Let’s just say Calgary had me at “hello” – the city’s traditional white hat welcome. Following in the footsteps of such luminaries as the Dalai Lama, Bob Dylan and the Prince and Princess of Wales, this was the drill.
With my right hand raised, I repeated the oath (including the down-home promise to spread Calgary hospitality to “all folks and critters who cross my trail hereafter”) – a vow that at its end was sealed with a big “yahoo” and a raise of my red-banded, white cattleman-style cowboy hat. And just like that, I was an honorary Calgarian.
A custom since 1946 when the founder of Smithbilt Hats, a local hat maker, created the Official White Cowboy Hat of Calgary for the city’s renowned Stampede, it’s since become so coveted that more than 25,000 of the headwear are sold annually. Known as the Super Bowl of Rodeos, the 10-day Calgary Stampede has showcased the city’s genuine cowboy culture for decades – complete with hour-by-hour family-friendly entertainment found throughout town; chuckwagon races, bareback riding and more featured at Stampede Park and fresh-from-the-griddle pancakes served complimentary in and around Fluor Rope Square.
Tip/factoid: Each year’s amount of flapjack batter could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
While summers have been known for the Stampede (affectionately dubbed “Cowchella”) and winters for in-the-snow sports, another notch in Calgary’s tooled leather belt has been its acknowledgment as the originator of Canada’s national cocktail, the Caesar – a Bloody Mary made with clamato, not tomato juice. And during this visit – not my first – I additionally discovered that complementing today’s Calgary cocktail creativity was its outstanding food scene.
Arrival at the River Café via the Peace Bridge was to a location situated on a lagoon in the middle of Prince’s Island Park where the Bow River passed through the city’s downtown. Replicating the nostalgic feel of a Rocky Mountain fishing lodge and situated around an open-hearth field stone fireplace, it showcased views of the park and Calgary’s evening-lit cityscape. Additional enhancement was from its menu that focused on local and regional offerings – from red fife wheat, root vegetables and Saskatoon berries to Alberta beef, bison, honey and canola oil (coffee, chocolate and red wine were procured from outside the area). In adherence to its philosophy of cuisine, menu items were determined by whatever ingredients were freshly delivered to its back door each day.
Tip/factoid: Don’t miss the signature dish – Red Lentil Hummus and one of its many craft beers.
Situated 40 stories in the sky, Major Tom served up simultaneous views of a surround-sound of skyscrapers and the western horizon’s Rocky Mountains. Having been recognized by an assortment of accolades – from Best New Restaurant 2022 and Canada’s 100 Best 2022 to #53 Best Restaurant in Canada 2024 – not-to-be-missed dishes included Major Tots, Potato Doughnuts, Old-Fashioned Baked Alaska and the restaurant’s world-famous Alberta Prime Beef brushed with Major Tom steak butter and broiled at 1800 degrees.
Perched atop The Dorian Hotel, The Wilde on 27 presented the opportunity to indulge in the epitome of luxury dining. Known for its literary theme, the experience was a delicious tribute to author/poet Oscar Wilde. Elevated not only by its lofty location, each menu dish was a work of the chef’s art and The Wilde on 27 has been recognized by the esteemed DiRoNA Award of Excellence in 2024 and 2025.
And to best get a sampling of Calgary’s food/drink offerings was a walking food tour, Taste the City – self-described “a curated tasting experience.” My customized tour featured three stops within walking distance from one another along Stephen Avenue, downtown’s pedestrian thoroughfare. Full of last-minute surprises, the only giveaways were via texts sent minutes before each stop with the upcoming eatery’s name, location and details about the chef and the soon-to-be-served dish. Among the inclusions were Teatro (located in a circa 1911 bank building), Thompson’s Kitchen & Bar (within Hyatt Hotel) and FinePrint, which served up a modern version of the vibe found in a back-in-the-day newsroom.
Tip/factoid: To maximize the mood, order the London Free Press cocktail – a gin combo topped with a mini newspaper garnish.
Since the 1968 opening of the 626-foot-tall Calgary Tower, the spire has become the city’s most famous landmark. In celebration of the 1988 Winter Olympics, a cauldron was constructed at its top to hold the world’s tallest Olympic Torch. Originally ignited at the games’ opening and burning 24 hours/day throughout the event, it has since been lit to commemorate special occasions and every night through early morning the tower displays an LED light show in colors symbolizing holidays, sports teams, festivals and more. Within the tower, a 4-foot-wide glass floor extending from the observation deck gave the opportunity to “step into space.”
Tip/factoid: So strong is the see-through ledge, it can bear the weight of a couple of hippos.
Appropriately guitar shaped and extending over the street, five-story high Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, was located at the start of Music Mile in East Village. Dedicated to telling the story of Canada’s music – complete with interactive instrument installations, a recording studio, a working organ, even Elton John’s red piano – the museum’s entirety of displays has been described a living collection. One rotating exhibit, dedicated to the Beatles, allowed visitors to pick their favorite of the Fab Four and displayed fan letters, one of which read, “Listening to ‘Let it Be’ after my first breakup and feeling better.”
Tip/factoid: For a pick-me-up sweet stop, pop into Cochu, an around-the-corner chocolate shop, known for its truffles. My choice, honey blossom, remains memorable.
Located in Stampede Park, SAM Centre showcased the 113-year history of the event dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Western heritage. Hands-on, here it was possible to hop on a saddle and learn to spin a rope. It’s where Stampede stories have been brought to life and its 15-minute multimedia show, “Stampede Sensations,” within a 270-degree space, offered complete immersion into the rodeo-like experience with all the sound, motion and drama of personally being there.
Tip/factoid: For an unsurpassed souvenir, head to Alberta Boot Company for a pair of all-made-in-Calgary cowboy boots.
And like exclamation points in the punctuation of this Canadian getaway’s distinctive style are imaginative, award-winning public art pieces scattered about town – from Stampede Park’s turquoise-colored Spirit of Water sculpture (said to be inspired by a wave) and the oversized bronze of two cowboys and 15 horses called By the Banks of the Bow to downtown’s Wonderland, a giant white 39-foot-high bent wire recreation of a girl’s head.
So, while Calgary has the long-time reputation as Canada’s sunniest major city and in 2023 was named the “world’s friendliest city” by Condé Nast Traveller, I would amend all descriptions to include its delectable food scene, rich culture and cowboys galore.
And as a 'now' official Calgarian, my final assessment was simple. Yahoo!
