Calgarian Neil Zeller sees the city like no one else. After many years selling office furniture, Neil took his love of photography to the next level and launched his career by sharing the iconic photos he took during Calgary’s 2013 flood.

#NeildIt

Since then, capturing an iconic Calgary image is often tagged as “#NeildIt”. Neil’s vast portfolio includes photos of Calgary’s Peace Bridge, Wonderland sculpture, cityscapes, storms, vistas, people and landscapes.

Head east of downtown Calgary on 9 Avenue and over the Elbow River, and you’ll drive into Inglewood, which has the distinction of being the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Today, it’s home to Calgary’s Music Mile, the Barley Belt, businesses, shops, restaurants and breweries, and is the perfect place to stroll or bike.

Inglewood Has Great Neighbours

A destination in its own right, Inglewood is close to historic Fort Calgary, the East Village, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and the Bow River pathway system. Visit the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to spy common and rare North American bird species, or wander over to the Harvie Passage to see paddlers tackle the white water.

Stroll and Shop

Back on 9 Avenue, known as Calgary’s Original Mainstreet, you’ll find a collection independent businesses, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops, featuring Calgary-based roasters. Don’t forget to check out Rouge Restaurant and Deane House, both featuring Alberta-based cuisine and located in converted heritage houses.

Calgary was formed at the confluence of two rivers, located in the heart of ancient Blackfoot Territory.

Indigenous Culture in Calgary

Located at the Calgary Stampede, Elbow River Camp is the new home of daily dance demonstrations, tipi raising competitions, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts set among 26 tipis in a traditional circle. Indigenous history and culture is part of exhibitions throughout the city, including at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum, Fort Calgary and Heritage Park.

Explore and Learn

For a day trip from Calgary, the Tsuu T’ina Museum, Nose Creek Valley Museum, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park are all rich in Indigenous history and information.

Whether it’s infusing a spirit with honey made from the distiller’s bees, or small-batch gin and vodka infused with hand-picked ingredients from Alberta farmers and made with water fed from nearby glaciers, Calgary’s distilleries are starting to gain worldwide attention and appeal.

Happy Hour on the Prairies

Tuck into one of Calgary’s bars, brewpubs or distilleries and experience firsthand everything Calgary has to offer: whether it’s a local micro-brewery pint, handcrafted cocktail or seasonal libation, when you ask “what’s on tap?” most Calgarians are eager for you to try homegrown spirits and beers.

Obscure Hideaways

Many of Calgary’s top hideaways are home to world-class mixologists who are continuously pushing the boundaries of cocktails with new blends and concoctions. Check out Shelter, Proof, Betty Lou’s Library and Bar Annabelle when you are looking for a rest from the city in places that might not be big in size, but are overflowing with ambience and character. Learn about the history of cocktails and spirits or learn how to create your very own signature cocktail from some of the city’s best barkeeps.