Tag Archives: Calgary

Calgary and Flying Home

Blasdale Home Posted on by

4th-5th June 2025

Today was our last day in Calgary and Canada. We were flying home in the evening. First, we had breakfast in the hotel, checked out, luckily being able to leaving our bags at the hotel. We were going to try the level 15 route through the city. Not sure why it is called level 15, because it is only 1 or two storeys up. Many of the tower blocks are connected by bridges across the streets and avenues by this level 15 route. At this level in the tower block are restaurants and shops. You can walk between these areas, across the covered bridges into other areas without venturing outside. It is a bonus in winter when it can be -20. Entry for us was in the elevator in our hotel. We soon got lost and had to leave. The system breaks down where the bridges take you to tower blocks under renovation. I think all the routes out of our area were blocked.

Instead we took the train which is free in the central part of the city. We took it as far as we could, the city hall. We visited the public library where we had a coffee. Then we did a slow walk back to the hotel, stopping at the Local Public Eatery again. for lunch and a beer.

Picked up our luggage and caught a taxi to the airport. We arrived rather early and had to wait for the check-ins to open. Then it was on through security (where R had her waist swabbed for explosives), customs, onto the flight and back to Heathrow where Phil was waiting to take us home.

It was now 5th June, so all a bit confusing. That night, I wandered along the landing to the loo. “Why are there stairs here?” I queried, half-thinking I was in yet another hotel. I will not repeat R’s reply, but she did mutter asking me to draw a clock……

Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary

Calgary and Cruise Canada

Blasdale Home Posted on by

3rd June 2025

Today we left the campsite fairly early, because we needed to be back at Cruise Canada, Calgary, by 11.00 am, with the van filled with propane and petrol. We had discovered there were no propane gas filling stations in Banff (due to National Park regulations, it was suggested) but someone had recommended Canmore. After a tour of filling station in Canmore, we still had not found one. Next we stopped at a filling station on the main road, on First Nation land, out of the mountain region. It had diesel, petrol, Tesla chargers and a casino, but no propane gas. We at least had a coffee and snack at a Timmys (Tim Hortons).

I decided there might be one near Cruise Canada, and yes there was. Even without asking a man came out and directed us to the propane tap and filled us up. Must be a popular site for topping up the propane before returning the van less than a mile away. We also topped up the petrol to 3/8.

Took the van the next mile to Cruise Canada and phoned ex-Walker colleague Chris D, who kindly set out to pick us up.

Van left, deposits returned, checks on the van were minimal, propane level and fuel level. R asked for an email address so she could update them with various snags we’d found with the van.

Chris turned up and graciously took us into the centre of Calgary for our hotel, the Sandman Signature on 8th Street. We waved him off. Discovered we could not check in until 3:00. So, we went for a walk around the city, and had some lunch in a nearby bar/restaurant, called the Local Public Eatery. Nice beers and reasonable food all served by smiling staff. We then went to the Calgary Tower. When it was built it was the tallest building in Calgary. Since then, tower blocks have all shot up all around it. Still, it was a good place to visit. Good views of the city and a scary glass floor bit where you can see the street below you. We thought it better than the Vancouver Tower.

Back at the hotel, we showered and prepared for dinner. Chris D & his wife Sue were coming at 4:30 to pick us up to take us out for an early dinner of Alberta Beef. We were early, and so was Chris. He drove to CF Market Mall, which is North of the river and to the West.. The venue was ‘The Keg Steakhouse + Bar’. We all ate medium rare Sirloin, including R. She and I deemed it delicious, tender with enough bite so you knew you were eating beef. At Sue’s suggestion, I tried the local invention of a Caesar cocktail, which turned out to be rather like a Bloody Mary. The staff were exemplory, advising us where we needed help. Afterwards we were dropped back at the hotel. Great to see Chris & meet Sue and astonishing how quickly we were chatting away as though we’d seen each other recently, rather than years ago.

Tim Horton
Local Public Eatery
Overgrown truck
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower

Picking up our RV in Calgary

Blasdale Home Posted on by

14th May 2025

We had a lovely lie-in, and a good breakfast at the Elk + Avenue in Banff. Breakfast was the usual North American affair of eggs benedict (or ‘benny’) etc etc. No toast and marmalade! Most of the staff appeared to be from the (British) Commonwealth. We heard how people starting in life would get work visas for a couple of years, working in these resorts

Our Trailfinders chosen driver picked us up from the hotel at 11.00, very promptly.   Drove us to the RV pickup. About a 90 minutes drive. He would point out stuff on route, especially the cattle.  As we neared Calgary, the land became flatter.

RV pickup was rather slow and inefficient. Keys didn’t work in some locks on the outside cupboards, and much was glossed/hurried over.

We set off, stopped at a Walmart, where we spent far too long buying far too little.  Spent a long time looking for the beers etc. Ha! We needed a Liquor Store. Adventure at the Shell filling station where the payment machine misbehaved. It cost more 153 CAD. (Oh they preauthorised 250 CAD. You can set different limits.)

Arrived at Rocky Mountain House Campsite at 7.ish. Reception was closed, they had closed at 5, not 8, as we’d read.  We did walk into the unlocked reception, so the owner came down.  She had actually emailed us information, and there was a pass key outside the reception for us. The owner offered us coins for the washing machine and tumble drier, 1 dollar coins, called loonies and 2 dollar coins called toonies. R thought a wash & dry for 7 CAD a bargain.

Loaded the washing machine, then drove to our pitch. Actually made up the bed in the table, banquette area of the van. But never again, far too much hassle and not that good.

Pitched. R went off to the laundry, came back 30 minutes later (having walked around & around) not being able to find.it. I went off to the laundry. Loaded the tumble dryer and waited for its completion. Hour later back at van in the dark, not happy.

Camping in Canada
Camping in Canada