Canada in November: Being Prepared?

[cloudy]

No kidding! You're talking about people who eat french fries covered in cottage cheese and gravy? WTF???

BTW, you need to practice saying "ooot an aboot" before you go. Trust me.

good poutine is heavenly, I promise.

 

[3113]

Goodness, over a million and a half people live in Calgary, they don't turn into icicles, neither will anyone visiting.

I will. This will be me:

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/earth/antarctica/blog/images/ice-sculpture-350.jpg

 

[3113]

good poutine is heavenly, I promise.

The picture doesn't inspire confidence:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg/300px-OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg

 

[Safe_Bet]

The picture doesn't inspire confidence:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg/300px-OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg

Oh god, cloudy - PLEASE tell me that isn't a picture of "good poutine"! Please tell me that is the worst picture of poutne you have ever seen! Feel free to lie if necessary!

 

[3113]

TAnd don't worry, if you need something you'll buy it there, it will be better and cheaper.

Uh, no, hadn't you heard? Canadian dollar is worth more than U.S. dollar...and probably rising given the current financial circumstances of the U.S.....

 

[maggot420]

Uh, no, hadn't you heard? Canadian dollar is worth more than U.S. dollar...and probably rising given the current financial circumstances of the U.S.....

Don't fret. There is still cheap beer to be had in Alberta.

 

[Weird Harold]

What would those in the know recommend? Type of coat to bring? Boots? Scarves? Hats? Ski-mask? Long-underwear? I hear it's dry there. Is it likely to snow or rain? I won't be staying long, and I don't want to haul a lot of stuff with me, but I'd like to be prepared.

If I were going North of where I'm at now, I'd take long underwear pants -- light weight, waffle weave.

Forget about a long underwear top, you'll over-heat unless you're outdoors continuously.

Hiking shoes and heavy (wool) socks (with "wicking action" if you can find them) to keep your feet warm and dry. Lightweight over-the-calf atheltic socks can be worn under the heavy socks to minimize itchiness of the wool socks.

A Hoody or similar hooded fleece or sweatshirt and a moderately heavy waterproof coat to wear over it if necessary.

A wide headband to cover your ears when you don't have the hood up and/or a stocking cap.

You're unlikely to need a ski mask unless you're going to be outside for a long time, and the proper size hood on the hoody can be pulled tight to cover all but your eyes if necessary.

Look for gloves made with Thinsulate (tm) and get a lightweight pair and a heavier pair that can be worn over the lighter pair as needed. Look in the outdoors area of the sporting goods section of K-Mart and Walmart for inexpensive "hunting gloves."

If there is a ski shop or ski area near you, check out their ski-wear for more stylish cold-weather gear.

 

[tolyk]

Calgary in november? Hmmm... shorts and t-shirts are what I wear for you I would have to echo the fleece recomendations, and layers.

January is the cold month, November isn't really all that cold, and Calgary is one of the warmer places during winter (not as warm as BC, but warmer than where I grew up, that's for sure)


Oh, and Rob, yes Calgary has changed a lot in those 20 years

 

[rgraham666]

I hope so.

Last time I was there, as I was driving to my hotel for the airport, I had a Twilight Zone moment.

There was literally no one on the streets downtown, even though it was only ten at night.

Very weird, to me. All these modern buildings and amenities, but no people. I'd wondered if a quantum physics experiment somewhere had gone wrong.

 

[cloudy]

Oh god, cloudy - PLEASE tell me that isn't a picture of "good poutine"! Please tell me that is the worst picture of poutne you have ever seen! Feel free to lie if necessary!

no, that doesn't look like any of the poutine I've ever had.

 

[LadyCibelle]

cottage cheese

No it fresh bit of cheddar cheese also call "Fromage en crotte" or "Fromage Squish squish" (Squish Squish Cheese) because when you eat it, it makes a squish sound against your teeth ... kind of like .... hummm ... rubber

Lol, I think I just feel in love...lolol The "Squish Squish" got me.

 

[rgraham666]

Hi LadyC.

Missed you.

 

[CharleyH]

I'll be making a short trip to Calgary in early November. Understand, the coldest it gets in my part of the globe is maybe 40F. I understand that it gets down to about 20F in early November in Calgary.

What would those in the know recommend? Type of coat to bring? Boots? Scarves? Hats? Ski-mask? Long-underwear? I hear it's dry there. Is it likely to snow or rain? I won't be staying long, and I don't want to haul a lot of stuff with me, but I'd like to be prepared.

What's a must have assuming that I actually want to tour the city rather than stay locked away in the hotel? And does anyone know this city and can offer some insight into it?

Never been to Calgary, but I doubt it gets to -20F like in the North West Territories, so count yourself lucky - The line is "God, it's cold. I'm shivering. How can I get lai... - warm?"

 

[playwithlezli]

It is tough to say what the weather will be like when you are here-we have a saying, "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes" And it's true!

So, I would say, bring what you would wear on a cold day at home, a hat, mitts or gloves and a coat. As previously suggested, hiking boots if you already have them, and wool socks would be good. And do dress in layers, it will help.

If you are just going to be downtown, then no worries, there is lots to do and see, and you almost never have to go outside if you don't want to, there is a series of elevated, insulated walkways called Plus 15s (because they are 15 feet off of the ground) to get you between buildings in the core area.

If you need more than you have brought, well, we have shops here too, and what the heck, the exchange is good right now.

If you want to see the city or further afield like Banff, then just go with a tour company, there are all kinds to choose from. Time Out for Touring is a good one. You can get all sorts of info from the following website.

http://www.tourismcalgary.com/

The only thing I can't help you with is where to get good poutine in Calgary. It is a Quebec thing. People come to Alberta for the beef. If you are adventurous in your eating, then try Buzzard's Cowboy Cuisine. It is right downtown, and serves pretty much anything that used to be alive. If fact, may I suggest the Prairie Oysters.

Have a good visit eh!

 

[wafflemtl]

Uh, no, hadn't you heard? Canadian dollar is worth more than U.S. dollar...and probably rising given the current financial circumstances of the U.S.....

Well today they are 1US to 0.96CAD so not that big a difference.

Since you live in the south I don't know if you can find good gloves at 8$ every where (or the "one size fits all" at 1$)

 

[3113]

November isn't really all that cold, and Calgary is one of the warmer places during winter

It is tough to say what the weather will be like when you are here-we have a saying, "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes" And it's true!

Ah-ha! Natives! (Signals with hands)"Hello! I mean you no harm! Am stranger in your land. Looking for guide...."

I would say, bring what you would wear on a cold day at home

A hoodie and ugg boots?

Actually, I was back east a year ago and I have a nice warm jacket--not a ski jacket or even waterproof, but it is a nice Autumnal coat that kept me warm enough in 30F weather (with sweater underneath, of course). And yes, I've gloves and hat. I'll see about getting some good boots and warm socks.

And you're quite right about shopping there probably being the best idea--if I need to. Can't wait to see the insulated walkways.

I'm guessing that I won't have any time for real sight-seeing. What I'm really interested in is some nice places to hang--a good coffeehouse to write at, a quiet place for breakfast or a bookstore to browse. Any suggestions on that score would be most welcome.

Many thanks!

 

[Lisa Denton]

If you eat french fries covered with cheese curds and hidden under gravy you may spend most of your trip in the bathroom.

I recommend when you eat anywhere tell them to "cut the curds."

Just a suggestion.

 

[wafflemtl]

If you eat french fries covered with cheese curds and hidden under gravy you may spend most of your trip in the bathroom.

I recommend when you eat anywhere tell them to "cut the curds."

Just a suggestion.

Lucky for her, curds are not compulsory

 

[cloudy]

Lucky for her, curds are not compulsory

...and fries with gravy are delicious.

 

[Safe_Bet]

Lucky for her, curds are not compulsory

Yup. they are always happy to replace the curds with chunks of coagulated sour milk
(doesn't that sound much tastier than "cheese")

 

[wafflemtl]

Oh god, cloudy - PLEASE tell me that isn't a picture of "good poutine"! Please tell me that is the worst picture of poutne you have ever seen! Feel free to lie if necessary!

Sorry, that's the kind of poutine I eat

But the look has nothing to do with the taste. They look all the same but taste very different. Everything is in the gravy ... huuuummmm ... or the cheese ... or the oil for the fries ... or the potatoes ... pff can't decide ! Everything is in everything. It's food !

ETA : sorry can't lie never learn

 

[Safe_Bet]

...and fries with gravy are delicious.

Geeze, want a side order of bacon with that!

Cloudy, when was the last time you had you cholesterol checked? Damn girl - you're a walking heart attack!

Edit: That goes for you to Waffle!

 

[Xelebes]

I'll be making a short trip to Calgary in early November. Understand, the coldest it gets in my part of the globe is maybe 40F. I understand that it gets down to about 20F in early November in Calgary.

What would those in the know recommend? Type of coat to bring? Boots? Scarves? Hats? Ski-mask? Long-underwear? I hear it's dry there. Is it likely to snow or rain? I won't be staying long, and I don't want to haul a lot of stuff with me, but I'd like to be prepared.

What's a must have assuming that I actually want to tour the city rather than stay locked away in the hotel? And does anyone know this city and can offer some insight into it?

I live in the city north of Calgary.

I find I don't need to bring out the parka until mid-december if I dress with an undershirt, a hoodie and a spring coat. If you get any spikes in temperature because of a chinook, it can be easily accomoddated because what you brought along is lighter. Also, make use of the pockets by stuffing your hands in them. A hot cup of coffee in one hand doesn't hurt though.

 

[Xelebes]

Eat some poutine while you're there.

In Calgary? No, you want the ginger beef.

 

[Safe_Bet]

I live in the city north of Calgary.

I find I don't need to bring out the parka until mid-december if I dress with an undershirt, a hoodie and a spring coat. If you get any spikes in temperature because of a chinook, it can be easily accomoddated because what you brought along is lighter. Also, make use of the pockets by stuffing your hands in them. A hot cup of coffee in one hand doesn't hurt though.

Note: Pockets and hot coffee should not be used simultaneously!