Juleigh’s guidebook
Nearby food scene
These are some areas we like within a 5 minute drive (or 25 minute walk)
Blackbird has great food, great service and a cute patio. We often go there to have a bite, watch sports or just enjoy the atmosphere. There is also a great ice-cream spot across the street.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackbird Public Urban Bar
100 Auburn Meadows Dr SEBlackbird has great food, great service and a cute patio. We often go there to have a bite, watch sports or just enjoy the atmosphere. There is also a great ice-cream spot across the street.
The mash is a local brewery in Mahogany. You could bike there or drive. Has a nice little patio (dog friendly) that is open in the summer. Board games to play while you enjoy your beer with friends.
The Mash | Mahogany
Mahogany Centre SoutheastThe mash is a local brewery in Mahogany. You could bike there or drive. Has a nice little patio (dog friendly) that is open in the summer. Board games to play while you enjoy your beer with friends.
Chairman's is a high-end fine-dining restaurant in Mahogany (a couple minutes away). It has a great atmosphere and if you book in advance you can request a space outside. It is expensive - we go for special occasions - but it is really nice. You can always go here for a cocktail and then hit up one of the other restaurants in Mahogany after (The MASH, State & Main, Brewhouse, Kinjo Sushi)
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chairman's Steakhouse
2251 Mahogany Blvd SEChairman's is a high-end fine-dining restaurant in Mahogany (a couple minutes away). It has a great atmosphere and if you book in advance you can request a space outside. It is expensive - we go for special occasions - but it is really nice. You can always go here for a cocktail and then hit up one of the other restaurants in Mahogany after (The MASH, State & Main, Brewhouse, Kinjo Sushi)
Alvin's is a well-loved local jazz club in Mahogany. They have live jazz music every night. We would suggest booking a table in advance (especially on a weekend) and there usually is a cover charge to get in (just an FYI)
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alvin’s Jazz Club
176 Mahogany Centre SoutheastAlvin's is a well-loved local jazz club in Mahogany. They have live jazz music every night. We would suggest booking a table in advance (especially on a weekend) and there usually is a cover charge to get in (just an FYI)
Bow Tie Pizza (Mahogany)
112 Mahogany Street SoutheastThis is our favourite (decadent) pizza place. We love the donair pizza!
Neighbourhoods
This is a description of the nearby neighbourhoods (Seton, Auburn Bay, Mahogany) as well as some of our favourites in downtown Calgary (Inglewood, Kensington, Mission).
Auburn Bay is a very safe, family friendly neighbourhood. There are many parks in and around the big bay (as we call it). Nearby Seton has a ninja warrior playground for kids (which we've been told is awesome).
Auburn Bay is a great neighbourhood for walking. There are many paths in and around the neighbourhood to stroll or cycle. We have access to the lake - we have 2 passes which we leave on the table. At the lake there is a beach, areas to sit and have a picnic and activities like paddle-boarding, canoeing, etc. The two passes are good for two guests - they are in our names and have a picture associated with our account. We have had friends use them no problem (just show the passes at the front gate and the staff let you in). However, we know some might not be comfortable 'impersonating us' which is fine! You are welcome to give it a shot if you'd like. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to do nearby.
There is a bus just down the road from us that will take you out of Auburn Bay to Somerset C-Train station. It is about a 37 minute bus ride. Somerset C-Train is the end of the line - you can take it Northbound to almost anywhere in the city. You can also Uber to Somerset which is faster (but more expensive). This is all to say that having a vehicle is helpful if you are staying at our place and want to spend a lot of time downtown.
Auburn Bay
Auburn Bay is a very safe, family friendly neighbourhood. There are many parks in and around the big bay (as we call it). Nearby Seton has a ninja warrior playground for kids (which we've been told is awesome).
Auburn Bay is a great neighbourhood for walking. There are many paths in and around the neighbourhood to stroll or cycle. We have access to the lake - we have 2 passes which we leave on the table. At the lake there is a beach, areas to sit and have a picnic and activities like paddle-boarding, canoeing, etc. The two passes are good for two guests - they are in our names and have a picture associated with our account. We have had friends use them no problem (just show the passes at the front gate and the staff let you in). However, we know some might not be comfortable 'impersonating us' which is fine! You are welcome to give it a shot if you'd like. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to do nearby.
There is a bus just down the road from us that will take you out of Auburn Bay to Somerset C-Train station. It is about a 37 minute bus ride. Somerset C-Train is the end of the line - you can take it Northbound to almost anywhere in the city. You can also Uber to Somerset which is faster (but more expensive). This is all to say that having a vehicle is helpful if you are staying at our place and want to spend a lot of time downtown.
Mahogany is a quick 5 minute drive, 15 minute cycle or 30 minute walk from our house. I would suggest checking this neighbourhood out, it has some really nice pockets for exploration.
Importantly, there are much better food options in Mahogany than in Seton. In Mahoganhy you can go for brunch at Bro-Kin Yolk or Diner Deluxe. You can experience fine-dining at Chairman's Steakhouse or see some live music at Alvin's Jazz Bar. We like to go to the Marble Slab and walk along the lake in Mahogany (we love to check out all the houses on the lake).
Lots of fast-food here too - A&W, KFC, McDonalds, all the main ones. Also has groceries, shoppers drug mart, banks, etc.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a quick 5 minute drive, 15 minute cycle or 30 minute walk from our house. I would suggest checking this neighbourhood out, it has some really nice pockets for exploration.
Importantly, there are much better food options in Mahogany than in Seton. In Mahoganhy you can go for brunch at Bro-Kin Yolk or Diner Deluxe. You can experience fine-dining at Chairman's Steakhouse or see some live music at Alvin's Jazz Bar. We like to go to the Marble Slab and walk along the lake in Mahogany (we love to check out all the houses on the lake).
Lots of fast-food here too - A&W, KFC, McDonalds, all the main ones. Also has groceries, shoppers drug mart, banks, etc.
Seton is where we typically go (or Mahogany) for our standard stuff - it has a superstore, Sobey's, liquor stores, Tim Hortons, shoppers drug mart, etc.
The neighbourhood is pretty standard - watch out for all the bunnies!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seton
Seton is where we typically go (or Mahogany) for our standard stuff - it has a superstore, Sobey's, liquor stores, Tim Hortons, shoppers drug mart, etc.
The neighbourhood is pretty standard - watch out for all the bunnies!
We love Inglewood! It is a super cute pocket in Calgary that we go to if we want to go to a brewery (Cold Garden, Old Beautiful, High Line - try them all!), go for dinner (The Nash - amazing cocktails), Madison's 1212 - the best nachos), or go shopping/wandering. Located right by the river and about a 20 minute drive from Auburn Bay.
161 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Inglewood
We love Inglewood! It is a super cute pocket in Calgary that we go to if we want to go to a brewery (Cold Garden, Old Beautiful, High Line - try them all!), go for dinner (The Nash - amazing cocktails), Madison's 1212 - the best nachos), or go shopping/wandering. Located right by the river and about a 20 minute drive from Auburn Bay.
Kensington is a vibrant neighbourhood located downtown Calgary with tons of shops, cafes and restaurants. We love to go and just walk around the neighbourhood, pop in to a record shop or boutique, have a patio drink.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kensington Road Northwest
Kensington Road NorthwestKensington is a vibrant neighbourhood located downtown Calgary with tons of shops, cafes and restaurants. We love to go and just walk around the neighbourhood, pop in to a record shop or boutique, have a patio drink.
Mission, Kensington and Inglewood are probably our favourite neighbourhoods in downtown Calgary. In Mission, you can park at Stanley Park and walk along the river until you reach the main street of the neighbourhood (or keep going to 17th ave which has lots to do).
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission
Mission, Kensington and Inglewood are probably our favourite neighbourhoods in downtown Calgary. In Mission, you can park at Stanley Park and walk along the river until you reach the main street of the neighbourhood (or keep going to 17th ave which has lots to do).
This is where my guidebook photo was taken! Lake Louise is gorgeous - if you want t picture like mine you have to go on The Big Beehive Hike (find it on the All-Trails app). It is a moderate climb - but when you get to the top there is a spot to get a refreshing drink and/or fill up water bottles. I've done this hike without anything (very unprepared) and would suggest ensuring you bring a backpack with some snacks and water.
Also, Lake Louise has a park and ride (the main lots can get crowded so sometimes Park and Ride is the way to go).
371 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Lakeshore TrailThis is where my guidebook photo was taken! Lake Louise is gorgeous - if you want t picture like mine you have to go on The Big Beehive Hike (find it on the All-Trails app). It is a moderate climb - but when you get to the top there is a spot to get a refreshing drink and/or fill up water bottles. I've done this hike without anything (very unprepared) and would suggest ensuring you bring a backpack with some snacks and water.
Also, Lake Louise has a park and ride (the main lots can get crowded so sometimes Park and Ride is the way to go).
Nearby sightseeing
Places nearby that we like to go
We love the reservoir! If you are interested in running, this is the best spot in the city (in my opinion). It is a 15km loop that you can run, walk, cycle. They also have a big sailing club. Heritage Park is on the reservoir and is a fun place to go with kids. You can ride the S.S Moyie Paddlerwheeler at Heritage Park which takes you on a little boat ride on the reservoir.
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Glenmore Reservoir
We love the reservoir! If you are interested in running, this is the best spot in the city (in my opinion). It is a 15km loop that you can run, walk, cycle. They also have a big sailing club. Heritage Park is on the reservoir and is a fun place to go with kids. You can ride the S.S Moyie Paddlerwheeler at Heritage Park which takes you on a little boat ride on the reservoir.
Heritage Park is an attraction located right on the reservoir. It has a historical village, rides for kids and food. Volunteers dress up in historical outfits and share stories of Alberta's history. The view is incredible and I recommend taking the boat ride (SS. Moyie) if you go. It is a bit expensive (and parking is not included). What we've done is park at Glenmore Landing (at the Safeway or McDonald's) and then walk the path to Heritage Park.
135 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heritage park
Heritage ParkHeritage Park is an attraction located right on the reservoir. It has a historical village, rides for kids and food. Volunteers dress up in historical outfits and share stories of Alberta's history. The view is incredible and I recommend taking the boat ride (SS. Moyie) if you go. It is a bit expensive (and parking is not included). What we've done is park at Glenmore Landing (at the Safeway or McDonald's) and then walk the path to Heritage Park.
One of the country's best zoos (though I haven't been to them all). The Calgary Zoo I love because it is such a beautiful location. Obviously there is a lot to do with kids and it is fun seeing the animals, but it is also just a nice place to walk through.
745 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de Calgary
One of the country's best zoos (though I haven't been to them all). The Calgary Zoo I love because it is such a beautiful location. Obviously there is a lot to do with kids and it is fun seeing the animals, but it is also just a nice place to walk through.
Nearby Mountain Towns
Nearby must see mountain towns! Lake Louise is a farther drive. I have done it as a day-trip but it is a bit of a trek (worth it though). If you only have a few hours, I would suggest Bragg Creek.
Canmore is a mountain town that is about an hour drive from Auburn Bay. A tip to Canmore - go downtown. When you drive through, you might go onto the main strip near the highway and leave, but the best part of the town of Canmore is a bit farther from the highway. Just follow signs for downtown and you can get there and see all the quaint local shops and restaurants. Tons of sight-seeing in Canmore, lots of hiking trails (try All-Trails app), beautiful views and it feels less crowded than Banff.
307 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canmore
Canmore is a mountain town that is about an hour drive from Auburn Bay. A tip to Canmore - go downtown. When you drive through, you might go onto the main strip near the highway and leave, but the best part of the town of Canmore is a bit farther from the highway. Just follow signs for downtown and you can get there and see all the quaint local shops and restaurants. Tons of sight-seeing in Canmore, lots of hiking trails (try All-Trails app), beautiful views and it feels less crowded than Banff.
Bragg Creek is only about 30 minutes away from Auburn Bay and is such a beautiful town in the rolling hills/mountains. If you go, I recommend going to Elbow Falls! Lots of hiking and places to explore.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bragg Creek
Bragg Creek is only about 30 minutes away from Auburn Bay and is such a beautiful town in the rolling hills/mountains. If you go, I recommend going to Elbow Falls! Lots of hiking and places to explore.
Banff is about 1.5 hours from Auburn Bay (driving). Banff is lovely and a must-see if you've never been. It is about 20 minutes farther than Canmore.
614 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Banff
Banff is about 1.5 hours from Auburn Bay (driving). Banff is lovely and a must-see if you've never been. It is about 20 minutes farther than Canmore.