Trip chapter 06
Regina to Calgary
A sparse prairie drive, a hot northwest Calgary stay and days spent following the Bow River with Tilly and my brother.
We left Regina for Calgary on a leg with very few worthwhile places to stop. We had planned to visit some salt lakes along the way, but everything was closed when we arrived, so most breaks were brief and inconsequential.
Crossing into Alberta
The Alberta border crossing became our one notable road stop. It had bathrooms, which made it useful, but very little green space where Tilly could walk comfortably.
A very hot Calgary stay
Our next Airbnb was in northwest Calgary. I chose it for its proximity to a particularly nice trail along the Bow River, and the location worked well for walking. The major downside was the lack of air conditioning during brutally hot weather. Tilly and I ended up sleeping in a wind tunnel beneath a fan.
Northwest Calgary Airbnb
A dog-friendly northwest stay chosen for its Bow River trail access, but difficult in hot weather without air conditioning.
Read our northwest Calgary Airbnb notes →Hills, trails and the Bow River
A large park nearby became our morning walking spot. Reaching it meant climbing a huge hill, which made the walk challenging, especially in the heat, but the open view from the top was worth the effort.
The river trails themselves were very pretty. We watched people tubing downstream, and when we moved closer to the water we also spotted a couple of water snakes. Keeping Tilly close made it possible to watch without bothering them.
Northwest Bow River pathway
A scenic river route with hilltop views, people tubing downstream and wildlife near the water.
Read our northwest Bow River pathway notes →My brother joins the journey
My brother flew from Scotland to join us for this part of the trip. Tilly was very happy to see him, and our little travel group grew from two to three.
We visited another Leopold's Tavern, this time on the west side of Calgary. Its colourful patio was familiar from Regina and gave us an easy outdoor place for drinks together.
Leopold's Tavern, west Calgary
A colourful west-side Leopold's patio where we stopped for drinks after my brother joined the trip.
Read our west Calgary Leopold's notes →Walking downtown
We also headed into downtown Calgary to walk the riverside. The combination of open paths, public space and skyline views made it a very enjoyable city walk.
Along the way we met another spaniel and her person, who had also emigrated from Scotland and brought her dog with her. It was an unexpected connection that fit the Scottish theme of this part of the trip.
Downtown Calgary riverwalk
An enjoyable Bow River city walk with open public spaces, colourful art and skyline views.
Read our downtown Calgary riverwalk notes →