Calgary

It made the headlines as the host of the Winter Olympics, and Calgary has been going strong ever since. Just east of the Canadian Rockies, it’s a favorite winter sports destination. But Calgary is popular year-round, with arts and cultural festivals often overlapping with each other in the summer months. The city loves music, especially country-western twang, and is often called the “Nashville of the North.”

The gay community is large and enthusiastic. Pride Calgary, one of the city’s biggest annual events, is held in September.

Getting here

Calgary International Airport is the city’s main gateway. Buses and taxis take you downtown.

Getting around

Buses and light-rail trains get you around town. See Calgary Transit for info. You might also like to do as the locals do and hop on a bike. There are plenty of paths worth exploring.

Neighborhoods

Many bars closed this past year (Eagle, Club Sapien, Concept, and Fab). Remaining bars and clubs are located downtown, not far from the river.

Local Media

Make sure to check out Xtra for gay news and features about Canada.

Fast Forward is the weekly alternative paper with listings, events and reviews. Outlooks is a Canadian gay magazine published in Calgary.

Gay Calgary magazine also has a website.

For information about the local arts scene see the website Calgary Culture

Bars

Back Lot (209 10th Ave SW) small neighborhood bar, before the dance club drinks and gatherings.

Twisted Element (1006 11th Ave SW) big lively dance and show club, karoake, variety and drag shows, strip contest for cash.

Sauna

Goliath's (308 17th Ave SW ) the only local men's tubs, jacuzzi, steam room, open daily 11am to 1am. Texas Lounge bar attached.

Accommodations

Calgary B&B (1307 11th St SW) downtown guest house, trendy street, parks, restaurants and shops. Sun porch, Light Rail Transit, Bow River Park & Pathway, Stampede Grounds nearby.

Calgary Westways (216 25th Ave SW) gay b&b near gay clubs; heritage home with Arts and Craft accents, all comforts of home, clothing optional therapeutic hot tub, five-course candlelight dinners.

Twin Gables B&B (611 25th Ave SW) private entrance, gracious suites, shopping & fine dining on nearby 4th St; near Convention Center, Stampede Grounds, 20 minutes from airport.

Shopping

Priape (1322, 17th Avenue SW) casual and sexy clothing, underwear and swim wear, leather and toys, lubes, books and magazines, DVD videos. Also with online store and Priape.tv peepshows.