Looking for a moderately priced hotel in downtown Calgary for the end of July. Would like to be in easy walking distance for dinner and such. We are only staying one night, so it doesn't have to be deluxe. <BR> <BR>Also, if you were just spending a day in Calgary, what would you do/see? <BR>Thanks for your help, <BR>Nanci

Unless there is some overpowering reason to stay downtown, I would select the Greenwood Inn on the northeast side of the city, which is the side toward the airport. Other than that, try the Best Western Suites Downtown. <BR>If I had a day in Calgary, I know what I would do. I would drive a few miles to Drumheller and spend my day at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleonntology. <BR>It is a World Heritage Site. <BR>Other than that, Heritage Park a little south of downtown is quite nice. <BR>And there is a very good museum in the central part of the city.

Thanks, our thoughts on downtown, were simply to be able to walk around and eat dinner, etc without having to drive. We may stay 2 nights now--is there enough to do, or should we just head straight toward Fernie? <BR> <BR>Nanci

Nanci, <BR> Two summers ago we stayed at the Westin in downtown Calgary for a very resonable rate and thought it was great. <BR>We were within walking distance of everything downtown and driving to Heritage Park, the zoo, and Fort Calgary were no problem. We went up in the Calgary Tower and went to the Natural History museum too. For us, Drumheller was more than a day trip but it is NOT to be missed. What a spectacular place! In addition to seeing skeletons of dozens of dinosaurs, there are several places where you can watch paleontologists at work uncovering new finds in the onsite labs. Have a great trip.

Hi Nanci, Either the Westin or the Best Western Suites downtown are good options. The Westin is right on 4th Ave, so ask for a room on the back, so that you will face the river. You should definitely go to the Glenbow Museum. It's very well-done, and there's a lot to see. You will be very close to the river in either place, and there are great paths to wander along, especially around Eau Claire Market and Prince's Island Park. I don't know if you're into this type of thing, but in the summer there are plays in the park almost every weekend - it's Shakespeare in the Park, and it's free. If you go to www.mtroyal.ab.ca there should be a link to Shakespeare in the Park that will tell you what they're staging this summer. There's a great restaurant in the park called the River Cafe - very picturesque location. Also, try Teatro, just across from Olympic Plaza. For nightlife downtown try Ceildh's Pub on 8th Ave or the James Joyce Pub (authentic Irish, not a chain), also on 8th Ave. <BR> <BR>If you do have 2 days in Calgary, the Drumheller Museum is really worth the drive, but give yourself the whole day to do it. It will be VERY hot there in July, it's like a mini desert. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

Oooops! As to Shakespeare in the Park, I meant to say there are plays almost every night of the week, not just weekends!