Use Calgary Transit and save money

To figure out whether to drive or take Calgary Transit, especially during the Calgary Stampede, you need the numbers.

Calgary Transit's fares are posted here on the CT website. 

The cost of parking around Calgary varies but for on-street parking using our fancy new(ish) parking meters, the parking rates are posted here on the ParkPlus part of Calgary Parking Authority's website.

Here's a link to Calgary Parking Authority's list of parking lots and the charges.  There are also private parking lots in the city, not shown here.

A lot of people overlook the Calgary Transit Day Pass but it can be good value.  It's good for a calendar day (not 24 hours).  If you buy it in person from Calgary Transit's office, or purchase it in person at a vendor, it should come with some money-saving coupons attached.  I have tried buying it at a vendor (a small convenience store near my home) but found they had none in stock. I bet a bigger store would have a better supply.The Calgary Transit website has a list of vendors, and there are many of them.

If you have no luck with a vendor, go to the Calgary Transit office. It's downtown and only open Monday to Friday from 10 to 5:30. 

One place you can apparently get a discount for is the Calgary Zoo.  The Zoo's website has a list of ways to save money on Calgary Zoo admission and one of them is to use a Calgary Transit coupon.

If you are buying a day pass from a vendor, check it first to make sure it has coupons attached and also that they have not expired. Don't just take my word for it, because deals like this do change from time to time.

The day pass sold at the ticket vending machines apparently does not have coupons attached.

CBC Stampede Breakfast kicks off the 2010 Calgary Stampede season

Stampede breakfasts are a wonderful thing, and the CBC Calgary Eyeopener has become one of the best in town.  It's also the one of the first, and as far as I know, the first big one.

Thursday, that's tomorrow, July 8, 2010, in the parking lot at the CBC building, from 7 to 9 a.m.

The CBC's address is 1724 Westmount Boulevard NW but if you don't know Calgary, forget that and just drive along Memorial Drive heading west, and you'll find it about halfway between 14th Street and Crowchild Trail.

Once you know where it is, drive a few blocks into the neighbourhood and find a considerate place to park.  Yes, it may be challenging, but it can be done if you don't mind walking.

Better still by far, take Calgary Transit or get someone to drop you off.


CBC Stampede Breakfast webpage

Calgary Transit info webpage

And bless her heart, the lovely Julie Van Rosendaal has posted her recipe for great pancakes on the Calgary Eyeopener's website.  I heard them being made and eaten on the air the other day and if made me reach for the bottle.  (Of maple syrup.)