The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to kick off the festivities than by cutting down your own Christmas tree? In and around Calgary, this cherished tradition is not only a fun family activity but also an opportunity to create lasting memories. If you're considering venturing into the great outdoors to find the perfect evergreen for your home, here's a quick guide on where to go and how to obtain the necessary permits.

Choosing the Perfect Location: Calgary and its surrounding areas boast stunning landscapes that are ideal for Christmas tree hunting. One popular spot is the Maclean Creek region, which offers a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains and dense forests.

Getting Your Permit: Before you head out, it's essential to obtain a permit to cut down your Christmas tree legally. In Alberta, the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website https://www.alberta.ca/tree-cutting-permits provides detailed information on Christmas tree cutting permits. These permits are typically affordable and contribute to sustainable forestry practices.

To obtain your permit, visit https://www.alberta.ca/tree-cutting-permits and follow the instructions provided. The process is usually straightforward and can often be completed online. Be sure to read the guidelines and regulations associated with the permit to ensure a safe and responsible tree-cutting experience.

Preparing for the Adventure: Once you have your permit in hand, gather the necessary tools and supplies for a successful outing. Dress warmly, wear sturdy footwear, and pack essentials such as a saw, rope or bungee cords for securing the tree to your vehicle, and some hot beverages to keep warm.

Respecting Nature and Regulations: As you embark on your Christmas tree-cutting adventure, it's crucial to respect nature and adhere to the regulations set forth by the forestry authorities. Follow designated trails, choose a tree that is within the specified size limits, and leave no trace of your visit behind. Responsible tree cutting ensures that this tradition can continue for generations to come.

Bringing the Tree Home: Once you've found the perfect tree and secured it to your vehicle, return home with a sense of accomplishment and the scent of fresh evergreen in the air. Decorating your home with a tree you personally selected adds an extra layer of warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.

In conclusion, cutting down your own Christmas tree in the Calgary area is a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Obtain your permit, explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Calgary, and create lasting memories with your loved ones as you bring home the perfect Christmas tree. Happy tree hunting!

Introduction:

Thinking about buying a home in Alberta? Understanding the current mortgage interest rates is a key step in making informed decisions. Let's break it down simply for you.

The Current Scene:

Right now, mortgage interest rates in Alberta are influenced by what's happening in Canada's housing market. The Bank of Canada sets the tone by deciding on the overnight lending rate, affecting how much interest you'll pay on your mortgage. This rate depends on things like inflation, economic growth, and global conditions.

Bank of Canada's Say:

The Bank of Canada's overnight lending rate is like a domino, impacting the rates banks offer for different loans, including mortgages. While the Bank of Canada is careful about changing rates, global economic factors and inflation can influence their decisions.

Economic Factors Matter:

Alberta's economy, closely tied to the energy sector, can have ups and downs. Oil prices, employment rates, and the overall economic health of the province affect housing demand and, in turn, mortgage rates. Keeping an eye on these indicators helps you understand the housing market's stability.

Your Money Matters:

Your personal financial situation matters too. Lenders look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and job stability to gauge how risky it is to lend you money. A good credit score and smart financial habits can help you get better mortgage rates.

Shop Around:

Alberta's mortgage market is competitive. Different lenders offer various rates and terms. Take the time to shop around and compare offers. This helps you find the best deal that suits your wallet.

Conclusion:

Understanding mortgage rates in Alberta is about considering big factors like the Bank of Canada's decisions, the province's economic health, and your own financial situation. To make the best choice, talk to financial advisors, mortgage brokers, or lenders who can provide personalized advice. Stay informed, and you'll be better equipped to achieve your dream of owning a home in Alberta.

Calgary, Alberta, is a city that truly comes alive in the fall. As the leaves change from vibrant greens to fiery reds and oranges, Calgary offers a plethora of activities and experiences that allow you to make the most of this beautiful season. From outdoor adventures to cultural delights, here are ten must-do activities in Calgary during the fall.

1. Enjoy the Fall Foliage

One of the simplest yet most enjoyable ways to embrace fall in Calgary is to take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the city's numerous parks and green spaces. The Bow River pathway, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and Nose Hill Park offer stunning views of the changing leaves against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Don't forget to bring your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!

2. Explore Heritage Park

Heritage Park Historical Village transforms into a charming autumn wonderland in the fall. The historical buildings, antique tractors, and horse-drawn carriages look even more picturesque with the fall foliage. Explore the park, take a ride on the steam train, and immerse yourself in the past.

3. Visit Calgary's Farmers' Markets

Fall is a fantastic time for foodies in Calgary. Visit the city's vibrant farmers' markets, like the Calgary Farmers' Market and Crossroads Market, to sample fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Stock up on seasonal favorites like pumpkins, apples, and pies to savor at home.

4. Attend a Calgary Flames Game

Hockey season starts in the fall, and catching a Calgary Flames game at the Scotiabank Saddledome is a thrilling experience. The energy in the arena is infectious, and you'll feel like a true Calgarian as you cheer on the home team.

5.Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Head to a local farm like Cobb's Adventure Park or Calgary Corn Maze for a fun and challenging adventure in a corn maze. It's a perfect family-friendly activity and a great way to celebrate the season.

6. Explore the Rockies

Calgary's proximity to the Rocky Mountains means you can easily escape to the mountains for a day or a weekend trip. In the fall, the mountain landscapes are breathtaking, and you can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, and taking scenic drives along the mountain highways.

7. Indulge in Pumpkin Spice Everything

Autumn wouldn't be complete without indulging in some pumpkin spice treats. Calgary's cafes and bakeries offer a wide range of seasonal delights, from pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pies. Enjoy a cozy afternoon with a warm cup of coffee and a pumpkin treat.

8. Take a Scenic Drive

Explore the stunning fall scenery by taking a scenic drive through the foothills or along the Cowboy Trail. The changing leaves and open roads make for a memorable road trip, so pack some snacks and hit the highway.

9. Attend Fall Festivals

Calgary hosts several fall festivals and events, such as Beakerhead, the Calgary International Film Festival, and the Calgary International Flamenco Festival. These cultural celebrations offer an excellent opportunity to explore art, film, and dance in a unique and vibrant way.

10. Capture the Calgary Skyline

As the sun sets earlier in the fall, the city's skyline comes to life with a warm, golden glow. Head to one of Calgary's iconic viewpoints like Scotsman's Hill or Crescent Road to capture breathtaking views of the city against the backdrop of the fall sunset.

Calgary, Alberta, is a city that knows how to celebrate the magic of autumn. From embracing the vibrant fall foliage to indulging in seasonal treats and exploring the great outdoors, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy during this beautiful season in Calgary. So, pack your cozy sweaters and get ready to make the most of fall in this charming Canadian city.

As the weather grows colder, it’s that time of year to fix-up and replace things in your home to prepare for winter! Use the fall season to finish up these home improvement projects so you’re all set for this winter! 

One of the best parts about the seasons changing is bringing new recipes into your weekly rotation! Here are some of our favorites: 

Turkey Pot Pie - this is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and is a great use of leftover turkey (or chicken) from a roast! Click here for our favorite take on this classic staple! 

Pumpkin Soup - with the fall season, it’s all about everything pumpkin. Enjoy this creamy pumpkin soup as the weather gets colder! Click here for the recipe! 

Pumpkin Bread - it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin flavored baked goods, and our favorite is this moist and delicious pumpkin bread! Click here for the recipe!

Chili - this time of year is the best for hearty comfort meals, and chili is perfect for those cold evenings. Click here for our favorite recipe! 

Mexican Tortilla Soup - this soup is full of flavor and a personal favorite for this time of year! Click here for the recipe!

Don’t let the summer fun end with the back to school season. There are still plenty of events happening throughout Calgary, perfect for going out with friends or the whole family! We’ve listed some below for you! 

Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ - Sept 6 to 10

One of the world's most prestigious show jumping tournaments. Top riders and horses from around the globe compete at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Calgary. All seating is general admission and can be purchased in advance.

Alberta Culture Days - Sept 1 to 30

It’s 30 days of discovery, experiences, and celebration with Alberta Culture Days, an opportunity to connect with new cultures in a variety of local events and activities. Experience Alberta Culture Days with virtual, in-person, indoor, and outdoor activities.

Railway Days - Sept 9 to 10

Heritage Park’s extraordinary rail collection takes centre stage during Railway Days, including hands-on activities, exhibits, and a rare glimpse of the turntable in action and the double-headed steam engine.

Block Party 2023 at Deerfoot City - Open until Sept 10

Deerfoot City brings vibrant local art and free events back for the summer with Block Party, including a retro twist with the introduction of the Roller Rink on The Boulevard. Bring your old-school roller skates or rent a pair of rollerblades!

Summer on 17th - Until Sept 23

Visit 17th Ave. this season for Summer on 17th. There will be live music, fitness classes, DJ and drag shows, outdoor movies, and more in Tomkins Park throughout the summer. Best part is that all of the events are free.

For more events and information, you can always visit TourismCalgary or visitcalgary.com to see what other events might be happening! 

The weather is hot and the sun is out, it’s the perfect time to enjoy activities with the family! Keep reading to see 5 fun activities you can do this summer! 

Stampede is almost here!! Starting July 7th and until July 16th, you can enjoy live music, park rides, fun rodeo events and more! Keep reading to find out more about some of the big events happening this year at Stampede.

Nashville North Headliners

July 6 - Jess Moskaluke

July 7 - Mackenzie Porter

July 8 - Jojo Mason

July 9 - Billy Currington

July 10 - Dallas Smith

July 11 - Elle King

July 12 - High Valley

July 13 - Jade Eagleson

July 14 - Eli Young Band

July 15 - James Barker Band

July 16 - Tenille Arts

Coca-Cola Stage Headliners 

July 6 - Russ

July 7 - Vance Joy

July 8 - Cordae

July 9 - Jessie Reyez

July 10 - Charley Crockett / Margo Price

July 11 - Tegan and Sara

July 12 - Broken Social Scene / Manchester Orchestra / Jimmy Eat World

July 13 - Stephen Sanchez

July 14 - Mt. Joy

July 15 - Zeds Dead

July 16 - Mother Mother 

You can also check out the Rodeo daily at 1:30pm for the duration of Stampede, as well as the stunning Evening Show nightly at 7:45pm. 

2023 New Midway Food! 

This year, there are some interesting menu items to try out! 

• Chicky Chicken’s Kool-Aid Chicken Burger
• Cin City Donuts’ Deep Fried Dad’s Cookies

• So Cute Ice Cream’s Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream
• Lil Pocket Dogs’ Neon Dog 

• Veggie Junk Food’s Mexican Corn Ribs 
• Drink From a Fruit Street Corn Lemonade
• Big Coco’s Peanut Butter Pickle Dog

For more details, check out the Stampede here: https://www.calgarystampede.com/

The cost of living keeps increasing, and we’re here to help you find new ways to lower your bills and save money in your home!

Switch Your Lightbulbs to LEDs - LEDs use less electricity over incandescent bulbs and will last 15 to 20 times longer on average! 

Close Your Closet Doors - even though your closet has limited square footage, you are still heating or cooling it. By keeping the doors closed, you’re reducing the work your furnace has to do! 

Caulk or Weatherstrip - sealing air leaks on your windows can save you 10% to 20% on your energy bills! 

Change Your Furnace Filter - a clogged filter can make your furnace motor work harder and use more power, costing you more money! 

Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water - switching from hot or warm water to cold will cut the energy your washer uses in half!

BRRR! With the cold winter weather in full swing this week, we’re looking to our favorite soups to keep us warm! We thought you might like to try them to stave off that winter chill, so we’ve listed them below! 

Borough Bar & Grill 

Check out this new restaurant with walk-in patisserie specializing in sandwiches and coffee! Located in the University District, Borough is both indoor and outdoor! Be sure to try the fried artichokes and roasted mushroom dip! 

Brix and Barrel 

This new cocktail bar in downtown Calgary features delicious dishes like truffle risotto, and salmon carpaccio! Check out their cocktail menu for fun drinks and even mocktails, cleverly named not a mojito and not a whiskey sour. 

Burnin Bird 

If you like Nashville hot chicken, you’ll love this new restaurant! Located in the Beltline, Burning Bird offers chicken tenders and sandwiches, with a heat scale ranging from “naked” to “burning” if you like your food extra spicy! 

Fine Print 

This unique restaurant off Steven Ave focuses on making customers feel like a VIP, and strives to create an atmosphere of sophistication and simplicity. Check out their book theme menu, where the Preface sections your appetizers and the Main Story holds the entrees! 

Freestyle Social Club 

This restaurant offers a unique experience where not only do you book a table, but also a round of golf! Perfect for small company events or going out with friends! 

Love is in the air! Valentine's Day is a few weeks away and if you're looking for something new and fun to do with friends or your partner, we've got you covered! Here are some fun and interactive events happening in Calgary this Valentine's Day!

Feb 9th & 14th - Candlelight Jazz: Valentine’s Special 

Enjoy a Candlelight Concert with a multi-sensory musical experience this Valentine’s Day! The program includes music from Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker!

For tickets and more information, click here.

Feb 9th - Paint Nite: Valentine’s Day Wine Glasses

Get your creativity on with a 2 hour guided wine glass painting night. You’ll get to bring home your very own hand painted glasses, and tickets include all supplies so you only need to bring yourself and your partner! 

For tickets and more information, click here.

Feb 10th - Valentine Comedy Extravaganza

Enjoy dinner and a show this Valentine’s Day with FunnyFest Comedy! The event features headliners Joe King and Stu Hughes, a dinner buffet, chocolates and great prizes! 

For tickets and more information, click here.

Feb 14th - Date Night at Workshop

Bring your partner for 3 hours of throwing and hand building clay while enjoying amazing refreshments and music! The evening includes wine, clay, instruction, glazing, firing, music, tools, etc. as well as charcuterie from Peasant Cheese! 

For tickets and more information, click here.