The Beating Heart of Alberta’s energy and financial sectors, Calgary is the province’s largest city. A tightly-packed down-town of shimmering towers shares the heart of the city with two beautiful rivers, the Bow and the Elbow, whose waters descend from the nearby Rocky Mountains.

As befits its place as a global centre of commerce, Calgary has a rich and eclectic mix of dining experiences. The lively culinary scene is fueled by chefs who have created locally focused menus despite Alberta’s long winters. From the corn dogs available at the Calgary Stampede to the prime tenderloin at the revolving restaurant atop the Calgary Tower, visitors will find what they’re looking for.

The best place to start is probably Stephen Avenue, a six-block pedestrian mall in downtown Calgary that features many of the city’s finest restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. The street also features a mix of boutiques and high-end retail, hotels, a major convention centre and the world-renowned Glenbow Museum. Two nearby spots made it into Air Canada’s list of Top 10 Best New Restaurants this year: The Vietnamese inspired Môt Tô and the “glamourous steakhouse reimagined for the modern age,” Major Tom, perfectly demonstrating the city’s culinary breadth. The city is widely known for its western flavour and takes pride in its cowboy past and present. It sits, after all, in the heart of Canada’s ranch country, where cattle farms stretch to the horizon. To visit Calgary and not indulge in one of its famous steakhouses could be a missed opportunity. There are dozens of worthy ones featuring every cut and many with locally grown wagyu beef on the menu. Calgary also boasts many delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurants as well, so there truly is something for everyone.