Calgary Buzz

Alberta Ballet

2010-12-17T19:16:00.004-07:00

Alberta Ballet's Production of the Nutcracker opens December 17th. Tchaikovsky's classic score is beautifully performed by the Calgary Philharmonic orchestra and brought to life by the magic of the Alberta Ballet. This year's production is a visual treat featuring familiar characters expertly danced, dynamic sets and beautiful costumes. A definite compliment to the Christmas season. Tickets available online from Alberta Ballet.

The Sleeping Beauty is scheduled for October 21 - 23, 2010 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Looking forward to a magical evening of exquisite dance featuring the classical tale of Princess Aurora, her handsome prince, an evil spell, the enchanted castle and plenty of fairy dust.

Calgary Flames Hockey

2010-10-31T10:15:00.005-06:00

Calgary Flames, NHL Hockey

The Calgary Flames deliver an action packed night out at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Join star players Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff, Harvey the Hound, the C of Red for an evening of checks, hits, goals and maybe a brawl or two.

Calgary Flames, NHL Hockey

If you have club tickets, The Avison Young Club pre-game buffet dinning is a worthwhile add on featuring Alberta Beef, chilled seafood and a delectable array of desserts.

Visit the Calgary Flames Official Website for all things Flames including stats, tickets and game schedules.

Go Flames Go!

Theatre Calgary

2010-10-23T08:25:00.010-06:00

Theatre Calgary is a live performance company stationed in the Epcor Centre's Max Bell Theatre located on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary.

The current production Lost a Memoir is a classic tragedy, beautifully told. Based on Cathy Ostlere's book and performed by Jan Alexandra Smith, Lost takes us on a riveting journey of a brother missing at sea and a sisters agonizing search to find him, and ultimately herself. Story telling at its very best, standing ovation opening (world premiere) night. Unforgettable!

Theatre Calgary 2010 - 2011 season includes:

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
LOST – A MEMOIR Oct 19 - Nov 7
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 2 - Dec 26
BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR Jan 18 - Jan 22
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Feb 8 - Mar 6
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Mar 22 - Apr 10
MOM'S THE WORD: FOR CRYING OUT LOUD Apr 26 - May 21

Visit the Theatre Calgary website for dates, show times and ticket prices.

See you at the show!

The GRAND Theatre

2010-10-13T17:09:00.002-06:00

Calgary's GRAND Theatre

Calgary's historic GRAND Theatre is home to Theatre Junction, a multidisciplinary contemporary arts company featuring live theatre, dance, music and visual art in the heart of downtown Calgary.

The GRAND Theatre was built in 1912 when Calgary's population was just 50,000. Known at the time as the Sherman Opera House, The GRAND was the centre of Calgary social life. Fred Astaire, Ethel Barrymore, the Marx Brothers and George Burns were among the acts that performed there.

Completely renovated in 2005, The GRAND is once again an important part of the Calgary social scene. Located downtown at 601 - 1st Street SW, The Ballad on Ricky and Ronny (Belgium), a pop opera, is scheduled to play at the GRAND October 13 - 15, 2010 - a modern day musical about looking for meaning in a mundane world. For the complete 2010/2011 season, click to visit the Theatre Junction website.

Jan 20-22, 2011 - L'Orchestre d'hommes-orchestres (Quebec City) performs Tom Watts
Feb 1-5, 2011 - CIRCA (Australia)
Feb 25 - Mar 5, 2011 - Lucy Lost Her Heart, Theatre Junction (Calgary) Previews Feb 23-24
Mar 23 - 26, 2011 - Under the Skin, Wen Wei Dance & Beijing Modern Dance Company (Canada / China)
Apr 6- 9, 2011 - L'Effet de Serge, Vivarium Studio (Paris)

Looking forward to it. See you there!

Sunnyside Home and Garden Centre

2010-10-09T12:56:00.000-06:00

Sunnyside Tropical Plants

Sunnyside Resident Parrot

Sunnyside Home and Garden Centre is Calgary's go to greenhouse for indoor plants and outdoor landscaping needs. Sunnyside has been a Calgary institution for over 90 years.

Sunnyside Halloween Display

Crazy busy in the spring, it is open year round - great for seasonal merchandise like a concrete water fountain for your yard, some fresh cut flowers for a mantle or peace lily for a sitting area. I love to browse Sunnyside's extensive collection of tropical plants especially in the colder months. I plan to pick up some tullip bulbs to plant this weekend. See you there!

Located at 3439 - 69 Street NW, Calgary
Phone (403) 288-3006

Sunnyside Website

Rose Garden Thai Restaurant

2010-10-03T16:33:00.002-06:00

Rose Garden Thai Restaurant

Located in the heart of the Stephan Ave Walk, the Rose Garden Restaurant is one of Calgary's hidden treasures. The upstairs restaurant has an interesting blend of rich casual elegance mixed with a little over the top Thai decor. It feels like a secret magical place where great things can happen.

We went on a Saturday evening before the 7:30 show at Vertigo Mystery Theatre. It was busy, but the service was still pretty good.

Thai Garlic Shrimp

We ordered the cashew chicken and garlic shrimp with coconut rice and a pot of jasmine tea. Both dishes were amazing and beautifully flavoured. I was so happy I came.

One of few more affordable options for this high rent area, dinner for two (no alcohol) was just under $50.00 including tip. Decent price for really good food. The lunchtime buffet ($15.00) is also extremely popular with the downtown crowd.

The Rose Garden is my new favourite Thai restaurant. Perfect when combined with a day at the Glenbow Museum or an evening at Vertigo Theatre.

Located upstairs at 112 - 8th Avenue SE.

Phone for reservations 403-264-1988

Vertigo Mystery Theatre

2010-10-03T12:26:00.003-06:00

Twelve Angry Men

Vertigo Mystery Theatre is a live theatre company operating downtown at the base of the Calgary Tower. The Vertigo Theatre Centre is modern and intimate facility with all seats having a good view if the stage.

Vertigo's current performance, Twelve Angry Men, is an interesting study of twelve jurors deliberating a death penalty case. The men vigorously confront each other and their own biases as they struggle to reach a decision. The play was very engaging and well performed. Definitely worthwhile and combined with dinner at nearby Rose Garden Thai Restaurant, a perfect evening out.

Vertigo Theatre Centre

Planned performances for Vertigo's 2010/2011 season include:

Twelve Angry Men (now on)
Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps
Nevermore
Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None
Dr. Jekyll and My Hyde

Cost for a Saturday night performance is just under $100 for a pair of tickets.

Click here for schedule, tickets and showtimes.

Glenbow Museum and Art Gallery

2010-10-01T11:19:00.005-06:00

Explore Aboriginal Culture

Located in the heart of Stephen Ave, the Glenbow Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the museum's second floor feature collections: Art of Asia, Modernist Art and Historical Art. The museum houses more than one million paintings and artifacts in all. Upstairs discover the cultural history of Alberta, Native Tradition, Mineralogy and Military History.

Fernando Botero Exhibition

On now at the Glenbow is the Baroque World of Fernando Botero (ends Nov 14, 2010). Botero is a Colombian painter and sculptor with a unique approach to his work that is at once comical, tragic and colourful on a grand scale. The exhibit features more than a hundred must see paintings and sculptures.

Click here for upcoming exhibitions.

Located on the Stephan Avenue Walk at 8th Avenue and First Street SE, Calgary, the Glenbow also houses a top quality gift shop.

Entrance cost is approximately $15.00 for adults.

Spruce Meadows

2010-09-12T18:09:00.007-06:00

Spruce Meadows is an world class equestrian jumping centre located in the south west edge of Calgary.

Tournaments are scheduled year round culminating with the Masters in mid-September. On the final day of the tournament, top international athletes compete in the CN Grand Prix for $1 million in prize money.

This year's Master's winner was Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands beating out injured Canadian favourite Eric Lamaze who placed third. Richard Spooner of USA on his horse Christallo was second.

Top quality show jumping, pageantry and fresh country air - a fine day indeed and a great end to a successful season.

Calgary's Oil and Gas Industry

2010-08-29T14:56:00.000-06:00

Calgary is the business centre for Canada’s oil and gas industry. The Calgary skyline is dominated by high-rise office buildings housing many local and international energy companies collectively referred to as “Big Oil”. While it sounds macho, inside the glass and steel exteriors, oil companies are filled with everyday people from introverted engineers and accountants to dreamer geologists who study rocks and maps of rocks all day long. In the boardroom, executives fret over future oil and gas prices, ever rising input costs and increasingly technical means of resource extraction. That said, energy workers are a highly educated and sophisticated segment of Calgary’s workforce that positively contribute to the overall vibrancy and culture of the city. Fat expense accounts encourage a first rate restaurant scene. Oil companies are also big contributors to the arts and cultural events. To a large extent, the fortunes and overall mood of Calgary directly relate to the health of the oil and gas industry.

The oil industry is also an important segment of the Canadian economy - it is the world’s fifth largest energy producer. Energy companies employ more than 500,000 people across

Canada

and comprise about 25% of value on Toronto Stock Exchange. The industry contributes significantly to local economies across

Canada

Chinatown Street Festival

2010-08-20T16:51:00.000-06:00

Calgary Chinatown celebrates its 100 year anniversary at today's 10th annual Street Festival. Chinatown is located along Centre Street in the east side of downtown Calgary. The festival is free and everyone is invited.

Festivities kick off with a traditional dragon and lion dance. Street festival includes a Hong Kong style street market, food booths, entertainment and activities with a grand fireworks finale. Centre Street bridge is closed to accommodate the celebration.

Waterton National Park

2010-08-07T00:14:00.009-06:00

Waterton National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, is just an easy 3.5 hour drive from Calgary. Located near the USA border it is adjacent to Glacier National Park on the American side. Waterton boasts panoramic mountain views, pristine forests, beautiful lakes, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Trendy eateries and fine hotels make Waterton a great getaway destination.

While you are there you can hike the Redrock Canyon or walk about the town. Have lunch on a patio or picnic with the deer by the lake. There is bicycle and peddle car rentals to get around. Take a boat tour, mossy through galleries and gift shops and enjoy some fine ice cream or fudge.

Decent camping is available at Crandell Campground just 20 minutes from town. Campsites are set lodgepole pine where deer intermingle with campers.

The Calgary to Waterton drive is pleasant passing through bright yellow canola fields and quaint Alberta communities. Cattle, hay bales and windmills complete the landscape against the big Alberta sky. Very relaxing.

Road Trip to Nelson, BC

2010-07-28T21:53:00.065-06:00

Lakeside Park

Nelson is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Canada. It is located on Kootenay Lake and nestled on the side of the Selkirk Mountains where the air is mountain pure and the water is crystal clear. Warm summer weather, magnificent old growth forests, beaches galore and nineteenth century architecture make Nelson a perfect getaway destination. It is also a natural paradise for recreationalists.

Trolley Car

Lakeside Park (downtown Nelson) hosts trendy summer festivals and entertainment. It is the primary community gathering place expertly manicured and includes a boardwalk and beach. Scenic tours via a heritage trolley car leave the park on the half hour daily. Cost for adults is just $3.

Kokanee Canyon

Kootenay Provincial Park (19 km from Nelson) offers decent camping and hiking set in old growth western cedar and grand fir. There is also a nice beach, day use picnic tables and a boat launch. Hiking the canyon lookout trail (medium difficulty) is definitely worthwhile for its waterfall crescendo. Cost for camping is about $30 per night, firewood extra.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

Nearby Ainsworth is a Rockies hot spring favourite. Outdoor pools have breathtaking lake and mountain views and include salt caves that drip with condensate from the natural hot spring waters. It is like a hot pool and sauna all at the same time. Plunge into the cold pool for an invigorating surprise that awakens the senses. Very rejuvenating. Cost $11 for adults. Spa and accommodations are also available.

Osprey Kootenay Lake

Nelson is an eight hour from Calgary drive filled with spectacular views, pristine forests, wildlife, points of interest, antique cars and cherry orchards - definitely a worthwhile excursion.

Antique Car

Mountain Lake

Calgary Stampede

2010-07-19T15:35:00.005-06:00

Greatest outdoor show on earth celebrating 98 years. Annual ten day party kicks off early to mid-July with the stampede parade through the downtown core. The stampede grounds daily rodeo, chuck wagon races, travelling fair, agricultural show, Indian village and entertainment hub.

Cowboy attire is pretty much mandatory. The trick is not to go overboard. A cowboy hat (available everywhere), your favorite jeans and a shirt that says cowboy to you will do you well. I try for the urban chic cowboy style, but country cowboy is also very acceptable. A few inexpensive accessories like a belt buckle, bandanna or string tie can pull it all together. And if you are really into it, a pair of cowboy boots will compete the look. Remember there are ten days of stampede and that can add up to allot of cowboy wear.

Stampede Grounds are located near to the city centre at 1410 Olympic Way SE serviced by the C-Train - Erlton and Victoria stations.

The rodeo is a fun afternoon of barrel racing, calf roping, saddle roping and bull riding. The show is hosted by the rodeo clown and a commentator with big screen playbacks. The show is entertaining and for the cowboys this is a "big money" very serious competition. Chuck wagons race each evening and are integrated with the nightly grandstand show and fireworks.

The fairgrounds include numerous rides, games of chance, draws (jackpots, cars, houses, shopping (mostly leathers and cowboy wear) and food stands.

The Indian Village is an interesting collection of authentic tip-pis and depending on your timing you may catch a powwow.

New in 2010 was the rock and roll fantasy acrobatic ice show. This was excellent and free with park admission. The live band and the Cirque du Soleil style acrobats were fabulous. The show featured classic rock and roll combined with elite Canadian figure skaters Elvis Stojko and Olympic gold pairs skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Nashville North is the onsite saloon featuring live country entertainment is legendary with the locals and the basis of many a story of love gone wrong.

Entry fee to the grounds is $14 for adults. Tickets for the rodeo or chuck wagon/grandstand shows include the entry fee and range from $50 to $350 depending on seats selected.

CAPO Restaurant

2010-07-04T13:37:00.002-06:00

Located in trendy Inglewood 1420 9th Avenue SE
Telephone 403-264-2276

Claim to fame - authentic Italian cuisine meticulously crafted by award winning resident chef Giuseppe Di Gennaro.

Atmosphere is both intimate and fun with a dozen or so tables set with crisp white linens against softer white backdrop. Large pale blue bubble lighting provide the a dreamy focal point while royal blue glassware adds visual interest. The kitchen area is open so you can see your dinner being prepared. We went early on a Saturday evening in early July. All available tables were filled. Reservations should be made well in advance.

Dinner was a work of art. Everything was served in groups of three. We started with the seafood trio which included a very succulent sweet and sour calamari, wild scallop and a single large poached poached prawn set in red pepper and pine nut salsa. I chose the lean cuts (lamb, beef and veal) and my partner the ocean fruits (lobster salad, halibut, calamari titan). Everything was delightful and the variety of the trios made sampling may different tastes and textures extra special. For dessert another trio with the excellent version of the classic tiramisu, pistachio ice cream and a tasty beignet. Very tasty!

The service was excellent. Over the course of the evening several waiters attended to our table ensuring a special experience. Water and wine glasses were kept topped up. The main server clearly explained the menu and Chef DiGennaro seemed keenly interested in our level of enjoyment.

Total cost for two including wine and tip was $200.00 however we shared the appetizer and dessert.

Overall it was a delight - top quality Italian cuisine prepared with attention to detail and in a classy upscale atmosphere, centrally located in historic Inglewood - a genuine dining experience. The food is excellent but alas is it is expensive and there is not alot food for your money. Perfect though for a special celebration. Definitely will be back.

Buon Appetitio!

The Catch Restaurant and Oyster Bar

2009-12-12T09:36:00.004-07:00

Catch Restaurant, Calgary

Located in the Stephen Avenue Mall 100 8th Avenue SE
Telephone 403-206-0000

Claim to fame Executive Chef Hayato Okamitsu is the reining gold medal winner at the 2009 Canadian Culinary Championships.

Upstairs dining room is nicely appointed with high ceilings, stone walls, formally dressed tables and a cozy fire place – a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The day we were there it was not so full, surprising given it was the holiday season but maybe understandable as the weather was very cold outside.

Lunch was very tasty. We started with a house original wonton crusted tempura prawns which were huge succulent shrimp in a light crunchy batter. For the main course we chose the Swordfish special served with lobster bisque roasted potato asparagus and salad greens with bits of bacon. Dessert was a beautiful fresh raspberry sorbet served with fresh mixed berries.

The service was not so good. Firstly, they did not have our online registration and made a bit of a fuss about it at the door even though the tables were only 25% full for lunch as it was -20ºC outside. Secondly, there was just one waiter working and we felt a little neglected as he seemed rushed completely missing our beverage order. There was also a chronic shortage of menus both for lunch and for dessert and my table had to share. That said, the food was served from the kitchen expeditiously and once caught up our waiter was attentive as we were the last party to depart.

Total cost for three including wine and tip was $230.00.

Overall it was enjoyable - good food, nice atmosphere, great location but lacking some in hospitality.

Banff National Park of Canada

2009-09-18T20:37:00.030-06:00

Buzz: Rocky Mountain getaway just 1.5 hour drive from Calgary. A popular city escape with crystal clean waters and super fresh air. Area activities include gondola, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, mountain climbing, world class skiing...

Hot Springs: Bathing in natural mineral hot springs is the ultimate in rejuvenation. First Nations people have traditionally used the "sacred water of the mountains" for its healing powers to revive the body and the spirit. Thermal waters rich in minerals reduce muscle tension while increasing blood circulation that feels simultaneously relaxing and energizing.

The Banff hot pool is perfectly situated among the lodge pole pines with panoramic views of the Canadian rocky mountains. The water at 39°C (103°F) has a slight sulphur smell from the mineral composition in Banff. Open year round the cost is less than $10. Mornings and evenings when and when the air is cool are the best times to visit. Facilities include Pleiades Spa (massage, facials, body wraps, body polish), gift shop, cafe and ice cream situated in a historic stone spa and bath house.

Gondola Excursion (across from Upper Banff Hot Springs): The 10 minute gondola ride to the summit of sulphur mountain provides the most spectacular vantage point in the rocky mountains. The gondola stops at the restaurant level where you can take in the views of six mountain ranges from an observation deck. From there, embark on a 1 km skywalk series of steps and walkways featuring interesting historical sites - the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. Elevation is 7,500+ feet. There is also an option to walk down to the base of mountain on a 5 km hiking trail. The skywalk ascent and the medium difficulty trek down the mountain is challenging enough to provide a good workout. Round trip cost of the Gondola is less than $30.

Shopping: Shop Banff Avenue for quality art, jewelry, gifts and candy. Banff village features beautiful stone buildings adorned with trees, flowers, benches and decorative lamp posts. You will also find plenty of fine restaurants, pubs and cafes.

Hotels: Rimrock Resort Hotel is a short walk from the the Upper Hot Springs and the Gondola. Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic Canadian hotel in the village. Both are great full service hotels. Numerous other less expensive accomodations are available.

Spas: Willow Stream Spa located in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (403-762-1772); the Spa at the (403-762-1835); Pleiades at the Banff Upper Hot Springs (403-762-1515). All very good.

Review: Banff is truly inspiring, the gondola was amazing, the hotel was great and the hot springs were an unbeatable bonus that was the perfect weekend getaway.

Silver Dragon Restaurant

2009-09-05T16:58:00.007-06:00

Location: 106 - 3rd Avenue SE (Chinatown)

Buzz: Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Silver Dragon has been a popular dining spot for over 40 years. We dropped in Saturday noon for dim sum and landed one of the few remaining tables.

Dim Sum: If you haven't been for dim sun lately you might want to give it a try. Essentially, dim sum is traditional Chinese dishes served in small portions along with green tea. Waiters push serving carts from table to table with variety of menu items. As items are selected it is tabulated on the bill at the table. Servers generally speak only Chinese but do a good job of displaying dishes to choose from; the whole thing goes surprising smoothly.

Selections are generally very tasty and interesting but some menu items are foreign to the western diet (chicken's feet) or have textures that are unfamiliar (bean curd). That said, there is also many familiar dishes with good opportunity to try something new.

Food: We played it safe choosing calamari, pork dumplings, steamed shrimp dumplings and sticky rice served in lotus leaves. Four orders was very filling for two of us; we wished we had room to order more.

Service: Our waiter was fast, friendly and efficient. Tea and water were served immediately and he helped with food choices. Menu items were offered without delay.

Review: Our dim sum experience at Silver Dragon did not disappoint. The calamari was perfect crisp on the outside and tender (not chewy) on the inside. The dumplings were also excellent.

Recommendation: The Silver Dragon is a mainstay of the Calgary dining scene. Great restaurant, central location, authentic Chinese cuisine. Over the years, I have been for dinner many times and it has been consistently good. This was my first but not last time for dim sum.

Downside: Parking in Chinatown can be a challenge.

Stephen Avenue Walk (8th Avenue SW)

2009-08-31T22:18:00.039-06:00

Stephen Avenue Walk is the heart of downtown Calgary. Closed to traffic during the day, executives pour onto the street during the noon hour to soak up some sun and lunch in some of Calgary's finest upscale restaurants. Lined with trees and flowers there is always something going on amidst seasonal vendors, performers and public art. It is definitely trendy and one of the best places to catch the Calgary vibe.

There are lots of great restaurants in the down town core frequented by oil company executives with discerning tastes and large expense accounts. Here are a few of the better ones that I have been to:

Fine Dining:

Catch Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Murrieta's West Coast Bar and Grill
Piq Niq Café
Teatro

Pub Fare:

Earls, Banker's Hall
James Joyce

Olympic Plaza: Located along Stephen Avenue, the plaza was originally built for the 1988 Olympics Games medal ceremonies, today it is an urban park and gathering place for public events, concerts and festivals. Canada Day (July 1) fire works. In winter, it is used as a public ice skating area.

If you have the time: Calgary's Glenbow Museum and the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts are located across from Olympic Plaza.

Shopping: Eatons Centre, TD Mall (under renovation) and Scotia Centre all connected through a +15 walkway system. Alberta has no provincial sales tax but a 5% Good and Services Tax is added to all purchases.

Great Gift Shops: Twiggs Company and the Glenbow Museum Gift Shop.

Cowboy Wear: Lammles Western Wear; Tack and Riley; McCormick's Western Wear.

Bow River Rafting Float

2009-08-30T09:10:00.022-06:00

Buzz: Hundred of weekend rafters can be seen lazily floating down the Bow River on any given weekend. The river float is an enduring summer pass time that gives a unique perspective of the city. Bow River rafting is essentially a movable party and a great way to spend a summer day mixing with the locals.

Where to start: Anywhere up river - Bowness Park is good. It takes about three hours to make it to downtown carried by the current. If you paddle (not normally necessary) you can get there sooner.

What do you need: An inflatable raft with paddles (these can be rented locally), life jackets, drinking water, snacks, hat and sunscreen. Drop off and pick up arrangements at a preplanned meeting place.

You should know: Some water craft experience is necessary as the raft needs to be steered. The water is generally shallow and slow moving but can be deep and churning in some spots.

You should also know: Fines are given for not wearing a life jacket, open liquor, littering, public urination....

Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada

2009-08-29T20:03:00.026-06:00

Weekend Getaway:

Buzz: Camping, hiking, natural mineral hot springs (the ultimate in rejuvenation) 2.5 hour drive from Calgary.

Hot Springs: Reduce muscle tension while increasing blood circulation to make you feel simultaneously relaxed and energized. Negative ions contained in thermal waters are said to detoxify the body and positively contribute to the treatment of many physical and chronic conditions. First Nations people have traditionally used the "sacred water of the mountains" for its healing powers to revive the body and the spirit. Open year round. Adult day pass $10 plus $1 for a locker.

Hiking: Juniper Trail across from the hot springs meanders up the mountainside to spectacular view of the Columbia Valley leading down to a beautiful creek and waterfall set amidst a lush rain forest like setting. The area is rich with wildlife and mountain sheep can often be sited grazing in the open. The 3 km trail is a medium difficulty uphill trek challenging enough to provide a good workout.

Camping: Redstreak campground (named for the Radium's distinctly red mountain rock) is a 2.7 km hike to the hot springs with a 1.8 km trail to restaurants and services in the Radium Hot Springs village. It is a well maintained National Park campground with flush toilets, hot and cold water, showers, fire pits and wood. Grocery, deli, bakery and liquor store is nearby. Campsite reservations are available. Cost is about $30 per night.

Other area activities: Golfing, horseback riding, rafting, mountain climbing and world class skiing.

More info: http://www.pc.gc.ca/regional/sourcesthermales-hotsprings/itm2-/radium_e.asp

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/Kootenay/activ/activ1_e.asp

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/Kootenay/visit/visit8_E.asp#Redstreak

Calgary Classic Jacks Restaurant

2009-08-22T21:40:00.006-06:00

Location: 933 - 17th Avenue SW (Lower Mount Royal)

Buzz: Casual bar and eatery in Calgary's hip "Red Mile" district. Summer patio tables were full - we got the last table for dinner. Known for it's selection of international beers.

Food: Ordered the fatty burger with cheese, bacon, fried mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and pickle plus two side dishes. I had sweet potato fries and Cesar salad, along with a couple of Coronas.

Service: Was very good - fast, friendly and efficient.

Review: I had fun. It was a hot summer day and the place was full with a young professional type crowd. Everyone seemed to be enjoying food and drink. My hamburger was truly the best I have had in a very long time. The beer was cold (served with lime) and the service was very good.

Downside: Traffic along 17th "Avenue can be quite loud.

Cost: $55 for two meals and four beer + tip.

Recommendation: Excellent pub food. One of the best in Calgary.