CITY | LIFE JULY 2 0 18 | $4.95 AVENUECALGARY.COM CORB LUND ALBERTAN COUNTRY SINGER SEEKS FAME AND FORTUNE IN “CASHVILLE” SLOW SOUTHERN STYLE Where to find real barbecue NO PLANS? NO PROBLEM We’ve got you covered with the no reservations guide to summer
$1,478,000
#801 690 Princeton Way SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 2 BATH: 2 1,939 SQ.FT. MLS C4167602
Prestigious Princeton Hall with concierge service, this very open bright layout has been renovated & upgraded .
Heather Waddell 403.471.0467
#901 600 Princeton Way SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 2 BATH: 2 1,720 SQ.FT. MLS C4167602 Luxury Living beside the banks of the Bow. This one owner home has been meticulously maintained Heather Waddell 403.471.0467
$699,900
#1805 836 15 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 2 BATH: 2 1,581 SQ.FT. MLS C4186173 18 storeys up in Emerald Stone with breathtaking sunset, mountain, river valley, and downtown views. 2 balconies & 2 underground parking stalls.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
$399,800
#740 720 13 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 2 BATH: 2 1,506 SQ.FT. MLS C4170286
Luxury lifestyle in the Estate, in the heart of the Beltline, with a pool, gym, great location & ample amenities.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
352248 Pine Ridge RD W,
$4,999,900
717 Royal Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 4 BATH: 6/1 5,993 SQ.FT. MLS C4161593 Perched upon an acre estate in Mount Royal, this home has been upgraded but maintains historic character & charm.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
1216
BED: 5 BATH: 5/1 4,401 SQ.FT. MLS C4147839
Extraordinary home in Bel-Aire backing onto the Calgary G&CC. Luxury finishes throughout & private sprawling yard.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
$1,395,000
BED: 4 BATH: 3/1 2,567 SQ.FT. MLS C4185332
Backing onto the reservoir & Glenmore Park with lake, mountain,& treed views! Quality & craftsmanship of design are evident the moment you stepinside.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
$1,699,000
83 Cranbrook Lane SE, Calgary, AB
BED: 3 BATH: 2/2 3,964 SQ.FT. MLS C4175271
Natural beauty surrounds this former 2016 Hospital Lottery home. contemporary 2 storey walkout backing onto the Bow River.
Kym Barton 403.369.1185
Barb Richardson 403.613.8737
$1,599,800
$2,799,900 96 Bay View Drive SW, Calgary, AB
423 Patterson Blvd SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 4 BATH: 6 4,478 SQ.FT. Modern & immaculate former showhome located in the estate community of Patterson Heights with breathtaking river & city views!
Thomas Yeung 403.708.9722
101 Lott Creek Landing, Calgary, AB
BED: 5 BATH: 4 5,294 SQ.FT. Impressive Grand Staircase. Chef’s Dream Kitchen w/ Seamless Built-in Dacor appliances, large walk-in pantry, open to your dining area.
Thomas Yeung 403.708.9722
« SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
$649,900
$1,599,800 61 Somme Blvd SW, Calgary, AB
BED: 2 BATH: 2/1 1,987 SQ.FT. MLS C4184633
A stunning executive brick townhome on a picturesque boulevard in the sought after community of Garrison Woods.
Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112
$1,319,000 « CONDOS
» CONDOS »
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
Belavista Crescent SW, Calgary, AB
Bragg Creek BED: 7 BATH: 4/1 6,316 SQ.FT. MLS C4176320 Nestled within nearly 60 acres of nature’s paradise is Pine Ridge Ranch in Bragg Creek. BRAGGCREEKRANCH.com Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112 $5,999,900 58 Mary Dover Drive SW, Calgary, AB BED: 3 BATH: 2/1 2,293 SQ.FT. MLS C4182456 Executive bungalow, built by Mission Homes. Nestled on a quiet street backing onto a park in Currie. Heather Waddell 403.471.0467 $2,195,000 #3 1619 28 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB BED: 2 BATH: 1 1,062 SQ.FT. MLS C4179244 Bright & spacious townhouse, located on a quiet street near downtown & walking distance to the shops of Marda Loop Dennis Plintz 403.608.1112 $299,900 19 Stoneypointe Place, Calgary, AB BED: 5 BATH: 4/1 4,995 SQ.FT. MLS C4175605 New home on sunny south exposure huge .70-acre lot! Superb quality, open floorplan, 3 car garage. Everything you want in Watermark at Bearspaw! Louise Willerton 587.228.1890 $1,699,000 915 22 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB BED: 4 BATH: 3/1 1,826 SQ.FT. MLS C4176640 Outstanding contemporary home steps away from Confederation Park, schools & minutes to downtown. 4 bdrms & 3.5 bths Jennifer Everingham 403.614.8772 $984,900 OPEN HOUSE: EVERY SAT/SUN 12 - 5 PM Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA Your best life begins with a home that inspires you. LIVE INSPIRED SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA CALGARY 403.254.5315 CANMORE 1.855.254.5315 VANCOUVER 604.632.3300 SUN PEAKS 250.578.7773 KELOWNA 1.877.530.3933 VICTORIA 250.380.3933 TORONTO 416.960.9995 MONTREAL 514.933.4777
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TO 20 YEARS. CHEERS TO YOU.
CHEERS
1998 2018
HEAR MUSIC Visit Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre 850 4 Street SE, Calgary | studiobell.ca LOVE MUSIC PLAY MUSIC OPEN EVERYDAY* 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM *SUMMER HOURS END SEPTEMBER 3 LIVE CONCERTS • AWE-INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS • INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES NEW EXHIBITIONS HONOURING MUSIC ICONS BARENAKED LADIES AND PAUL BRANDT MORE THAN A MUSEUM 604.988.1407 CLIENT: Hy’ DOCKET: HYS-17-021 ITEM: Avenue Calgary Ad SIZE: 7.875" x 4.8125" INSERTION DATE: Mar. 2017 ARTWORK DUE: Jan. 20, 2017 C M Y K
‘window’ shop for a cause. Leave your mark on the New Central Library. mylibrarywindow.ca GENERATIONAL WINDOW • 25 year term • Two sides x 100 characters • Certificate of appreciation • Tax receipt • Limited edition Craig Dykers architectural sketch $5000 PERSONAL WINDOW • 10 year term • One side x 100 characters • Certificate of appreciation • Tax receipt • Limited edition Craig Dykers architectural sketch $2018 GROUP WINDOW • Join others on a window • 10 year term • 35 character limit • Certificate of appreciation • Tax receipt $100
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Experience expansive luxury in our featured one-bedroom + flex home. Enjoy spacious living and dining areas, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, air-conditioning and a generous walk-through closet that leads to your ensuite bathroom. Plus, each home at Avenue is well equipped with the revolutionary CresseyKitchen™, an open concept design offering seamless functionality from the kitchen to living area.
VISIT OUR THREE NEW IN-BUILDING DISPLAY HOMES TODAY Ask us how you can save up to $100,000 on this limited release of remaining homes For more information, visit AvenueWestEnd.com 10 ST SW BOWRIVER 9 ST SW 6 AVE SW 5 AVE SW The developer reserves the right to modify the information herein without notice. This is not an offering for sale. E.&O.E. NEW IN-BUILDING SALES CENTRE 102 - 1025 5 TH Avenue SW, Calgary Saturday & Sunday 12-5PM, Monday-Wednesday 12-6PM Thursday & Friday by appointment only info@avenuewestend.com | 403-530-8455 MOVE-IN READY HOMES STARTING FROM THE LOW $300,000’S
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
25
Detours
FEATURES
33
Ready, Set, Summer!
What many would say is Calgary’s best season is also its shortest season, so here’s what you need to know to make the absolute most of it.
By Shelley Arnusch, Andrew Guilbert, Dylan Leeder, Käthe Lemon and Victoria Lessard
University of Calgary librarians unearth a unique pop-culture artifact, the hyper-local currency taking hold in Cochrane and why some local stargazers are worried about the lights on the ring road.
58
Profile: Corb Lund
Checking in with the born-and-raised Albertan country music artist, who intends to conquer America in the next stage of his storied career.
62
Drink This
Cold coffee isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, some would argue that cold-brewed is the purest and most refreshing way to enjoy coffee.
48
Southern Barbecue
We’re not talking about grilling steaks on the barbie in your backyard, but the kind of slow-and-low barbecue commonly seen in the Southern U.S. Here’s where to find it in Calgary and what you’ve gotta order.
By Elizabeth Chorney-Booth
64
Mountains
Fairmont Hot Springs offers much more than a good soak during the summer months, with great hiking, mountain-biking, paddling, camping and golf.
69
Workout
Energy lawyer Tom Valentine carves time out of his demanding work schedule to go adventuring all over the world.
72 Decor
An elegant Parisian-style apartment-condo home on Memorial Drive boasts two woodburning fireplaces and a kitchen custom designed for French cooking.
78
The List
Clothing boutique owner Mary Douglas on her favourite things in the city, from patios and pet-care to salons and spas.
80 New & Noteworthy
A luxurious line of scarves, old-school printed cards, a design house for chefworthy kitchens and a made-in-Calgary beauty treatment are all things we love this month.
16 avenueJULY.18 contents JULY 2018 20 EDITOR’S NOTE 22 CONTRIBUTORS 81 SOURCE 82 WORK OF ART
avenue Corb Lund Southern-style BBQ Summer Guide PM# 40030911 CITY LIFE| STYLE CALGARY CORB LUND ALBERTAN COUNTRY SINGER SEEKS FAME AND FORTUNE IN “CASHVILLE” ON THE COVER Corb Lund PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED SYCH PAGE 58 ON THE COVER
August 2018
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BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS
Find out how the city’s almost 200 neighbourhoods ranked in the results of our all-new survey.
ONE IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER
Loneliness has been linked to poor mental and physical health. But it can also seem like someone else’s problem. We look at why we should care if our neighbours are isolated and alone.
DRINK LOCAL
Your guide to making and drinking local cocktails with a look at Calgarybased distillers and the purveyors of other local ingredients.
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18 avenueJULY.18
NEXT ISSUE
avenue
Avenue Calgary .com 19
Savour Summer
Get the most out of your summer by putting the most into it.
Whether your ideal summer involves adventurous outdoor activities, sitting around on patios or lazing in lawn chairs, summer is best enjoyed by partaking in your chosen pastime as much as possible.
But even at the beginning of summer it can seem that all the best activities had to have been planned months ago and by the end of this month, the season can seem to be practically finished.
Every summer I start out with a long list of things that I want to do — nothing too fancy mind you. My list usually includes things like go to Shakespeare by the Bow, try out a couple of food trucks, take the kids to a new wading pool, play hooky and hang out on a patio, go hiking in the mountains and walk a section of the Bow River pathway I haven’t seen yet. But life is busy and too often September rolls around and I find that the summer has been eaten away by a multitude of other demands — work, grocery shopping, the Sisyphean tasks of getting kids into and out of baths and beds. And planning ahead can present its own problems — most notably when our fickle weather doesn’t cooperate.
The best summer plan, in my experience, is to plan for the unplanned. Get your ducks in a row
Käthe Lemon Editor-in-Chief klemon@redpointmedia.ca
for an impromptu invitation or the right weather. Stow swimsuits, towels and picnic accessories in the car, add a bottle of SPF to the bag you carry to work. Note the end of summer-long events, like the closing weekend of Calaway Park (October 8) in the calendar. Take a look at our No Reservations Guide to Summer starting on page 33 and sign up for our weekly free newsletters at AvenueCalgary.com for even more ideas of how to take advantage of the season. We’ll be updating you all season long on where to go, what to eat and what to do in the city.
Musician Corb Lund is certainly making lots
LUX-368 AvenueOne-thirdPageAd-April21.V1-FINAL.pdf
1 2018-04-25 10:31 AM
NEED AN EASY PICNIC IDEA?
Follow the food trucks on the Street Food app. Or order a pizza to go and head to a park — I love St. Patrick's Island which has parking, washrooms, a playground and picnic areas.
of plans these days. He’s got his sights set on conquering the American music scene and we caught up with him to talk about his aspirations as well as his roots.
In this issue we also serve up some barbecue. Not to be confused with grilled meat and veggies, this is true barbecue — a food trend that has really taken hold here in Calgary. And while it’s certainly available year-round, there’s something about barbecue that screams summer.
From enjoying outdoor concerts to swinging in a hammock we hope you get to do whatever makes summer most enjoyable for you.
20 avenueJULY.18 EDITOR ’ S NOTE GET AVENUE ON YOUR TABLET! To get the tablet edition, go to avenuecalgary.com/tabletedition. avenue Southern-style BBQ PM# 40030911 CITY LIFE STYLE CALGARY CORB LUND ALBERTAN COUNTRY SINGER SEEKS FAME AND FORTUNE IN “CASHVILLE” SLOW SOUTHERN STYLE NO PLANS? NO PROBLEM We’ve got you covered
Photograph by Jared Sych; jewellery supplied by Brinkhaus. For information turn to page 81.
Vancouver Calgary Edmonton Toronto Montreal
THE SCOOP ON ICE CREAM
All your ice cream options, from the latest trends to the always delicious classics.
Avenue Calgary .com/IceCream
VENESSA BREWER
As Avenue’s senior art director, Venessa Brewer oversees the visual direction of the magazine, using her keen eye and design know-how to direct photo shoots, commision illustrators and produce layouts for the publication every month. She began her career in an unpaid position drawing under her father’s pool table and painting the ducks on the wallpaper in her bathroom and has since honed those skills into multiple award-winning photos and layouts. A wife and mother of two, Brewer loves candy, cake and baked goods as much as any five-year-old.
VICTORIA LESSARD
Victoria Lessard is an editorial assistant for Westjet magazine, a former editorial intern at Avenue and a former research intern for Maisonneuve. She graduated with an MA in art history from McGill University in 2017, and alternates between gazing lovingly at her degree and crying at her monthly student loans bill. She is interested in writing about arts and culture, identity and social policy. She has lived in three different provinces in Canada so far, and while she hopes to live in a few more, she is so sick of moving and assembling furniture that she hopes never to see the inside of an IKEA again.
ERIN STARCHUK
Born and raised in Calgary, Erin Starchuk is a graduate of SAIT Polytechnic and holds a diploma in graphic design and print production. Starchuk chose to get into the printing and publishing industry because of a love of magazines, which she’s had from an early age. She has an extensive background in print production and joined RedPoint Media after travelling through Southeast Asia. She likes to spend her free time at concerts, travelling, playing beach volleyball, trying new restaurants or diving into home-improvement projects. Her favourite time of year is the Stampede!
THERESA TAYLER
Subscribe to our weekly Food, Style and Weekender newsletters to get the latest restaurant and store openings, advice on what to eat and where to shop and our picks for the best things to do in Calgary.
Theresa Tayler is a freelance writer, journalist, editor and photographer for magazines and newspapers across Canada. She got her start as a features writer and nosy reporter (a job she describes as being exactly like Lois Lane in the Superman movies). Tayler recently attended the 2018 Iceland Writers Retreat, where she aimed to conceptualize potential essay, short-story and book ideas, but ultimately just ended up getting liquored with other writers in attendance instead of working on anything legitimate. She has no regrets.
22 avenueJULY.18 sign up
CONTRIBUTORS ON THE WEB
AVENUECALGARY.COM /NEWSLETTERS /avenuecalgary @avenuemagazine @avenuemagazine
Ice cream and Venessa Brewer photographs by Jared Sych
Avenue Calgary .com 23
24 avenueJULY.18
Photography by Alan Dyer
DETOURS
Goodbye Dark Sky?
Gazing at distant stars from the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory just south of the city is an experience many Calgarians treasure. Some worry, however, that the stars could lose their lustre if the provincial government goes forward with a plan to install new LED lights along a nearby section of the ring road.
In February, 2017, Phil Langill, director of the observatory, which is run by the University of Calgary, spoke with representatives from the Province about the project. Though he was initially disappointed that he was merely being informed of plans at that time (rather than con-
sulted), Langill remained hopeful. The implementation of LED lighting with a cone-shaped design to reduce ambient light seemed, at the time, to be the best practice. “A year ago, the jury was still out on the benefits of LED lights from the perspective of light pollution,” says Langill. However, new information has emerged since then, which puts the Province’s plan in a new light. A four-year global study by the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences found that the amount of light coming from the earth’s surface grew by two per cent per year from 2012 to 2016 — an increase caused in part by increased adoption of LED lighting. Langill
explains that the blue LED lights proposed for the ring road cause the pupils of the eye to constrict more than other lights, so the intensity of the lights has to be increased to compensate. This, in turn, leads to more of what Langill calls “second-hand light” entering the atmosphere and causing light pollution, which makes it harder to see stars at night. “Now, we know that the cut-off feature, which is a plus, is being drowned out by the intensity of the blue light,” he says. “The people that designed the lights for the ring road, [did so] not knowing this.
“Now I would like them to reconsider their design.”
Avenue Calgary .com 25
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, a University of Calgary research facility, is just southwest of the city near Priddis.
DETOURS
The potential of losing dark skies has prompted self-professed “tree-hugger” Gord Hayes to launch a petition on Change.org asking both the Province and City to reconsider their approach. Hayes says the proposed lighting, in addition to increasing light pollution, is not as cost-effective as other options, will negatively impact wildlife and ignores dark-sky bylaws adopted by the municipality. Even though the petition counted nearly 2,600 signatures as of this past April, Hayes says the Province doesn’t consider the online petition valid. “They basically said that Change.org doesn’t send them any information on [whether] the people are actually people, therefore they do not pay attention to Change.org.”
Adam Johnson, communications advisor with Alberta Transportation, says that the current lighting design has gone through a number of reviews and that the Southwest Calgary Ring Road has implemented a variety of features to minimize light pollution, including designs that avoid misdirected light, lower-temperature LEDs that minimize blue light and 15-metre poles to minimize the light spreading. “Based on consultation with industry specialists, Alberta Transportation follows national guidelines for the design of roadway lighting,” says Johnson. “Designing the lighting to meet the national standard ensures that the street lighting is at adequate level and can reduce motor-vehicle collisions, while also providing comfort for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
But critics like Hayes aren’t satisfied with the Province’s measures, saying they don’t go far enough, especially considering what he believes is at risk for future generations. “I’ve got a grandson, and I’d like him to be able to experience the world as I saw it,” Hayes says. “And it isn’t just my kid; it’s everybody’s kid.”—Andrew Guilbert
Like Printing Money
The next time you patronize a business in Cochrane, check your change — you might leave the cash register with a couple of bills you don’t recognize. That’s because Cochrane has followed in the footsteps of other small towns around the world and created its own currency.
The Cochrane Dollar, which has been in circulation since 2017, functions like a regular Canadian dollar, and can be used to buy goods and services at more than 60 participating businesses. Robert Kalinovich, economic development officer with the Town of Cochrane, says the concept first came to their attention after seeing B.C. communities such as Salt Spring Island create their own cash with great results.
Kalinovich says the goal of the Cochrane dollar is to encourage Cochranites, as well as the nearly 1 million people who live within 45 minutes of Cochrane, to spend their money in town. “We have 27,000 people in Cochrane and a good chunk of those commute to Calgary for work every day and they have opportunity to do their shopping in Calgary,” says Kalinovich, “but we want more of those Cochranites, and more of those people within that 45-minute drive, choosing to do their shopping in Cochrane, exploring stores they haven’t been to before and spending their money here.”
A total of nearly $700,000 Cochrane dollars were printed — including 2017 commemorative $150 bills in honour of the country’s sesquicentennial leaving just over $400,000 in
circulation in denominations of one, two, five, 10 and 20. Each bill is initially bought from the Cochrane ATB branch for its Canadian-dollar equivalent, and can then be spent at participating stores. Shoppers can acquire the dollars as part of special promotions or in their change, and can also buy them from certain businesses.
The bills, which feature historic persons of interest and security features like holographic foil and embossing, have also proved an interesting souvenir for tourists, which Kalinovich says is all part of the plan to bring more people and their dollars into Cochrane.
“The hope is that those bills that went off to Edmonton, or Saskatoon, or wherever, at some point come back to Cochrane. It’s like the Mexican pesos you bring home from your trip, and how when your neighbour’s going to Mexico a year later you give him your pesos. It’s the same kind of thing — maybe someone from Saskatoon is going skiing in Banff, you give them your Cochrane dollars and they go spend them.”
A.G.
Public stargazing event at the RAO.
26 avenueJULY.18
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Discovering the Beatles in Calgary
Three archivists, a special mission and a project code name. While this may sound like a spy novel, it’s actually a story for the non-fiction section. In November 2014, Annie Murray, associate university librarian for archives and special collections at the University of Calgary, along with two other archivists travelled to Toronto to secure the acquisition of the EMI Music Canada archive — a whopping 6,000 boxes of material. The team had to call it “Project Milky Way” until the acquisition was officially announced in March, 2016.
The plot twist came when Robb Gilbert, assistant archivist at special collections, opened up a box labelled “Business Affairs” and found among the materials a metal stamper of the Beatles’ 1965 album Rubber Soul
A stamper is a grooved disc that is pushed into warm wax at a record-pressing plant. “It’s kind of like the mold that the records would be made from,” says Murray. The stamper was found in a folder dated “10.8.76.” Capitol Records-EMI of Canada officially opened a record-pressing plant in Ontario in 1977, though production began in 1976. Gilbert believes this particular stamper had some sort of significance; that it might have been used on one of the first pressings at the plant, or for some other event worth commemorating.
Murray says that what is compelling to her about this otherwise unassuming piece of metal is its connection to Beatles’ fans. “If we look at how many people in Canada still have a copy of Rubber Soul that was pressed in Canada, it might have come from this stamper,” she says. “It’s like the DNA of the record.”
There is currently only one other stamper in the entire EMI Music Canada archive; for Canadian group Edward Bear’s single “You, Me and Mexico.” Although, with Murray estimating they’ll be working on “receiving” the archive for at least another two years, who’s to say what additional treasures lie in wait for an intrepid archivist to uncover? —
Victoria Lessard
28 avenueJULY.18
This record stamper for the Beatles’ Rubber Soul was discovered by archivists at the U of C. SEPTEMBER 16TH 2018 BMO CENTRE
Stamper photograph by Victoria Lessard
BRIDALEXPO.CA AVENUE e s August 15th, 2018
Gown Sale | 200 Wedding Experts | Fashion Show
Insider
JOSH LINVERS, TEA SOMMELIER AT Q HAUTE CUISINE
When Josh Linvers began working at downtown restaurant Q Haute Cuisine, his feelings about tea were tepid, especially compared to how he felt about wine. “Tea is tea — or that’s what I thought,” he says. However, a conversation about food-and-drink pairings for those who don’t drink wine inspired Linvers to take a closer look at tea. Six years and 400 teas later, it’s safe to say that he no longer feels the same way and now approaches tea with a sommelier’s expertise.
“The proper way to enjoy tea is to enjoy its smell the most,” Linvers says. “Tea has less to do with the flavour than it does the aromatics. The flavours should be a reflection of the smell.
[Good teas] have a really pretty aroma and when you drink them, it’s more like a mouth feel. Is it bitter? Is it astringent? Is it rich and cloudy? Or is it thin and crisp?” V.L.
Avenue Calgary .com 29
Photograph by Kati Thrasher
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DETOURS
MUSICAL THEATRE LES MISÉRABLES
JULY 17 TO 22
Broadway Across Canada brings the iconic Les Misérables to Calgary for eight performances this month. The Tony Award-winning musical follows the journeys of a prisoner hiding from the law, a relentless inspector and a young couple in love as rebellion brews in 19th-century France.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. S.W., calgary.broadway.com
this month do to
THEATRE SHAKESPEARE BY THE
BOW
UNTIL AUGUST 19
Every summer, Shakespeare By the Bow stages one of The Bard’s famous plays outdoors at Prince’s Island Park. This year, a cast of up-and-coming Alberta theatre artists have taken on The Two Gentlemen of Verona, a comedy about the tumultuous friendship of Proteus and Valentine. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Prince’s Island Park, theatrecalgary.com
FESTIVAL CYCLEPALOOZA
JULY 13 TO 22
Grab your bike and take part in cycling events around the city during this annual cycling festival. This year’s lineup includes a 60-kilometre folding-bike ride and a ride out to Chestermere Lake that includes an overnight stay at the nearby Camp Chestermere. cyclepalooza.ca
Openings
8TH STREET FOOD COOPERATIVE
You’ll find three casual restaurants — Noodlebox, Paros Souvla and Little Lot Diner — all under the same roof at this dining space in the Beltline.
1436 8 St. S.W.
THE DANDY BREWING COMPANY
FESTIVAL PET-A-PALOOZA
JULY 28 TO 29
You’ll see bulldog and wienerdog races, dock diving, a puppy stampede and more at Pet-APalooza. The annual event (petfriendly, naturally) at Eau Claire Market also features food trucks and around 100 exhibitors. 200 Barclay Parade S.W., petapaloozawest.com
FESTIVAL FIESTAVAL
JULY 20 TO 22
Immerse yourself in Latin American culture at this familyfriendly event. Held over the course of a weekend at Olympic Plaza, the annual multicultural festival features live music and dance performances and local vendors. Admission is free. Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E., fiestaval.ca
HORSE RACING PACKWOOD GRAND
JULY 28
This swishy annual event is as much about the fashion as it is about the horses. Attendees go all out when it comes to their outfits, donning elaborate fascinators and hats, and gather at Century Downs Racetrack in Balzac for a day of horse racing and cocktails.
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Balzac, packwoodgrand.com
FESTIVAL CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL
JULY 30 TO AUGUST 5
The Calgary International Blues Festival is a staple of the city’s summer music scene. This year’s lineup includes BB King’s Blues Band, Jim Byrne, Sue Foley and Jonn Del Toro Richardson, as well as a guitar workshop, a blueshistory talk and a dance party. calgarybluesfest.com
The tasting room at the new Ramsay location of this Calgary craft brewery features a food menu, so you can nibble on pickled eggs, gourmet hotdogs and other fare, while sipping brews such as The Jungle Bird tropical dark sour. 2003 11 St. S.E., thedandybrewingcompany.com
HUSH LINGERIE & MORE
Shop for lingerie and other intimate products in an upscale setting at Calgary’s third Hush location on 17 Ave. S.W. 1301 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-4874, hushcanada.com
PO-KE AND SWEET HAVEN
You can grab a bowl of poke upstairs at Po-ke’s third location and then venture downstairs for soft serve at the owners’ newest venture, Sweet Haven Ice Cream. 614 17 Ave. S.W., po-ke.ca
PRANIC FOREST
At this new apothecary you can treat yourself to skincare products, bespoke essential-oil perfume crafting or a “cosmic” facial. 1, 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 587-392-1770, pranicforest.com
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Fiestaval photograph courtesy of Fiestaval; Pet-A-Palooza photograph by Red Bark Photography; Jonn Del Toro Richardson photograph courtesy of the Calgary International Blues Festival; Pranic Forest photograph courtesy of Pranic Forest
Blues musician Jonn Del Toro Richardson.
Fiestaval.
Running of the “Bulls” at Pet-A-Palooza.
Avenue Calgary .com 31 furnishings interior design lighting accessories Calgary 3919 A Richmond Road SW 403.240.0111 countrylivingfurnishings.com WE’RE MOVING!
$290,000
This summer, Scarboro 17 offers an unprecedented opportunity to own in one of Calgary’s most historic, beautiful and exclusive neighbourhoods. Never before and never again will it be possible to purchase a 3 storey townhome or single level condo in the heart of Scarboro — starting at an incredible $290,000.
Surrounded by mature trees and gorgeous character homes, your new condo or townhome will sit high on a hill in the centre of iconic Scarboro overlooking the downtown core, the river valley and trendy 17th Ave.
These units will definitely not last long — come visit our sales centre and reserve your new home today.
DON’T JUST LIVE IN CALGARY, EXPERIENCE IT.
YOUR CHANCE TO OWN IN SCARBORO
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STARTING AT DON’T MISS IT
Avenue Calgary .com 33
BY Shelley Arnusch, Andrew Guilbert, Dylan Leeder, Käthe Lemon AND Victoria Lessard
Don’t let fear, lack of planning, inability or inertia get in the way of seizing the moment and making the most of summer.
Photograph by Jared Sych
Most of us have one thing we’ve always thought about doing but have held off on actually doing for any number of reasons, though one huge reason is more than likely because the thought of actually going through with it scares off the proverbial pants. But many experts would argue that’s precisely why you should do it. Aside from getting the feeling of being a total badass while you’re out there dangling off a cliff or what have you, research has shown that taking physical risks has positive psychological effects. Engaging in adventure activities increases overall self-confidence and bolsters our ability to deal with the unforeseen situations we encounter in the course of an otherwise unremarkable day. It turns out that getting in touch with your inner extreme athlete is good for your constitution.
There are so many adventures to be had round these parts that trying to choose the right one to start with can induce anxiety in itself.
If you’re not sure where to start, how about getting high (not that kind of high). Fear of heights is one of the most common phobias and, as such, nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like getting a bird’s-eye view, such as the one from the via ferrata adventures at Mount Norquay ski resort, just up from the town of Banff.
Norquay debuted via ferrata — a style of guided alpine climbing that uses secured hand-holds, ropes and suspension bridges — in 2014. Last summer the resort added two new routes to the program, building upon the 2.5-hour adventure and the four-hour adventure with five- and six-hour tours. Via ferrata adventures at Norquay start with a ride up the sightseeing chair lift to a staging area near the Cliffhouse Bistro, the historic eatery perched at just below 7,000 feet. (It’s a popular gathering spot for post-via ferrata celebration beverages and the six-hour tour includes a packed lunch and Cliffhouse après.) Those who are really nervous about heights (like almost didn’t ride the chair lift nervous) can opt for the 2.5-hour Explorer tour, which includes walking across a suspension bridge but doesn’t go to the summit, unlike the four-hour Ridgewalker route. The five- and six-hour routes are slightly more technically challenging, and, by virtue of their length, more physically demanding.
All tours are led by Association of Canadian Mountain Guides-certified guides, whose skill set includes getting Calgary-based day trippers to release their white-knuckled grip on the suspension bridge ropes and take that crucial first step. —S.A.
For more information on via ferrata at Norquay visit banffnorquay.com
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Photograph by Jesse Tamayo
It’s time to get over yourself, stop making excuses and do something that scares you.
Mount Norquay's via ferrata.
Get on the Rocks
Rock-climbing offers the kind of personal and physical challenge that fuses precision moves with pure adrenaline. Mountain Skills Academy & Advenures offers a two-day course in Canmore to get you on the rocks. No prerequisite skills are required outside of a generally good level of fitness. mountainskillsacademy.com
Go Solo in a Cave
If heights ain’t no thing to you, then perhaps your fear factor involves going underground. Canmore Cave Tours’ Solitude adventure allows you up to four hours alone in a cave below the earth (with a guide) where you can really see what you’re made of. canmorecavetours.com
Walk with Wolves
Perhaps the thought of coming face to face with a real-live wolf makes the hairs on the back of your neck prick up. You can walk with the wolves (just don’t dance with them) at the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, a wolf sanctuary in Golden, B.C. —S.A. northernlightswildlife.com
TOP Mountain Skills Academy rock-climbing.
MIDDLE Canmore Cave Tours. BOTTOM Northern Lights Wolf Centre.
Avenue Calgary .com 35
Mountain Skills photograph by Dan O’Keefe; cave photograph courtesy of Canmore Cave Tours; wolf photograph by Black Wolf Photography
There’s much ado about the abbreviated summer season here in Calgary, but what people forget is what this latitude-endowed city lacks in the number of summer days it makes up for in the number of hours in those days. The first two and a half weeks in July see day lengths (the amount of time between sunrise and sunset) of over 16 hours. And if you include “civil twilight” (the time when the sun is just below the horizon so there’s usually enough natural light to do outdoor activities) you get about 17-and-a-half hours. Even Labour Day, the spiritual end of summer, which falls this year on Sept. 3, will log just under 13-and-a-half hours of daylight before sunset at 8:17 p.m. The best thing about having daylight until 9 p.m. is that a world of possibility opens up in the way of evening recreation. Ever heard the saying “there are not enough hours in the day?” Calgary’s summer days offer the opposite. With that in mind, here are five things you can do to make the most of it.
Go for an Evening Swim
Most of the outdoor pools in the city stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. during July and August so an after-work swim is totally doable. One of the best things about evening swimming? No crowds (all the wee kiddies have gone home for din-din by then), which means lots of free lounger chairs and less chance of getting bopped on the head with a pool noodle (at least by a stranger). All the city’s outdoor pools have their charms, but the South Calgary pool is particularly charming, with
a grove of trees along the south fence creating an urban-oasis effect. It’s also just across the field from the Giuffre Family branch of the Calgary Public Library, so you can pop in and check out some magazines if you need poolside reading material. Most of Calgary’s outdoor pools are run by the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA), so visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca if you’re looking for schedules and other information.
Take in the Super-touristy Parts of Banff National Park
There’s a reason why natural attractions in Banff National Park such as Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise draw busloads of tourists during the summer months — they’re amazing. What’s not amazing is trying to take in the wonder of your surroundings amidst selfiestick-bearing throngs. Rather than becoming jaded about going at all, just go later in the day. Time your arrival for around 6 p.m. and you’ll still have two-to-three solid hours of daylight to enjoy your surroundings, but with ample room to breathe.
Take Up Photography
Photographers refer to the time when the sun begins to lower in the sky as the “golden hour” or “magic hour.” Technically speaking, having longer days doesn’t mean a longer magic hour, but that said, the extended evenings of Calgary summers mean you can take your sweet time driving out to find beautiful things to capture. The mountains
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Folk Fest
photograph by James Strangroom
Calgary Folk Music Festival at Prince’s Island Park.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Evening tennis at Haultain Park outdoor courts: OEB breakfast; Bowview outdoor pool.
Not only does Calgary have more sunshine in the summer evenings than many of our more southerly metropolitan peers (we’re looking at you, Toronto), we also get a jump on the day in the a.m. In early July the sun rises here around 5:30 a.m. While getting up earlier to enjoy more of the sunlight is not everyone’s idea of a summer well spent, if it’s for you, here are some suggestions of ways to take advantage.
Tee Off
Summer tee times can be hard to get at City and private golf courses, but early risers can benefit from being wide-eyed for the first tee-off of the day at 5:45 a.m. during the month of July at the Confederation Park, Maple Ridge and Shaganappi Point public golf courses, as well as at many private courses. Many courses offer early-bird rates as well.
Watch the Other Early Birds
Add to your life list by heading out to City parks to see the literal early birds catching worms. Ralph Klein Park and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary are both good spots to spot birds and other wildlife and open at 5 a.m. and sunrise, respectively.
Beat the Breakfast Rush
are always a reliable source of photographic grandeur, but try heading east instead and opening your lens to the amazing lemon-yellow canola fields just beyond the city limits that take on an otherworldly glow in the evening sun. If you want to up your game beyond point-and-shoot, the Camera Store presents a monthly Intro to Photography seminar. Catch the next one on the evening of Thursday, July 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tennis, Everyone!
You don’t have to be part of a fancy private club to play tennis in Calgary. There are decent community courts in neighbourhoods throughout the city, providing myriad options for an evening game. The endless twilight means that even if you have to wait a half-hour or so for a court to open up, you’ll still be able to get in a good rally before sundown. Ace your evening of tennis by heading to a patio for post-game gin and tonics — you can’t do much better than the “Super Sonic” version served up at Joey Restaurants, which is enhanced with thirst-quenching
citrus slush. (And check out our patio guide at AvenueCalgary.com/patios for more aprèstennis ideas.)
Folkin’ Eh
The Calgary Folk Music Festival, which runs for four days starting on the Thursday before the last weekend in July, has been around for 38 years now, and a big part of the reason for its longevity is that there’s nothing quite so lovely as a peaksummer evening at Prince’s Island Park. The tarpie set might insist that you have to get there early to stake your claim to stage-front real estate, but that’s only one way to Folk Fest. The other is to show up in the late afternoon and meander the grounds, maybe catching a late-day set on one of the side stages and browsing the boho jewellery offerings in the market tents, before ordering up something from a food truck and taking it back with you into the beer gardens. There, you can down pitchers of sangria under the trees until it gets dark — that’s when you’ll know it’s time to get off the island. —S.A.
Catch the proverbial worm by going for breakfast before the hordes arrive. Hotel restaurants are often the best bet for an early delicious breakfast and, fortunately, local hotels are really stepping it up these days. The Fairmont Palliser’s Rimrock Dining Room Sunday brunch starts at 11:15 (and is so popular you should make reservations), but both buffet and à la carte menus for breakfast start daily at 6:30 a.m. Yellow Door Bistro at Hotel Arts also starts serving at 6:30 a.m. and offers an amazing buffet. Right on the Jack & Jean Leslie River Walk in East Village, the Simmons Building is a busy spot for lunch and dinner. But the Phil & Sebastian location there opens at 6:30 a.m. and has great offerings to-go or to-stay for breakfast.
OEB’s downtown location also opens for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. And at the west end of downtown, Alforno Bakery & Café opens at 7 a.m. — grab something delicious and take it for a breakfast picnic along the Bow before work. —K.L.
Avenue Calgary .com 37
Bowden
What do you think of when you think of fun? If you said “rope,” have we got the place for you! All kidding aside, the Red Lodge Ropes Course just over an hour’s drive north of Calgary near Bowden, is a climbing-adventure playground fit for groups large and small. The ground elements and low ropes can be booked in advance for team-building purposes. Or take on the high ropes. And fear not — certified challenge course practitioners are on hand to help you prepare for your time on the ropes. redlodgeropescourse.com
Three Hills
Just 10 km south of the town of Three Hills, Good Knights Entertainment offers deluxe immersive experiences to suit the swords-andsorcery crowd. The Encampment, open May 18 to Sept. 4, offers a medieval glamping experience in canvas tents. Activities include sword-fighting demonstrations, supervised longbow archery and long-table medieval feasts. Tents aren’t your thing, you say? The newly opened underground accommodations, The Burrows, offer a hobbit home plucked straight from the pages of The Lord of The Rings. goodknights.ca
Torrington
The Gopher Hole Museum of Torrington, Alberta, is that one attraction you keep hearing about, promise to make a point of seeing, and then never check out. Well, when you do make the drive, you’ll find a place out of time, where even the admission fee, (two dollars for adults, 50 cents for kids under 14) is part of the charm of this self-described “world-famous” destination. You may not know it, but dioramas of stuffed ground squirrels living out scenes of small-town life is something you need to experience, so gopher it! gopherholemuseum.ca
Water Valley
Good things come in small packages, like the tiny Fallentimber Meadery near Water Valley. Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the meadery and apiary offer tours and tastings for between $10 and $15, depending on how much you want to do. Tours take place at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., but they’re willing to set out at a different time if things happen to be quiet. (Repeat customers who bring their own Fallentimber glass get their tour fees waived.) Before you leave pick up some beeswax candles, honey or one of the many varieties of mead. Meadjito, anyone? —A.G. fallentimbermeadery.ca
BELOW Good Knights
Entertainment near Three Hills; Canada
150
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You don’t have to go far from home to feel like you’re a world away when you head to these destinations.
Ropes course photograph courtesy of Red Lodge Ropes Course; Good Knights photograph by Grant Zelych; museum photograph courtesy of Gopher Hole Museum; Fallentimber Meadery photograph by Alex Ramadan
LEFT Red Lodge Ropes Course near Bowden.
diorama at the Gopher Hole Museum of Torrington, Alberta; Fallentimber Meadery near Water Valley.
Oak & Olive Athertyn two-person basket, $140; blue blanket, imported from Nicaragua, $42; Ridley's Five-of-a-Kind game, $25; Pocket Disc crochet frisbee, $14 to $20; DecoLite Starry string lights, $11 to $13.50; Bohemia Cotton Pom Pom white blanket, $145; all from 28 Blankets, 1317 9 Ave. S.E., 403-263-8088, 28blankets.com.
Tyler Rygus and Cory Edwards are experts in the art of picnicking. As co-hosts of Calgary’s Le Dîner en Blanc (a picnic soiree that originated in Paris and now runs in cities around the world) they have lots of tips for the many guests that take part in the event. For Edwards, it’s the little things that count. “[At Dîner en Blanc] a little bit of decoration goes a long way. When people think of a picnic, they think a basket and a blanket, but if you bring a little bit of decoration, it really sets it apart,” says Edwards.
Rygus notes that the one piece of essential gear that picnickers most often overlook is something to carry all their items to their chosen spot.
Laura Rowsell, sales associate at 28 Blankets in Inglewood, suggests packing your picnic in a One Hundred 80 Degrees wicker picnic basket or a Bohemia Design beach bag, then adding battery powered LED Fairie Lites and a crocheted Pocket Disc or a selection of Ridley’s games for stylish fun. —V.L.
There are plenty of places for picnicking in the city. If you have something more extravagant in mind than a blanket on the grass, consider booking a picnic spot through Facility Bookings at the City of Calgary. The City has 49 bookable spaces in nine parks, and you can see which spots are open at calgary.ca/ liveandplay. Booking cost depends on the number of guests — $66.95 gets you a cool six hours for you and 24 of your closest friends (with the exception of popular Bowness Park, which clocks in at $373.45 minimum at particular spots during peak season). Day of, all you need to bring is your permit, your picnic, fuel for a fire and, of course, relief that memories of frigid February are finally melting away. —V.L.
PRINCE ’ S ISLAND PARK
BOWNESS PARK
STANLEY PARK
Bookable picnic spots
Barbecues
Washrooms
Entertainment
0
(no bookable picnic sites, but plenty of picnic tables)
8
Yes
Yes
For the Kids
Shakespeare by the Bow (The Two Gentlemen of Verona on until Aug. 19)
Playground, plus a wading park in nearby Eau Claire
(five with shelters; plus three additional non-booking sheltered spots)
Canoe and paddle-boat rentals
Wading pool, playground, mini-train
2
Yes
Yes
(plus four other areas with picnic tables)
Lawn bowling, tennis courts, baseball diamonds
Outdoor pool and wading pool
Avenue Calgary .com 39
No Yes
Photograph by Jared Sych
Adam Baranec is a Calgary river surfer. “I got into it because I needed something to satisfy my surf cravings while I was stuck in a land-locked city, but there’s plenty of surfers in Calgary now that have never surfed in saltwater,” Baranec says. “Physically, it’s a little like surfing an ocean wave, except the ride lasts a lot longer and you’re not actually moving. Kind of like snowboarding in good powder, especially if you’re on a nice, clean wave face. The fact that the wave lasts forever is amazing. You can take your time and try a new move over and over, and the wave doesn’t disappear on you. Mentally, it really clears my head. During a good session, when I’m really feeling like I’m in a rhythm, it can be almost meditative. And the community is amazing.” —D.L.
Visit albertariversurfing.com for more information
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Surfing photograph by Dylan Leeder
Nolin Veillard is the founder and managing director of Trak Outdoors, an Airdrie-based company that makes Trak Kayaks, collapsible skin-on-frame sea kayaks perfect for travelling. Stow it in its carrying case and it will fit easily in your closet, car or as checked luggage.
“We live in very turbulent times,” Veillard says. “People need to find solace, which is why they go hiking and why they do these kind of things. One of the things that’s interesting about paddling and about water sports is that we as human beings are made up of between 55 and 75 per cent water, and so getting to water and being on the water and in the water brings us into alignment with our own nature. Sitting in a kayak — especially this kind of kayak which is a membrane skin on frame — when you’re sitting in the centre and your butt’s actually below the water line (which is different than canoeing), you’re very centred. You’ve got this left-right paddle stroke, you get in this rhythm, and it’s extremely therapeutic. I believe you really connect to the water in your body, to the water around you, and you feel the water through your calf muscles. You’re connected at a very intimate level to the water. It helps ground people from their busy, intense lives.” —K.L.
Trak Kayaks runs discovery days and skills progression training for new owners to learn kayaking skills and tips. Find out more at trakkayaks.com
Debbie Kirkby is a 63-year-old competitive sailing racer who has won the Fireball Canadian National sailing competition five times since 1995, including last year, and also won the U.S. Nationals with Robert Levey last October. She learned to sail on the Glenmore Reservoir.
“Sailing a dinghy is like being in a sports car compared to sailing a big keelboat, which is like driving a Winnebago,” Kirkby says. “They’re small, they’re fast, they’re really manoeuvrable and they’re really thrilling to sail. When you’re in a race with a lot of other boats, it’s a chess match from start to finish. When you tack, where you position your boat in relation to the wind and where you’re going against all the other boats that are also making strategic decisions places you either in an advantaged or disadvantaged position. And then there all the rules to keep everyone safe. So there’s a chess match, and the thrill of going fast, and the wind, and the waves, and the water and you’re working together as a team. It’s one of the sports where you don’t have to be 18 to 24 and then you have to quit. You can sail for the rest of your life.
“I like the feel of going fast in a boat. You can feel the air moving past you. You’re trying to create or minimize speed. And then you’re also steering your boat through the waves and over the water. To be fast, you have to steer to keep the boat engaged with the water, you don’t want it to bang and jump around too much. You’re constantly feeling the pressure through the mainsheet of your sails in your hands and you’re also guiding the boat through the waves and over the water. There’s a sort of communion that’s happening that you’re trying to bring all these elements together to synthesize this motion and it can be hypnotic.
“I’m 4 foot 11 and a half. If I can do it, lots of people should be able to do it.” —K.L. Learn to sail with the Glenmore Sailing School (run by the City of Calgary) or the Glenmore Sailing Club, which also hosts a weekly Wednesday-night race series. liveandplay.calgary.ca, glenmoresailingclub.com
Avenue Calgary .com 41
Whether you’re a swimmer, a fisher, a boater or a committed sun bather, there is nothing better on a hot summer day than to be in, near or on some water. As a land-locked city, it may appear that Calgary doesn’t have much water on tap, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you aren’t lucky enough to be able to access one of Calgary’s private lake communities (either through living there or finagling an invitation), check out these other opportunities.
42 avenueJULY.18 ACTIVE INACTIVE ON THE WATER IN THE WATER 15 17 11 5 3 9
1 Try stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga on Chestermere Lake with Wild Spirit. wildspiritsupyoga.com
2 Rent a kayak from The Paddle Station’s location at Shouldice Park and then kayak to their location at St. Patrick’s Island. paddlestation.ca
3 Carburn Park is one of the few City parks that allows stand-up paddleboarding on its three man-made ponds. It’s a great calm spot to SUP perfect for beginners.
67 Riverview Dr. S.E.
4 Learn to canoe on the Bow with Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre. rockymountainpaddling.com
5 You can’t swim in or SUP on the Glenmore Reservoir, and this summer only boats that can be launched by hand will be allowed. But you can canoe. The Calgary Canoe Club will teach you how and rent you a canoe. calgarycanoeclub.com
6 Raft the Bow and make it easy with rentals from Lazy Day Raft Rentals. For those who really love rafting the Bow, the U of C Outdoor Centre does a two-day rafting trip. lazydayraftrentals.com, ucalgary.ca/outdoorcentre
7 Shallower water makes the Elbow a less stressful rafting experience, especially with small kids. Remember that you still need lifejackets by law, though. Start at Sandy Beach and end in Mission near Repsol Sport Centre.
1 2 4 14 18 8
8 At only about two metres at its deepest, man-made Sikome Aquatic Facility (usually called Sikome Lake) in Fish Creek Provincial Park offers up warm water perfect for a summer swim.
6 7 12 20 10 19 16 13 21
9 Yes, you can surf in Alberta; just ask the “surf anywhere” pioneers of the Alberta River Surfing Association, who suggest you start by learning at the Louise (10th Street) Bridge. albertariversurfing.com
10 Only certified divers (or those training with an instructor) should go scuba diving at Lake Minnewanka. Those who do get to see the townsite of Minnewanka Landing, which was submerged in 1941. Banff National Park
11 After an $11.9-million redevelopment, Prairie Winds Park re-opened last summer, though the splash park was delayed in opening until this year. There’s also a wading pool and lazy river (as well as washrooms, a tandoori oven and other features).
12 If you’re up for a chillier swim, drive out to one of the glacier-fed lakes of K-country and Banff National Park. Johnson Lake, Chain Lakes and Cascade Pond are all suitable for warm-blooded swimmers.
13 Wade into “the breach” on St. Patrick’s Island or the paddling pool at Riley Park.
14 Go on a walk-and-wade fly-fishing trip with Hanson’s Fishing Outfitters on the Bow and learn more about the river and how to read the water. hansonsoutfitters.com
15 Seasons of Bowness Park restaurant in Bowness Park overlooks the lagoon and if you suddenly decide to have a more active water experience, you can rent a pedal boat, canoe or kayak from the boathouse next door. seasonsofbownesspark.ca
16 The old quarry in Canmore has been reclaimed and made into Quarry Lake. The area includes a sandy beach at the shallow end. Because it’s more than 100 metres deep in some areas and fed by underground springs, the water can be quite cold, so swim at your own risk. But the beautiful setting is perfect for relaxing on the beach. quarrylakecanmore.ca
17 Arguably, there is no more beautiful lake in the country than Lake Louise. Admire it in style, even if the weather isn’t hospitable, from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lakeview Lounge. fairmont.com/lakelouise
18 If you like the look of water, but not being wet, there are few better spots in the city than the pool deck at Hotel Arts. Order some appies and cocktails from Raw Bar and relax in style. hotelarts.ca
19 Stand in the mister at the Stampede midway.
20 You can sit in a lawn chair with your feet in the river in lots of spots along the Bow and Elbow. But the south bank of the Bow in Edworthy Park, across the footbridge from Angel’s Cappuccino & Ice Cream Café has the advantages of great people-watching and easy access to parking, washrooms and nearby snacks.
21 The day-use lockers have been upgraded at the Banff Upper Hot Springs so the cost is now bundled with the entrance fee, meaning you can “take the waters” without worrying someone will take your stuff. hotsprings.ca
— K.L.
Avenue Calgary .com 43 Carburn Park photograph by Hiking with Barry; Canoe Club photograph courtesy of Calgary Canoe Club; rafting photograph courtesy of Travel Alberta; surfing photograph courtesy of Tourism Calgary; Lake Louise photograph courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Throwing a block party will give you the opportunity to get to know your neighbours beyond the hello-how-are-you routine while you’re wrangling kids and groceries into the house. It may sound like an insurmountable amount of effort to arrange, but follow these five steps and you’ll be a block party pro in no time flat.
The first step in organizing a block party is to get signatures from most of your neighbours to allow you to block traffic on your street. They’ll have the option to say “yay” or “nay” to the event, which will give you insight into who might be an enthusiastic volunteer when it comes time to host.
Apply for the $25 permit online at calgary.ca (you’ll need the petition and a map of the party area/ road that needs to be closed).
Gather your gear — essentials for a block party include a gigantic barbecue, a bouncy castle, and games designed to break the ice Large barbecues are available through event-rental companies and range anywhere from $100 to just over $200, depending on size and type. If you’re thinking of having a bouncy house, be sure to ask about the material. A PVC bouncy house is made for commercial use (and events like a block party with a lot of potential bouncers), while a nylon bouncy house is designed for single-family fun. When it comes to games, Rebecca Dakin, communications and community relations specialist at the Federation of Calgary Communities, recommends activities like water-balloon tosses, bubble battles, a group grilloff or neighbour bingo as activites that will help to get things lively.
Gather your volunteers — divide and conquer all of the duties from running games for kids to operating the grill and cleaning up.
For even more block-party tips, download the Federation of Calgary Communities resource guide, “Love Where You Live: Host a Block Party!” from calgarycommunities.com. —V.L.
You were hoping to hike the Rockies today, but the rainclouds care not for your petty plans. Don’t worry, you aren’t the first to deal with inconvenient weather conditions, which is why there’s a slew of things to do indoors in the city that don’t require a reservation.
Museums
Museums are probably the world’s greatest standby in the “things to do on a rainy day” category and Calgary has a number of great indoor spaces displaying cool collections and artsy artifacts. Glenbow is probably the best known and has plenty to offer across its four floors of exhibitions. Just a few blocks east, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre lets you play instruments, see rare memorabilia and learn about our country’s musical history. Some of the smaller museums in the city include the Firefighters Museum of Calgary, The Military Museums and the Hangar Flight Museum. glenbow.org, studiobell.ca, calgaryfiremuseum.com, militarymuseums.ca, thehangarmuseum.ca
Art Galleries
Although Contemporary Calgary is currently without a physical gallery space of its own, there are more than enough public and commercial art galleries in the city to keep you traipsing through displays of paintings and other installations for as long as you want. The University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries focus on modern art, coins and textiles, and are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no admission fees. The Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery is open until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and currently has exhibits by Hungarian textile artist Anna Torma and multimedia artist Vanessa Brown. Calgary is also home to a number of private galleries representing local, Canadian and international artists, such as the Collectors’ Gallery in Inglewood, Masters Gallery in Mission and Paul Kuhn, Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art, Herringer Kiss Gallery and Trépanier Baer, all of which are within walking distance of each other in the Beltline. nickle.ucalgary.ca, eskerfoundation.com, thecollectorsgalleryofart.com, mastersgalleryltd.com, paulkuhngallery.com, newzones.com, herringerkissgallery.com, trepanierbaer.com
The Rec Room
Remember the halcyon days of youth spent in friends’ basements eating comfort foods, watching TV and playing video games? The Rec Room is like that, except you’re allowed to drink. With dozens of different arcade and video games, everything from racing to shoot-’em-ups, a climbing wall with interactive games projected onto it, as well as classic games like pool, Ping-Pong and shuffleboard, there’s enough to keep you occupied until way past your bedtime. therecroom.com
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Hangar Flight Museum.
McKenzie Towne Neighbour Day block party.
Ninja Classes
Cabin fever can infect even the most passive person, so when you start getting restless, take yourself over to InjaNation. An indoor playground that combines a trampoline park with dodgeball rooms and Ninja Warrior-style courses with obstacles you have to climb over, jump to and swing from, you can sharpen all the skills you’ll need for a future career ninja-ing, or just get a good workout while having fun with friends. injanation.com
Minigolf
When golfing outdoors is out of the question, opt for low-risk, high-fun minigolf. Monster Mini Golf promises not only a weather-independent good time, but also a ghoulishly fun ambiance with cartoon creatures stalking through the black-light course. There’s even an opportunity to sink a ball into a giant clown’s mouth — where else can you do that? It’s open until 11 p.m. most nights (9 p.m. on Sundays), so you can play closer to the witching hour. monsterminigolf.com
Go-karting
Head to Speeders for drop-in indoor go-karting and burn as much rubber as their eco-friendly electric karts allow. Boasting the fastest indoor racetrack and fastest electric Prokarts in the city with 20 horsepower and top published speeds of 75 kilometres-per-hour, you’ll certainly have your need for speed met. speeders.ca
Axe-throwing
Live out your lumberjack fantasies by heading to one of Calgary’s axe-throwing institutions. Axe Throwing Calgary has drop-in hours Wednesdays and Sundays and also features a lumberjack lounge with food and Big Rock beers. Despite its name, the Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) does take place indoors, and offers walkin sessions Friday through Sunday, as well as a fully licensed bar and kitchen with menu items from Diner Deluxe chef Chris Lorenz. axethrowingcalgary.ca, batlgrounds.com
Calgary Shooting Centre
Whether you’re looking to unload some frustration on a paper target or just see what it’s like, the Calgary Shooting Centre has got you covered. No license? No problem. The Centre has drop-in rates for groups of two or more unlicensed walk-ins, as well as staff that can train and supervise first-timers. theshootingcentre.com
Regal Cat Café
Dark and dreary summer days are the perfect excuse to curl up on a sofa and relax. And you know who’s excellent at curling up and relaxing? Cats. The Regal Cat Café always keeps four drop-in spots available for their 45-minute kitty sessions, where you can play with cats from the Meow Foundation (and maybe even adopt one if you make a special connection). For those poor souls allergic to felines, the café has a partitioned-off cat-free environment as well, where they serve warm drinks and sweet treats. regalcatcafe.com
Breathe Parkour
Instead of bouncing off the walls at home, learn how to actually bounce off walls at Breathe Parkour. Both Calgary locations offer drop-in classes for $30, or go really free-form and explore the open gym for $18. If YouTube videos of people flipping off walls and jumping between buildings is something you want to emulate, you’re going to have to start somewhere, and it might as well be somewhere supervised. breathepk.com
VRKade
The future of gaming is here, and it has weird headgear. Check out one of VRKade’s two locations to get strapped into the virtual-reality matrix. Virtual reality archery, multiplayer shooting games and escape rooms are just some of the experiences available. Though it’s best to book ahead, VRKade will accept walk-ins if there is space. vrkade.com
Go Climbing
When your mountain-climbing plans get nixed by weather, you can still scale to new heights at one of the city’s climbing gyms. The Crux Climbing and Bouldering is one of the tallest climbing gyms in North America, with a 72-foot-high wall. The Calgary Climbing Centre’s four locations offer both traditional climbing and bouldering options. And for those not practiced at belaying, Bolder Climbing Community offers a straight bouldering experience, which is a lot like rock climbing, but with thick pads on the ground instead of ropes and hitches. —A.G. thecruxclimbing.com, calgaryclimbing.com, bolderclimbing.com
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Breathe Parkour photograph by Shay Riggin with Supreme Reach Social; Bolder photograph by Karin Olafson
Breathe Parkour.
Bolder Climbing Community co-owner Zak McGurk on one of his facility’s walls.
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Avenue Calgary .com 47 Big Fun frog socks are required for all guests playing on the attractions and are available for a nominal fee. BIGFUNPLAY.CA Located only 20 minutes north of downtown Calgary 261024 Dwight McLellan Trail #10, Rocky View No. 44, AB T4A 0T5 (near the CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall, Century Downs Casino and the New Horizon Mall) Open Daily 10am–9pm 1-403-274-2722 1-844-4-BIGFUN FREE WIFI FREE PARKING FREE LOCKER RENTALS
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SOUTHERN BARBECUE
BELLE SOUTHERN KITCHEN + BAR
The group behind Añejo decided that this spot on 4th Street S.W. (formerly The Mission) needed an injection of personality, and last fall they reimagined it as Belle, a restaurant specializing in smoked meats and other Southern delights. Look for the standards (brisket and ribs), plated by the half-pound, chicken by the half and quarter, as well as non-smoked classics like Nashville hot-chicken sandwiches and friedshrimp po’boys. Southern desserts also make an important appearance, with offerings like peach cobbler and peanut-butter pie.
1919 4 St. S.W., 403-455-5775, bellebbq.com
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It’s summertime and our thoughts turn to barbecue — but not the grilled meats most Canadians have come to call barbecue — the kind that’s cooked for hours in a woodburning smoker and all its hearty accompaniments. This Southern style of cooking is a food trend sweeping the city.
Belle Southern Kitchen + Bar.
BIG SKY BBQ PIT
After falling in love with Texas barbecue, Big Sky owner and pit master Rob Bolton decided to recreate the rural Texas experience by building a barbecue wonderland on the side of the road between Calgary and Okotoks. With no freezers, fryers or grills on the premises, Big Sky is all about the smoking. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs and homemade sausage are all available by the pound, the platter or the sandwich. With a patio that can seat up to 620 people, bonfire pits, outdoor games, live blues music and an ultra-quick drive-through for pre-orders, this joint definitely takes a “go big or go home” kind of attitude.
306016 15 St. E., Okotoks, 403-938-0701, bigskybbq.ca
BY Elizabeth Chorney-Booth PHOTOGRAPHS BY Jared Sych
BIG T’S BBQ
With locations near McMahon Stadium, in Deer Ridge and at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, Big T’s, which has been operating since 2004, is the closest thing that Calgary has to a Southern-barbecue empire. In addition to the standards from the smoker (including five different kinds of ribs), Big T’s serves up Southern faves like blackened catfish, barbecue sauceslathered meatloaf and burgoo soup — a Kentucky stew made with lamb, chicken and brisket. The sauce game is also strong here, with five choices including Carolina-mustard and maplebourbon.
Various locations, bigtsbbq.com
BOOKERS BBQ + CRAB SHACK
Hitting its 20th anniversary this year, Bookers is a Downtown East Village institution. The restaurant’s specialty is Louisiana-style cuisine, slow-cooking more than 200 pounds of meat every day in a smoker lovingly named “Bonnie.” In addition to its history, the big differentiator with Bookers is its seafood menu — the ribs and brisket are great, but they’re even better with a side of snow-crab legs, which can be added to just about any meal. For the full Bookers experience, pop in on a Sunday night for the all-you-caneat-crab-and-ribs special.
316 3 St. S.E., 403-264-6419, bookersbbq.com
COWTOWN BEEF SHACK
While most of Calgary’s smokehouses focus on authentic Southern-style barbecue, Cowtown Beef Shack keeps the flavours closer to home. The restaurant does thinly-sliced roast beef for its signature beef-dip and cheesesteak sandwiches, but it also has the smoker going for a more Canadian take on traditional barbecue. Rather than brisket, which requires a much longer cooking time, Cowtown smokes a tender cut of AAA Alberta beef for its hickorywood-smoked beef sandwich and also does a smoked pulled-pork sandwich topped with a tangy red cabbage-andcranberry slaw.
640 26 McKenzie Towne Gate S.E., 403-720-2121, cowtownbeefshack.ca
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BBQ King Caesar from Big Sky BBQ Pit.
Bookers’ ribs with a side of snow-crab legs.
Let’s Talk Sauce
A proper barbecue joint will not sauce its meat prior to serving. After all that time in the smoker, pit masters don’t want the intensity of sauce to overpower the meat’s flavour. To that end, most Southern barbecue places put out bottles of house-made sauce for guests to add as they see fit. Here’s a cheat sheet for some traditional regional sauce styles.
Kansas City-style
What many Canadians consider “barbecue sauce” — a thick, ketchup-y concoction sweetened with molasses and brown sugar.
Texas-style
Another thick, tomato-based sauce, Texas sauces tend to be spicy with savoury ingredients such as onion and Worcestershire sauce.
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Hayden Block’s smoked chicken wings with a side of green beans.
Carolina Gold
A signature sauce of South Carolina, it reflects the tastes of the state’s German population and works beautifully with pork.
HAYDEN BLOCK SMOKE & WHISKEY
Since opening two years ago, Hayden Block has become a hugely popular stop for meat ’n’ whisky lovers, presenting one of the city’s largest selections of American (and other) whiskies and some of the city’s best barbecue. The barbecue is pure Texas — long-smoked brisket, pulled pork, hot links, chicken and giant beef short ribs sold by the item or the half-pound and served at communal tables on big share platters. Hayden Block’s smoked chicken wings have become the surprise star of the menu. Brined for 24 hours in a secret solution, they’re so flavourful they don’t need any sauce.
1136 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-3021, haydenblockyyc.com
HOLY SMOKE BARBECUE
Simple, but satisfying, the two locations of this unassuming take-out spot both offer ribs (sold by the single). But the bulk of Holy Smoke’s business is its hearty sandwiches. Choose from pork, brisket, chicken or a combination of any or all of the above if you opt for the hefty “barnyard” sandwich. Or, forego the bun and order up a layered meat “sundae” topped with baked beans and coleslaw.
Various locations, holysmokebbq.ca
JANE BOND BBQ
Jane Bond owner and chef Jenny Burthwright operates a multi-tiered business that includes catering, packaged meals and a food truck that she takes to festivals and private events. At the heart of it all is a menu full of beautifully smoked barbecue. A lover of flavour, Burthwright strays beyond the American South and does a very popular Caribbean-inspired jerkchicken sandwich as well as non-barbecue Southern delicacies like crocodile bites and waffles with chicken.
2014 36 St. S.E., 403-277-7064, janebondgrill.com
Spicy Vinegar
Common in North Carolina, this sauce is thin and tangy. Not much more than apple-cider vinegar flavoured with hot pepper flakes and a little sugar, it works particularly well poured over fattier meats.
MAIN STREET BEER & BARBECUE
Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey’s sister restaurant in Airdrie has more of a Western sports-bar atmosphere, but the restaurant still pumps out authentic Texas-style barbecue. Fitted with a 2,600-pound Old Hickory smoker, the menu is similar to that at Hayden Block, though the beverage menu is more focused on craft beer than the world of whisky. Music is also on the menu — billed as Airdrie’s only authentic country dance hall, patrons get Thursday two-step lessons and weekend DJs with their brisket and ribs.
304, 505 Main St. S., Airdrie, 403-948-4741, mainstreetbeerbbq.com
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Holy Smoke’s layered meat sundae topped with baked beans and coleslaw.
PADDY’S BARBECUE & BREWERY
Heralded as Calgary’s first “brewbecue,” Paddy’s combines the Southern-barbecue craze with the craft beer craze. Head brewer Dan Lake creates a rotating list of beers (available in-house on-tap) to pair with owner-chef Paddy Sorrenti’s brisket, turkey breast, house-smoked sausage, chicken wings and ribs, all served by the pound. Even though it’s a taphouse, Paddy’s is family-friendly — so much so that it hosts a weekly gathering of parents with activities to keep kids busy while their folks enjoy a pint and a platter of meat.
3610 Burnsland Rd. S.E., 403-651-7150, paddysbrewbecue.com
PALOMINO SMOKEHOUSE
Another relative veteran of the city’s barbecue scene, the Pal, as it’s affectionately known, serves up premium barbecue with a hearty side of rock ’n’ roll. Upstairs, you’ve got a full-service barbecue restaurant with Kansas City pork ribs, Alberta beef brisket, Spolumbo’s smoked sausage, pulled pork, turkey and chicken (get it all, plus sides, on the must-share Fat Ass Platter) as well as chili, stews, mac ’n’ cheese and the buzzworthy and ultra-realistic Beyond Meat veggie burger. Downstairs you’ll find the Palomino Showroom, one of Calgary’s most rockin’ livemusic venues.
109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, the palomino.ca
RANCH BARBECUE
House-smoked
Lynnwood Ranch near Okotoks has been doing barbecue as part of its events programming for 15 years, so it made sense for the company to develop a barbecue food truck for public events and private catering. Ranch takes its barbecue seriously — in addition to owning a smoker that’s big enough to cook 32 briskets at once over apple wood, Lynnwood Ranch hosts a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition
SOUL KITCHEN BBQ CO.
Soul Kitchen’s co-owner and chef David Wayne spent significant time touring through a number of U.S. states before opening his food truck, which is fitted with a custom offset smoker. Soul Kitchen takes a melting-pot approach to Southern cooking, drawing in influences from Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama and Missouri to create barbecue and Creole-style dishes. Look for non-smoked specialties like alligator gumbo and langostino étouffée alongside the brisket and ribs. Follow Soul Kitchen on social media to see where it may be parked or look for it on the small-town rodeo circuit or at other public festivals and events. (It’s also available for private catering.)
403-614-5952, soulkitchenbbqco.com
TROLLEY 5
This 17th Avenue S.W. brewpub’s menu is a mix of pizza, pasta and burgers, with a recently added section of barbecue favourites that are smoked in-house for up to 14 hours. Pair your favourite Trolley 5 beer with ribs, brisket, chicken or turkey (ordered on their own or as part of a platter). Trolley also offers traditional barbecue sides such as pit beans, Memphis greens and cornbread alongside more standard fare like Caesar salad and poutine.
728 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-3731, trolley5.com
Soul Kitchen’s langostino étouffée.
Avenue Calgary .com 53 Inglewood’s first luxury condo SHOW SUITE NOW OPEN 1201 10th Ave. SE AvliCondos.ca 587-318-5853
SQUASH PUPPIES
Hush puppies (deep-fried corn fritters) are a barbecue staple. Belle Southern Kitchen + Bar’s are enhanced with zucchini and hatch chilies and served with honey butter.
SIGNATURE SMOKED BEANS
Baked beans are a barbecue must and every pit boss has their own version. Big Sky’s stand apart with their smoky oomph
All About the Sides
Smoked meat is always the star of the show but these standout sides will add a little zip to your platter.
BACON-WRAPPED CORN
Corn on the cob is always a backyard barbecue favourite. Hayden Block and the Palomino take it to the next the level by wrapping it in bacon.
COLLARD GREENS
Don’t worry about being too healthy with these greens. Soul Kitchen smokes pork hocks, then uses them to make a stock to cook the greens in and tops the finished dish with some of the shredded hock.
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WATERMELON AND MINT SALAD
A little bit of freshness can do wonders on a barbecue platter.
Juicy watermelon salad with mint at Main Street Beer & Barbecue is a refreshing Southern summer classic.
COCONUT CORNBREAD
Jane Bond’s menu employs both Southern barbecue and Caribbean flavours, both of which appear in this richly flavoured cornbread. Take it a step further with a side of garlic butter.
DEEP-FRIED PICKLES
Deep-fried pickles are always a delicious treat, but Big T’s spear-style cornmeal-breaded pickles are particularly crunchy and delicious, especially when dipped in horseradish mayo.
HOUSE-FRIED MAC ’N’ CHEESE
Ranch Barbecue Truck prepares pans of baked mac ’n’ cheese in advance, then cuts it into squares and fries it to order until crispy, topping it with a scoop of pulled pork for a savoury square beyond compare!
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jared Sych
Corb Lund
Corb Lund has been dreaming about a bus. And not just any bus. A great big, rock ’n’ roll-superstar tour bus. A monolithic, fibreglass-panelled house on wheels.
It’s not a lot to ask for, really. Alberta’s agricultural ambassador of song has been riding shotgun in conversion vans and pickup trucks for the past three decades, first as a bass player with the The Smalls (a band Lund describes as “a cross between Black Sabbath and speed metal” that still has ardent fans even though it broke up more than a decade ago) and then as a solo act accompanied by his long-time country-roots band, the Hurtin’ Albertans. That’s got to be hard on the back, especially when you’re accustomed to loading your own gear into said band-van at the end of the night.
So, at 48 years old and with nine albums (one certified platinum in Canada, two gold), a Juno and myriad Canadian Country and Western Canadian Music Awards, as well as various American and European nods under his Stampede belt buckle, it’s no wonder Lund is ready for a ride with a few more creature comforts. “I used to revel in it, the down and dirtiness of the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, vans and second-rate hotel rooms. I was proud not to have a bus and proud to be doing it myself, but I’m sick of all that,” he says, his rangy frame tucked into a booth at Calgary’s iconic Blackfoot Truck Stop Diner, a kitschy venue frequented by truckers and hipsters alike — in short, the perfect setting for a Corb Lund song.
While his taste in touring vehicles may be getting progressively more polished, fans can rest assured the songwriter remains as down-to-earth as his food order of a pressed patty of Alberta beef, onion rings and a domestic beer. Lund is well-known enough in these parts to garner an occasional second glance from a few of the truck stop patrons, and whoever is feeding the jukebox on this day decides to play several of his early solo tracks in a row.
“Huh …” Lund says, as he begins to recognize “Five Dollar Bill” wafting from the diner’s corner speakers. “Someone is being a wise guy, I think.”
In fact, the idea of the DIY-style, alt-country singer trading up for a ride on the swankier side might seem a little sacrilegious to some of his diehard fans. Those used to singing along to songs about grittier autos — think long-haul trailers, European dirt bikes and tractors that are constantly getting stuck — may not be able to picture Lund lounging on leather seats while en route from city to city, or, even more so, between rural centres such as Gleichen and Medicine Hat, to play for his equally loyal urban and rural devotees.
“I’m so grateful for all the success Canada has brought me as well as the fans, but, in my career, I’ve never had much help from the magical pixie dust that the record labels seem to bestow on some artists,” he says. Albertabred Lund is one of the few prairie-bred musical success stories that hasn’t flown the coop for T.O. or Montreal to
58 avenueJULY.18 PROFILE
With nearly three decades of performing under his belt buckle, the Southern Alberta-bred country-roots musician has achieved critical and professional success in his homeland, but now wants to get serious about conquering the United States.
Leather Guitar Cover: custom made by Jeff Morrow, Shooting Star Saddlery, Niarada, MT.
Avenue Calgary .com 59
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME TO TAKE MY MUSIC TO THE WORLD. THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT, ISN’T IT?” Corb Lund
try to hit the big time (to be fair, he does spend a fair amount of time recording and writing in Tennessee and Texas). His body of work is rooted in Western-Canadian inspired lyrics and themes that pay homage to the particular part of the world where he grew up, and still lives.
When he’s not on the road (a rarity), home is near the family ranch in southern Alberta, in the area around Cardston. Lund also has bases in Lethbridge and Calgary — if you spot a tall man in a cowboy hat in the corner of The Ironwood or The Blues Can, it just might be him during one of his brief stints crashing at his Inglewood condo. He also spent a number of years in Edmonton while attending the University of Alberta (anthropology and history) and Grant MacEwan University (music major). He says he now tries to stay as close to the Rocky Mountains as possible. “Alberta will always be my home,” says Lund.
This year marks a strategic turning point for Lund. He is spending a considerable amount of time south of the border penning songs and also hiring a new support and management team. The intent is to get out of the boardroom (Lund begrudgingly admits he’s a consummate control freak and has trouble handing the reins of the business side of his career over to hired experts) and dive into the creative process, as well as onto the barroom or, preferably, stadium stages. As such, he is becoming a fixture in Nashville (or “Cashville,” as he calls it). “The biggest challenge in my career is conquering America,” he says. “I want to be on Austin City Limits and on the cover of Rolling Stone. Of course I want all that stuff. It’s important to me to take my music to the world. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Of being a musician?”
America may be the next frontier, but Lund’s profile north of the 49th parallel is such that it has extended into other arts sectors. In 2013, he added museum curator to his resumé, working with the Glenbow to produce No Roads Here: Corb Lund’s Alberta. The exhibition brought together the personal (his ranching roots, links to Mormonism and rural culture) with the professional (his catalogue of songs) to create a unique portrait of Alberta history and heritage. “In the
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“I WANT TO SEE IF MY MUSIC STACKS UP AGAINST OTHER VOICES OF MY ERA.”
PROFILE
A little bit country, a little bit metal; Lund in his favourite vintage GWG jean jacket, “stolen” from his dad’s closet.
same way that his songs include references to ancestral lore, formative places and shared family experiences, the exhibition included artwork, artifacts and treasured mementoes from the Lund family,” says Melanie Kjorlien, Glenbow’s vice president, access, collections and exhibitions, who worked closely with Lund on No Roads Here. “I think the exhibition was so successful because, like his music, it allowed audiences to connect with him on a personal level and relate his experiences to their own.”
Being granted the opportunity to work with a major arts institution on a signature project is certainly not lost on Lund. “I feel like I have a pretty healthy credibility bank account,” he says, smiling, “but I could use some commercial success. It’s important to me, personally, to measure my stuff against voices of my generation and all of that. It’s a professional-pride thing; I want to see if my music stacks up against other voices of my era.”
Canadian music critic, radio and television personality Terry David Mulligan has been following Lund’s career since the get-go and says Lund’s greatest strength is, ironically, also his greatest weakness. “The thing about his delivery is that he’s just not going to play Nashville’s current country format,” Mulligan says. “They want you to get in line and sing like everybody else, something they can sell. He’s not going to do that. He’s a proud guy, and he will find a way through this music maze. But he’s just wired differently — which is what a lot of us love about him. Dude’s a rooster with rock ’n’ roll roots.”
Lund won’t deny he harbours a sense of pride from grinding it out in the trenches for 20 years, trying to break through in the U.S. through grit and hard work and what he calls “farm-boy elbow grease.” That said, he’s ready for an easier ride. “I could use a little of that pixie dust,” he says. And a bus, which he admits is a metaphor, except that it isn’t. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the success I have, but it’s time for some thing more,” he says. “That’s the business I’m in. That’s the game. And I like the game.”
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DRINK THIS
BY Jennifer Hamilton PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jared Sych
Into the Cold
Coffee is a drink best served cold, at least on a hot summer day.
If you think cold coffee is something sipped through a straw from a clear plastic cup full of ice, you’d be mistaken. That’s iced coffee (and its milky, syrupy siblings, iced latte and iced mocha). Though iced coffee has its appeal —especially if you don’t actually like the taste of coffee — for coffee sophisticates, there’s a new (cold) brew in town.
Cold-brew coffee is medium-coarse ground coffee steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours and strained, while iced coffee is generally brewed hot and poured over ice. Because cold-brew coffee is never heated, the acids and oils that can give hot coffee a bitter taste are never released, resulting in a smoother sip that’s naturally fruity, chocolaty and slightly sweet. The higher bean-to-water ratio gives also gives cold-brew a more concentrated flavor (also more caffeine).
You can find bottled ready-to-drink cold-brew coffee as well as cold-brew concentrate at coffee shops and specialty grocery stores. Typically, it's near the kombucha, frequently in retro-stubby bottles. Try it over ice with milk or cream to temper the intensity or straight-up black if you’re hardcore.
Many finer coffee shops also serve cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. “The idea behind this is to give the cold brew a creamy body and a look similar to a freshly poured Guinness, ” says Cole Torode, director of coffee for Rosso Coffee Roasters, which serves nitrogen-infused cold brew. “When properly infused, you can see a cascading appearance down the side of the glass as the nitrogen interacts with the coffee.” Summer is too short to drink bad cold coffee.
Cold-brew coffee concentrate, steeped for 24 hours using a dark-roasted Guatemala and Sumatra blend. $17.99 (32 oz.) at Community Natural Foods. 1304 10 Ave. S.W., 403-9306363, and two other locations; communitynaturalfoods.com
STATION COFFEE CO. COLD BREW
Ethopian- and Brazillian-blended beans, steeped for 18 hours, then double filtered and nitrogen infused. Added chichory enhances the chocolaty flavour. $5.29 (375 ml) at Blush Lane Organic Market.
2044 33 Ave. S.W., 587-5356713, and three other locations; blushlane.com
ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS
HATCH CHALO’S FARM
COLD
BREW COFFEE
Steeped for 20 hours using medium-roast beans from Columbia. $2.79 (330 ml) at Planet Organic.
100, 4916 130 Ave. S.E., 587-471-5876, and three other locations; planetorganic.ca
Served by the glass from kegs in the cafés or by the growler to take home, the beans are a medium-roast blend, steeped for 16 to 18 hours and infused with nitrogen gas. $5.25 (16 oz.), $15.75 (growler, $8.40 for refill) at Rosso Coffee Roasters. 15, 803 24 Ave. S.E., 403-4521701, and six other locations; rossocoffeeroasters.com
GOOD EARTH COLD BREW COFFEE
Steeped for 12 hours using a blend of dark-roasted beans from Colombia and Sumatra. $3.70 (12 oz.), $5.50 (16 oz.) at Good Earth Coffeehouse. Multiple locations, goodearthcoffeehouse.com
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BLACKBIRD COLD BREW COFFEE CO.
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Ziplining photograph by Allen Rollin; top pool, kayaking and hoodoos photography courtesy of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; bottom pool photograph by Kari Medig; golf photograph by Don Weixl
BY Andrew Penner
Fairmont Hot Springs SU M M E R F U N IN
Senior citizens. Golf. Timeshares. Very large hot tubs. For most people, that about sums up their preconceived idea of what Fairmont Hot Springs is about. But they’re not getting the whole picture. Wedged between the chiseled ramparts of the Rockies to the east and the soaring Purcells to the west — with the smooth-flowing headwaters of the Columbia River rambling down the middle — Fairmont Hot Springs is, geographically speaking, a little slice of mountainside heaven. Located on “the warm side” of the Rockies, just 20 minutes south of Invermere on Highway 95, it’s an under-the-radar Kootenay Rockies outpost ripe for exploration and adventure. Sure, there is a peaceful ambiance that’s been a hallmark of this unincorporated community for decades. However, dig a little deeper and you’ll find an undercurrent of activities that are a lot more millennial-friendly.
Road-weary travellers have been plopping themselves down in the hot and healing waters of Fairmont Hot Springs since the early 1900s, and, to this day, the big player in town is still the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, which owns and operates the pools. (Despite the name, there’s no connection between this resort and the international Fairmont Hotels chain.)
Purchased in 2006 by Ken Fowler Enterprises, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort — which includes the hotel, a ski hill, three golf courses, a spa, seven restaurants, a campground, RV resort and the two hot-springs pools — is a four-season, family-friendly oasis. Anchored by the largest thermal hot springs in Canada, the resort also has an Activity & Experience Centre, a hub for guests and non-guests alike to sign up for paid adventure activities and rent outdoor gear.
The resort recently underwent a slew of upgrades in advance of the 2018 peak summer season, including renovations to the pool change rooms and the addition of pool cabanas with bar and restaurant service, renovations to guest bathrooms and the addition a multi-sport area, mini-putt and electric bike rentals to the activity centre.
OPPOSITE PAGE
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) The Mineral Mountain Zipline course at Fairmont Hot Springs; the larger of the two pools at Fairmont Hot Springs
Resort; view from the hoodoo trail; Riverside golf course at the resort; soaking in the namesake springs at sunset; kayaking on the Columbia River.
Golfing
With a total of 45 holes of golf, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is a sweet little spot for swingers. Whether you’re a newbie hacker or a seasoned star, you can find a fit here. Creekside is a scenic par-three, nine-hole course that’s perfect for youngsters and recreational players who specialize in tops, shanks and worm burners. For the avid player, both Riverside and Mountainside are full-length courses that will test every club in your bag. Built more than 50 years ago, the gently rolling Mountainside course has a classic, parkland feel. The toughest course in Fairmont, it features small greens, tight fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Situated on flatter terrain along the Columbia River, Riverside is a pastoral, player-friendly course that epitomizes what resort golf should be — in other words, it’s challenging, but it’s relatively roomy and won’t beat you up (too badly). Numerous river crossings, large greens and bold bunkering make it a compelling course to play.
Hiking
Hiking is another popular activity in Fairmont. There are 13 trails on the resort property as well as trails that extend out from the resort. Adventureseekers looking for a challenging full- or half-day hike should consider Pop Bottle Ridge, which serves up stunning views of the Columbia Valley. For something easier, the nearby Hoodoo Trail is a classic three-km (two-hour) hike that rambles through towering sandstone spires. Nearby Mount Swansea, a popular summit for hikers and bikers, is another option for people of the have-pack-will-wander persuasion.
Kayaking
If you have a penchant for paddling, the resort offers guided adventures on the peaceful Columbia River and wetlands. The most popular adventure is the Columbia River tour, a beginner-friendly, two-hour journey that swerves through the Riverside Golf Course and includes sections of gently rolling Class 1 and 2 rapids. It’s an ideal introduction to river touring for landlubbers whose only prior experience is paddling swan-floaties to swim-up bars. Kayak rentals (and the requisite gear) are also available for people who want to go it alone, with single and double kayaks available. For those looking for a lazier excursion, tubing down this easy-going section of the Columbia River is a great way to kill a hot afternoon, with tubes also available for rent through the resort.
Avenue Calgary .com 65 MOUNTAINS
With great mountain biking, paddling, hiking and other adventure activities, this mountain destination offers much more than just a good soak.
Mountain Biking
The words “hidden gem” are likely to come up when people in the mountain-biking community describe the Spirit Trail, which meanders along the undeveloped east side of Columbia Lake. In fact, you can dipsy-doodle your way along the entire east side of the Lake for an epic 18-km ride that starts in Fairmont Hot Springs and ends in the nearby village of Canal Flats. (Note that portions of the ride are unsanctioned.) For downhillers and daredevils, the nearby Mount Swansea trails near Windermere are where you’ll want to go. Hula Girl is a super-fun ride (rated intermediate “blue”) with berms, drops, jumps and flowy sections, while expert-level riders may want to say a few prayers before they drop into Meat Grinder, an evil concoction that careens down a chute.
Ziplining
Speaking of thrill-filled descents, the new Mineral Mountain Zipline course that opened last summer at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is an experience all adventurous types should put on their to-do list. The staging area is at the resort, but this adventure is independently owned. With six separate ziplines and speeds up to 80 km per hour, this tour, lasting approximately two hours, is one of the hottest new attractions in the Kootenay Rockies. Dramatic views of Columbia Lake, the Hoodoos and the Purcell Mountains are yours to enjoy throughout the entire guided adventure.
Where to Eat
No trip to Fairmont Hot Springs is complete without a mouthwatering meal at Tony’s Greek Grill. A legendary no-frills roadside stop with souvlaki and baklava worth driving hours for, Tony’s is a classic eatery in the diners ’n’ dives genre.
Another highly acclaimed eatery in town is From Scratch — A Mountain Kitchen. The cozy bistro specializes in locally sourced products and serves delicious gourmet meals, including the best eggs Benny in the valley for weekend brunch. They also have their own artisan products available for purchase in their retail space.
Where to Stay
With a wide variety of lodging options, including suites, cabins and cottages, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort hotel is the ideal place to rest your head. Guests can enjoy their own private hot pool or wander to the larger public hot springs (with a dive pool the kids will love) located on the property.
The adjacent RV Resort, which also received upgrades leading up to this summer, is one of the best in the entire Kootenay Rockies region, boasting 177 full-service sites (68 of which are pull-through sites) and excellent amenities.
For non-RV campers, the nearby Spruce Grove Campground, beautifully situated on the banks of the Columbia River, has 143 camping and tent sites and a free heated swimming pool. Because in Fairmont Hot Springs, heated pools are sorta where it’s at.
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From Scratch photographs by Tracy Conner
Accommodation offerings at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort include cottages (exterior pictured) and kitchenette rooms (interior pictured).
Breakfast at From Scratch — A Mountain Kitchen.
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BY Christina Frangou
Tom Valentine
The senior-level energy lawyer is living proof that it is possible to achieve balance between career ambitions and adventure pursuits.
Avenue Calgary .com 69
WORKOUT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jared Sych
On his 40th birthday, deep in the mountains of Bolivia, Calgary lawyer Tom Valentine awoke at 3 a.m. and crawled out of his tent. Around him, snow shone on the mountains and stars twinkled in the sky. Valentine felt his eyes tearing up. “I was so happy,” he remembers.
“I said to myself, ‘you’ve got to make sure that this is how you go through life. It’s up to you to live an interesting life. No one will do that for you.’”
It’s a formula that Valentine, now 56 and a senior partner at the global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, lives by. A specialist in oil-and-gas law, Valentine has been known to log between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometres of air travel in a single year — Mozambique, Australia, Siberia, Brazil and Angola were all landing spots in recent years. His work schedule suggests someone too busy lawyering for anything else; Monday to Friday, he arrives at the office by 7:15 a.m., with his days often extending into evening meetings. Even so, Valentine is almost always coming home from, or heading off on, another sport-related adventure. Sometimes his trips are simple and close by, like his regular excursions to Kananaskis Country. But often, they are far-flung — and sometimes far-fetched, as well.
This past winter, Valentine did a hiking trip where he slept under the stars in the badlands of Texas. Three weeks later, he was off to South Africa on a biking trip. “If you always think it’s impossible, then you’ll never start,” he explains. “It’s like every time you’re [hiking] in the mountains — you look to the top and you think ‘I’ll never get there.’ Then you start. You go here, then over here, then over here,” he says, pointing at the air for emphasis, “and before you know it, you’re at the summit.”
Valentine doesn’t train specifically for his various trips but tries to maintain a “high-enough” level of fitness to be ready for anything. In Calgary he does spin training two or three times a week at Peloton Cycling and takes trainer Pete Estabrooks’ TKO boxing class over the lunch hour. On weekends, Valentine often heads to the mountains to
WITH HIS WARM, INFORMAL CONVERSATIONAL STYLE, VALENTINE IS WHAT JERRY SEINFELD CALLS A “COME-WITH GUY” (ASK HIM IF HE WANTS TO COME WITH AND HE WILL), AND THAT IS HOW MANY OF HIS UNUSUAL ADVENTURES BEGIN.
snowshoe in the winter and cycle or mountain climb in the summer. He used to run, completing two marathons a year for more than a decade, but turned his focus to cycling when his knees began to hurt.
On work trips, Valentine tries to stay in hotels with fitness centres but in the event the hotel is without one, he improvises. On one trip to Yemen, Valentine’s request to go to a gym resulted in him being ushered out to a trio of armoured vehicles, complete with armed guards, which convoyed to a gym where bodyguards stood watch as he worked out. The unnerving situation ended up being its own kind of motivation. “I thought to myself, if I do 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups, these guys are going to be like, ‘I’m risking my life for this?’ So, I had to work really hard!”
As far as his diet, Valentine eats healthily — most of the time. His wife and three adult daughters are vegan and he adheres to their plantbased diet at home, but indulges his carnivorous tendencies when he dines out. His favourite breakfast of a Red Bull and PowerBar certainly does not qualify as healthy by any measure, but he swears it helps with jet lag. “That’s one of my ‘sins,’” he says.
With his warm, conversational style, Valentine is what Jerry Seinfeld calls a “come-with
guy” (ask him if he wants to come with and he will), and that is how many of his unusual adventures begin. For instance, there was the time he was chatting with a man at a dinner party who told him about a bike ride from London to Paris — a gruelling 500 km over three days. “The next day, I hoped he lost my card,” Valentine recalls. “I thought, there’s no way I can do that.”
But the man didn’t lose his card and instead Valentine found himself headed for London. He showed up with an $800 aluminum-frame bike and 20-year-old cycling shoes on his feet. (The race crew promptly sent him away to buy modern cycling footwear.) On the first morning of riding, he fell off his bike and ended up vomiting at the roadside from the effort.
Later, he found himself chatting with an Irish gentleman about his age. “‘You keep up the good work and I bet you’ll get to Paris,’” Valentine remembers telling him. The man laughed and said, “that’s grand. Thank you!”
As it turned out, the man he’d been encouraging was none other than Stephen Roche, one of the most celebrated cyclists in the history of professional racing. Retelling the story elicits a self-deprecating chuckle, but the embarassment didn’t keep Valentine from becoming hooked
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London to Paris ride, 2017.
London photograph by Matt Alexander Photography
and he has since returned to the London-Paris ride almost every year since 2012, bringing along a growing cadre of friends, colleagues and usually a few people he barely knows, but has convinced to join him, nonetheless.
Valentine describes himself as never having been a star athlete, but rather someone who always loved the social side of sport. That’s still the draw today, he says. He believes there’s something about suffering through sport that encourages men, in particular, to open up in ways they otherwise would not.
It’s something Valentine feels even more strongly about since his friend George Gosbee, the Calgary businessman who founded AltaCorp Capital and Tristone Capital Global Inc., took his own life last fall, just weeks before a climbing trip to Argentina the two men had planned to do together. “It broke my heart. It still bothers me; it always will,” says Valentine. He can’t say whether it would have changed anything for Gosbee in the end, though he’ll always wish they could have done that trip.
For now, Valentine has no plans to let up on his work or his adventures. He’s happiest doing a bit of everything, rather than dedicating his time to one thing. “That, I think, is the secret to success,” he says.
Avenue Calgary .com 71 South
Africa
photograph by Nick Muzik; Climbing photograph by John Price
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ABOVE Gravel-road cycling in South Africa. BELOW Rock-climbing on Mount Yamnuska in Kananaskis Country.
Downsizing IN STYLE
Combining two households — and two distinct styles — into one resulted in a beautiful and balanced Parisian-style home on Memorial Drive.
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DECOR
BY Victoria Lessard PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jared Sych
Fate seemed to intervene when Penny Dyte and Bruno Masquillier set out to find a home together. As the couple began looking for a space to share their lives, Dyte noticed a unit for sale in a building on Memorial Drive that she had long admired. “I would drive by and [think] how wonderful and elegant it would be to live on Memorial Drive,” says Dyte. After viewing the unit for sale, the couple decided to pay a visit to some family friends of Masquillier’s that also lived in the building. As it so happened, this couple had been considering selling their place, a serendipitous turn that resulted in Dyte and Masquillier acquiring the unit in late 2016.
Though the exterior of the building had initially drawn them in, Dyte and Masquillier were less taken with the interior of the unit and proceeded with plans for a full-scale renovation. The couple hired Upkeep Group to be the contractor. Upkeep (since renamed Unique Projects) suggested they also work with designer LeAnne Bunnell, principal at LeAnne Bunnell Interiors, on account of the scope of the project. While some walls remained in place, the interior was almost completely gutted. The extensive redevelopment and redesign included everything from making the kitchen brighter to removing the popcorn ceilings. “There’s not a surface that hasn’t been touched,” says Bunnell.
One challenge was that the condo’s concrete ceilings and floors meant all plumbing and light fixtures had to stay where they were. Another big challenge was one that faces many homeowners — combining two design sensibilities and lots of belongings into a smaller home. Dyte is a frequent traveller and an art lover born in Alberta. Masquillier is French, and moved from Paris to Calgary with his family in 1997. “We had two homes, two basements, two bunches of storage,
Avenue Calgary .com 73
Designer LeAnne Bunnell added the colourful carpet to the grand salon to tie together Penny Dyte’s (opposite, right) contemporary leanings and Bruno Masquillier’s (far left) love of French antiques.
two garages and we came from two different worlds,” says Dyte. “Bruno had brought a lot of furniture from France and had his art and books and I was more contemporary and had my art and books. We had to blend these lives.” Bunnell and the couple worked together to combine the styles into a home that is warm and colourful. The design was inspired by the idea of the Parisian apartment with elements such as herringbone French oak floors, wooden wall panelling and the juxtaposition of Masquillier’s antiques with Dyte’s contemporary pieces. “There’s a lot of tension that you see throughout [the condo] — a very modern piece of art with a very traditional piece of furniture. That’s what makes it so interesting to be in this space,” says Bunnell. “A lot of little details are reminiscent of Parisian flats. That combination of modern and antique — nobody does that like the Europeans.”
The entryway is an example of how Bunnell helped meld the couple’s individual lives and tastes. Bunnell removed the closet to create more space and added a wall of laser-cut screen panels. The panels were a must for Dyte — in combination with the orange door they reference her love for the Parker Palm Springs hotel. Bunnell then finished the entryway with Masquillier’s palm-frond chandelier, a flea market purchase from France. “[It’s] a little whimsical touch. That’s one thing that I love about this house — it’s very happy,” says Bunnell. “It’s joyful, it’s whimsical. There’s love in this home. It’s
tangible when you walk in.”
For Dyte and Masquillier, the new condo truly does feel like home — from the ability to steal out for an early morning walk in Prince’s Island Park, to seeing the pieces of their individual lives combined into one whole.
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ABOVE The room the couple refers to as the petit salon features one of two wood-burning fireplaces in the condo.
ABOVE The laser-cut wall panels in the entryway allow more light into the main living area while creating a beautiful entrance to the home.
LEFT The pullout counter was added to create additional cooking space. Some of the cabinets feature a custom red lacquer, while one cabinet was decorated with a custom-printed wallpaper image of Jan Davidsz de Heem’s “Vase of Flowers” (c. 1660).
Life in the Westhills couldn’t be sweeter — for you, or your family. In a Westhills home, every day holds the promise of a new adventure, thanks to nearby attractions and amenities like the Westside Recreation Centre, WinSport’s facilities at Canada Olympic Park, the beautiful Bow River (perfect for fishing and rafting), and the unparalleled Rocky Mountains. Urban experiences are also mere minutes away at Westhills Towne Centre, where shopping, the latest movies and a variety of trendy restaurants — complete with sun-soaked patios — are all at your fingertips. Contact Laura to view any of these unique homes and get
Avenue Calgary .com 75
DISCOVER THE WESTHILLS
one
the sweet life in
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
A second wood-burning fireplace is in the room the homeowners call the grand salon, with adjacent firewood nooks for both form and function.
The plumbing was set in the concrete floors so none of it could be moved. In order to add the bathtub, contractor Upkeep built a platform and put the plumbing underneath. It was thanks to a hardworking supplier (and a stroke of luck) that the homeowners ended up with their choice of tile. “When we went to order [the tiles] they were out of stock,” says Bunnell. “We called our supplier Saltillo, who called the factory in Turkey. The [factory] stopped their run of tiles, poured this tile for us, and was able to get it on the next shipment to Canada.”
The bathroom features vinyl floral wallpaper by JF Fabrics, chosen to complement the antique mirror Masquillier brought from France.
The couple’s art collection is extensive, and includes everything from family heirlooms, to flea-market treasures, to work by local artists. The art is hung using a picture rail, which is a system for displaying multiple pieces without having nails in the wall for each.
76 avenueJULY.18 DECOR
TIPS FOR KEEPING A RENOVATION ON TRACK.
Designer LeAnne Bunnell is well versed in the art of renovation — and in the inevitable roadblocks that can arise over the course of every project. Here are some of her top tips when it comes to re-doing your home:
1. A smaller room does not mean a smaller budget. “There are minimum costs and schedules related to scope of work regardless of square footage.”
2. Consider resale potential. “Choose classic finishes if you are planning on a move in the near future.”
3. Don’t get discouraged when something unexpected happens, and try to embrace the new direction instead. “Sometimes unanticipated site conditions or unplanned discoveries lead to revisions that allow for a more meaningful result.”
4. Less is more when it comes to other people’s opinions. “At the end of the day, it’s you who lives there.”
5. And have some fun! “A good dose of perspective and a sense of humour goes a long way to smoothing out the bumps.”
For Sources, turn to page 86.
Divorce isn’t easy,
BELOW It was Masquillier who got to decide the height for the quartzite-topped kitchen island. According to Dyte, Masquillier’s homemade confiture is so good, it’s worth the height of the island.
Avenue Calgary .com 77
Kathleen
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Mary Douglas
A self-described “fashion freak,” Mary Douglas left a career in the oil-and-gas sector to open her own boutique in 2000. Known for carrying diverse brands and catering to mother-daughter shopping partners, Mariah Clothing celebrated its 18th year in Calgary this March — and Douglas shows no signs of slowing down. “Life’s too short to dress sadly,” she says. Here are the 10 things in Calgary that keep her going.
1
Britannia Kitchen & Home
I love all of their kitchen gadgets (like this premium series spice grater). I love to entertain and I like my table to look nice, and when I go there, I know it will.
2 Vanity Spa
I’ve been seeing the owner, Christie, for more than 20 years. She’s amazing. My three daughters and I won’t let anyone else near our eyebrows — she’s the eyebrow queen in Calgary.
3 Black & Blonde Hair
Studio at Citizen Salon
I’ve been following the owner, Tristyn Feist, from salon to salon because she’s amazing. She understands my hair and gives me volume like no one else can.
7 Method Fitness YYC
All three owners are very dedicated. If you’re going away, they’ll make a plan for you for your vacation. But I’m telling you, they’ll kick your butt every time.
4 Bikini Body Juice from The Cherry Pit
Everything is always fresh at The Cherry Pit and I love the freshpressed juices. The Bikini Body has grapefruit, orange, lime and ginger so it’s refreshing, but also so good for you.
5 Manicures and Pedicures at Distilled Beauty Bar & Social House
You can go and have coffee and lunch — it’s a full experience. There’s nothing better than enjoying a glass of wine with friends while being pampered.
6 The Calgary Flames
I’ve been a season ticket holder since they were in the Stampede Corral, and I never miss a game. I love the energy, I love the team, I love the community and I love that there’s lots of heart with the new players.
8 Endive Salad from Mercato West
It has pulled chicken, Granny Smith apples and walnuts, and it’s just so good. It’s become a must-have for me and my daughter when we’re at the store. And it’s healthy, too.
9 Dogma Behaviour and Education Centre
My five-year-old Cockapoo, Zoey, has been going there since she was a puppy. If you have to leave your dog with someone else during the day, they’re the people to leave it with. They send report cards every day.
10 Cilantro’s Patio
I’m a bit of a patio junkie during the summer and Cilantro has one of the best patios in the city. It has the wall around it and a buzzing atmosphere — you don’t even feel like you’re sitting on 17th Avenue.
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TOLD TO
THE LIST AS
Jennifer Friesen
Mary Douglas photograph by Bart Onyszko; Cilantro photograph supplied by Cilantro; Endive Salad photograph by Jared Sych
Avenue Calgary .com 79 C h e f d e C u i s i n e To b i a s L a rc h e r 403-455-9288 4611 MANHATTAN RD S.E. CALGARY AB., T2G 4B3 NEW DESIGNER SHOWROOM IN CALGARY! OFFERING QUALITY AND STYLISH DESIGNS IN OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE SUMMER DEALS ON NOW! NEXT DOOR TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN POOLS AND SPAS lotuscontract@gmail.com | mountainhouse.ca | mountainhousecontract.com
LÖSCHN FACIAL BAR
NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local Finds
BY Kait Kucy
Sabina Savage at Beyond Scarf
You’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship and detail of all of the kerchiefs, ascots and shawls in store at Beyond Scarf, but the collection by Sabina Savage, a designer based in London, England, stands out even here. Produced in Como, Italy, with high-quality silk, wool and cashmere, and inspired by traditional silk-scarf design, all of the scarves in Savage’s spring/summer 2018 collection are hand-rolled or fringed. The Avarium Maria design features a beautiful and detailed illustration of a swan queen, reminiscent of an opulent Mother Goose tale, in rich tones of indigo and ochre. The Avarium Maria design is available as an oversized (135-centimetre square) scarf for $595 and as a 42-cm pocket square ($145), for the gentleman looking to add a bit of panache to his suit. Beyond Scarf, 110, 815 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-8888, beyondscarf.ca
DeAnne Bedier Design
Local graphic designer and artist DeAnne Bedier has a big space in her heart for the slow-and-steady technique of letterpress printing, which she describes as a “labour of love.” (Think of it as slow stationery.) Bedier has dedicated her practice to the technique, which involves sketching a design in pencil, rendering it on the computer and then creating photopolymer plates for pressing each individual card in her 66-year old letterpress, which she has affectionately named “Bob.” Her witty greeting card designs ($7.50 per card) add quirky levity to the sometimes prosaic and repetitive occasion cards given out on Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays.
DeAnne Bedier Design,
deannebedier.com/shop
Hutch Kitchen
Calgary chiropractor Robin Scholz created the Löschn Method after he saw the results of implementing softtissue restoration techniques on the face of one of his patients who was experiencing swelling, redness and puffiness. Using a smooth, metal tool, the non-invasive process improves lymphatic flow across the face and neck. Immediate results make the skin look like it has more volume and can include a sharpened jawline, enhanced cheekbones, a softer forehead, fuller lips and even hidden cheek dimples. Single treatments start at $52.50; or $535.50 for a package of 12 treatments. Westside Chiropractic, 22, 7337 Sierra Morena Blvd. S.W., 403-6867242 and Citizen Salon Studios, Room 332, 300-508 24 Ave. S.W., 587-889-2223, loschn.com
Calgary-based kitchenware company Hutch Kitchen has everything you need to transform your kitchen into something worthy of Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson — or, at the very least, your own Instagram account. With its professional-grade stainless steel blades and sleek minimalist design, the seven-piece knife set and bamboo magnetic knife block ($249.99) is a Hutch bestseller. The magnetic bamboo block keeps countertops clear, while keeping your knives within easy reach. The set includes a chef’s knife, bread knife, utility knife, meat fork, smaller utility knife, paring knife and honing knife. Hutch Kitchen, by appointment, 4135, 7005 Fairmont Dr. S.E., 403-253-8882, hutchkitchen.com
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SOURCE
EDITOR ’ S NOTE PAGE 20
18-kt white and rose-gold necklace with diamond pavé accents, $18,510; 18-kt white-gold hoop earrings, $1,015. All available from Brinkhaus, 823 6 Ave. S.W., 403-269-4800, brinkhaus.com
DECOR PAGES 72 TO 76
Contractor Unique Projects 416 51 Ave. S.E., 403-281-0221, uniqueprojects.ca
Designer LeAnne Bunnell Interiors, 7070 Farrell Rd. S.E., 403-451-1677, leannebunnell.com
Living room sofa fabricated by CF Interiors, 38 Heritage Gate S.E., 403-515-0011, cfinteriors.ca
Chairs and ottomans reupolstered by Red Eight Workshop, 934 55 Ave. N.E., 403-219-8885, redeightworkshop.com
Coffee table from Roche Bobois, 225 10 Ave. S.W., 403-532-4401, roche-bobois.com
Pillows from Designers Guild, designersguild.com
Living room rug from Colin Campbell, 5832 Burbank Rd. S.E., 403-245-9222, colin-campbell.ca
Drapes by Casablanca Interiors Ltd., 403-252-4645
Light above living room paintings from Carrington Lighting, 2513 5 Ave. N.W., 403-264-5483, carringtonlighting.com
Floors throughout by Divine Flooring, 6717 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-285-2188, divinefloor.com
Kitchen backsplash from Tierra Sol Ceramic Tile, 4000 106 Ave. S.E., 403-259-3467, tierrasol.ca
Kitchen cabinets from IKEA, 8000 11 St S.E., 866-866-4532, ikea.ca (cabinet paint is a custom red lacquer)
Open kitchen shelves and pullout cutting board from IKEA
Kitchen lights from Carrington Lighting Stove from Trail Appliances, three Calgary locations, trailappliances.com
Kitchen countertops from Caeserstone Ltd., 3054 15 St. N.E., 403-476-9880, caesarstone.ca
Faucet from The Ensuite, 224 61 Ave. S.E., 403-214-1503, ensuitecalgary.com
Entryway panels from Richelieu, 5211 52 St. S.E., 403-203-2099, richelieu.com
Front-door colour is Pratt and Lambert 9-14
Mexican Orange from Walls Alive, 1328 17 Ave. S.W., 403-244-8931, wallsalive.com
Living-room fireplace stone from Hari Stones Limited, 1112 and 1118 46 Ave. S.E., 403-229-9666, haristoneslimited.com
Fireplace fabricated by Pacific Stone, Granite & Marble, 10510 46 St. S.E., 403-238-1100, pacificstone.ca
Main bathroom tile by Lydia Cement Collection from Saltillo Imports Inc., 1212 26 Ave. S.E., 403-287-2100, saltillo-tiles.com
Main bathroom tub from The Ensuite Powder-room countertop from Caeserstone Shower tile by Icon Stone & Tile, 521 36 Ave. S.E., 403-532-3383, iconstonetile.com
Shower doors from Simple Spaces, 11550 40 St. S.E., 403-203-3333, simplespaces.ca
Modern womenswear conceived and ethically developed in Canada. The fall/winter collection represents the designer’s own style and her love of minimalistic lines inspired by Indian menswear.
COMING AUGUST 2018
Avenue Calgary .com 81
SHEAR LUXURY Timeless. Luxurious. Distinctive. 1412 – 9th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0T5 403-455-2010 shearluxury.ca @ShearLuxury.ca shearluxury_official ® Registered trademark of Shear Luxury.
INTRODUCING CANADIAN DESIGNER
NONIE
CURATED BY Katherine Ylitalo
To keep the promise
Aclear, blue sky contrasts with detail of the mountain landscape, while pristine snow accents rock striations and incisions in artist Tyler Los-Jones’ twisted panorama displayed at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal hotel.
Los-Jones grew up in Calgary and graduated from the Alberta College of Art + Design in 2007. In 2014, curator Peta Rake invited Los-Jones to exhibit at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. There, he began reflecting upon how the tourism industry shapes images of the mountains, informing a new photographic series.
The history of the panorama was further food for thought. Irish-born painter Robert Barker patented the first immersive views of nature in-the-round in the late 18th century. Rotundas for viewing painted panoramas became a European fad in the 19th century, and the mid-19th century saw the advent of panoramic cameras.
Los-Jones created a ribbon landscape as an adhesive vinyl for the 2015 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton and was among the 2016 recipients of a Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award.
For the creation of To keep the promise, Los-Jones took the panorama to its logical conclusion, as he says: “gathering more information than you ever thought possible.” He hiked from the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail in Kananaskis, scrambling up scree slopes to a high-altitude peak, then stitched together 12 digital panoramas to make a 30-foot, double-sided photographic strip. That strip was then twisted into a four-foot span that was mounted to his studio wall with cardboard and Scotch tape. He then photographed that piece from the one vantage point where none of the support structure showed to capture the image of this large-scale, permanent photographic tour-de-force.
TITLE: To keep the promise, 2016
ARTIST: Tyler Los-Jones
MEDIUM: Archival inkjet print on aluminum composite panels.
SIZE: Nine-feet high by 27-feet wide.
LOCATION: Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel reception, 2008 Airport Rd. N.E.
NOTE: Tatar Art Projects commissioned this work on behalf of the Marriott with the assistance of Jarvis Hall Gallery, which represents Tyler Los-Jones. The printing was done by Resolve Photographic Services, mounting by Pro-Lam and the aluminum cradle was created by Big Print Sign Company.
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WORK OF ART
Photograph by Tyler Los-Jones
Avenue Calgary .com 83 THEIVY@BROOKFIELDRP.COM (403) 516-5950 Play areas & pathways to LOCAL AMENITIES Balconies & Garages PRIVATE Community Walk Score 90 and 23 CENTRAL COURTYARD INTELLIGENT LIVING Bedroom Townhomes
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