Not only does Calgary have more sunshine in the summer evenings than many of our more southerly metropolitan peers (we’re looking at you, Toronto), we also get a jump on the day in the a.m. In early July the sun rises here around 5:30 a.m. While getting up earlier to enjoy more of the sunlight is not everyone’s idea of a summer well spent, if it’s for you, here are some suggestions of ways to take advantage.
Tee Off
Summer tee times can be hard to get at City and private golf courses, but early risers can benefit from being wide-eyed for the first tee-off of the day at 5:45 a.m. during the month of July at the Confederation Park, Maple Ridge and Shaganappi Point public golf courses, as well as at many private courses. Many courses offer early-bird rates as well.
Watch the Other Early Birds
Add to your life list by heading out to City parks to see the literal early birds catching worms. Ralph Klein Park and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary are both good spots to spot birds and other wildlife and open at 5 a.m. and sunrise, respectively.
Beat the Breakfast Rush
Catch the proverbial worm by going for breakfast before the hordes arrive. Hotel restaurants are often the best bet for an early delicious breakfast and, fortunately, local hotels are really stepping it up these days. The Fairmont Palliser’s Rimrock Dining Room Sunday brunch starts at 11:15 (and is so popular you should make reservations), but both buffet and la carte menus for breakfast start daily at 6:30 a.m. Yellow Door Bistro at Hotel Arts also starts serving at 6:30 a.m. and offers an amazing buffet. Right on the Jack & Jean Leslie River Walk in East Village, the Simmons Building is a busy spot for lunch and dinner. But the Phil & Sebastian location there opens at 6:30 a.m. and has great offerings to-go or to-stay for breakfast. OEB‘s downtown location also opens for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. And at the west end of downtown, Alforno Bakery & Caf opens at 7 a.m. – grab something delicious and take it for a breakfast picnic along the Bow before work.