According to a TripAdvisor user, this island park near the Calgary Zoo is "A great place to go for a walk, play some Frisbee, toss the football around or have a picnic. I was amazed of how such a clean family friendly park could exsist in the middle of a city." Trails lined with cottonwood trees appeal to walkers and bikers alike, while regular festivals and an outdoor theater beckon to culture-hounds. For food, just follow the footbridge across the Bow River to the stalls of Eau Claire Market. Looking for more refined dining? Then check out the River Café.

Occupying three blocks of downtown's 8th Avenue, the Stephen Avenue Walk is one of the city's most popular shopping venues. This pedestrian-only shopping area—also dubbed a National Historic District—is lined with trendy stores, delectable restaurants and even several nightclubs. This downtown stretch is also the place to go for avid culture-hounds; street performers, local artists, and even festivals are often found here.