Things to do with out of town visitors.

[showtime]

So I have a girl coming to visit me from Germany, and have been stuck with thinking up stuff to do. I've already arranged two nights at the Banff Springs Hotel and got tickets to Flames-Leafs game but was hoping the great minds of CP could help with a few more ideas

[BlackArcher101]

Tour of your pad, specifically the bedroom?
Oh wait, you have the banff springs hotel done already.

Hmmmmm..... How long will she be in town for? Go skating? Skiing? Snowboarding? Is the bobseld track open? A few drinks at a nice pub?

Also, give her some Bernard Callebaut chocolates and see if she says they are like real German chocolate or not. (Inquiring minds want to know).

[4X4]

Kinda cheese, but not really... After not going up the tower for years, I did it a couple months ago. The see thru floor is pretty cool. Not to mention seeing the whole city (on a good day). Beware of the 26.00 dollar charge for the two of you.


Prime rib at Smugglers

Using 17th ave to get from one place to another & describing the awesomeness that was the 04 cup run

Tobogganing on that wicked hill by the university

stephen ave

[Engine09]

Go see a play at the Pumphouse Theatre. Nice place, small and you don't have to dress up at all.

[transplant99]

Also, give her some Bernard Callebaut chocolates and see if she says they are like real German chocolate or not. (Inquiring minds want to know).

I can unequivocally assure you that they are authentic as it gets...in Belgium. That's where he is from.

I worked below his first shop for a year when i was a young lad, and he used to come down with a whack o sweets every once in a while after work and drink a couple brews with us.

Super nice guy that worked his tail off to become the success he has.

There's an idea though for your gal....the stuff is like a real version of Spanish Fly for women.

What is it about chocolates girls? Why do you so delight in them?

[the_only_turek_fan]

So I have a girl coming to visit me from Germany, and have been stuck with thinking up stuff to do.

lol, sorry that line made me chuckle.

http://www.tourismcalgary.com/

See what you can find there.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by fotze

All the German's I have ever met LOVE Mountain Equipment Coop, and hiking and all those treehuggy hiky things.

I'm picturing a couple of 6'4" blond haired people leaning on backpacks, cooking some sausages (likely with the suffix 'wurst') over a campfire.

Oon glaven heivun brechten...

[troutman]

When my German relatives come, they love to:

1) shop - they are amazed by our supermarkets and big-box stores;

2) eat beef - they can't get a good steak in Germany

3) go skiing - Banff

4) see a real ranch with cowboys - dude ranch or trail ride

If your friend wants to talk to someone from the local German community, send me a private message.

[Neeper]

Take her to Vancouver

Seriously, I think our city is so boring

[icarus]

When my friend came from Germany, he loved the fish (which seems strange for Calgary). Actually, come to think of it I have another German friend who loved buying fresh fish in Kingston. Those Germans are weird.

But German chicks are hot so the Banff Springs was an excellent idea! Also, go two-stepping (at Ranchman's if you're serious, and Cowboys if you're not).

[Delthefunky]

Spend a day going for a nice drive into the rockies... take the Trunk Road North or South and they'll be amazed... we do this atleast once a year with our Swedísh Family/Friends.

[ken0042]

Speaking of going to Banff, isn't there like a craft type place in Bragg Creek? (Taking the scenic route to Banff.)

I suppose it would also be good to know what the nature of the relationship is. For example, are you just friends right now but trying to make a better impression?

[Cowperson]

After a day in the Banff area, take her to the Hot Springs above the hotel for a swim before retiring for schnapps and the room.

Banff Gondola.

Skiing at Louise, get her up to the summit on that painful tow line on a sunny day. She'll never forget the view.

Drive her to Lake Louise and take her skating on the lake or a walk around the lake . . . . . high tea at the Chateau to warm up.

Skating at the downtown Olympic Plaza.

The bobsleigh run at Canada Olympic Park has a tourist run . . . . and I think you can ride studded bikes down Paskapoo.

Since the weather is supposed to be fairly toasty, take her out to Cochrane for some McKays, then a walk up to see the giant horse and cowboy at the park there with the Rockies as background.

Drive her across the barren and endless prairie to Drum for luncheon and the dinosaur museum there. Throw her off the suspension bridge and see if she floats. If she does, she's a witch.

I agree with the Calgary Tower thing above. That's keen up there with the invisible floor.

Go up to the top of the Petro Canada tower to Price Waterhouse and pretend you've got an appointment but let her look out the window. Nice view up there on the billionth floor.

Show her how many miles you can walk on Plus-15's without going outside . . . . okay, we're running out of ideas if we're down to that one.

Is that Cafe on Prince's Island open in the winter?

Kensington is a nice little area for browsing.

A walk across the barren prairie at Nose Hill (okay, its not as much fun as it was 15 years ago when there was nothing but cow tracks up there.

Get some friends and take her curling. She's probably never bowled before either.

Ah crap, lets face it. When its winter, its about hockey.

Cowperson

[JiriHrdina]

Is that Cafe on Prince's Island open in the winter?

River Cafe is a fantastic suggestion but sadly it closes each January for the month.

[FurnaceFace]

Cowperson has a good list, I'll add a few things to it.

Lake Louise is a must as all tourists have heard of it and can't belive it really looks like it does. Drumheller is a heck of an idea to see the bones and also to experience how flat the land can be, something else which impresses Europeans. Also the fact we don't even think twice about travelling 300kms to see a museum gives them stories to tell their wide-eyed friends back home.

Another drive would be out to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. It might be a big yawner for us but there's some quality Canadiana history there, plus it's a UNESCO Heritage site so that brings some credibility. She can buy some Native crafts. You can stop in Nanton to see the Lancaster bomber on the way home, and get ice cream.

I always take tourists up to Scotsman Hill - the hill overlooking the dome and Stampede. Besides the view of Stampede park and Downtown you get a good view of the mountains on a clear day. it's shows the city off well.

Heritage Park and The Fort are other potentials.
Check out what Glenbow has for exibits, might be something interesting.
Science Centre
The Zoo
I believe Spruce Meadows will let you tour the stables
Kensington and 17th
Eau Claire, around Prince's Island, and yes I believe The River Cafe is open in the winter so you could have a nice dinner there.

There are a couple dozen more things you could do depending on what she's into...errr...I should say interested in.

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Is that Cafe on Prince's Island open in the winter?

River Cafe is a fantastic suggestion but sadly it closes each January for the month.

I was typing as Jiri replied. If the River Cafe is closed you could try La Caille and still do the Island Walk. La Caille (pronounced similar to La K-eye) is perhaps a bit pricey but good atmosphere if you're trying for this. http://www.lacaille.ca/restaurant/

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Might help if we knew the context about her. You trying to wheel her or just showing a family member around the city?

[MRCboicgy]

Take her to see "The Producers" I'm sure all the german/nazi stereotypes will go over real well :P

on a side note I just saw that tonight wiith the bf, freaking hilarious and over the top, overacting musical-ness

[pope04]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Speaking of going to Banff, isn't there like a craft type place in Bragg Creek? (Taking the scenic route to Banff.)

While in Bragg Creek, take her to the Bavarian Inn. I can personally vouch for the food.

[Flame On]

Originally Posted by Neeper

Take her to Vancouver

Seriously, I think our city is so boring

Yes the exciting streets of Vancouver should deeply impress. Watch the water flowing through the storm drains. Marvel at the urban decay and social degredation, something no european will be used to. Visit the mighty beaches of Vancouver, which make the likes of Spain, Portugal France etc. look positively crap. Visit the aquarium the giant fishbowl makes the Calgary Zoo look pedestrian.
I never know just what Vancouver has over Calgary, just more of what we have and a big blue sloshy thing that isn't all that impressive if you've been to anywhere even slightly sunny in the world. Oh sure I haven't done "The Grind" but I'm sure you can find a hill somewhere near here to do that hmmmm.
I've spent a lot of time in Vancouver and the surounding areas so I even know of what I speak. I'm not saying Van is terrible or borring itself by the way.