Calgary Winter Romance

Description:

River Cafe, the small, tranquil restaurant is located in a refurbished building among the trees, lawns and wildlife of Prince's Island Park. Surrounded by the Bow River, the setting alone is enough to draw you to its charms. But that isn't all this hot spot has to offer; it features one of the best menus in the city, with wood-fired regional cuisine such as Lentil and Wild Rice Risotto and Flatbread Sandwich of Roasted Caribou. You won't mind paying a little more for this cafe's winning combination of ambiance and flavor. Do check the website for timings, as they vary seasonally.

Description:

Worth visiting just to defy the Seattle mega chain star bucking next door, this no-frills but comfortable cafe offers the regular assortment of hot caffeine, as well as a huge selection of loose teas. Grilled sandwiches and pastries are also available as well as a selection of beers and wine. On sunny days, the few tables outside are filled with the neighborhood's trend-conscious latte sippers, newspaper readers, dog walkers and crowd watchers. With the Plaza Theatre just across the street, this is a perfect spot for post-movie coffee and conversation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Prince’s Island Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Calgary but it does get busy on nice days, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, try a park further from downtown.

Description:

Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North America. Right downtown, this park is one of the most beautiful areas in Calgary. It's an ideal place to stroll though in the summertime, to watch the Canadian geese, play in the lagoon or walk along the adjoining pathway. There are also flower gardens and seasonal water fountains. In the winter, get a hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty the snow adds to the riverbank. Or stop into the River Café for a delicious bite to eat. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year – check with the city to see what's going on.

Description:

Avoiding the hollow glamor and violence of typical Hollywood productions, the Plaza Theater caters to a more thoughtful crowd by showing films renowned for their artistic and intellectual content. A supporter of the local arts community, the Plaza hosts press screenings of new movies and shows unusual films that the larger cinemas do not. If you are tired of the shallowness and glitz of megaplex theaters, this movie house offers a refreshing look at cinema as art rather than just entertainment.

Description:

It must be great to be a projectionist at this downtown movie house. Instead of changing the reels on Hollywood's latest high school prom flick, you get to handle the kind of films first seen at festivals, or overseas in foreign languages. This multiple screen cinema typically shows critically acclaimed films from around the world, with the occasional French farce thrown in so as not to seem too pretentious. The Globe is for those who like to think over their popcorn. Call for timings.

Our Local Expert Says:

The top of the tower now includes a glass floor. On a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains. There is also a rotating restaurant at the top.

Description:

Although some of downtown Calgary's office towers are actually taller, the Calgary Tower remains the city's most distinctive landmark. Officially opened in 1968, it remains a popular visitor attraction, providing a panoramic view of the mountains to the west and the surrounding foothills and prairie. On the observation deck there is access to binoculars, multimedia information kiosks and the thrilling Glass Floor Experience. The dining room rotates, allowing visitors the chance to relax with a meal while viewing the entire city from their window-side tables at the Panorama Dining Room. Tops Grill, located above the observation deck, is open seasonally and offers a light menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Teatro won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2008,

Description:

The menu and daily specials at this hot spot are created by one of the region's top chefs. The varied selections feature the best of the predictable and the unusual, including Risotto of Chanterelle, butternut squash and ruby chard. The Italian-inspired market cuisine is a favorite of the loyal downtown business lunch and pre-concert crowd. The décor still holds a hint of its roots—the building originally housed the old Dominion Bank. By combining the warmth of the original stone walls and wood floors with a few modern touches, a hip and elegant dining atmosphere was created.

Our Local Expert Says:

Olympic Plaza at Christmas is a wonderful place to enjoy winter! It's very close to Stephen Ave, so a hot mug of hot chocolate is never far way.

Description:

In 1988, Calgary became the first Olympic city to present medals at one specific location, ie. Olympic Plaza, which is in the heart of Calgary's Downtown next to City Hall and Stephen Ave. It is now home to festivals, winter skating, and summer lunch-breaks. Each year there is a famous Stampede breakfast held at the Plaza, and many Calgarians gather for Canada Day firework celebrations on July 1.