Trip to Canda: need some help - Page 4 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Reggie Dunlop · 12-24-2006, 03:35 PM

The West Edmonton Mall attracts a rather unsavory element these days. For instance, marauding gangs of cold-blooded killers. It's certainly no longer an idyllic tourist experience (if it ever was).

getbak · 12-24-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDeerFan

Is it exclusively just a hockey trip? Must have missed that.

Did you miss the first post of the thread?

Seems like the primary purpose of the trip is to follow the Blues...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluesFan67

Hey Flames fans. A buddy and I are lifelong Blues fans and for some time we've wanted to make the western canadian swing and follow the Blues to Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton. Are dates have finally worked out and we want to make the trip in March when the Blues hit CGY on the 12th, VAN on 15th and EDM on the 17th.

If the goal is to enjoy the experience of Western Canadian hockey and you have to drop one of the NHL cities from the itinerary, I'd skip Vancouver to do Calgary & Edmonton. I've never been to GM Place, but from what I've seen, the atmosphere at the Saddledome and Rexall are much better than the atmosphere at GM Place.

If the goal is to see beautiful cities, I'd definitely include Vancouver. If the goal is to enjoy the hockey atmosphere and not go broke doing it, I'd do the Alberta road trip.

RedDeerFan · 12-24-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagger

Wow. RedDeerFan. Nice to dump on your city like that. Red Deer is a fine city. However, I do agree that there is not much to do here for a tourist. It is hardly a dump though. Ever get out on the trails around here?

Poor word choice on my part. I like Red Deer, it's a very nice city for it's size. I won't be leaving this city anytime soon. By Dump, I meant from a tourist perspective, there's absolutely nothing here to do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagger

He wouldn't have to spend much time here anyway. He could take in the WHL game which is good hockey, even if nowhere near NHL calibre. The Blues have a number of players that played dub hockey so it is relevant. The drive to Edm or Cal is only 90 minutes and there are lot's to see and do in both cities.

It's good hockey, but when you're travelling that far, it's hardly a recommendation I would make on the list. Let's be honest here. There's a big let down from watchin a game at the Dome or Rexall compared to the Centrium. If he was a visitor from Manitoba or Saskatchewan, I might have recommended checking out the WHL, but not someone from out of the country.

I disagree there is lots to do in both Calgary and Edmonton during March.

RedDeerFan · 12-24-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbak

Did you miss the first post of the thread?

Seems like the primary purpose of the trip is to follow the Blues...

Well yeah, if it is the ONLY purpose, then skip Vancouver. If he/she wants some entertainment as well, Vancouver should definitely be on the list.

Reggie Dunlop · 12-24-2006, 04:04 PM

The Centrium is much better than the Atrium for hockey.

If you want a real slice of Canadiana, it can't get any better than taking in a Sutter-led Rebels junior game. Calgary's Hitmen are also a pretty good bet.

Oh, and I'd still recommend Vancouver if you want to watch a Blues victory.

Resolute 14 · 12-24-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDeerFan

Well yeah, if it is the ONLY purpose, then skip Vancouver. If he/she wants some entertainment as well, Vancouver should definitely be on the list.

You should read the entire thread. The topic of skipping Vancouver came up from the cost of flying, and whether it was better to save a bit of money and skip that one. The Rebels game was suggested as an alternative if he wanted another game to attend between the two NHL games. It wasn't suggested as a direct alternative to going to Vancouver, which he may drive rather than fly, which is why I said there would be no time.

Reggie Dunlop · 12-24-2006, 04:33 PM

Here's something you don't often see...

They should become Sister Cities or something...

Barnes · 12-25-2006, 01:59 AM

The City of East St. Louis wins the award for most number of type faces on a welcome sign.

Kerplunk · 12-25-2006, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDeerFan

I imagine if he were to ask for advice on what to do in Minnesota, the locals would recommend The Mall of America.

I've been to both malls (WEM and MoA), and both are....ummm....malls. Nothing to write home about, but thats just me. People into shopping might like them. And just so you know, not all locals recommend it. It sounded like downtown had some interesting places to see.

Anyway, on topic, if your tight for cash/time I would say first decide what games you REALLY want to see, and go from there. Don't decide based on the city if your in it for the hockey game.

Now, although I hate Vancouver's teams, parts of the city (the coast) are nice to see. It would be a good place to putz around for a while.

Calgary and Edmonton are, at that time of year, basically dead in terms of tourist attractions. You got the mall, Parliament, etc. in Edmonton, while you have the Calgary Tower, COP, the zoo, etc. in Calgary. Calgary is closer to the mountain resorts (Banff), and Tyrrell Museum (palaeontology). It's nicer during the summer months.

Phanuthier · 12-30-2006, 12:11 AM

West Ed Mall has a pretty good comedy club. If you are interested, there's a firing range there. The Waterpark is always there. Other then that, there really isn't anything there to do. Maybe go to Chapters and read a book or something.

Vulcan · 12-30-2006, 03:15 AM

I think I'd rather go to the Bower Mall in Red Deer than the WEM. Just me, but I hate Malls even though I've built a few including Bower.

Coming out west here though a persons got to see the Rockies, no ifs ands or buts. I'd recommend a car trip to Vancouver and bring your cameras. You won't regret it.