What to Do
Gravity Pope
For fashionable finds
This Edmonton shopping staple recently upgraded to a larger, five-storied contemporary space on 17th Avenue Southwest. Browse through racks of labels, like Acne Studios, Paul Smith, and Maison Kitsune, as well as shoes from Fly London, Fluevog, and hard-to-find Aigle boots. Owner Louise Dirk’s effortlessly cool offerings also include bags from Montreal’s Want Les Essentiels and a selection of jewelry and fragrances.
1126 17th Ave. S.W., Calgary, 403-209-0961, gravitypope.com
DaDe Art and Design Lab
For an immersive shopping experience
Inspired by the famous New York concept store Apartment by the Line, co-owners Darcy Lundgren and Greg Fraser repurposed their home into a retail space where everything is for sale. The collection includes works by local Calgary artist Barry Lorne displayed on the walls, Seletti Hybrid dishes in the cupboard and colorful Spanish linens by Zuzunaga on the bed.
1212 13 Street S.E. #104, Calgary, 403-454-0243, dadeartanddesignlab.comCanadian Olympic Park
For the love of sport
On winter weeknights, the Canadian Olympic Park is a favorite skiing spot for Calgarians looking to keep their legs in shape for weekend excursions to Banff. If you visit in the summer, try the perfectly safe (but harrowing) indoor luge course.
88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., Calgary, 403-247-5452, winsportcanada.ca
Metrovino
For wine tastings
This large, airy room attached to the Cookbook Company carries an excellent selection of wines and spirits. With the spotlight on family-owned French and Spanish wineries, Metrovino hosts unique tastings and events at the Calgary Wine Tasting and Education Center next door.
722 11th Ave. S.W., Calgary, 403-205-3356, metrovino.com
Esker Foundation
For the contemporary art
Inglewood’s once empty warehouses and packing plants have given way to a mix of design stores, cafés, and contemporary galleries. Check out the custom suiting for men at Espy, then stop by the Esker Foundation, located on the top floor of the Atlantic Avenue Art Block, a four-story building dedicated to retail and art galleries. An integral part of the Art Block, the Project Space is home to a rotating series of displays visible from the street 24 hours a day.
Esker Foundation, 1011 9th Ave. S.E., Calgary, eskerfoundation.com Espy, 1009 9th Ave. S.E., Calgary, espyexperience.comSpruce Meadows
For the horse jumping
A fixture on the international show jumping competition calendar since 1976, this world-class facility is open year round, accessible to competitors and spectators alike. The five-dollar dollar admission price has remained the same since day one.
18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., Calgary, sprucemeadows.com
Stillwater Spa
For the Rescue Remedy Serum
After a deep clean facial, a trained aesthetician at Stillwater Spa will apply a Luzern rescue remedy serum. In addition to Vitamin B5, it contains essential fatty acids to ease dryness – a notorious side effect of Calgary’s high elevation.
700 Centre Street S.E., Calgary, 403-537-4474, hyatt.com
