Perfect 10

Published: 12:00am, 6 Jul 2004

1 Devonian Gardens

A veritable oasis in the sky, Devonian Gardens is one of the world's largest indoor parks, flourishing on the top two floors of Toronto Dominion Square, a commercial and office high-rise in central Calgary. The one-hectare site, replete with sculptures and waterfalls, houses more than 20,000 plants of 138 varieties, as well as koi fish, turtle ponds, a children's play park, and an art gallery. The lush and tranquil surroundings make it a popular spot for wedding photos, and the gardens are free to the public, thanks to donations from the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and Calford Properties (317 Seventh Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 268 2489, www.calgary.ca/parks/devonian).

2 Calgary Stampede

Every July, Calgary proudly trots out its spur-booted cowboy heritage with a 10-day rodeo that turns the city into a giant barn party. Starting with a float parade and celebrated at the Saddle Dome sports arena and exhibition space, it has an amusement park, casinos, rodeo and live entertainment. The Calgary Stampede began in 1912 to great acclaim. That year, the self-billed Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth offered C$20,000 in prizes, but today C$1 million is awarded to professional cowfolk, and punters can enjoy free flapjack breakfasts and that famous western hospitality. For the rest of the year the dome goes back to the popular Calgary Flames hockey team (555 Saddledome Rise SE, tel: [1] 403 269 9822, www.calgarystampede.com).

3 Prince's Island Park

This beloved park is literally an island of grassy woodland, flanked by the landscaped banks of Bow River, which runs through the heart of the city. Miles of walkways follow the river and picturesque bridges, state-of-the-art sound stage and the upscale neighbourhood of Eau Claire bordering it all combine to make this a spot favoured by joggers, festival revellers and Canadian geese alike. By night, lit skyscrapers act as a starry backdrop to tree-lined pathways (First Avenue and Fourth Street SW, tel: [1] 403 268 3888).

4 Calgary Tower

Opened in 1968, this 191-metre icon was one of the first structures in North America built to be earthquake-proof, and still offers great 360-degree views, despite the corporate and commercial buildings now dwarfing it. During the city's hosting of the 1988 Winter Olympics, a gas-fired cauldron was built on top so that the tower would resemble a giant torch. The flame, which is lit on special occasions, is visible for 15km at night. And, of course, no tower would be complete without a revolving restaurant (101 Ninth Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 266 7171, www.calgarytower.com).

5 17th Avenue

Ask a local where the hippest bars in Calgary are, and no doubt they will point you towards the trendy strip on 17th Avenue. The watering hole favoured by local writers and artists is Ming, a tiny, dimly lit space which manages an atmosphere that is swish and edgy and offers a small but well-conceived list of martinis and other cocktails (520 17th Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 229 1986). A few doors down, a more rustic and ribald atmosphere reigns at the Ship & Anchor. This has been the pub and patio of choice for generations of counter-culturalists who flock here for the live acts and reasonably priced pints (534 17th Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 245 2991).

6 Tantra and The Warehouse

Drink prices are a little steep and the decor a little too self-conscious, but if you're looking for the vibe, Tantra Nightclub & Lounge is the pioneering venue in Calgary. It features good house DJs along with a hookah den, VIP rooms and the cool minimal settings required of the self-anointed 'newest concept bar' (355 Tenth Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 264 0202, www.tantranightclub.ca).

If you're in the mood for something more high energy, The Warehouse is the doyenne of underground clubs and has played host to some of Canada's best-known DJ talent. Once a haven for punk, then alternative and now electronic music, this back-alley dive works on the foolproof recipe that fosters all great dance movements: seedy venue, dodgy characters and the best music in the city (Rear 731 Tenth Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 264 0535).

7 Golden Inn

For the past 28 years, the city's favourite haunt for late-night fare has been this Cantonese and Szechuan restaurant. Run by John Lau and his family, this Calgary institution enjoys that rare status of being a favourite of all foodies, including discerning Chinese. On a hidden street in Chinatown, the drab exterior and unremarkable interiors - despite the tanks of huge, live crabs - take nothing away from the sublime soups and meats generously piled high, served with endless steamed rice. Open till the wee hours of the morning (107a Second Avenue SE, tel: [1] 403 269 2211).

8 Caesar's Steak House

In a town world-renowned for its fine beef, Caesar's Steak House is the Cadillac of steak joints. Serving up charcoal-broiled steaks and ribs in Flintstone proportions for the past 20 years, a mere mention of this restaurant prompts wistful groans of acknowledgement from locals. Urban legend has it that Caesar's spawned the spicy, eponymous drink of vodka and clamato juice. Plant yourself in one of the red and dark wood booths which ooze lush old-world charm and order exquisite examples of ribs, seafood and chicken by the cut and ounce. Watching a tall-hatted chef salt, pepper and flip your meal over charcoal drums is all part of the experience (512 Fourth Avenue SW, tel: [1] 403 264 1222).

9 Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut

Arguably one of the world's best chocolatiers, Bernard Callebaut migrated to Canada from his native Belgium in 1982 and introduced the continent to his exquisite, handcrafted, bite-sized morsels. The Callebaut family owned the Callebaut Chocolate Factory in Wieze, Belgium, until it was bought by the Suchard Toblerone group. Since moving operations to Calgary, Callebaut has become the first North American participant in the International Festival of Chocolate, taking three major awards, including the prize for excellence. France admitted him into the revered International Order of French Gastronomy and today he's so famous that people ask for his autograph. There are branches all over the city (www.bernardcallebaut.com).

10Glenbow Museum

Western Canada's largest museum displays select artefacts from its collection of more than a million objects over three floors, detailing the region's history heritage through audio and visual materials. Created by lawyer, oilman and rancher Eric Harvie in 1966, the vast collections closely mirror his life interests: from military and cultural history to ethnology and mineralogy of the region, as well as an Asian collection. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Aboriginal and western culture (130 Ninth Avenue SE, tel: [1] 403 268 4100, www.glenbow.org).

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