May 2015

Calgary definitely takes the cake for best shopping cities in Canada. Not only do they have pedestrian-friendly streets like Stephen Avenue, but they have some of the best fashion stops in downtown Calgary. There is no provincial sales tax keeping more money in your wallet for more must-have items.

Whether it’s the holidays and you’re trying to score the best finds or you want to find that perfect outfit for a wedding you’re going to this summer, Calgary is the perfect place to find what you need. You can’t really top this Canadian city when it comes to fashion shopping options. Here is a look at why everyone is drawn to the shopping in Calgary.

More modern stores

Calgary is the stop for shopaholics due to have more modern stores and those that

The Vintage Chop House is where you should be making reservations for dinner tonight. It’s a speakeasy style restaurant with an intimate vibe and historic feel. It’s located in the historic Beltline neighbourhood of Victoria Park and considered one of the best steakhouses in Calgary for the last 10 years.

It’s only one of two restaurants in the city to get awarded the Brisk Silver Spoon Award. If you love steaks and chops served up right, along with excellent wine and a beautiful atmosphere, check out the Vintage Chop House of Calgary.

What to expect

Executive Chef Kelly Palmer serves up mouth-watering steaks all week while you enjoy a glass of vino from the Vintage cellars wine program. They offer over 300 wines from all over the world and

Diva Salon Spa is your luxury spa destination in Calgary. It conveniently has seven locations around Calgary and over 25 years of experience in serving clients. They’ve been awarded as an Aveda top salon and spa for its 2014 mark of excellence award as well as the Best Hair Salon in Calgary.

The salon has been recognized by many beauty authority leaders for having the best customer care, great wellness and beauty services and excellence in environmental responsibility. Here is a look at what makes the spa so luxurious and what treatments you can enjoy here.

What to expect

The spa is one of the only Aveda lifestyle salons in the city. Their plant derived products are prevalent in the spa from hair products to skin care and more. Enjoy hair

Whether it is clothing or accessories, 17th Avenue in Calgary is your go to area for all you need. From small boutique to larger stores, there is a diverse selection of stores, and they cater to every price range. Here are just a few of the stores that you will find on 17th Avenue.

Rubaiyat

One of the more diverse stores, they even have Christmas decorations around that time of the year. Aside from that, you will find jewellery from known artists that will appeal to every taste. Besides jewellery, Rubaiyat also sells fragrances and stained glass.

Ette

For those women who are planning for their big day, Ette will have just the right dress. In fact, Alberta is known to have the biggest weddings. Of course, these weddings come with a high cost,

With relaxation, inner peace and beauty and the ability to soak, get massaged and come to terms with your inner self, Inner Balance Spa provides the abilities to do so. Having a strong hold on the community, and promoting health and wellness, their spa has taken a whole new outlook on restoring beauty on the inside, and the out. Balance your immune system, circulation, skin health and inner beauty all through the treatments that the spa offers to their patrons.

Enjoy the Refreshment of the Month

Providing a refreshment of the month, you can indulge your senses with a whole package that was thoughtfully crafted with you in mind. Providing different treatments each month, and delightful smells, as well as a discounted price; these refreshments are a

Bonterra, a word meaning "good earth" in Italian, is not just the name of one of Calgary's fine dining Italian restaurants. It is the perfect adjective to describe how Bonterra Trattoria operates as a whole.

If you’ve never been to this restaurant, you may wonder what this restaurant has to offer. Here is a guide to help you get an idea of what to expect when you go eat here.

Service

Customers who wish to eat at Bonterra Trattoria will immediately notice the enthusiastic and friendly service. The staff takes great pride in every dish they serve, carefully explaining each dish to patrons and taking effort into each meal’s presentation when it's brought to the table. The staff knows they are a part of something great, and they want you to be a part

As culinary tastes shift, new restaurants open, and chefs move from restaurant to restaurant, it is great to know which restaurants are known to be the best of the best. In Calgary, there is a list of 10 top restaurants as selected by a panel of judges. These restaurants were voted best in Calgary for 2015, and have a wide array of types of food and atmosphere.

Types of Food at Calgary’s Best Restaurants

Many different types of top restaurants are found in Calgary. Some of the best choices include:

Italian

Il Sogno is a wonderful Italian restaurant with ambiance to match its roots, as it is based in old world Italian cooking and located in an historic building in Calgary. It has been in business for approximately 15 years, earning its

A spa day may be just what the doctor ordered if you find yourself stressed out or just in need of a little rest and relaxation. Babor Beauty Spa is just the place to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Not Just Your Average Spa

Babor Beauty Spa is more than your average spa. In fact, Babor was featured in Elle magazine and is considered the place to go when you want to get results and relaxation all at once. In addition to traditional spa treatments, you can get a ReVersive Anti-Aging Facial that will make you look years younger.

Babor is a very popular spa and Calgary is home to the only one in Canada. A tradition that has lasted over 50 years, you can enjoy many different therapies, facials, massages, and more.

Babor has an online shop where you

Cassis is a South of France inspired bistro found in Calgary. This bistro is one of the best you will find serving French cuisine.

Born in the South of France near Provence, Cassis is owned and operated by Gilles Brassart. Wanting to create a restaurant based on his South of France roots, Mr. Brassart and his executive chef, Dominique Moussu, have done just that.

Fresh is Best

Authentic South of France dishes are what you’ll enjoy when you visit Cassis Bistro, and the delectable creations you consume are always made with the freshest ingredients from the local market.

Brunch

Come out on Saturday and Sunday and treat yourself to brunch. A great selection of fresh brunch items awaits you. You can choose from Quiche du jour with a mixed fresh,

The Stillwater Spa in Calgary is a total luxury experience. It’s located inside the Hyatt Regency Calgary at 700 Centre Street Southeast which is already one of the top hotels in the area. The spa is a top choice in the area for rewarding yourself with pampering.

Become the centre of attention as soon as you arrive where the knowledgeable team of experts will customize your luxury experience to your personal preferences. Located in the perfect spot in town in downtown Calgary, this hotel spa has a vast range of services to help you relax and feel rejuvenated. Here is a look at what type of luxury you can experience at the Stillwater Spa.

About the spa

The Stillwater Spa is the place to indulge, relax and feel pampered. You’ll love the plush robe