Hidden Gems of Calgary

Calgary, Alberta is known for the Calgary Stampede, millions of people go there every year and enjoy near-death experiences on rides and eat odd deep-fried food. However, there are other small attractions in Calgary that many people do not know too much about. I will admit even I have not visited these places, but they are the hidden gems of Calgary.

1. Heritage Posters and Music- 1316 11 Avenue SW. Even though you can go to sunrise records and pick up some posters or music in the form of a Cd. This place is covered in music and has some good old vintage vinyl for everyone to check out. Worth it, if you are looking to do some collecting.

2. Pages- 1135 Kensington Rd NW. This is a cute little bookstore where they sell new and old copies of books. It is in the heart of the indie Calgary, the bookstore has a basement filled with books as well. For the bookworm, it is worth checking out when you come to Calgary.

3. Big Sky BBQ Pit- 306016 15 St SE. If you are looking for true Alberta beef this is the place to go. I have not checked it out myself but apparently, their banana split is incredible.

4. Boxcar cafe- 100 - 1215 1 St SW. Do you like coffee? do you like board games? well, here is the perfect spot for you! choose a board and choose your poison (it's not poison, don't worry) enjoy challenging your friends while sipping on delightful lattes and London fogs. There are other board game cafes in the city as well such as Hexagon located in Kensington.

5. Big Rock Brewery- 5555 76 Ave SE. If you like beer, specifically the big rock beer, you found the right thing to do. They offer fun tours of how the beer is made and you get free samples throughout the tour as well.

6. Lougheed house- 707 13 Ave SW. If you like museums but do not want to spend an entire day there, this is the perfect stop to make. Tours are given by hard-working volunteers, you learn about Alberta's history and much more. I'm more of a "Heritage Park" kind of person, where the history is alive, but it did not make the list because it is not a hidden gem.

7. Reader Rock Garden- 231 15 Ave SE. This is a unique place for it is a historical park. There is a restored house, which you can see and all around you, you find beautiful flowers blooming and romantic bridges to hang out on. If you would like it is a perfect reading place, with peace and tranquility it is your escape from the city without leaving it.

8. Pearce Estate Park. Can't get enough of nature? well, perfect this is a place to set up a romantic picnic or to take your kids out of the house and throw a ball around. This place is surrounded by trees and is beautiful in many ways. It is also a good geocache location.

9. Angels Cappuccino and Ice Cream. Located in Edworthy park (by the bike path of the north parking lot). I have passed this place more than a thousand times, but still have not gone here, they recently expanded and the cafe makes waffles and pancakes now, which I do not know if they had before, but they do now and I have seen many people licking ice cream in the summer, so it must be good. This is one of the places that I have been wanting to try for a while.