How to Live Like a Local in Calgary
A guide to embracing your inner Canadian in the awesome city of Calgary
The Great White North; a source of eternal fascination to writers and explorers alike. With forests, glaciers, stunning lakes and mountains to traverse, it’s here that you can find some of the world’s most staggering natural beauty. Calgary, the third largest municipality in the Alberta province, is ranked one of the best places to live in Canada and tied fifth in the world by the Globe and Mail and the Economist. Even a short walk around the city reveals much more to living in Canada than you might first expect. Here’s a guide showing you the best ways to blend in with the crazy Canucks.
Relax like a local – The Mountains
In case you hadn’t noticed, Canada is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful scenery in the world. Take a walk on the wild side and embrace your inner wanderer among the high fir trees and picture-perfect mountain ranges in some of the best national parks in Canada. Camp out here for a real outback experience on one of the many designated camp sites like the Little Elbow Campground. This popular campground is close to Calgary and provides all the amenities needed to take on the wild: water, toilets, an amphitheatre, firewood available to purchase and loading ramps. They have some fantastic trails to hike here, with the ultimate payoff being the spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Photo: Chris_and_Jess
Eat like a local – Poutine
You may well be aware that Canada is famous for providing the world with the incredibly smoky and sweet maple syrup, but there are a few local favourites that will similarly rock your world. There is a heated debate throughout Calgary about where sells the finest version of the French-Canadian comfort food delicacy, poutine. Traditionally made up of deliciously crisp French fries, topped with rich thick brown gravy and cheese curds, poutine is enjoyed all across the country from the high street to the Rocky Mountain ski resorts.
Drink like a local – Bloody Caesar
If you have ever experienced a ‘hair of the dog’ drink, you will most likely have been confronted with a Bloody Mary. In Calgary, however, the brunch/hangover drink of choice is the Bloody Caesar. Invented in 1969 by Calgary’s own Walter Chell in what is now the Westin Hotel, the cocktail has taken Canada by storm with approximately 350 million of the spicy drinks being consumed annually. Served by most bars in Calgary the fiery Caesar is a mix of vodka, Worcestershire sauce, Tobasco sauce, clamato juice (tomato and clam juice), lemon pepper and steak spice rim and a garnish of pickled bean, pickled asparagus or celery stalk.
Watch sport like a local – Ice Hockey
Oh yes, the Canadians may be passionate about maple syrup but nothing gets them going like a brutal game of ice hockey. The best place to blend in with the locals and enjoy this fast paced sport is at the Calgary Oval, where the 1988 Olympics were held. This venue was also the first ever covered speed skating oval in North America when it was initially created. Support the local team – the Calgary Flames – and feel the overwhelming enthusiasm that makes this one of the best things to do in Canada. If you’re confident enough with your balance, the Calgary Oval is open for the public to skate with over 50 sessions available per month.
Calgary is one of those places where you just can’t stay inside. So, put on a chequered -plaid shirt, pull down your trapper hat and discover one of the greatest places to visit in Canada. Cold weather never keeps the locals inside so why should it keep you from exploring this beautiful country?
Photo: Abspires40