff and bask in the beauty and romance of the mountains.
Every year I go to see my family in Calgary and visit friends who I used to work with in Ontario and in BC. I'm so familiar with the areas in the city that I take public transit and suggest places to eat now instead of knowing little about where to go. One year I would like to plan a visit during stampede and see the rodeo's like I did in 2013. During this visit, I watched the city getting ready for the main event which was happening in a couple of weeks,
This visit was focused around a little person's birthday, so that took centre stage when planning. Other days were spent catching up with friends and walking the city when the weather was nice. I am always happy to take a trip to Canmore and Banff while visiting. Those places are very special to me, so I was happy to be there once again.
Here are the places I went on my most recent visit. Check them out next time you are in Calgary and Banff. Let me know if you are looking for recommendations on places to go and stay while in the province and if they are worth it or not.
River Walk and River Cafe
Right by the river there is a beautiful walk that takes you to Princess Island and the River Cafe. There you will find beautiful nature and people enjoying the paved walkway through the park. Keep walking and stop at River Cafe for lunch. A hyper sustainable restaurant that is perfect for lunch or dinner. See what they are growing outside!
Best of Kin and Annex Ale Project
Calgary has a really good craft beer scene. There are numerous microbreweries in Calgary that are noteworthy and worth the time to go to. Some are even in the same neighborhood so it is typical to go for a few samplings in one trip. These 2 breweries are not close together but are small and cute. Best of Kin also happens to be owned by a friend of mine, so it makes it all the more nicer to come in and say hi.
Annex Ale Project is in an industrial neighborhood that has a row of microbreweries. People often bike there and get smash burgers from the stand inside to get nourishment for their next stop.
Inglewood and 9th Ave.
This area is perfect for shopping and browsing. Grab a coffee and take a look at the many stores on this street. There are a few really cool vintage stores that are worth stopping at. You can also go to an authentic cowboy hat store and check out what they are selling. There could be a cowboy hat that catches your eye!
Canmore Main Street
When driving into the Rockies, you must make a stop in Canmore. I call it the cool Auntie of Banff. This is a town that has the same charm as it's family member with less the people. In recent years, it is becoming a busy place so go early in the day if you can. Check out a bakery and grab a coffee to stroll the street underneath the 3 Sisters (mountain range right above Canmore). The main street is pedestrian friendly all summer long. You can also make a trip to Grassy Lakes for a hike, which is close to the the town. Get there early as the parking lot gets full.
3 Bears and Banff Ave. Brewing
Taking a trip to Banff? Why not stop at some of the hip new breweries and share a pizza and a flight? Both 3 Bears and Banff Brewing are on the second floor of their buildings, so they are perfect places to people watch while grabbing a bite. Get away from the crowds and have a rest while drinking a cold one.
Hopefully some of these tips are helpful on your next trip to Alberta. Let me know if you enjoy these stops as well!
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