You should know that there is so much more to Calgary than just the Stampede. Calgary is a stunning, sophisticated western city with the majestic Rocky Mountains as its backdrop and Banff National Park nearby. This destination is breathtakingly beautiful and offers a mix of modern city finesse, rugged natural beauty, and hospitality at its finest. Consider Calgary as a destination on its own; it has so much to offer.  

Calgary has a plethora of unexpected treasures, like its award-winning architecture and public art. This city is spotless, safe, and walkable. And it has an exploding culinary scene. Many restaurants are locally owned and very innovative; it is impressive. Calgary also has many excellent accommodations in and around the city limits.

Fairmont Palliser Hotel

The Fairmont Palliser is the place to be if you prefer luxurious hotels. This is Calgary's premier hotel and a regal icon of Canada. This iconic historic hotel first debuted in downtown Calgary in June 1914. The Palliser was built to accommodate Victorian-era tourists brought by the railroad. It has welcomed guests for over 100 years and has an ongoing impeccable reputation. If you are visiting this area for the legendary Calgary Stampede, as I was, or on your way to the spectacular peaks of the Rocky Mountains, stay at the Palliser - known as one of the best hotels in Canada. 

Ceasar’s Steakhouse

 

Established in 1972, Caesar’s Steakhouse Restaurant is a Calgary classic and locally owned and operated. It’s consistently a favorite of locals and Texas Oilmen when they visit. The Alberta beef offered at Caesars is highly esteemed and is prepared on an open-flame cauldron-style grill located at the center of the dining area. The restaurant still uses the original secret, house-made steak spice and serves Canada’s favorite cocktail - The Caesar. This popular drink was invented here and might be my new favorite.

 

Alberta Boot Company

Experience the art of boot-making with an exclusive immersive tour. We learned the 240 steps of the "old world boot making” in downtown Calgary. This was a fascinating tour to witness employees hand-make premium western work boots. In fact, the Alberta Boot Company makes the boots for many North American Law Enforcement Agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and to my surprise, even the Dallas Police Department.

If you desire, you can even design your personalized dream boot at the Alberta Boot Company. Select your favorite leathers, designs, and colors and embrace the Western spirit with your one of a kind handcrafted boots and that looks like you. 

Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures

 

I have always wanted to ride in a motorcycle sidecar.  When I saw Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures, which is locally owned and operated, I knew this was my chance. What an exciting and creative way to explore Calgary while riding in a vintage-style sidecar motorcycle. I felt perfectly safe as I was belted in and given a helmet with a mic. It was ideal for hearing my guide's detailed narrative and to be able to ask questions as we toured the town. I was thrilled that there were also plenty of photo stops along the way. Cruising around Calgary with the wind and sun in my face while enjoying a guided and narrated tour was a delightful experience. 

 

Conclusion

Based on traveler reviews, Calgary is known as the ‘friendliest place on earth.’ It’s the perfect vacation destination and the spirit of the West. The signature Calgary White Hat symbolizes warm hospitality, and as I have personally experienced, it speaks volumes about how visitors feel about this city. You will see thousands of White Hats around town and at the Stampede.  I now have a Calgary White Hat - and will always cherish my hat and my time in Calgary. So, grab your boots, put on your cowboy hat and gallop on over this summer to Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.

Visit Calgary | Your Official Guide to the Blue Sky City   https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede  

 

If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.