Canada’s #10 Coolest City: Calgary

The city took top marks in education and its roaring economy resulted in a high median income and the lowest unemployment rate of the cities surveyed. And who knew that Calgarians enjoy such clean air? (They ranked sixth out of 40.) But – no surprises here – the city was hurt by their low childcare funding.

Originally published October, 2006

By Tim Johnson, with files from Yuki Hayashi, Brandie Weikle, Lisa Murphy and Emily Ohanjanians

Illustrations by Catherine Lepage

Family profile Rebecca Eckler, writer of the soon-to-be released Wiped! (Key Porter) and the blog ninepounddictator.blogspot.com, and Rowan, 3.

What Rebecca loves about Calgary The city is so active – full of cyclists, hikers, golfers, snowboarders. So, I’m not worried about Rowan becoming a couch potato. And the classes are amazing. We’re members of the Glencoe Club (glencoe.org), which has everything from ballet to bowling to etiquette classes, and The Calgary Jewish Community Centre (calgaryjcc.com), where Rowan does music and swimming.

What Rowan loves Getting her hair cut by Ricardo at Alta Moda Hair Solutions Inc (880 16 Ave. SW) in Mount Royal Village. The music is rocking and she loves dancing there! Then she pretends to be Ricardo at home when she blow-dries her hair.

Favourite shops and restos I love that there are parking spaces for moms and tots at malls like Chinook Centre (chinookcentre.com), with an indoor merry-go-round that Rowan adores. (I swear, my kid can stay on those plastic horses for hours!) The children’s department in Holt Renfrew (751-3 St. SW) is to die for, too. Calgary also has the best ethnic foods anywhere. I won’t divulge my favourite Vietnamese, Korean or sushi places because then they’ll always be booked!

A perfect family day in Calgary would be to wake up a little later and head to Dairy Lane Café (319-19 St. NW), the coolest breakfast spot in Kensington. Then we’d go to the wading pool at Eau Claire Market (eauclairmarket.com), for a couple hours and buy Rowan an ice cream and a popsicle (the kid needs both!). After her nap, I’d take her and Ruby the dog for a walk to Mercato (2222-4 St. SW) and buy prepared food for dinner with friends. (We’ll eat while the kids play.) Later, I’d give her a bubble bath and sleep with her in her bed. I love doing that. I know, bad me.