Calgary, AB

Short Weekend Break in the City

In summer, I usually participate in a few local triathlon races (swim, bike and run races). It became very clear in April of this year that many, if not most, sporting events would be cancelled. 

 

Only one race ended up being approved by the Ministry of Health, and so, in early August, I attended a charity triathlon event just outside of Calgary, Alberta (Canada). Due to COVID-19 regulations, the race was limited to only 150 athletes. The turnout was smaller; approximately 92 participants attended. Still, it was a great way to test my training and fitness levels and meet some new people. 

My race kit set up in transition. My race bike is a Liv Langma Advanced 2.

The race was called Tri for Evan and proceeds from our race entry fees were donated towards research at Mito Canada. The race coordinator was Be There Races, who host a number of sport events for runners and triathletes in Alberta.  

 

This race only offered the Sprint Triathlon option, which consisted of a shortened 600m lake swim, a 20k bike, and a 5k run. Disappointingly, I completely bombed my swim and finished 14th out of 22 women who attended. Ah well. In the morning, while setting up in transition, the lady next to me also had a Liv bike and so we chatted about our love for these bikes. Liv is a branch of Giant bikes, and are specifically made for women. They are lightweight and have a more sloped top tube. I cannot recommend the Liv brand enough; check out their selection at Liv Cycling Canada. 

After the race, my boyfriend and I headed into Calgary to do some sightseeing and decompress. I hadn't been to Calgary since I was 12 years old, so it was fun to see how the city had changed. 

We explored the downtown area along the Bow River, and walked through Prince's Island Park.

 

Entrance sign to Prince's Island Park.

 

This particular area of Calgary is very pedestrian-friendly; there are many walkways, bike paths, and pedestrian bridges, including the most famous symbol of Calgary, the Peace Bridge.

 

The beautiful Peace Bridge along the Bow River in Calgary.

 

 

 

Armchair view of Bow River & the Peace Bridge in Calgary.

 

 

 

I saw some river rafters floating along the river; however, it's not recommended to swim here at all. The river has very strong currents and so, watching it from a afar is the safest. 

Walking inside the park, you'll get fantastic views of the Calgary downtown skyline and condos whose value are probably worth more than I will ever earn in a lifetime.

 

View from a pedestrian bridge linking Prince's Island Park to the downtown.

On the downtown side, there are a number of cafes and pubs nearby to grab a light bite to eat. 

Alberta and especially Calgary are hurting right now economically; thus, if you're in the area, stop by for a weekend and explore the city. They have a lot of unique sights to see and it's a great base point for visiting Banff and Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. 

Travel Guide

Currently, hotels are charging $80/night CAD due to low tourist numbers. 

 

Masks are mandatory inside all stores and shops in Calgary; social distancing of two meters is required both inside and outside. 

 

Prince's Island Park is located along the Bow River in Calgary. You can park along Memorial Drive for free on weekends. The park itself is free to visitors. There are walking paths, picnic tables, play areas for kids and some flower and water gardens. Canada geese are a common sight.

References to links mentioned in this post (APA 7)

Atlas Obscura. (2020). Peace Bridge - Calgary, Alberta. Retrieved Aug. 30, 2020 from URL.

 

Be There Races. (2020). Tri for Evan. Retrieved Aug. 30, 2020 from URL.

Calgary.ca. (2020). Prince's Island park.The City of Calgary. Retrieved Aug. 30, 2020 from URL.

 

Creative Phenomenon. (2020). Home. Mito Canada. Retrieved Aug. 30, 2020 from URL. 

Liv Cycling. (2020). Liv Cycling Canada. Retrieved Aug. 30, 2020 from URL. 

 

** All photos taken by cutenekko (2020, August 8).