Is it officially too late to say, “Happy New Year?” I had meant to say it sooner, but I got walloped by the bug that’s been going around and spent most of the week in bed.

I’m back on my feet and ready for all the amazing things that Calgary has to offer this weekend! Be sure to check out the “Happenings” section for the list of events.

Dinner Club

I’ve got a new idea… a way to get us all together to meet new folks and explore new restaurants. A type of From Calgary Dinner Club where we get matched up with a few strangers, enjoy a meal together, and have some fun. Maybe even throw in an afterparty as well.

Let me know your thoughts — if this gets approved, I’ll get to work.

Top 3 Stories

🚰 The "Terminally Ill" Water Main & The Independent Report

The biggest headline this week has been the release of the long-awaited independent panel report regarding Calgary’s catastrophic 2024 water main break. The report, discussed in a special council meeting on Wednesday, revealed that the city had warning signs as far back as 2004 but deferred critical inspections for nearly 20 years.

This news comes at a tense time: the same Bearspaw South Feeder Main suffered another "catastrophic" break on December 30th. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has described the pipe as "terminally ill," warning Calgarians that while repairs should be finished early next week, water restrictions will likely remain a "new reality" until the line is fully replaced.

🎭 The 40th Annual High Performance Rodeo

Calgary’s winter arts scene is officially heating up as One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo prepares to launch its milestone 40th season. Starting January 13, this world-renowned festival of live performance will take over venues across the downtown core.

This year’s lineup is a mix of bold new theatre, dance, and music, including the popular "Bison Noir" and "Rare Beauties." It’s a major boost for the city’s culture, turning the coldest weeks of January into a celebration of avant-garde art. If you're looking to shake off the post-holiday blues, the "Rodeo" is the place to be.

✈️ A "Record-Breaking" Start to Winter Tourism

While the city deals with pipe issues, Calgary’s backyard is seeing a historic boom. Alberta’s ski slopes have reached record-high snow levels this week, with Banff being named the most "Instagrammed" spot in Canada. The heavy snowfall has sent American tourists flocking north to the nearby mountain resorts, providing a massive boost to local tourism. Don’t let’s travellers have all the fun, check out the “Take a Trip” section below for a mountain getaway.

SUPPORT FROM CALGARY

From Calgary is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me!). Your contributions go toward keeping the From Calgary going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support, my friends!
Thank you!
- Brent

🏔️ TAKE A TRIP

🏔️The Banff Local’s Overnight

Day 1: Frozen Falls & Evening Glow

• The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: Instead of a standard forest hike, head 30 minutes west of town to Johnston Canyon. In January, the steel catwalks are draped in "ice curtains."

  • Pro Tip: You must wear ice cleats (microspikes). The spray from the falls freezes on the path, making it like a skating rink. You can rent them in Calgary at MEC or in Banff at Snowtips-Bactrax for about $15.

  • The Goal: Hike 1.2 km to the Lower Falls (walk through the cave for a face-to-face view of the ice) or push 2.7 km to the Upper Falls to watch ice climbers scaling the 30-metre frozen wall.

• The Sunset Experience: Head to the Banff Gondola for Nightrise. After dark, the summit of Sulphur Mountain turns into an immersive light and sound show. It’s less "tourist attraction" and more "mountaintop art installation."

• The Dinner: Warm up at The Park Distillery on Banff Ave. They campfire-roast their food and distill their own spirits right there. Try the "Observation Peak" cocktail—it’s basically a campfire in a glass.

Day 2: Frozen Magic & Relaxation

• Option A: The Local’s Mountain (Mt. Norquay) If you want to skip the crowds at the bigger resorts, head 10 minutes up the switchbacks to Mt. Norquay. Known as "Banff’s Backyard," it’s the oldest ski resort in the Rockies and has a heavy local vibe.

  • The Skiing: It’s perfect for a quick morning session. If you’re a beginner, the Cascade Chair is the place to be. If you’re a pro, challenge yourself on the North American Chair—it’s home to some of the steepest, legendary bump runs in Canada.

  • The Tube Park: Not a skier? Norquay has Alberta's longest tube lanes. It’s basically high-speed sliding with a "magic carpet" to pull you back up. Pro Tip: Book your 3-hour session online in advance, as they often sell out!

  • The View: Even if you don’t ski, grab a Sightseeing Ticket for the North American Chair to visit the Cliffhouse Bistro. It sits at 7,000 feet and offers the single best view of the Banff townsite and Mt. Rundle.

• Option B: Frozen Magic & Relaxation

  • Morning on the Ice: Drive 40 minutes to Lake Louise. Walking out toward the Victoria Glacier is a surreal experience that travellers pay thousands for—you get it for the cost of a tank of gas.

  • A "Cheap" Castle Visit: You don't need to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs to enjoy it. Park and grab a coffee at Stock Food & Drink. You can wander the public mezzanine halls, which feel like a Canadian Hogwarts, without the $800/night price tag.

• The "Quick Bite" Fuel-Up. Skip the long, drawn-out sit-down dinner and hit these two local institutions before you head back to Calgary:

  • The Savoury: Aardvark Pizza – A Banff staple since 1990. It’s the go-to for a quick, "bang-for-your-buck" slice or a Donair. It’s unofficial "ski-bum fuel" and arguably the best late-night or mid-day carb load in town.

  • The Sweet: The Fudgery – No trip to Banff is complete without a stop here. It’s been on Banff Ave since 1976. Watch them make the fudge through the window, then head inside for a slice of Maple Nut or one of their famous "Bear Paws" (chocolate-covered caramel and pecans).

Pro Tips for the Trip:

• Park Pass: Don’t forget your Parks Canada pass! If you don't have an annual one, you can buy a day pass at the entry gates.

• Transportation: If you want to skip the parking headache in town, leave your car at the hotel and use Roam Transit. It’s cheap, reliable, and the Route 1 bus takes you right to the Gondola and Hot Springs.

Unique accommodations in Banff:

Mountain View / Shared Dorm / Party of 8 / Boutique Hotel

Generate income by listing your home on AirBnB [#ad]

🍽 Feature Restaurant: Ten Foot Henry

Location: 1209 1 St SW
Vibe: Airy, Botanical, and Soul-Warming

Named after a 10-foot tall wooden replica of a 1930s comic strip character (a long-time Calgary arts icon), Ten Foot Henry is the ultimate bridge between "what you should eat" and "what you really want to eat." The space is a lush, plant-filled sanctuary that feels like a summer patio even when there’s a blizzard outside. It’s high-energy and upscale but maintains a "come as you are" casualness that makes it a local favorite for everything from first dates to family style Sunday dinners.

The magic here is in the vegetables. While they serve incredible North Atlantic scallops and Alberta grass-fed steak, the plant-based dishes are the undisputed stars. The menu is designed for sharing, which fits perfectly with our "staycation" theme.

The Must-Order: You haven't truly experienced Ten Foot Henry until you’ve had the Tomatoes with Whipped Feta. It’s served with warm, charred sourdough, and it is quite possibly the most famous appetizer in the city.

The Crowd Pleaser: The Cacio e Pepe or the Gochujang Roasted Cauliflower—both offer that perfect level of winter comfort.

The Sweet Finish: Do not leave without a slice of their Four Layer Coconut Cake. It is massive, incredibly moist, and the perfect reward after a long workweek.

Ten Foot Henry is notoriously busy. While they do keep space for walk-ins at their beautiful marble bar (a great spot to watch the chefs work), it's always best to book a few days in advance. If you can’t get a table, check out their sibling cafe next door, Little Henry, for a quick, high-end coffee and a snack.

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REPORT

🌤️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌤️ Pro Tip: The "January Thaw" is officially here. After a chilly start to the year, Calgary is swinging into a major warm-up this weekend with daytime highs hitting as high as 7°C… that’s nearly 12 degrees above the seasonal norm! While the sun will feel amazing, the real challenge will be underfoot.

Expect a messy "freeze-thaw" cycle: everything that melts during the afternoon will turn into a sheet of black ice by 6:00 p.m. If you’re heading out for that Johnston Canyon ice walk or just strolling through Kensington, this is the week to dig out the ice cleats. It’s also a prime time to clear your storm drains—helping that meltwater find its way home now will save you a skating rink on your driveway come Monday morning.

PROPERTY: Nestled on one of the most quiet, sought-after streets in Cougar Ridge, this beautifully maintained two-storey home stands out for its immediate access to Calgary’s west-side lifestyle.

PETS: Time to meet some new friends. Gandof the dog, Alison the cat, and Arlo the Guinea Pig.

💳 Credit Card Bills Piling Up? January 19th, aka “Blue Monday,” is just around the corner and is referred to as the most depressing day of the year, thanks to the weather, post-holiday debt, and the time since we’ve all abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. If you’re looking for a side hustle that could potentially replace your day job one day, check out Private Label Masters. It’s a step-by-step roadmap for sourcing products to sell on Amazon. My friend Tim runs PLM, and he recently shared a story about 2 products he launched for his Dad 8 years ago that have made a profit of $1.2M USD ($1.68M CAD)! Talk about being a good son! Tim has done over $100M in sales on Amazon and shares everything he knows with you in Private Label Masters. [#ad]

CALGARY FLAMES

The Calgary Flames are battling through a tough start to 2026, currently looking to snap a three-game skid as they navigate a critical Eastern Conference road trip. After finishing December on a high note with wins over Edmonton, Boston, and Philadelphia, the team hit a roadblock at home against Nashville before dropping the first two games of their current road swing to Seattle and Montreal.

Despite the recent slump, a major bright spot remains Rasmus Andersson, who was recently named to Team Sweden for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, and rookie William Strömgren, who made his highly anticipated NHL debut this week in Montreal. The Flames (18-21-4) now head into a back-to-back weekend set against the Boston Bruins tonight and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, desperate to find their offensive spark and climb back into the Western Conference wild-card conversation.

Upcoming Calgary Flames Games - Call / text 403-975-5515

Jan 17 vs New York Islanders at 1:00 PM - Early Game
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $138/pair

Jan 19 vs New Jersey Devils at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – $98/pair

Jan 21 vs Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 23 vs Washington Capitals at 7:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 25 vs Anaheim Ducks at 6:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 31 vs San Jose Skarks at 2:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Let me know how many you need, and I can source them for you! 

Feb 2 vs Toronto Maple Leafs at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 217, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Feb 4 vs Edmonton Oilers at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $349/pair

Please call / text 403-975-5515

Click here to see the rest of the Calgary Flames season… 

[BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Reply to [email protected] and let me know!]

HAPPENINGS

FEATURED EVENT

FRIDAY 9TH

WinSport Event Centre – The Harlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary Tour at 7pm tickets

BMO Centre – Calgary Renovation Show from 12pm to 8pm get inspired

Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Roughnecks vs. Vancouver Warriors at 7:30pm get loud

The Kinkonauts – Somnium: The Improvised Dream at 7:30pm sleepwalk

Jubilee Auditorium – Moulin Rouge! The Musical at 8pm spectacular

The Laugh Shop – Stand-up Comedy with Yannis Pappas at 7pm laugh more

SATURDAY 10TH

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Annual Penguin Walk at 10:30am waddle along

WinSport Event Centre – Harlem Globetrotters (Matinee at 1pm & Evening at 6pm) trick shots

Southwood Community Hall – Southwood Winterfest: Sleigh rides & skating from 1pm to 4pm free fun

F3 Calgary FREE Men’s Workout – at 6:30-7:30 AM 2019 Chicoutimi Dr (Details)

Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Hitmen vs. Seattle Thunderbirds at 6pm tickets (Get a $30 bonus and up to 3% cash back at Ticketmaster)

Parkhill Community Centre – Puppet Pop-Up: Sock Puppet Workshop at 1pm get creative

SUNDAY 11TH

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Sunday Brunch & Penguin Walk at 9:30am dine and waddle

F3 Calgary FREE Men’s Workout – at 6:30-7:30 AM 2019 Chicoutimi Dr (Details)

Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Hitmen vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes at 4pm sunday hockey (Get a $30 bonus and up to 3% cash back at Ticketmaster)

Rozsa Centre – Busch Trio: Piano & Strings Performance at 7pm classical night

St. Vladimir’s Centre – 28th Annual Calgary Ukrainian Carol Festival at 4pm festive vibes

Jubilee Auditorium – Moulin Rouge! The Musical Final Performance at 2pm final bow

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading From Calgary today. If you enjoyed this edition, found something useful, or learned something new, please share it with someone who lives in Calgary via the button below.

Chat soon,

Brent
Publisher - From Calgary

P.s. BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Email [email protected] (or reply to this email) and let me know!

P.p.s. Click here to get a $25 sign-up bonus from Wealthsimple.

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