So I want to come to Calgary in April

[terminator]

Originally Posted by nik-

It's no Madrid, but this city is fine.

Its not Vancouver or Toronto, or heck even Ottawa.

Its more akin to an Edmonton (but they have the mall :O) or a larger Regina.

But games must be watched and theres plenty to do outside of Calgary, like in Banff, which is NOT part of Calgary.

[Pontine]

Hopefully the weather isn't too bad around that time

I have tickets in the 2nd bowl for the Coyotes game on April 7th. I can throw in some food vouchers as well.

PM if you're interested.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by terminator

Its not Vancouver or Toronto, or heck even Ottawa.

Its more akin to an Edmonton (but they have the mall :O) or a larger Regina.

But games must be watched and theres plenty to do outside of Calgary, like in Banff, which is NOT part of Calgary.

haha Ottawa?! Ok come on, now you're just digging for reasons.

[polak]

Originally Posted by nik-

It's no Madrid, but this city is fine.

Madrid is easily the most boring "major" city I've ever visited. See the stadium, walk around and that's it.

At least Calgary has the mountains.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by polak

Madrid is easily the most boring "major" city I've ever visited. See the stadium, walk around and that's it.

At least Calgary has the mountains.

Well yeah, if all you do is see the stadium and walk around, anywhere would be boring.

[RM14]

Visiting the Saddledome is better than seeing anything else in the entire world

Spoiler!

[terminator]

hehe, I noticed MMF lurking around but not posting. Must be trying to behave like a person that does'nt post all day long.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by terminator

hehe, I noticed MMF lurking around but not posting. Must be trying to behave like a person that does'nt post all day long.

you tone down the sass young man.

[polak]

Originally Posted by nik-

Well yeah, if all you do is see the stadium and walk around, anywhere would be boring.

I was there for 3 (week)days and we ran out of things to do after day 1.5. Kinda how I think i'd feel about Calgary if I couldn't get to the mountains. Being a gateway to the rockies makes Calgary an infinitely better destination IMO.

I think we can all agree PIM needs to go to Banff. Hike up Sulpher Mountain, check out Moraine Lake and maybe Johnsons Canyon if he can. Strapping on the skis would also be highly recommended. Add the Flames games, check out the zoo and get a little sloppy on 17th and I think you'll get a pretty good Calgary experience...

Hell, after writing all of that down I think I'm going to do an outing like that soon and I've lived here for 22 out of my 25 years!!

[nik-]

Originally Posted by polak

I was there for 3 (week)days and we ran out of things to do after day 1.5. Kinda how I think i'd feel about Calgary if I couldn't get to the mountains. Being a gateway to the rockies makes Calgary an infinitely better destination IMO.

How?! The golden triangle alone is a day.

[PIMking]

Originally Posted by troutman

Would it be cheaper to fly to Great Falls MT, and get to Calgary from there?

I'm not a big fan of flying, then I'd have to rent a car plus the dogs on a flight deal

[DoubleF]

Is Moraine Lake open in April? I thought it opens May? Lake Louise should be open though.

Fairmont Banff is a nice place to wander around as is the town itself. Hot springs is a treat too. Johnston Canyon is a wonderful romp as well.

Oddly enough, back in Calgary, Heritage park isn't too bad either.

[Chill Cosby]

Originally Posted by nik-

Well yeah, if all you do is see the stadium and walk around, anywhere would be boring.

He actually has a point though, and it speaks to how people see their own city vs foreign cities.

Madrid and Calgary are incredibly similar. Their differences exist mostly in architecture (and lifestyle of Spain vs Canada), but otherwise as far as "things to do go" they overlap. Calgary has less, but it's much of the same sorts of things.

I could name 5 or 6 cities overseas that I'm sure people would love to go to, but aren't much different than Calgary.

How many Calgarians really appreciate the city parks here? Fish Creek? Floating down the Bow? The Zoo? Heritage Park? COP? 17th ave shopping & eating? Sports Hall of Fame? Stephen Ave? The statues and sculptures downtown? Calaway Park? Buildings like Knox church? The Bow? The upcoming Library and National Music Centre?

Lots to do and see if you actually look at your city. Appreciate it.

Anyways, not really the topic lol. As I said, PIM will enjoy his time here, there is a lot to do for people who are looking at the city with new eyes.

[PIMking]

Originally Posted by lanny9

First off, congrats on the upcoming marriage!

I often stay at the Best Western on Macleod when in for a game, a nice short walk to the games and centrally located to shopping, restaurants, downtown area etc.


http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...ertyCode=61049 Although you may get the room cheaper at hotels.com, bookit.com or the like. Nothing fancy but has a small pool, hot tub and includes breakfast saving you paying for one meal.

I agree that if you are going to drive all that way that you have to take in Banff, one of Canada's nicest destinations. It isn't too far and if you look around you can get a hotel there at a pretty reasonable rate, enjoy the incredible sights ofthe Rockie Mountains, some nightlife, restaurants and maybe since you are from the South throw on some skis or snowboard and give a winter support a try!

I am a manager at a Hilton here in Alabama so I will be getting a steep discount

[PIMking]

Originally Posted by Chill Cosby

Exactly.

Vancouver is great, but for Vancouver you're adding two travel days alone.

There's a lot to enjoy locally around Calgary. No sense going all the way to Vancouver for just a couple extra days, what a waste.

I guess if terminator is a travel efficiency guy it might be "as much as you can as fast as you can." I've always preferred picking a destination, enjoying it for all it has to offer, and really getting to know the area and the people.

She wants to go to vancouver but no game for us there and I really don't want to go to Vancouver..

[nik-]

I too have taken very specific sports trips to cities you might not otherwise visit

Spoiler!

[FlameFilosi4]

As someone who has driven the area your route seems to be taking you, in April, I would like to add a word of caution.

The roads vary from flat plains to mountain passes, and the weather can go from sunny and warm to a snowstorm in an hour's travel. If you are not an experienced driver in snowy or icy conditions, it can be an adventure. I would suggest paying close attention to current weather and road reports and as someone else suggested, allow for more travel time than expected.

And as a US citizen you need to be aware of our gun and weapon laws ie. we don't like them.

Hope that helps, and I am sure you will enjoy the hospitality of our city and community.

FF4

[cam_wmh]

PIMking.

I live in Mission. I'm planning a trip in APril, to the USA during that month, for similar reasons - fun road trip.

That said, my place in Mission, is a 1 bedroom, with all the yuppy stuff. Mission, is arguably the most vibrant downtown community in Calgary.
Couple minutes to 17th ave, aka Red Mile, and huge assortment of dining, and shopping options. As well, and arguably more importantly, I'm a 10 minute walk from the Saddledome. My underground parking spot would be vacant too.

Love to help out a fellow flames community member.

PM me. Let's chat further.

Cam

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by PIMking

I am a manager at a Hilton here in Alabama so I will be getting a steep discount

Did the Hilton end up re-hiring you? I thought you quit them?

[tvp2003]

That's a pretty good rate -- no idea if the hotel is any good, but that is cheaper than anything else you'll find in the city. If you have a dog, that may also limit where you can stay. I wouldn't recommend staying downtown because you'll pay for parking; there are ways to get to the Saddledome without paying for parking.

Originally Posted by PIMking

I can stay at the Homewood suites Calgary airport for $39/cad night 5 nights. too

So basically $220 for the hotel in Canada, $400 in fuel (round trip) give or take 50-100, and food wont be much, hell this can actually be done for pretty cheap. Hell last summer I spent 3k going to florida for a week.