The Saddledome’s Sea of Red
Calgary's unmistakeable Saddledome, so named for its unique saddle-like shape, was built in 1983. Found within Stampede Park, it is located at the southeast edge of downtown, at the end of 17th Avenue's Red Mile. The Dome is home to Calgary’s national hockey league (NHL) Team, the Calgary Flames. The team play their
Hurtling Along Skyline Luge’s Downhill Karting Track at Winsport COP
Hurtling down the concrete-paved race course, swerving around tight hairpin bends, white-knuckled, screaming like a girl. As an onlooker, I’m sure this ride down the Skyline Luge track at Calgary’s Winsport COP didn’t look like a particularly spectacular race between Christa and myself. However, this description captures my blurred recollection of the fun-filled five-minute gravity-driven
Adventures at the Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo, located just east of the downtown core in the neighbourhood of Bridgeland, straddles the banks of the Bow River and occupies St George’s Island, enabling it to present a diverse and varied layout. Established in 1929, the Zoo has been regarded as one of the top 5 zoos in the world, according to
Experience the Heartbeat of Calgary in Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park could well be classified as Calgary’s premier urban park. As the name implies, this 20-hectare gem is located on an island in the Bow River on the north border of Downtown. The park was built on land donated to the City in 1947 by the Prince family, founders of Eau Claire Lumber
Saunter, Shop and Sightsee Along Stephen Avenue Walk
Stephen Avenue Walk forms a part of 8th Avenue South, bounded by 4th Street SW at its west end and 1st Street SE at its east end. Home to some of Calgary’s finest restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, this pedestrian mall offers its foot-travellers uninhibited access to some of downtown's key attractions and facilities, including
An Escape Campervan cruise down the California coast with Calvin & Hobbes
Cruising down the California coast’s Cabrillo highway from San Francisco with Calvin & Hobbes and no agenda can only mean one thing: adventure! There is little doubt that memories of this five-night escape make it, perhaps, one of Christa's and my most memorable road trips ever. Since then we’ve threatened to replicate the event –
Floating the Bow and our kayaking essentials checklist
As novice kayakers, it was quite an adrenaline rush to gather our equipment, load the boats, decide upon a suitable launch location and then stand on the banks of the Bow River surveying its flow pattern. This, partly to look as if I knew what I was doing and partly to reconsider whether we should
Exploring the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Definition: bo·tan·i·cal gar·den noun: an establishment where plants are grown for display to the public and often for scientific study. There is a substantial piece of real estate nestled in the crook of Crowchild Trail and Sarcee Trail that is overlooked by most passers-by, perhaps due to its understated curb-side presence. Yet, once you know about
Explore downtown Calgary with the Rath Bicycle experience
Blue skies and sunny days are not a rarity in Calgary. As a result, there is an abundance of opportunity to trundle along the extensive cycle paths that interconnect the downtown and sprawling neighbourhoods. Christa and I recently had opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, yet rejuvenating, cycle along one of our favourite city cycle circuits,
Derek’s Favourite Garden Accessories and Necessities
It’s nearly impossible to visit a garden centre for planting material without peeking at their garden accessories. For the most part, these items are nice-to-have accessories rather than must-have necessities. But, sometimes one can craftily motivate why an accessory should become a necessity. This also often helps justify the cost! Here is an alphabetical list
