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A few of my favourite things around Calgary, Alberta

 In my last post about Calgary I wrote about my favourite places downtown.  Now I'm going to talk about places a bit further afield.  I am no expert on Calgary plus I have to confess here that I am more of an Edmonton gal myself (Calgary and Edmonton have a sibling rivalry like a lot of cities in the same province/state do..) Fun fact:  I lived in Edmonton for nearly a year in 1970/71 plus visited frequently as my sister and niece lived there for years and I have quite a fondness for the city. These were my favourite places when I was there taking care of a pooch in February/March of 2000. (my last trip before the pandemic hit as it turned out) 

The Calgary Farmers Market 

The market proved a little awkward to get to by public transit but I love a public transit challenge. I ended up going there twice.  That's how good it was!! 



I got myself some Maple Cream loose tea (still have a bit left; it's lovely) and frozen maple chili here.  


No, I did not get one of these - they looked like too much even for my sweet tooth. 


Avenida Food Market 

I don't have any pretty pictures to show you but trust me this place is "da bomb"!!  It is a bustling foodie's paradise.  You can buy food products, fantastic ready meals (I was kicking myself that I visited the day before my dogsit ended; especially as it was so close to where I was staying) and of course wonderful food kiosks offering everything from Mexican to sweet treats.  I enjoyed a delicious fried chicken sandwich.  The market is located in deepest SE Calgary close to the Canyon Meadows C train station.  

Calgary Zoo

I do love a good zoo. I mean one that not only has excellent living conditions for the animals but a great breeding program as well.  I always research every zoo I visit to ensure this.  

I had been to the zoo with a friend and her granddaughters almost twenty years ago and I knew it was a good one.  What attracted me this time was the opportunity to see pandas as well as the "Penguin walk" 

The second I got there (I was one of the first in) I scooted off to see the two pandas, Er Shun and Da Mao who were to be in Calgary for five years (due to Covid they have now been flown back to China).  I was able to get some great shots but don't ask me which one is which!!! 






This guy was hanging out in the same building as the pandas...


This is a Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on earth - I think the phrase "the face only a mother could love" springs to mind.  However it has its place in our world  - all our species have evolved for a reason. 

Then it was time for the Penguin walk!!!  The weather has to be perfect for this to take place - not too warm not too cold and not too windy.  It is only done in the winter months as King Penguins do not appreciate warm weather.  I was lucky on the day I visited as the weather was perfect - the day before it had been canceled.  This is a free choice for the penguins - if they don't feel like going it is fine.  On the day I visited all 23 King Penguins decided to go for the stroll.  It was amazing!!!  


Before the walk the King Penguins were hanging out in an enclosure enjoying the cool air.  



The fuzzy brown penguins are young ones. 


While waiting for the walk to begin I felt the anticipation of waiting for a rock star - and believe me I know what I'm talking about!  It was just enchanting watching them toddle.  If you want to see a video go over to my Facebook page. 

Once the walk was over I went into the penguin enclosure to see the smaller Humboldt penguins.  


I do love penguins!!!  I visited other residents of the zoo but the penguins and pandas were the highlights.  It is definitely a place worth visiting!!!  

The Fairy Doors of Kensington

Kensington, which is situated just outside the downtown area of Calgary is one of the "trendy" areas of Calgary.  It has cute coffee shops and quirky shops - my kind of place!  I love the area and on one trip many moons ago I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in that area.  On the east side of the Norfolk building on 1118 Kensington Rd is an enchanting woodland mural complete with fairy doors.  I absolutely loved it!!! 









Those are the highlights of my time spent outside the city centre.  Hope you enjoyed it!!! 









 


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