DS

Hi there,<BR><BR>I'm so looking forward to my XMas break to Calgary next week. Although I've visited the city once or twice v. briefly few years back, I haven't seen a whole lot in the city except the Calgary Tower and the amusement park. I'm wondernig what's there to see and do this time of year? Where's the best shopping? (I plan on definitely doing some- saving up on that 7% tax!!). I heard 17th Ave (?) is a nice area with trendy stores. <BR><BR>Also, recommendations on nice restaurants (Mexican, Italian, Indian, Thai are my favs) are much appreciated. I have three weeks in the city, visiting family, but definitely plan on exploring the city.<BR><BR>Thoughts anyone??<BR><BR>Thanks much in advance!!

Lynne

For some ideas and info, try www.travelalberta.com or the Calgary Tourism website. Hope that helps you out!

x

go to olympic village. get out of the city and go explore kannanaskis and banff area

Susan

My sister lives in Calgary, and I visited her a year or so ago. One restaurant that we both liked a lot is called Aida. It's Lebanese food. There are a chain of Aida's in Toronto, but this was not the same - more upscale and very nice food. I can't tell you the address, somewhere near 4th Street, I believe.

DS

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. We are planning on possibly going to banff. I don't ski but would love to learn.

a.tall

there are plenty of sites to see in calgary. you will have a great time and do enjoy your trip to the mountains (watch road reports). shopping on 17th avenue is good fun with lots of independent &amp; funky shops. there are plenty of shopping centers w/ shops that you would find anywhere (southcenter, chinook to name two). as for things to see &amp; do: the art museum downtown is fabulous, heritage park is great fun (i think it is open in the winter), downtown market w/ great little shops, the zoo is really good. as for restaurants -- there are plenty of excellent places to eat. and lots of ethnic places, too. i would check with a concierge at a couple of the upscale hotels downtown. three weeks! lucky you &amp; have a great trip. happy holidays.

Heather

For Indian food, try Moti Mahal (sp???) just off 14 St. and 17 Avenue SW

DS

Thanks tall and Heather. What about transportation in the city? is the C Train reliable? is there a bus system? My family lives in SW and from what I understand &quot;everything&quot; is close by. I'll most probably be counting on public trans to get around during the day...

a.tall

there is a really good public transit system (just my opinion, tho') with the C-train &amp; buses. try an on-line search for maps &amp; schedules. re: restaurants. i just remembered that 'gourmet' magazine, october 2002 issue had a nice review of calgary restaurants (no kidding!!). check out a book by restaurant reviewer, john gilchrist - &quot;my favorite restaurants in calgary and banff.&quot; the gourment article reviewed the following restaurants: river care, the owl's nest (boy, it has been there FOREVER), rocky's burger bus, the planet (for espresso) the pfanntastic pannenkoek haus, chicken on the way &amp; for chinese food, the silver inn, manuel latruwe (belgian patisserie). so, you might find the &quot;gourmet&quot; magazine review on-line or at your library. so, maybe that is a start. i think john gilchrist also has a food review on the CBC radio - - maybe check out the calgary CBC radio website to see if any of his food programs are still on-line. have fun!