Downtown Calgary is one of the cleanest big cities we have ever seen. They only have about 1M people which seems small for the "feel of the city," big skyscrapers, sophisticated restaurants, museums, parks, it has it all and has a "new" feeling and look to boot! It is clearly a growing and prosperous city. So different from many big cities that struggle from days gone by. Calgary transformed during the oil boom, then again with the 1988 Olympics, but has evidently continued to thrive!
We started the day at the Glenbow Museum that chronicles the entire history of Western Canada in an odd eclectic way that could drive those with an OCD tendency a bit nuts (not naming names:)). The top floor had unusual glass art that had little to do with history but were certainly interesting! It also mixed in Aboriginee history too which seemed like a strange combo.
The next floor was a history of wars with every kind of armour and weapon known but not in chronological order, more set in themes. It told the history of how one became a knight as well as history on the Mounties and Indians of the area while also covering the oil boom and the Calgary Stampede...a lot to take in!
Next we saw a whole section on gems, reminded me of my geologist Dad who always loved to collect them!
The bottom floor was a whole display from famous artists but photography wasn't allowed! I can't say it was our favorite museum, but they certainly had a lot of artifacts and covered a huge range of subjects.
Next we saw one of Calgary's most famous landmarks, the Calgary Tower. At 625 Ft it was the tallest building when built in 1968 but now ranks fourth!
The Tower charges a fee but a headset and recorder provide a good description of what you are seeing from each direction so it seemed worthwhile...and what a view!
We took this view where you really get a sense of vertigo with the glass floor, but it was a riot watching parents have their kids lie down so they could get photographed as if they were suspended or falling into space...
A final pose before heading on to new sights...as Wayne said, "you love bears!"
Next we hit Stephen Ave Walk, a pedestrian walk for several blocks of neat shops, cafés, high end restaurants, sculptures, bands, and street performers. The whole walk had a cool vibe and made for a fun afternoon. again, clean as a whistle too!
We left Calgary and headed toward our campground in Cochrane, but made one more stop, for dinner at a very nice steakhouse, Keg. It is an AB, BC chain, but think Ruth Chris level steakhouse without the pretentiousness! I think I had my best steak...EVER! Alberta is known for its beef and Keg uses only top AB beef, so tender and delicious and reasonably priced for this level restaurant. A nice end to a beautiful (and might I add sunny) day. I snapped this through the window while we drove into Cochrane along HWY-1.
Back at the campsite with more to see tomorrow, we still have to go to the Olympic Park...perhaps a luge ride is in store:)
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