New to the city or just want to see things through the eyes of a tourist? Building the perfect itinerary is key, but where do you start? From restaurants to exciting destinations, there are so many things to do and see in Calgary and while we’re in the business of helping you out, today we figured we’d ask ChatGPT for its two cents.
Here’s how the internet’s most beloved bot thinks you should spend a full day in Calgary.
MORNING
Whether you’re driving in or waking up in your hotel, ChatGPT recommends starting your day with a delicious breakfast and we have to agree, but where would artificial intelligence grab a bite?
According to AI, OEB Breakfast, Vendome Cafe and Monki Bistro are the places to beat.
OEB BREAKFAST CO.
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With an egg-stensive menu and some incredible drinks (including their beermosas and various sangria flavours), OEB is where you go to enjoy an early morning party. You won’t regret it.
Where: See locations above
Instagram: @oeb_breakfast
VENDOME CAFE
Honouring tradition through the use of local farmers and artisans, Vendome serves the classics (with an elevated twist). Whether you order eggs, bacon, pancakes and French toast, you’re in for a delicious meal and a morning well spent.
Where: 940 2nd Avenue NW, Calgary
Instagram: @vendomeyyc
MONKI BISTRO
Monki Bistro has an eggciting brunch menu that includes everything from bennies and wicked french toast, but some of our favourite items can be enjoyed through a straw. With a list that includes their showstopper mimosa, badass mimosa and their beermosa we can almost guarantee you’ll walk (or stumble) away happy.
Where: 4-1420 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB | 1301 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @MonkiBistro
After breakfast? ChatGPT recommends heading to the Calgary Tower to “enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains from the observation deck,” then walking to Prince’s Island Park for a leisurely stroll.
Our advice? If you’re heading over there this summer, check out some of the events happening in the area!
CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
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Held in Prince’s Island Park every year since the 1980s, this beloved event will kick off on July 27th and will take place over four wonderful days in celebration of music, inclusion and sun! Check out the link above for this year’s lineup which includes Calexico, Digable Planets, Emmylou Harris, Fantastic Negrito and Jeff Tweedy.
When: Thursday, July 27th – 30th, 2023
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
THE GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL
Featuring Jonathan Van Ness, Andrew Schulz, Monet X Change, Nick Offerman and a ton of local performers the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is a three 3-days event with a portion of the proceeds supporting Queer Accessible Spaces and the Mustard Seed of Calgary. Don’t miss it!
When: Friday, August 25th – 27th, 2023
Where: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary
Cost: $39+
AFTERNOON
Now that you’ve walked all over the inner city, it’s time to grab some lunch!
According to our robotic tour guide, the food stalls at the Calgary Farmers’ Market are a tasty option in addition to restaurants in the Inglewood and Kensington Neighbourhoods.
Here are just a few popular spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
MODERN STEAK
The ‘best steak in Calgary,’ a glass of wine, and a solid view? Modern really has it all. Check out their rooftop patio in Kensington, for a relaxing afternoon of food, friends, and fresh air!
Where: 107 10a Street NW, Calgary
Instagram: @ModernSteakCA
COLD GARDEN
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An Inglewood staple, Cold Garden has an impressive outdoor area with picnic tables, turf, and probably the most dog-per-square-foot ratio of any patio in the city. Needless to say, it’s one of the cutest places to grab a beer or two.
Where: 1100 11 St SE, Calgary
Instagram: @cold_garden
TU TACO DE LA CALLE
Serving what they call ‘bold and flavourful’ street food, this colourful eatery is actually inspired by authentic food and family. From burritos and tostadas and of course, tacos, family recipes passed down through generations will be shared and more than likely enjoyed by any and all guests that pop by for a bite.
Where: 1414 Kensington Road NW, Calgary
Instagram: @Tutaco.ca
THE NASH
From ricotta gnocchi to one of the best burgers in the city, The Nash kind of has it all. Our advice? Don’t go here on a full stomach. You’re going to want to try a bit of everything.
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Instagram: @TheNashYYC
Once you’ve had enough grub, it’s time to hit the streets again.
For this leg of your in-city tour, ChatGPT recommends checking out the Stephen Avenue Walk but not before checking out the Glenbow Museum.
Unfortunately, this local spot is actually currently closed for renovations, so we’ve put together a list of other culturally significant places downtown.
CONTEMPORARY CALGARY
A modern museum with wide-open spaces and many a tale to tell! Contemporary Calgary is a one-of-a-kind museum and the best part? Admission is only $10 – so go ahead and get that extra espresso shot in your coffee on the way there.
When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays
Where: 701 11th Street SW
Cost: $10+
ESKER FOUNDATION
If you’ve never been to the Esker Foundation Modern Art Gallery, you are in for a treat! Check out locally sourced pieces, resident exhibits and connect through a mutual appreciation of the finer things – plus it’s FREE!
Where: 444, 1011 – 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
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Love music? Visit Calgary’s iconic National Music Centre and explore five floors of exhibitions and fun! Check out the link above for more information.
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $21+
NIGHT
Still not tired? Well, we hope not, because you’ve still got an evening’s worth of things to do in Calgary!
After you’ve wandered a museum of your choice, ChatGPT suggests heading over to the Zoo and while we do love this iconic destination, it actually closes at 5 pm.
Instead, consider visiting the TELUS Spark Science Centre, which is just next door closes at 7 pm on weekends and has a ton to do for the entire family including IMAX movies, interactive exhibits, a digital immersion gallery and a dinosaur simulator.
Afterwards, head over to the East Village for dinner and then wrap your day up at Arts Commons.
Here are just a few shows happening this summer at the venue!
NEW BLOOD
Featuring music by Peter Gabriel, New Blood is a true story of a residential school survivor and explores the impact of the system on First Nations children and adults.
When: Thursday, June 15th, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $35+
CRESCENDO
Described as “an unforgettable night-out you,” Crecendo combines the music of Eagles, Prince, Neil Diamond, P!NK and more, with inspirational storytelling. Enjoy!
When: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $105+
THE SOUL REBELS AND CIMAFUNK
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Combining Afro-Cuban funk and New Orleans jazz, get ready for a wild, loud, non-stop party this June. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.
When: Friday, June 23, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $39+
BRIT FLOYD
Celebrating 50 years of the “ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece,” The Dark Side of the Moon, Brit Floyd will feature classic tracks and bright lights.
When: Thursday, August 3, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $52+
ANTHONY JESELNIK: BONES AND ALL
From Netflix specials to late-night TV, Famed comedian Anthony Jeselnik has appeared everywhere and soon he’ll take the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $38+
And there you have it! A very full, but ‘perfect day’ in Calgary, according to ChatGPT.
Are you up for it? Let us know and if you were, enjoy yourselves. It’s going to be a busy one.
