LONGER, WIDER, AND FASTER…read more That's one of the many things that the Canadian Football League has to offer, besides 3 Downs, an interesting kicking game, backfields in motion, lots of passing, last minute scoring, and a bunch of other rules that are different than the NFL. The first game I attended was the Calgary Stampeders vs. the Sacramento Gold Miners at Sac State in what turned out to be a failed CFL attempt to enter the US Market. That game was fast and fun, Doug Flutie was great, and I was hooked. My Canadian friends who follow the CFL are either Calgary or Edmonton fans, of which I have been fortunate to watch good games in each of their Stadiums. The CFL rules require a little study, but it all makes sense within the first few minutes of play. So during a recent Calgary Stampeders home game I attended (vs. the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, led by QB Alex Brink), I was in my element, and properly attired in a Stamps Jersey thanks to my friend Jim. One other key difference between the CFL and NHL is that the Canadian season starts in July and ends in November. I think that's to accommodate the weather that becomes a little more severe later in the season. I particularly remember a September game once that started out on a warm Indian Summer Day. Sometime in the 2nd Quarter, a "Blue Norther" came in, dropped the temperature at least 30 degrees, and then it began to rain. This Iowa Boy had never seen anything like it, and all I wanted was more.

"FOOTBALL!" "GET SOME!!!" My two favourite things to yell at a game and unleash my inner sports…read morefan. Now, I'm not really a sports guy. But I am a paint my body into a Canada flag, wear a beer dispensing hat and yell at referees who can't see as well as I can kind of guy, so I loves me a good Stampeders game. They're a tonne of fun, you don't have to have the income equal to a large oil corporation to attend (I'm looking at you, Flames) and the fans are incredibly passionate. It makes for a grand time. Plus, whenever the Stamps score a touchdown, they ride a horse up and down the field. Why? Because we're Calgary, and that's how we do! His name is Quick Six and he's a boss. If you can, go when Green is in town. Those crazy Saskatchewan folk love their foot ball and the games are a great time. They also wear watermelons on their head. They're from Saskatchewan. The sooner we just accept it and move on, the better off we'll all be.

I've been to a lot of different sports arenas, so it was a fun experience to check out a Canadian…read morehockey arena. One interesting part is that when you approach the building, you walk right past the structure of what will clearly be the team's next arena, which looks like a huge and impressive project. The current arena definitely feels older and a bit dated. The food options try to keep things modern, but the building itself has a classic "old barn" feel with simple seating and no cup holders. That said, you can really feel the history inside. The seating is built steeply upward rather than flat, so there really isn't a bad view in the place. It will be sad to see it go, but I'm glad I got to catch a game here before the new arena opens. If you're in the area before it's replaced, it's worth checking out.

This was my first experience for a concert! Before it was only for hockey games. The place is a…read morevery good venue for concert and in terms of sound and the rest of the experience, it was great! We had a great time there and enjoyed our experience. I have a feeling this building will be gone soon! :(

Spruce Meadows is known for their awesome Christmas Lighting show at around Christmas time... I…read moreknow, generic. Went on a 45 minute drive to Spruce Meadows on Christmas Day to see the lights as a family. Our hopes were shattered when we found they WEREN'T OPEN, now I know I know, "But Alex they need to see their families on Christmas". Yes they do but they can keep the gates on and turn on the lights so other families can enjoy Christmas with a colourful light show. This was incredibly disappointing and I expected better of Spruce Meadows.

Big, picturesque space to hold events! However the location is not very accessible, parking is…read moreconfusing, and there is a lack of adequate signage.

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice…read morehockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference. The Flames are the third major professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the Calgary Tigers (1921-1927) and Calgary Cowboys (1975-1977). The team was founded in 1972 in Atlanta as the Atlanta Flames before relocating to Calgary in 1980. In 1988-89, the Flames won their first and only Stanley Cup title. Atlanta losing the Flames is another example of why we need to support our local teams. Bankruptcy isn't pretty. I guess since I was always a hockey fan this team is another story close to my heart. Go to the games.....

The Calgary Flames are top 10 all-time in the NHL in points percentage dating back to their first…read moreseason as the Atlanta Flames in 1972. That's over 3,750 games played. The Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, so the franchise wasn't in Atlanta long. Atlanta also lost its other NHL team to Canada when the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg and became the Jets in 2011. Despite a long history of decent success (two Presidents' Trophies in 1988 and 1989, seven division championships from 1988 to 2019, and 24 playoff appearances), the Flames have won only one Stanley Cup championship: 1989. At the end of his Hall-of-Fame career, Lanny McDonald scored a memorable goal in Game 6 of the 1989 Finals. It was the game in which the Flames clinched the championship. It also turned out to be McDonald's last game as a player. He ended his 17-year playing career (the last eight with Calgary) as a champion. McDonald, Mike Vernon, and Jarome Iginla are the only three Flames players to have their numbers retired by the franchise. All three are in the Hockey Hall of Fame with Iginla getting inducted just last year (2020). Of the three, Vernon was the only player to be drafted by the Flames. He had two stints in Calgary. In his first stint, he was the goalie on the 1989 championship team, teammates with McDonald. Iginla played most of his professional career for the Flames (1995-2013). He was the cover star of EA Sports NHL 2003, wearing a Flames jersey. He won two gold medals representing Canada in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics. He holds numerous Flames team records including most points (1,095), goals (525), and games played (1,219). He was a six-time NHL All-Star. He scored the most points in the NHL for the 2001-02 season (Art Ross Trophy), won the Ted Lindsay Award that same year (league's Most Outstanding Player), and led the league in goals scored in both the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons (Rocket Richard Trophy). The latter was a three-way tie between Iginla, Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Ilya Kovalchuk (Thrashers). The Flames' only other Stanley Cup Finals appearance occurred in 2004 with Iginla as captain. Unfortunately, the Flames lost in a tight seven-game series to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3. Calgary hasn't won the Western Conference since, but with two-time Cup-winner Darryl Sutter returning as head coach this year (2021), there's reason for optimism at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Amazing service! It's my first time visiting Banff and I forgot my fishing gear. I went here to get…read moresome things and they went above and beyond to help me with licensing, getting the right gear, and letting me know the best places to catch fish. I went from having no idea where to go, to having confidence I was in the right spot with the right gear. I ended up catching a nice brown trout because of them. Highly recommend this shop!

Canmore is pretty much the only city you can get gear for fishing near Banff as the outdoor stores…read moretypically cater to hikers/climbers/bikers/runners. The crew at Wapiti were generous in recommendations for our light spinning set up and were able to help me get my permits for fishing for Banff and a day license although my son and I were only catch and release fishing. They sell lead free lures suitable for Banff and gave recommendations for locations along the Bow River in both Banff and Canmore although they have a variety of fly fishing and outdoor paraphernalia. Our first day we got skunked at Banff on the Bow River and snagged but we eventually were able to hook up to trout in Banff in Lake Moraine and along the Bow with new gear on a separate day and different spots along the other pedestrian bridge. Make sure to buy multiple lures if you're spinning cause there are a lot of trees and rocks to get snagged which are the structures that the trout tend to congregate. One thing they might not be able to help you with is FINDING PARKING near certain spots.

If you're like me and you don't know your way around the U of C campus, the Jack Simpson Gym can be…read morea bit hard to find. It's right near the Olympic Oval, and access to the gym is from the lower level. The gym is home to The Dinos basketball and volleyball teams. It was also home to my Ultimate Frisbee game on Sunday afternoon. The gym is quite large. With most indoor gyms, we usually end up playing very close to the walls. Not here! With the exception of the bleachers at the ends being a bit close, we had plenty of room to run and chase after that flying white disc. The gym floors were in fantastic condition, the court was well lit and the facilities were clean. It made for one good indoor game!

A good friend of mine is a soccer superstar and his birthday was last week so of course, I didn't…read morethink twice before heading over to The Soccer Shop to peruse possible gift ideas. As the name suggests, The Soccer Shop is fully equipped with EVERYTHING soccer. They have a very impressive selection of brand name footwear including, but not limited to, goods by Nike, Umbra, Adidas, and Puma. Plus you know what? They custom-make soccer balls? Seriously?!?!? YES. Considered as one of Calgary's most useful resources for local soccer teams and clubs, The Soccer Shop will blow your soccer-loving self away. And hey, don't worry, if YOU specifically aren't a soccer star perse ;), they've got plenty of knowledgeable and helpful staff members on hand who will be more than happy to help with questions and suggestions.

I was warned by some casual fellow soccer sports enthusiast a few years back about these folks,…read morewith what I assumed to be a personal grudge but to be on the safe side I took my team uniform purchase to another store, and am now quite glad I did. I recently went back to this place over some bad merchandise previously purchased there and have been given the most unbelievable run around I have had in any store for years. There is definitely the buyer beware mentality here, You would be very well advised shop around before going here, or take your business else ware all together. This is THE Worst soccer store ever.

The boys and I have been coming here for Saturday morning brunch for seven years now. The staff…read moreare friendly, efficient, and welcome you like you're part of the family! This is also a great place to bring your children, as there are separate rooms and a small play area available. Cold buffet items: fruit salad, cold cuts, pastries, cheeses, pate, pickled beets, and rye crisps. Hot buffet items: Peter Christensen is at the helm to make your personal omelette. You can help yourself to the crispiest bacon in town and aebleskivers(spherical, fluffy, soft pancakes) with syrup, whipped cream, berry syrup. Other hot side dishes include hash browns, breakfast sausages and Danish porridge/oatmeal. On special occasions such as Mother's Day and Easter, there's an additional feature of a chocolate fountain and strawberries. Please make sure you phone and make reservations, because they fill up fairly quickly!

Saturday morning brunch in this place means custom-crafted omelets, an assortment of pastries, cold…read morecuts, pate, blue cheese, fruit, hash browns, and the crunchiest, leanest strip bacon I've ever had. Always a good idea to phone ahead for reservations, and try to get in at 10:30AM when they open, because it can get very busy closer to noon. A terrific place to bring young children, they are very family-friendly and there's a small play area for the little ones. The staff will dote on you.

Soccer? Ultimate? Tennis? Whatever your sport of choice, you can probably play it here…read more The fields are beautifully maintained and expansive.You can have about 8 simultaneous games of soccer. It also offers a lovely view of Calgary's largest downtown buildings. Things to note: no dogs allowed, this is a city field, folks! Parking is limited to two small lots, but there is lots of street parking Don't let your kids kick balls against the tennis club building as it echoes into their VIP dining lounge and those guys get mad. The sun was out, I enjoyed sitting on the dilapidated bleachers watching the soccer and took photos. Girls from youth soccer teams roamed the field selling gatorade and pop to fundraise for their team. What a beautiful day, in a beautiful park!

I've been coming here since first moving to Altadore in 2004. This is the kind of community…read morefacility that just adds a ton value to living nearby. It is laid back, chill & a no glamour facility. Perfect! The staff are mature seasoned YYC city employees who are always happy & helpful. There are 3 pools; 25 metre, dive/exercise pool & a huge hot tub. There is a great drop- in conditioning swim on Monday & Wednesday evenings & Saturday mornings.