I know there are some Canadians on here, and a lot of travelers, so, what is there to do in Calgary? I need to get away from school, which usually means family in CA, but I'd like to do something different over spring break. Calgary is the only place of interest within 10 hours (my limit for this) that I haven't been. It would be outside of my price range for a short trip alone, so I'm bringing my girlfriend.
So, tentative plan, 2 20 year olds heading out on a sunday, getting there early evening, spending 3 nights and heading home. If it gets old it will get cut to 2 nights. I've enjoyed pub crawls in europe, looking for some safe night life and also some sights.
Am I way off on this idea? I don't want to go to canadian sacramento, but Calgary sounds like somewhere to go.

This is assuming she can get a passport by then.

 

Calgary is a pretty good city. Lots of bars/restaurants if that is what you are looking for. Whiskey Jacks is one of the big ones I think. Its a city of close to a million people so its a lot bigger than Billings.

Do you ski or snowboard? Banff/Kanaskis is only an hour west and is most definitely worth seeing the Rocky Mountains. Although, if you plan on staying in Banff its stupid expensive. I can recommend a reasonable motel, that Ive stayed at in Calgary if you are interested.

When would you be coming?

If you need any more info just let me know.

 

Sounds like a good idea then. I've been many places, but after living here for coming on 5 years I still haven't been over the northern border. It'll be mid march. I know its not great northern vacationing weather, but more than anything we're just looking to get away for a few days, get in the car, and see some new things.
Neither of us ski or snowboard (about the only ones around here). I don't want to make a big production out of it, just a 4 day trip max, see some new things and maybe a couple nights out. Budget is pretty low, basically fuel, lodging and food. Things really worth doing could be squeezed in, but unfortunately neither of us are in the position for a real vacation right now. The only reason its in the cards at all is because I have the jetta and its cheap entertainment to drive places.
I'd appreciate the recontamination on a motel, the dimes saved on expenses turn into the doing things money.

 

March can be quite good. Calgary gets a lot of chinooks around that time of year so the temperature will likely be fine.

If you are going to drive that far - you really should go to Banff. You will see stuff you have never seen before. Even if it is just for the day and even if neither of you are looking to ski or snowboard. I will see if I can find the hotel for you. I think it was $110 or so a night.

BANFF - http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...8&fr=yfp-t-701

Even if you walk around Banff - it will be worth the extra few miles.

 

that looks awesome, that will definitely be on the list.
Will I have any problems with law enforcement with the straight piped jetta?

 

none whatsoever as long as you are obeying the traffic laws and driving the speed limit. The highways up here arent lawless like in montana.

I will try to find you some info on Banff....and anything else I can think of.

 

Banff, Alberta, Canada - Official Website of the Town of Banff, Alberta

Banff, Alberta - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

http://www.discoverbanff.com/

http://www.banff.com/

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguid...ff_vacations-i

Lots of info for you bud.

 

Banff is definitely worth the trip out there, even if you can only make a day trip out of it.
You could go up the Calgary tower, it's not the tallest put it does spin!
There are excellent museums in Calgary, if that's your thing.
Calgary has an excellent Zoo.
You could take in a NHL hockey game.
If you don't want to go too far for some skiing, Canada Olympic Park is in Calgary. It's a ski hill, not a mountain by any means.
17th Ave. is full out bar's and lounges, and during a Flames game they can be pretty wild.
Lots of rec centers, wave pools, theaters, iMax, and a handful of good malls. The worlds largest, or at least Canada's, mall in 15 minutes north of Calgary.