BizBash Magazine Best Canada 2020

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North American travel planners look to BizBash for the latest information. The Calgary section of BizBash Magazine Best Canada 2020 features new and established restaurants, venues and hotels in Cowtown and the mountains. Note: The Calgary restaurants listed may not be open for dining at the moment due to COVID-19, but may offer take-out. Changes to travel restrictions and social distancing regulations are changing constantly. Contact restaurants, venues, and hotels featured in BizBash Magazine Best Canada 2020 Calgary directly for opening details. The Alberta Government website has more information.

People dancing in a circle in the foyer of a contemporary library building
Sunday afternoon dance classes at the Calgary Central Library – photo Debra Smith

When Can We Eat?

Teatro will bring out your inner Italian in the historic 1911 Dominion Bank building. The Beauxs-Arts style main dining room surrounds diners with tall pillars, marble floors and an antique bar. Enjoy international gold medal winning Executive Chef Matthew Batey’s menu. It draws on Mediterranean influences to pair with selections from Teatro’s extensive wine cellar. 200 – 8th Avenue S.E., Teatro

Tables and chairs arranged around a hotel pool
Snack poolside or dine inside at Hotel Arts – photo Debra Smith

You may find yourself mingling with musicians at The Yellow Door in Hotel Arts. Award winning Executive Chef Quinn Staple provides creative choices for both the restaurant and the new dedicated bar, Poolside. Local hipsters love the Cali vibe and craft cocktails. The newly installed heated deck and firepits extend the season. 119 12 Avenue S.W., Hotel Arts

Heading to the mountains? Don’t miss The Deer Lodge at Lake Louise. Nestled behind the grand Chateau Lake Louise, the rustic 1923 hand-hewn log Tea House, Lodge and old Trading Post will be expanding this year. You’ll still find the same cozy ambiance, outstanding level of service and delicious cuisine provided by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts. Deer Lodge

Stay With Me

The Hyatt Regency Calgary’s soaring three-story atrium sits inside an entire block of historical sandstone buildings, One of the most artful hotels in the city, the lobby and hallways are decorated with over 500 striking original works with Western and Indigenous themes. Check at the concierge desk for tours. Their Regency Suite Parlours, new for 2018, feature Murphy beds that flip up to allow for casual meeting spaces and can be connected to adjoining rooms for additional space.  700 Centre Street S.E., Hyatt Regency Calgary

A lake in front of a mountain range under a blue sky
Paddle your own canoe at the newly renovated Delta Calgary Downtown, inspired by mountain explorer David Thompson

Drawing inspiration from the explorations of fur trader and map maker David Thompson, the Delta Calgary Downtown has recently undergone a $40 million dollar award winning renovation. Their dedicated fitness floor is the largest in Calgary. Work out with a view of the Bow River through floor to ceiling windows or cast your favorite online class on a huge screen in the mat room. Stay warm and dry year round because the hotel connects to downtown shops and restaurants via the city’s Plus 15 elevated walkway system. 209 Fourth Avenue S.E., Delta Calgary Downtown

The stately Fairmont Palliser has hosted VIP’s since 1914. A recent reconfiguring of the main lobby has added a huge marble bar, glass and brass accents and space in the Hawthorn Lounge for a DJ  on weekends. The elegant rooms and suites maintain their classic good looks and luxe appeal. 133 9th Avenue S.W., Fairmont Palliser

Gather Together (When We Can)

Take a class, watch a film, learn to tango or even read a book at the dazzling new four story Central Library, which opened in November of 2018. The masterpiece by design firm Snøhetta has a soaring wood clad atrium. The state-of-the-art library offers several meeting spaces and the latest in audiovisual technology: Stop in for coffee and home made pastries at Luke’s, the in-house cafe. 800 3rd Street S.E., Calgary Central Library

The former Brutalist style of the 1960’s is experiencing some respect, if not a revival these days. Calgary’s former Centennial Planetarium is a fine example of this type of architecture being put to good use. Rebranded as Contemporary Calgary, it will now house exhibitions of modern art, beginning with pieces that give a nod to outer space. 701 11th Street S.W. Contemporary Calgary

Interior of a modern three story atrium
Studio Bell’s National Music Centre is a soaring tribute to sound – photo Debra Smith

The shiny, sensuous curves of Studio Bell’s National Music Centre arrived on Calgary’s Music Row in July 2016. A combination instrument museum, performance hall and recording studio, it’s the first of its kind in North America. Dance the night away at the legendary King Edward Hotel, a fixture on the Calgary blues scene that forms part of the centre. It was lovingly renovated to present live shows again, mostly on weekends. 850 4th Street S.E., Studio Bell, National Music Centre

Find more restaurants, venues, and hotels in BizBash Magazine Best Canada 2020 Calgary Call them directly for opening details, and see the Alberta Government website for Covid-19 information.

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Travel writer and luxury hotel reviewer

An experienced and trustworthy travel writer, Debra writes about luxury hotels and resorts, soft adventure, fine dining and cultural experiences in Europe and North America. Posting to Instagram since 2013 as @Where.To.Lady. Curious, attentive to detail and fun company, Debra is based in Calgary, Alberta. Member of SATW, IFWTWA, TravMedia USA, BA English, Art History U of C, former Chair TMAC AB/NWT.