Winter fun: Top Calgary travel shops for getaway gear

When winter’s at its icy peak, there’s no better time to get outta Dodge. Whether you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation in warmer climes or after an adventure getaway, these Calgary shops have all the gear you’ll need to make your escape a successful one.

By Ian Doig

Patagonia Calgary

1

135 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4

• Phone Number
  • 403-266-6463Primary
• Directions

This Western Canadian outdoor shop carries loads of gear and clothing for the active and adventurous traveller. If the weather at your destination is less than tropical, find suitably warm and durable clothing and outerwear from socks and toques to pants and parkas as well as outdoor shoes and boots. Also find lightweight packs, travel bags and luggage.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Great summer outdoor gear shops in Calgary
• Sweet sweater spots in Calgary
• Get your winter gear at these Calgary snow sport spots

Mountain Equipment Co-Op

2

830-10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A9

• Phone Number
  • 403-269-2420Primary
• Directions

Visiting the mountain parks this winter? A $5 MEC membership gives you access to a two-level world of outdoor gear that includes snow sport stuff. And if you’re adventuring further afield, the store stocks everything from swimwear and snorkel gear and Hosteling International membership kits to water purification gear and GPS devices.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Great summer outdoor gear shops in Calgary
• Where to find unique Father’s Day gifts in Calgary
• Made for shade: Where to find sunglasses in Calgary

Swimco

3

3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0E2

• Phone Number
  • 403-202-1393Primary
• Directions

The temptations of a sun and sand vacation are near impossible to ignore in the depths of the Prairie winter. If you’re making an Oceanside getaway, Calgary-based Swimco has you covered — from modestly to just-barely so. The shop carries men’s, women’s and children’s swimwear in sport and recreational models. Accessories include goggles and waterproof wallet cases.

Taschen

4

Suite 345b-315 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4K1

• Phone Number
  • 403-262-5422Primary
• Directions

Luggage, luggage and more luggage! Just looking at it all makes a person want to get on a plane for Paris, Puerto Vallarta or Peru. Taschen! Is German for “bags” and “get me outta here!” This Bankers Hall boutique carries full-size luggage as well as duffle bags, backpacks, wallets, key pouches and much more.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Calgary luggage shops for people on the go

More from Ian Doig

Ian Doig’s week may include dim sum lunch with friends, rummaging through indie bookstore shelves as well as scribbling in his notepad at Calgary shops and farmers’ markets. It most often concludes with a relaxing Friday evening pint of locally brewed craft beer.

Zap! Splat! Top paintball and laser tag arenas

There are several paintball and laser tag facilities in Calgary and surrounding area. The action-filled fun and camaraderie of these games makes them especially popular group and party activities. Paint ball places typically rent out all the needed gear and ample ammunition is available for purchase.

Take a swing at these public golf courses

Calgary’s public golf courses are well served by the city’s varied and handsome geography. Within the city and surrounding area, many make use of rolling foothills topography as well as several area creeks and the Bow River Valley. Fore!

Get New Year fitness gear here

You'll have to admit, putting on the Christmastime pounds was delicious. But now that you’ve decided to work off that shortbread, stuffing and mounds of mashed potatoes, these fitness stores can help make the payback smooth, if not painless.