Chinooks are your friend

The folk-etymology of the word Chinook means “ice-eater” which is no surprise considering it often causes any present snow to melt (much to the delight of Calgarians). A new Calgarian can spot a Chinook by it’s signature cloud arch which will often seem to reach across the entire sky. But watch out because it is also known to cause a spike in migraine occurrences so stock up on some Advil!

Ginger beef was invented in Calgary

There are many cities and chefs that claim to have invented ginger beef but it is most widely accepted that the true origin of the dish is none other than Calgary. The dish is said to have been developed during the mid-1970s by chef George Wong at the Silver Inn in Calgary. The dish has become a staple of Chinese take-out in Calgary and across Canada. The CBC Radio One program The Main Ingredient even featured it in one of their radio segments.

The Caesar (the cocktail) was also invented in Calgary

This Calgary favourite is typically a mixture of vodka, clamato juice (a mix of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, served in a glass rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a celery stalk and lime. It was invented in 1969 by restauranteur Walter Chell at what is now the Westin Hotel. If you’ve never had one you are missing out!

It is acceptable to drink a slurpee in any season

It’s no secret that Calgarian’s like their slurpees (slushies for those not in the know), as do many people, on a hot summer day. What can catch a new Calgarian off-guard is seeing a true blood Calgarian, slurpee in mitted hand while huffing through a blizzard! That’s right, Calgarians will treat themselves to a slurpee in any and all weather. It is truly an all-season drink.

It’s pronounced Cal-grie, not Cal-gar-ie

If you want to truly fit in with the native Calgarians you must be able to talk like them. A native will spot you a mile away if you pronounce it as the three-syllabled Cal-gar-ie. True Calgarians always drop the extra syllable and pronounce it Cal-grie.

Now that you know how to talk and eat like a Calgarian you’re going to fit right in!

Walk

A city that was made for pedestrians, Downtown Calgary not only boasts the iconic Plus 15 pedestrian system, but it is also home to the largest network of walkways and pathways in North America.

The Plus 15 stands 15 feet above street level, hence its clever name. Spanning over 16 kilometres and 50 blocks, the Plus 15 is a fully enclosed, climate-controlled network of walkways which offer a convenient and comfortable walk between shopping centres, businesses, and parking lots all year round – especially during the bitterly cold winter months! Navigating the Plus 15 network can seem a little daunting at first, but there are plenty of maps along the way to help guide you throughout the Downtown core.

During the warmer months, pedestrians can get some fresh air and enjoy Calgary’s extensive collection of well-kept walkways and pathways, including the popular Prince’s Island Park. This urban park is the perfect green escape from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, offering multiple pathways throughout the park and along the Bow River. When you book your stay in Calgary with Urban Suites, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the Bow River pathways right on your doorstep – only a 1-minute walk from your apartment.

Ride

For those who prefer to see the city on two wheels, there are a number of well-maintained bikeways devoted to giving cyclists a smooth and scenic ride around Downtown. All areas of the city are connected by one of the most extensive bikeway networks in North America, and there are also separated cycle tracks to make navigating through Downtown traffic a lot safer. You can check out the complete map of Calgary’s bike path network here.

Park

There’s no doubt that finding a park in the city can be painful, but Calgary has its very own interactive parking app to make parking in Downtown that little bit easier. Simply enter your destination into the map, and the app will highlight all of your closest parking options. Not only that, but the app can also help you find a parking spot for every budget, over 3,000 free weekend spots, and a greater selection of long and short-term spots. The Calgary Parking Authority also offers free street parking after 6pm Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sundays and holidays.

Transit

Calgary is home to a quick, easy, and extremely efficient public transit system that makes travelling to, from, and around Downtown a breeze. The light rail C-Train is the city’s most popular transit method, operating on two lines, North and South. The Downtown section of the C-Train, which travels along 7 Avenue, is considered to be the ‘fare free zone’, so you can ride for free if you are travelling between the 10th Street and City Hall Stations. If you are continuing to ride the C-Train outside of the Downtown area, you must purchase a fare and carry your proof of payment with you. Urban Suites apartments are all conveniently located within a short walking distance of transit stops. Find your closest stop on Calgary’s public transit map.

Taxi

When your legs are too tired to walk any further, it’s easy to grab a cab in Downtown Calgary. Taxis run all over the city and can be flagged down on the street, or you can find a designated taxi stop zone. The main taxi stops in Calgary can be found outside of the major hotels, such as the Marriott, Hyatt and Westin, or on Stephen Avenue in front of key nightlife hotspots. The most commonly used taxi companies in Calgary are Checker Yellow Cabs and Associated Cabs.

Uber

Getting around Downtown via Uber has become extremely popular, as it offers a more personalized, reliable, and, often, a more cost-effective service than traditional public transport or taxis. Catching a ride with Uber is as easy as opening the app on your phone and requesting a ride from a nearby car. There are usually plenty of Uber cars available in the Downtown area, especially during peak hours.

When it comes to finding accommodation for you and your four-legged friend, Urban Suites have got you covered with our selection of pet-friendly apartments in Downtown Calgary. But, where else in the city can you explore with your doggo by your side? Here’s a list of our favourites…

Sandy Beach at River Park

Located in the south of the city, River Park is home to an abundance of off-leash areas for dogs to run free and play, and is considered one of the best dog-friendly activities in Calgary. The Sandy Beach area of River Park has a designated area for dogs to swim in the water, making it the perfect place for your pup to cool off in summer. River Park also boasts some stunning views of the Calgary city skyline for you to enjoy while your dog makes a splash.

Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall

Ranchman’s stakes its claim as the first dog-licensed patio in Canada, offering a pooch-friendly place to dine with your doggo. While you grab a bite to eat, your dog can enjoy a fresh bowl of water by your side, and you can BYOT (Bring Your Own Treat) to give them a snack too. Ranchman’s even have a ‘Yappy Hour’ on the patio every Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm! Dogs must be on a leash at all times and have proof of vaccinations to sit on the patio.

Bon-A-Pet-Treat

For a pet-friendly outing your dog will really love, visit Bon-A-Pet-Treat Bakery. Offering a creative range of all natural, hand made pet treats, cakes and ice cream (Neapawlitan Pupsicle anyone?!), Bon-A-Pet-Treat is a definite winner. All of their recipes are vet, pet, and animal nutritionist approved, so you can feel good about treating your loyal pal. If your furry friend’s birthday is coming up, Bon-A-Pet-Treat Bakery also makes custom cakes.

The Garage Sports Bar

After a fun day with Fido at the beautiful Eau Claire Park, you can take a short stroll along the river towards The Garage Sports Bar where you’ll find another pet-friendly patio. You can both quench your well-earned thirst at this bar, with a tasty craft beer selection on offer for humans, and fresh water bowls and dog treats available for hounds. Your dog can also kick back and relax on one of their comfy dog beds. The Garage is located within short walking distance to some of Urban Suites’ apartments too.

Latitude Art Gallery

Not your average doggie day out, cultured canines will love accompanying you on a trip to Latitude Art Gallery in Calgary’s Design District. With ever-changing exhibitions featuring contemporary Canadian artists, a stroll through Latitude Art Gallery will always make for an interesting afternoon. Dogs are very welcome in the gallery, but they must be on a leash.

Vin Room

Your pooch will feel like a VIP at Vin Room, where they can enjoy custom dog furniture and beds, clean-up stations, and hydration bars with a special ‘Pawsecco’ drink. Not only that, but Vin Room are also offering a three-course tasting menu specially designed for dogs. If you really want to treat your puppy pal (while also treating yourself to their divine selection of vino!), Vin Room is the place to go.

Fort Calgary

Located just east of Downtown Calgary, this stunning 40-acre National and Provincial Historic Site is a great place to spend some time with your furry friend. Fort Calgary is a beautifully scenic spot, which tells the story of the people who developed the surrounding area. While Fort Calgary is dog-friendly, dogs must stay on their leash while in the grounds and are not permitted in any of the buildings.

One Night Stan’s

One Night Stan’s unassuming bar and divery has always been home to good tunes, good food, good brews, and good times. Now, with its dog-friendly patio, One Night Stan’s is also receiving rave reviews from pet owners all over the city. This laidback and low-key venue is the perfect spot to take your pooch for some sunny afternoon patio drinks.

The Bone & Biscuit Co.

If your good boy or girl deserves something special, take them on an outing to The Bone & Biscuit Co. Somewhat of a pet ‘boutique’, The Bone & Biscuit Co. has all the natural treats, toys, and care items your little furball could ever dream of. The Bone & Biscuit Co. Bakery also offers a bounty of unique artisan baked goods such as doggie donuts, puppy pretzels, canine cupcakes, and much more!

Cold Garden Beverage Company

An extremely popular hangout for local pet owners, Cold Garden Beverage Company is a great place to spend some time with your pooch. This quirky neighbourhood microbrewery set in the vibrant Inglewood is totally dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your best furry friend along as you sample some of their delicious craft beers.

Dust off your Stetson and kick up your cowboy boots, Calgary Stampede is headed back to town from July 6 to 15. This huge rodeo-slash-festival takes over Calgary each year with non-stop music, wild entertainment, weird and wonderful food, and all things Western.

Kick off your Stampede at the parade

Whether you’re a Stampede veteran or a first-timer, the famous kick-off parade is a time-honoured tradition not to be missed. On the first morning of Stampede, the 2.5-mile parade signals the start of all the fun with floats, horses, marching bands, dancers, and more. This year, the parade will begin on 9th Avenue in Downtown, and loop around to end on 6th Avenue.

Rodeo Round Up

Throughout the 10-day festival, over 100 of the world’s best cowboys, cowgirls and animals will face off in a daring display of skill and grit. Every afternoon at the Grandstand Infield, the thrilling rodeo event has Stampede goers on the edge of their seats, and competitors racing towards their place in Showdown Sunday – Rodeo’s Richest Afternoon.

The derby, dancing & death-defying stunts

Every night at 7:45 PM, the show-stopping Calgary Stampede Evening Show draws the masses into the Grandstand Arena for a massive entertainment doubleheader. The event begins with the rollicking GMC Rangeland Derby, where chuckwagon drivers furiously race around the arena. Once the last wagon has thundered over the finish line, the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show fires up the crowd with songs, dances, breathtaking acrobatics, and an extravagant fireworks finale.

Live & loud

From country crooners, to rock legends, to rising stars, the Calgary Stampede stages are graced with an insane amount of musical talent every year. At the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series includes country stars, Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley. The Coca-Cola Stage will be home to a huge line-up of international headliners, including Alexisonfire, Sheryl Crow, Broken Social Scene, Phantogram, Daniel Caesar, The Rural Alberta Advantage, and many more. The legendary Nashville North is the place to party in true country style, with the likes of Gord Bamford, Meghan Patrick, The Road Hammers, The Washboard Union, and more on stage. As always, the 5-time world champion Calgary Stampede Showband are ready to entertain each day, and the 38th Annual Stampede Talent Search is on the hunt for the stars of tomorrow.

Thrills & Spills

If you think Stampede’s rodeo is a wild ride, then just wait until you check out the Thrill Zone! This high-octane area is certainly not for the faint-hearted, with unruly rollercoasters, the freewheeling Skyscraper, and the catapulting Slingshot. You can also try your hand at driving your very own chuckwagon at the GMC Green Screen VR Booth, or test your mettle in rock-climbing, paintballing, and axe-throwing.

Let the feast begin

It’s not Stampede if you don’t start your day with some delicious pancakes – oh, and did we mention they’re FREE?! A tasty tradition for more than 85 years, every morning a team of volunteers put on the famous Stampede Breakfast in various locations across Downtown. From heat to sweet, from wacky to wow, Calgary Stampede is a culinary wonderland full of unique foods and jaw-dropping flavours. With a veritable bounty of food trucks and booths to choose from, you can easily eat your way through the entire 10-day festival. The Midway is undoubtedly the home of Stampede’s most imaginative menus, including such bizarre bites as Deep-Fried Wine and Cheese, Sushi Doughnut, Smoking Charcoal Ice Cream, 2-Foot Mini Doughnut Tower, and even a Cricket Grilled Cheese!

Of course, the best way to experience Stampede is to stay in Downtown Calgary, where you’ll be at the heart of the action in town, and only a short C-Train ride away from the Stampede Grounds. During Stampede, the C-Train conveniently runs 24-hour service, so you never have to worry about getting around the city.

Ready to find your perfect Stampede base-camp? Urban Suites have got you covered! With a number of short-term rental apartments centrally located in Downtown and just steps from public transport, Urban Suites boast the very best of Stampede just outside your door. 

Whether it’s experiencing all of nature’s splendour in the great outdoors, or heading inside to sip on a drink or enjoy a museum, nearby Rocky Mountains destinations have no shortage of things to do. The best part – you can get there in about an hour from any of our executive suites!

The Rocky Mountains are undisputedly are one of Alberta’s greatest treasures, and here you can golf, hike, bike, walk, canoe and kayak or even try your hand at horseback riding in the summer; or ski, snowboard, snowshoe among other activities in the winter. Whether you are a guest with Urban Suites in town on business or pleasure, your stay can further be enhanced with the plethora of nearby alpine activities!

Provincial Park and Rocky Mountain destinations such as Canmore and Banff not only offer an abundance of natural beauty and activity, but also history.

Canmore

Canmore, about 45 mins west of Calgary is a great day trip escape from the City. Surrounded by the Rockies, explore many of the local trails such as those found at Grassi Lakes and the Nordic Centre. If you are feeling extra adventurous try a natural history, guided cave tour through Rat’s Nest Cave: a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain near Banff and Canmore. This expedition is in not for the claustrophobic, as the caves can be very narrow – oh and there is no interior lighting, no hand railings, and no developed walkways. It is a cave in its natural state.

After a day of play in Canmore you can kick back a one of the many local pubs, or fine restaurants or stroll down mainstreet and peruse the many specialty gift shops.

Banff

The town of Banff, located inside Banff Provincial Park and about 1 hour west of Calgary, is rich in history. Tour the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a western Canadian Landmark and architectural masterpiece. While in town, take a dip in one of Banff’s most famous attractions; the naturally warm, Upper Hot Springs, a historic spa and bath house nestled against the backdrop of alpine grandeur.

For further insight into the Western Canadian past, visit the some of the museums in the area like The Banff Park Museum and Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Both of these well established destinations offering a glimpse of what life was like in the undiscovered Rocky Mountains, as well as showcasing the impressive Natural wonders and wildlife that did, and still do, inhabit the region.
Banff boasts some delightful shops along the main street and through the town, like the Banff Tea Co., specialty candy and chocolate shops, various alpine and outdoor clothing stores, and many pubs and restaurants. Live music can be found playing 7 days a week.

So whether it’s exploring nature, trying new cuisine, or learning about Alberta’s rugged history – take the short drive to Canmore or Banff, then relax back in your Urban Suite – you’ll be glad you did!

About Urban Suites

Urban Suites offers executive accommodations in Calgary Alberta. Our stylish suites are available for long or short term stays. Offering guest furnished and fully equipped suites that include all the comforts of home. Browse our suites or contact us to book your next stay!

Our suites are furnished with a modern and clean aesthetic, including full cookware for entertaining guests at the drop of a hat and are secure with heated, underground parking.

Our selection at Urban Suites range in size from one bedroom bachelor to large executive penthouse suites which can accommodate your entire family.

If you are considering a relocation to Calgary for business, our suites are in easy walking distance of the financial and oil hub of downtown Calgary, as well as cultural flagships like The Glenbow Museum, Alberta Theatre, numerous art galleries and of course world class restaurants.

Access the Bow River pathway system, playgrounds, The Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark Science Centre on foot or by C-train which is also a stone’s throw away from our beautiful executive suites.

Calgary has a lot to offer, and we are pleased to share it all with our guests. That’s why we’ve provided this list as a set of tools to help you enjoy our city. Everything from cycling to day trips to nights on the town are included – all to make your stay in Calgary as convenient as possible.

Newsletters

• Calgary’s CBI News – Cat’s Pick

Calgary News

• The Calgary Herald
• The Calgary Sun
• CBC Calgary
• Fast Foward Weekly (ffwd)

Entertainment

• Clubs in Calgary
• Calgary Movie Listings
• Calgary Zoo
• Chinook Mall
• HotWings

Recreation

• Y.W.C.A. Calgary
• Y.M.C.A. Calgary
• Bicycling in Calgary

Tourism

• Calgary Transit
• Calgary Downtown
• Calgary Airport Authority
• Town of Banff
• Drumheller
• Kananaskis
• Town of Canmore