The world’s most celebrated couple will be welcomed, with hearty Canadian hospitality, July 7 – 8, 2011 to Calgary, Alberta. During their North American tour, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s visit to the modern cowboy city will mark two momentous occasions. It will be the first time any member of the British Royal Family has ever been to Calgary and the couple will commence the 2011 Calgary Stampede (the world’s largest rodeo celebration attracting 1.3 million visitors).
Calgarians are ‘yahooing’ with anticipation and speculation as to what the newlyweds will see while in Calgary. Some details have emerged about William and Kate’s Calgary itinerary.
Royal Calgary Travel Guide
At LA’s the Place, we’ve also compiled a “Royal” travel guide to Calgary, as it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the many facets of Calgarian culture. Catch a glimpse of the regal celebrity couple while enjoying Calgary’s fine dining, designer cocktail bars, award-winning spas, museums and of course, a little nitty-gritty, root-tootin’ rodeo culture.
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth
Shine ‘yer boots and don a ten-gallon hat as everyone – locals and visitors alike channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl for the Stampede, better known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” from July 8 – 17, 2011.
It’s ten days of bull riding, chuckwagon racing, First Nation (Native Americans) ceremonies, carnivals, themed parties through the city and concerts from the likes of Sugarland and Katy Perry. William and Kate will no doubt be the featured highlight of the Stampede Parade, which kicks off the celebration on Friday, July 9th.
Canada’s Largest Living History Museum
It feels like the movie back lot of Universal Studios. Heritage Park Historic Village is an incredibly life-like reproduction of Calgary’s historic moments from the 1860’s to the 1930’s. The cart drawn horses, steam-engine locomotive and ‘townspeople’ to interact with and learn from, including eavesdropping on the church ladies’ gossip over teatime, has an ageless appeal.
Don’t miss the Hudson Bay Company Fur Trading Fort where you’ll learn how to make ‘bannock’ – the fur trapper’s food staple similar to a biscuit. When you need a rest from the time traveling, The Selkirk Grille in Heritage Town Square offers well executed Canadian and international cuisine.
Calgary Tower & Sky 360 Restaurant & Lounge Offer Royal Views
The iconic landmark of Calgary’s cityscape, besides the Olympic Park ski jump in the distance, is the Calgary Tower. Go to the Observation Deck to experience the sensation of floating 525 feet high above, as the floor is glass.
To celebrate the feat of walking on air, enjoy a Canadian wine like the 2007 Sandhill Syrah that pairs exquisitely with a local Bison steak at the rotating restaurant, Sky 360 Restaurant & Lounge. Sky 360 offers the perfect setting as the sun sets and the city slowly moves around you to celebrate a momentous occasion or toast a loved one for a romantic dinner.
Digs Fit for a Duke and His Duchess
Hotel Arts, four blocks from historic downtown Calgary, caters to those who enjoy a hipster vibe without sacrificing five-star service – a type of sophisticated cool. One can imagine Kate and William enjoying the Hotel Arts’ outdoor ‘party’ pool with a signature Tea-hito (tea based mojito) in hand.
Hotel Arts not only has the necessary amenities like two restaurants including the French bistro Saint Germain, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an Italian tiled pool that’s heated year round, a business center, conference rooms and in–room spa treatments from RnR Wellness Spa, but they also have a charming staff, like Director of Business Development Fraser Abbott, to ensure your every whim is catered to.
Check out their summer promotions, from a Romantic Getaway to Live Like a Rockstar to Girlfriend Weekend.
Calgarians Like it Raw
Although it may seem strange to seek out raw fish in the Mecca of beef and bison country, for a sushi craving, the only place for an unadulterated fix is the Raw Bar, located inside the Hotel Arts. With award-winning Executive Chef Duncan Ly at the helm, Raw Bar has been ranked one of Alberta’s Ten Best Restaurants. Try their signature Tuna Tataki, Crab and Mango Rolls and artfully presented Vegetable Shrimp Rolls.
Raw Bar’s award-winning Master Mixologist, Colin Tait, brings a novel spin on standard summer cocktails like the Maple Colada, Guava Hurricane and Tea-hito made with fresh, exotic fruits and top-shelf spirits. Tait has also launched a menu of Antioxidant cocktails for those who like to have a bit a fun without the morning-after side effects … the Yuzu Sunrise and Kiwi Melon Sours are two must-sips.
WestJet Non-Stop Flights From OC to Calgary
WestJet, likened to Southwest Airlines of Canada, is a relatively new airline that believes firmly in the mission statement “just because you pay less, doesn’t mean you get less.”
With only a three hour journey on WestJet’s direct flight from Orange County, there is no easier or more affordable way to have your chance at meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Calgary. One non-stop flight leaves daily for $149 each way. For online bookings, visit: www.westjet.com
For all things Calgary, whether you’d like to experience it like a Royal or a rough and tumble ranch hand, visit Tourism Calgary.
Stay tuned for a three part series on other incredible Alberta, Canada travel destinations.
