HOTELS
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire 255 Barclay Parade
(403) 266-7200, (800) 325-3535.
This suite-only hotel
overlooks Eau Claire Market and the Bow River. Many of the multiroom suites have
luxurious soaker tubs, and the health and fitness centre
offers an indoor pool, sauna,
hot tub and rooftop terrace.
Eau Claire Market's shops, restaurants and theatres are
at the doorstep, and the financial district is just a block away. Rates $139-$229.
Palliser Hotel 133 9th Ave. S.W. (403) 262-1234, (800) 441-1414.
Like all Canadian Pacific hotels, the Palliser is steeped in traditional elegance, from the opulent lobby with soaring
ceilings, crystal chandeliers and fine marble floors to the intimate bar appointed in English style and grace. The rooms, however, are equipped with all the necessary
electronic amenities. A
15-minute walk to the financial district. Rates $219-$379.
International Hotel
220 4th Ave. S.W.
(403) 265-9600, (800) 637-7200.
Converted from a 35-storey apartment building, this
all-suite hotel is located in
the heart of the financial district, and is just steps from Chinatown and the Eau Claire Market. The one- and two-bedroom suites each have a separate living room, large bathroom and balcony,
and north-facing rooms have spectacular views over
the Bow River and Prince's Island Park. Rates $139-$169.
RESTAURANTS
Teatro 200 8th Ave. S.E.
(403) 290-1012. Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon.-Sun. $$$$
This converted historic
bank building, replete with soaring ceilings and huge columns, is simply the
best in Calgary for modern Italian cuisine. Only the finest seasonal ingredients make
the menu, and the open-concept kitchen revolves around a wood-fired oven. Reservations recommended.
River Café Prince's Island Park (403) 261-7670.
Lunch, Dinner Mon.-Sun. $$$
Set in beautiful, tranquil surroundings, this restaurant has the feel of an old Rocky Mountain fishing lodge (complete with fly-fishing artifacts and fireplace), and offers one of the city's unique fine dining experiences. Seasonal Canadian regional cuisine includes game, fish and Alberta AAA beef specialties served from the grill.
Divino Bistro and Wine Bar
817 1st St. S.W.
(403) 263-5869.
Lunch, Dinner Mon.-Sat. $$
The classic French bistro, Divino works for everything from a casual get-together
to a formal meal in the dining room. The moderately priced menu includes antipasti, soups and sandwiches plus specialties such as herb-crusted salmon and grilled lamb sirloin. A short cab ride from the financial district.
CHEAP EATS
Galaxie Diner 1411 11th St. S.W.
(403) 228-0001.
Lunch Mon.-Sun. $
Cool locals pack this very popular '40s New England-style diner for the all-day breakfast. Famous
for its burgers
and old-fashioned milkshakes, Galaxie also serves up Huevos Rancheros and Breakfast Burritos.
AFTER DARK
Concorde 510 17th Ave. S.W. (403) 228-4757. Closed Mondays.
An enormous illuminated fish tank, moody lighting and tunes produced by an in-house DJ draw Calgary's well-heeled, young execs for late-night cocktails.
At this bar, old notions of "cowtown" are long forgotten and the only cowboy hats in sight are of the leopard-print variety.
The Mercury Lounge
801B 17th Ave. S.W.
(403) 541-1175.
Known as Calgary's first
martini bar, this understated place attracts a crowd of locals who come for the cool ambiance and extensive list of cocktails.
FREE TIME
Eau Claire Market
200 Barclay Parade S.W.
(403) 264-6460.
At this urban-style farmer's market, you can taste real Montreal-style bagels, sample an array of international
foods, stroll through an
eclectic mix of shops and boutiques, lunch at one of the delis, cafés, restaurants or bars, or take in an IMAX flick.
Confederation Park Golf Course 3204 Collingwood Dr. N.W.
(403) 974-1800.
Just 10 minutes north
of downtown, this 9-hole course with rolling, tree-lined fairways and sloped greens is perfect
for a quick afternoon fix.
Green fees $18.
SHOPPING
Kit Interior Objects
1002 Macleod Trail S.E.
(403) 508-2533.
Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Twentysomething owner Chris Faulkner has his finger on the pulse of good design, and Kit has helped to put Calgary's up-and-coming warehouse district on the map. Travel-friendly objects include Jonathon Adler's modernist-inspired pottery and textiles, and an excellent selection of books on art, architecture and design.