If time has taught me anything, it’s that many things get better with age – and I’m adding girls’ trips to that list. While we may be long past the definition of ‘girls’,– my long-time friend, Alicia, and I had an incredible getaway this October at the Delta Calgary Downtown which rivalled any trip we’d taken together in our 20s.
We did it ALL – from enjoying some of the city’s incredible restaurants and cocktail lounges to cheering in the stands at a football game, visiting the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival and checking out the view from atop Calgary’s new $80 million parkade.
Here are some highlights from our trip in case you’re looking to take a ladies’ staycation of your own!
Where We Stayed: Delta Calgary Downtown
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, a newly renovated hotel right in the heart of downtown Calgary, hosted us for this staycation.
With chic, comfortable rooms, a great location and delicious onsite restaurant, we loved the Delta. I absolutely plan on staying here again.
Rooms
With renovations unveiled in November 2018, our guest room was stylish, modern, clean and comfortable – with gorgeous views overlooking the river and a well-lit bathroom (you know how important that is when getting ready for a night out, lol)!
Location
The Delta Downtown Calgary is the first hotel you come to when entering downtown from Memorial Drive.
Alicia and I joked that we were just a quick walk or an $8 uber ride from wherever we wanted to go, whether it was the BMO Centre for wine fest, 17th ave for cocktails or the river pathway for a scenic walk.
And if you’d prefer to drive, there’s an onsite parkade.
Pool and Fitness Area
Great for some downtime or as an activity with kids, the Delta has a heated indoor pool and hot tub with scenic views of downtown Calgary.
And for those who want to fit in a workout, there’s an impressive 24-hour fitness centre onsite.
Delta Calgary Downtown Elite Pantry
I’m going to go ahead and crown the Delta Elite Pantry the Queen of Convenience. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite Members can access The Delta Pantry for a convenient, healthy, on-the-go continental breakfast, premium snacks and beverages.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, you bet we stopped in here for some late night ramen and candy…. And it was the BEST.
Where We Ate + Drank
Shoe & Canoe Public House and Restaurant
The cherry on top of an amazing hotel is having a great restaurant only steps away!
Located right off the Delta Calgary Downtown lobby, Shoe & Canoe is a hit with travellers and Calgary locals alike – and for good reason.
First of all, the space is stunning. High ceilings, natural light, industrial decor and a statement fireplace provides a gorgeous aesthetic and comfortable vibe.
We liked it so much, we dined here for breakfast, lunch, dinner AND evening cocktails.
The food was delicious, with my favourites being the Fried Egg Breakfast Sandwich and the Salmon with Herb Crème Fraiche.
My girlfriend Alicia was also super impressed by their Old Fashioned cocktail… and she considers herself quite the Old Fashioned connoisseur.
I, on the other hand, can’t say no to a good Caesar… and Shoe & Canoe nailed it on this one.
Shelter Cocktail Bar & Lounge
My favourite cocktail bar of the trip, Shelter is small, intimate and a TOTAL vibe. The lights are low, the decor is moody, the vibe is sexy and the cocktail list is tastefully curated. Highly recommend. Located at 1210 1 St SW.
Proof YYC – Cocktails and Curiosities
Located a few steps away from Shelter at 1302 1 St SW, we visited Proof on the recommendation of several Calgarians and loved it! In 2020, it was #5 on Canada’s 50 Best Bars list.
A great place to fully immerse yourself in cocktail culture, the staff were so helpful in recommending some drinks that would suit our mood. Plus, the room itself was gorgeous with a vintage yet charming feel, romantic lighting and an impressive bookcase-style bar taking centre stage.
Lulu Bar Calgary
A chef-driven cocktail bar in the heart of 17th Ave, we stopped by Lulu Bar for some late-night cocktails and appetizers and it did not disappoint. The vibe and decor was fab.
We tried four of their creative cocktails, with the light and refreshing Venus being our favourite.
One Night Stan’s Bar Room & Divery
If you’re in the mood for a dive bar, this one fits the bill. Eclectic, loud and a little rough around the edges, we stayed for a good time – not a long time, lol! Located on 17th Ave.
Where We Went
Platform Innovation Centre’s Rooftop
We headed to the Platform Innovation Centre, a new $80 million parkade and multifunctional space close to Delta Calgary Downtown.
Its rooftop offers sweeping views of the city and is a gorgeous space to take in the skyline and snap a few photos.
Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival
I jump at any opportunity to sample food, wine and cocktails and we did just that at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival, held a short distance away at the BMO Centre.
Our friends at Shoe & Canoe were onsite, as well as many other favourites – from Eau Claire Distillery to Aperol Spritz.
Watched a Calgary Stampeders Game
We headed to McMahon Stadium to take in a fun-filled Calgary Stampeders game. The energy was electric and we were lucky to catch Light Up The Night, a dazzling post-game fireworks display.
Our Weekend At Delta Calgary Downtown
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million! Here’s a quick peek at our weekend away in 12 seconds.
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A big thank you to the amazing team at Delta Calgary Downtown and Shoe & Canoe for hosting us and making the weekend such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to come back!
Xo Holly Hunka
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Take A Tour Of Shoe & Canoe
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Take A Tour Of The Elite Pantry
@chandeliersandchampagne Open 24 hours, 7 days a week in the Delta Calgary Downtown for @marriottbonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite Members #marriott #marriottbonvoy #deltahotel #calgaryhotel #canadahotel #hotellife #yyc #calgary #fyp #travellife #traveltiktok #traveling #yyccalgary #yycnow #wander #hotel ♬ Austin Powers (Trap Remix) – Trap Remix Guys