Canadiana, eh?
per person
Get up your get-up and GO and do what Canadians supposedly do every day so we can validate our status as truly “Canadian”.
This tour will help you explore (and perhaps even experience) some traditionally Canadian activities.
DeTourists, please take note …
- This self-guided deTour covers ~4.8km. The mileage estimate does NOT include sauntering at Studio Bell and at The Hudson’s Bay Company
- This detour does not start and end at the same location
- Entry fees will apply for some attractions on this deTour
- Exercise extreme caution on walkways during winter months
- Health-awareness information is available for this deTour on the “Wellness” tab
Key DeTour Destinations
Click on map icons for more information
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Click here to view a detailed downloadable deTour route in Google Maps
6+ hrs; +/- 4.6km
None+
Age
-
Departure
This self-guided tour begins at Studio Bell, our National Music Centre and ends with a meal at Big Cheese Poutinerie in Kensington -
Departure Time
Morning -
Dress Code
Casual -
Included
CameraChange of clothingDay backpackEntrance feesIndoor clothingOutdoor clothingPublic washroomsRefreshment stops en routeReservations may be requiredSouvenir shoppingSuitable footwearSun glassesSunscreenWinter walking hazards -
Not Included
AccommodationDangerous activityDepositIdentification requiredOwn transportationPermitSafety equipment
1
Studio Bell: National Music Centre (1-3 hours)
Our tour commences at Studio Bell, home to Canada's National Music Centre, where you can become acquainted with the who's-who of Canada's music world and be surprised by how many iconic musicians and bands have their origins in the Great White North.
Detour Tip: Studio Bell is CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays and OPEN on Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets cost $18 for adults, $11 for youth (age 3-12yrs), $14 for seniors and students, and free for infants (<3yrs).
Detour Tip: Studio Bell is CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays and OPEN on Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets cost $18 for adults, $11 for youth (age 3-12yrs), $14 for seniors and students, and free for infants (<3yrs). 2
Olympic Plaza
Head west to 8th Avenue (Stephen Avenue Walk) and find Olympic Plaza. This was the location of the public medal awards ceremonies for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, hosted by Calgary. Always buzzing with activity, Olympic Plaza is awash with colour in the Spring, is teeming with life and celebrations during the Stampede festivities in the Summer, and hosts one of the City's premiere outdoor free public ice rinks in the Winter. Each one of these - and several more - make Olympic Plaza a must-see Canadiana detour.
3
Kanata Trading Post
Proceed west along Stephen Avenue Walk (8th Avenue) and find Kanata Trading Post on the north side. You will most likely find that crucial piece of Canadiana that you've been looking for here.
4
Hudson's Bay Company (The Bay)
A visit to Canada would not be complete without stopping in at The Bay, Canada's oldest department store. Although your shoe-string travel budget may not allow you to purchase much here, it costs nothing to browse this multi-level store housed in a beautiful historic location.
You can also access The CORE Shopping Centre from this location.
5
Courthouse Park
Upon leaving The Bay and The CORE Shopping Centre, head north on 4th Street SW across 7th Avenue SW into Courthouse Park and Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, where you can enjoy some outdoor artwork like the "Do-Re-Mi" stampeding horses or the buffalo sculptures.
6
Tim Horton's
Continue north on 4th Street and order a mandatory double-double combo with a donut (or "doughnut", right?) from the Tim Hortons inside the Centennial Place tower at 520-3rd Avenue SW (corner of 4th St and 3rd Avenue SW).
7
Calgary Curling Club
With your recent caffeine and sugar fix you can now continue north up 3rd Street SW past Eau Claire Market, through Prince's Island Park, across the pedestrian suspension bridge over the Bow River and Memorial Drive where you will arrive at the Calgary Curling Club.
Here you might get to watch some experts with brooms taking part in a few ends of one of Canada's most loved sports, Curling. Dare to be adventurous and try chasing a few rocks down the ice yourself!
8
Big Cheese Poutinerie, Kensington
Once you've done your time on the ice, head west along the Bow River pathway beside Memorial Drive to the neighbourhood of Kensington. Walk up 10th Street NW and you will come across Big Cheese Poutinerie, the final destination in your Canadiana deTour and a fitting end to your days outing. Enjoy the many poutine options on the menu while discussing the origins of this distinctly Canadian carbo-loading indulgence!
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Heath-awareness information for this deTour
| lb. | kg | est. calories burnt |
| 131-145 | 60-66 | 185 |
| 146-160 | 67-73 | 206 |
| 161-175 | 74-80 | 228 |
| 176-190 | 81-86 | 246 |
| 191-205 | 87-93 | 267 |
| 206-220 | 94-100 | 286 |
| 221-235 | 101-107 | 307 |
| 236-285 | 108-130 | 350 |
| 286-335 | 131-152 | 417 |
Christa
We loved the variety that this detour offers.
We started earlier in the day and managed to complete the deTour by 6pm because we took a little longer at some of the earlier destinations.
We were unfortunately not able to play a round of curling ourselves but we loved being able to watch others play!
Unfortunately the Tim Hortons on 4th Street was closed for renovations, but we found another Tim’s nearby. Thank you for the coffee and donut recommendation!
The poutine spot was a real hit. We were surprised (& impressed) by the variety and quantity of food on their menu. This was a great way to end the day!!
I AM Calgary
Thank you for your review, Christa. We’re glad you got to experience and enjoy a little bit of Canadiana! Too bad the Tim’s was closed down, but well done for finding another location and making the most of enjoying a coffee and donut combo!
Thank you, too, for rating us. We hope you manage to enjoy some of our other deTours on offer and would love to hear your feedback.