A long long long time ago, my girl friend (now wife) were in Tofino training to be sea kayaking guides. I heard about Hot Springs Cove, and how some people kayak there. Recently, as a mid 50’s guy I have become increasingly concerned about aging, being lazy, and time running out to do the things I’ve dreamed of doing since being in my early 20’s. It was not difficult to convince my great, and even more aging friend, Stefan, who I’ve done some sailing trips with – to join. While his sea kayak expedition skills are limited, he believed in my abilities – we were off.

On June 28, the day prior to our planned departure to Tofino I texted my old friend from our 80 hour Wilderness First Aid Course in 1993 … “Hey David (Pinel), hoping to paddle Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, departing tomorrow. Wind forecast is strong – blowing 34 km. Should I wait until Wednesday”   We exchanged a few texts, he gave great advice on routes and wind. He has been there many times, now the owner/operator of the amazing kayak company, West Coast Expeditions. https://www.westcoastexpeditions.com/

Previous to all this, I was busy, and not fully prepared. Stefan and I both spent some time trying to get good maps of the region to plan our routes and camping possibilities. We had little success.

David advised, we could use the in land route starting on Monday, and possibly use the outside route on Wednesday when wind was forecasted to be low.  Keeping his advice in mind, we arrived in Tofino late in the afternoon on Monday, June 29.

We were told we could park the car close to the launching area without paying, however there are no such areas. The longest you can park is 4 hours. However, later we learned the town has not hired the officer yet … so you can park for as long as you like. (This is the wild Wild West).

Before we launched we met a delightful couple who was ready to take off in their power boat. They were excited about our boat, which is the exact model they used to own many years ago. She is the town astrologer and have lived on a boat house for 40 years. It’s a 2 and half hour paddle away, and it was in more recent years that they upgraded their kayak to power boat.   They were friendly and offered us a dock to sleep on and dinner at her boat house later that evening.

There were a few clouds, but mostly sunny, not to warm, and a bit of wind.

Getting on the water was as exciting as always and as we started off heading North West on the Tofino Flats, a bald eagle dived 3 meters from our kayak, catching a fish.

It promised an exciting trip.

It was surprising as we went along, how much boat traffic there was on the water, despite the times of Covid. No kayaks, no sail boats, but constant motor boats in both directions. It makes one realize that there are quite a few scattered villages inhabited mainly by the people local to this area.

As friend David suggested, the route was protected from the wind and offered very enjoyable paddling for the first 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, as we approached Flores Island, we arrived to the exposed area in direct connection with the ocean. It was about 6:00 p.m. and the head wind was strong.  We kept close to the shore but without much protection, largish waves, we were soaking wet within 10 minutes. After approximately 30 minutes we were able to find some protection from the wind by skipping from big rock to big rock making slow but steady head way. While we were enjoying the challenge of wind and waves, we were looking forward to getting to the area protected by Flores Island.

At this point, Stefan spotted a stretch of sandy beach with some protection from the wind with a beautiful west view. We quickly decided this was camp site number one. It was a long deep beach with a little fresh water creek on the side. As we were soaking wet, and the beach did not have total protection from the wind, it took a while to warm up in our dry warm clothes. We had covered 15 km in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

To our surprise, there were quite a few singing birds  in the deciduous trees by the beach. Unfortunately, we could not identify them due to our limited knowledge of Ornithology (Stefan says I pay no attention to birds.)

We had our meal, warm tea and were off to sleep. As I was drifting out, Stefan was analyzing the singing patterns of the birds – wondering if this could be a male singing to a female in the nest.

Surprisingly we slept until 7:00 a.m., and had a slow start, getting on the water at 9:00 a.m. A clear day with no wind, we hoped we would be able to make it to Hot Springs Cove. I hadn’t done much map work prior to the trip, but we thought we would have to cover about 30 km, which seemed a bit ambitious.

The beginning went very well, and we were covering good ground. It was not always super evident which route to take despite my Garmin Inreach GPS and Google Maps on my phone.  At one point the route narrowed to a channel (Obstruction Island). Before we reached the channel we were helped by the strong current and we reached our maximum pace of thrip … 5.6 km per hour according to my GPS watch. The moment the channel opened into a wider body of water at the northern tip of Flores Island, it visibly ran into an opposed current creating chaotic waves.

At this point, I insisted it was time for a break. Since I was in the stern and controlled the rudder, I made it happen. (Stefan was afraid of the wind picking up, as forecasted, and wanted to cover as much distance as possible, without breaks.) We were able to find a rocky beach with some grass, and many oysters.

We were about 12 km away from Hot Springs Cove when the wind did pick up, resulting in many strong but short waves. We paddled on wards until we were less than 2 km from the desired destination. We were trying to decide if we would cross the channel and go to the cove that evening, or find a beach and camp.

We rested, then paddled on the lee side of an island and spotted a beautiful sandy beach. We thought, that’s definitely a good spot to camp.  While the wind was strong, we were uncertain of what the inlet would be like at Hot Springs Cove, as it is exposed on open ocean.

We began paddling from the lee side of the Island into the 36 km per hour wind and waves … and knew immediately we would not be doing the 2 km crossing.

We landed at the previously sighted beautiful beach behind a knoll, where we were protected from the wind.  This was camp #2. We had just covered 31 km.

Our biggest decisions this evening, how to prepare our oysters, found on our lunching beach. We had no shucker, my small jet boil cooking stove could hardly hold one of these oysters … so we had a beach fire, throwing the oysters into the coals. The oysters would steam themselves, and open up. Cruel but delicious!

We knew that tomorrow would be a long day, with no wind forecasted until strongish West winds in the late morning. We woke at 5:10 a.m., and were on the water within an hour. With no wind, the crossing was easy. To our disappointment, we ran into a boat where the owner informed us that Hot Springs Cove was closed due to Covid. (We had been warned that likely it would be.)

As a result we were on the open Pacific by 7:30 a.m., heading South along the otter coast of Flores Island. There was clear skies on the west, while the coast was covered in clouds. The clouds would break, giving us occasional sun. There was no wind, and paddling on big ocean swells was exciting.

To our disappointment paddling on the open ocean, was not super easy … likely because of currents that we had little idea which direction were going. At some points, it felt to me, that we were not moving at all.  According to my watch, we did many kilometres between 16 and 18 minutes. This pace was discouraging.

It was about this time, Stefan spotted some ‘blows’. We were paddling with the Whales! We spotted at least 6, which we believed were Grey Whales.

According to the forecast, the west wind was supposed to come at 11:00 a.m., but did not show until 2:00 p.m. We were hoping to catch the wind, that would give us a good push on the inland route towards Tofino.

Finally at the Southern West tip of Flores, we have been in the boat for 7-ish hours without getting out. There did not appear to be any easy landing places. Stefan was game to paddle direct to Vargas, seeing there were no desirable places to land, and worried that the wind would pick up as forecasted.

2.5 km away from the presumed Vargas Island, I realized it was not Vargas. Vargas was another 9 km away.  While floating in the boat, deciding if we should carry on to Vargas, we spotted a beautiful beach with Eastern Exposure, completely protected from the wind.

We landed and lunched. We had amazing panoramic view with Flores on the North and Vargas on the South. We were on Bartlett Island. In nearly years of quite a lot of sea kayaking, this may have been the longest I’ve ever been in a kayak in one stretch – about 8 hours!

At this point, we face the opportunity to camp an extra night, or paddle on realizing we are still about 16 km to Tofino. This place is one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever been too. It was beach, views, water, mountains, green of the trees – incredible.

We paddle on. Do we go on the more interesting and shorter route on the outside of Vargas, or paddle on the inside where it is safer. As we were tired, the wind was unpredictable,  Stefan’s shoulder was sore, we made the safer decision to paddle inside Vargas.

We paddled, and paddled, and paddled some more. We see three other paddlers going in the opposite direction from Tofino  … the first fellow kayakers we see. I later learn from Instagram stories that it is my cycling friend Stephen Becker, also from Calgary.

Paddling towards Tofino, we see the sandy beach where wife Shirley and I paddled to and stayed a few nights in 1993. From there it is only a crow fly to the Tofino Public Boat Launch.

45 kilometres and 11 and half hours, we were very pleased to have the energy to pose for a selfie and drive three hours to Denman Island. (We missed the last ferry from Buckley Bay.)

Bryon Howard Calgary Realtor

In the past 30 days, in separate provinces and states than where I live, my sister bought a house, my brother sold a house, my cousin sold a house, and my niece had a question regarding her investment property and best ways not to renew a lease for tenants. In the end, they all did very well with their decisions, however, they all had some frustrations and unanswered questions that I was able to assist with. I was very happy to help.

Real Estate decisions are some of the largest financial decisions a person will make in life. Stats show that most people choose the first realtor they come across, often selected from a Bus Bench or Internet Search. Even more than most industries, the difference between a professional and an amateur is huge. Selecting the right realtor and plan to sell or buy your home, could save you tens of thousands of dollars, possibly hundreds of thousands. In the very least, buying or selling a home can be a very positive experience, or a negative. Don’t you deserve a positive experience?

During my entire career, I have networked with North America’s Top Producers. Quite possibly I know a very good realtor in your market, or at least know how find and vet a good fit for you.

Here are three reasons you should ask for my help:

1. The cost and ‘pain’ of becoming a realtor is relatively low. There are more inexperienced and unprofessional industry members in the real estate business than most businesses. You may as well have the best. Let me vet your real estate professional.

2. In North America, they typical agent sells 4 homes per year, and only ‘lasts’ in the industry for 3 years. I’ve been selling real estate since since 2002, and since that time have averaged selling a house a week! You want a professional who does the job everyday, over and over again. You want someone who has experience working in boom and bust markets, and have seen the myriad of issues we see in the home selling and buying process. Allow me to ensure the realtor you end up with, has the experience in the kind of market you are living in.

3. I would really appreciate your help in growing my business. You are my friend, my relative, my business associate. We have similar interests and values.  Allowing me to help you with this important real estate decision keeps me connected to other professional industry members over the world.

Icing On The Cake: Did you know it is common practice in the real estate industry to provide a 25% referral fee? Did you know that country wide, the average commission on the purchase or sale of a home is approximately $10,000? If I provide you a Realtor referral for your real estate purchase or sale, I could potentially earn $2,500.

It is worth ‘my effort’ to ensure you have a positive experience with your home selling or buying. While we do not live in the same place, the next time you are making a real estate decision, find me with a quick search on the internet – I will ensure the chance of you having a positive experience is much greater than otherwise!

This is part of a series of pieces, written in about twelve minutes, proof read once with tiny edits and then posted online.

Someday, probably not, I may publish a book entitled: Bryon Wrote This Book in 12 Minutes. 

You can learn more about me and my real estate business at www.TheHowardTeam.net.

I’ve always been interested in Canada’s North. I feel a draw towards the space, the land scape, and the people. The wild flattish land (in the middle!), the spruce trees, and the plethora of lakes and rivers. Perhaps it is because I lived in Labrador for 8 of my first 10 years of life. Perhaps it is the images I’ve seen of my Dad, and his friends, as they worked on The DEW line in his early 20’s. As a young teenager I travelled from Prince Edward Island to Yellowknife along with my grade 8 class as part of a school exchange. Later as a tree planter, a few of my crew mates did a road trip from Prince George to Dawson City and Kluane National Park during our break between spring and summer planting season.

Like most Canadians, I live, play, and work south of Canada’s 49 paralell. (Red Lake is not ‘that far’ North, being on the 52nd paralell. My friend Maddy lives with her family in Iqaluit which is on the 63rd Paralell!)

When my High School friend Bruce called me in November and said, “Bryon, I know our next cycling adventure … we are going to ride Fat Bikes from Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation in February … in temperatures of -20 to -40 degrees Celsius!” I confirmed immediately that I was in.

New Hope Community Bikes, with support from the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) have been building a bike program for Pikangikum Youth since 2017. The more I learned about the program, the more excited I became.

“The Ice Road Challenge”, allowed me to return a favour to cycling and help a northern community.

My family have contributed to various fund raisers for global causes. Travelling to Pikangikum was pretty much like travelling to another country. However, it is my country. I’ve been thinking much recently … “Think Global, Act Local”.

On Feb 6, I met 40 other riders in Red Lake. We had an immensely satisfying ride, cultural experience, and adventure. The riding season in Pikangikum just got a whole lot longer. We delivered Fat Bikes and Mittens … and raised $50,000+ to offer further bike programming, education and youth employment.

New Riding Experience, Visiting a Canadian Northern Community, and Building a Youth First Nations Cycling Program – that’s a win.

I made a video edit – click here to see it.

Wow. It was a Cold February, not only in temperature – but also in Real Estate Sales!

The mean (or average) temperature for February was -18.7 C, making this the third-coldest February on record, according to Environment Canada climatologists. The coldest of February was in 1936 when the mean temperature was -24.5 C

The effects of Calgary’s economic climate, and likely the cold temperature, continue to create weak sales activity and elevated inventory in the city’s housing market. Of course, lower prices are the result.

No substantial change in the economic climate and concerns regarding potential layoffs in the energy sector are leaving both sellers and buyers uncertain.

As of February, citywide benchmark prices were $414,400. This is nearly five percent below last January, slightly lower than last month’s figures, and over 10 percent below highs recorded in 2014.

While the market remains in oversupply;  slower sales and price declines do appear to be influencing sellers. New listings this month eased by eight percent compared to last year for a total of 2,211 units.

However, the 976 sales this month were not enough to substantially impact inventories levels, which remain elevated at 5,885 units.

If you have questions on Calgary real estate, whether it is housing, condo’s, or acreages, we can help you.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

The thing about Calgary is that once people come here for a short visit – they often end up extending their stay.

In fact, many never leave!

As a result, Calgary city continues to have a growing and thriving population.  Spend some time here and you tend to get hooked.  There are a thousand good reasons to fall in love with this place, and here are my “Top Five” list.

1. Calgary young. – According to Statistic Canada’s 2016 census figures, Calgary city remains the most youthful metropolitan area in Canada. Young single professionals and young families continue to motor the city forward and the youthful energy is contagious – even if you are just young at heart.

2. Jobs – The oil and gas industries have endured a few rough years, but given the cyclical nature of these fields, the ongoing rebound in the unemployment rate is likely to continue for some time. More importantly, the energy industry is not the only sector of the economy offering employment opportunities in Calgary. The city hosts the home offices of leaders in manufacturing, health care, education, and business services.

3. Mountain Vistas with an Urban Vibe – When you put down roots in Calgary, there is no need to choose between the love of nature and longing for an active urban lifestyle. In Calgary, we have it all. Towering ski slopes and some of the world’s most beautiful mountain lakes are only an hour away from world-class dining and international entertainment.  In the midst of an urban setting, we can boast of over 800 hectares of parks and nature preserves and the largest network of walking/biking trails in North America. In winter, many of the pathways are cleared within 24 hours of snowfall and the locals spend 12 months a year enjoying outdoor life.  Calgary offers residents and visitors the best of all worlds.

4. Quality of Life – In 2017, the prestigious international magazine, The Economist, chose Calgary as the 5^th “Most Livable” city in the world for the fifth year in a row. 140 major cities are graded on topics such as stability, culture, environment, health care, infrastructure, and education and Calgary scored 96.6 out of a possible 100 points. The editors at The Economist are merely articulating what our city residents already know – Calgary is a great place to live, work, play, enjoy nature, and raise a family.

5. The People – The people of Calgary are its greatest resource and the city has one of the most diverse populations in Canada. Friendly, generous, hard-working, energetic, creative, and tenacious are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind in describing our people.  Calgarians love to have fun.  What starts with Stampede in July continues throughout the year.  There’s always a music or cultural festival, block party, or get together to keep everyone entertained and support the strong sense of community that permeates our many neighbourhoods.

Wind me up and I could go on all day as to why I love Calgary.

When did you first fall in love with our city and what was it that pulled you in?

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Perhaps as much as any neighbourhood in Calgary, Marda Loop epitomizes the urban lifestyle mixed with small town vibe that Calgary’s residents love.  It is the kind of place where people can live, work, relax, eat and drink without traveling more than a few blocks from home.

This popular area is situated in Calgary’s southwest quadrant between Crowchild Trail and 19^th Street SW.  As a designated Business Revitalization Zone, Marda Loop is home to more than 130 boutiques, shops and restaurants.  Over the last decade, the area centered around 33^rd and 34^th Avenues SW has emerged as one of the city’s most popular outdoor shopping venues.

Once upon a time, Marda Loop was home to the Marda Theatre and served as the turnaround point for a heavily-trafficked streetcar line – hence, the name “Marda Loop.”   Both the theatre and streetcar line are long gone, but the name Marda Loop survives.    The neighbourhood has weathered economic ups and downs over the years, but keeps managing to reinvent itself and attract residents and business owners.  Recently, a heavy influx of young, high-income households has contributed to the area’s energetic and dynamic feel.  A wide range of condos, townhomes and infill construction attracts homebuyers and tenants to the surrounding communities of Altadore, River Park, South Calgary and Garrison Woods.  Each of these communities is represented by the Marda Loop Communities Association – an active force in Marda Loop life for nearly sixty years.

Most residents and business owners agree that walkability is a key component of Marda Loop’s emergence as one of Calgary’s trendiest neighbourhoods.  Locals treasure the ability to get almost everywhere they want to go on foot.  Foodies appreciate the array of dining options and window shoppers can wander for hours among the many boutique-style businesses populating the neighbourhood.  Each summer, the Business Revitalization Zone plays host to a popular street festival aptly named Marda Gras.  This family-friendly, New Orleans style party attracts more than 35,000 visitors.

A strong sense of history, numerous amenities and excellent walkability combine to attract visitors and locals to Marda Loop, but ultimately, it is the small-town feel within a big city landscape that is the area’s strongest selling point.  Spend some time walking the streets, enjoying café and pub life and in very short time, everyone will know your name.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Over the past few years, Calgary has witnessed an ongoing, and sometimes fierce, public debate on the topic of secondary suites in single-family homes.  The debate is fueled by a number of factors, including economic and lifestyle trends that are driving the increased demand for legal secondary suites in the existing Calgary real estate housing market.

At first glance, secondary suites seem like a throwback to a bygone era when the extended family housing model was commonplace, but there is nothing old-fashioned about the secondary suites built into contemporary construction.  These apartments have everything needed for independent living and offer a great way to enjoy all the benefits of an extended family lifestyle while preserving privacy at the same time.

Owning a home with a fashionable, legal secondary suite allows families to experience the luxury of accommodating young adults and elderly family members under the same roof.  Multiple generations can live together, learn from, and support one another while retaining the ability to retreat to their own private space.

The 2016 Statistics Canada Census data shows that 1 in 3 Canadians between the ages of 20 and 34 live with their parents.  This number has been on the rise since 2001.  Housing affordability is a driving force behind the trend.  Another reason is that in an increasingly competitive job market, young adults are pursuing multiple advanced degrees before striking out on their own.   A secondary suite offers parents and children the best of all worlds and the ability to keep your loved ones close, but not too close.

On the other end of the spectrum, secondary suites are an attractive option for older adults looking to “age in place.”  Comfortable, private apartments in the homes of their children allow seniors to age comfortably and gracefully while lending a hand with child care and other family duties.  Children can rest comfortably knowing their beloved parents are right downstairs should they require assistance.  The economic benefits of reduced living expenses are shared by all.

Even the closest of families can develop a conflict with one another at times.  People can become particularly sensitive when they feel they lack privacy and a sense of independence in their lives.  Secondary suites allow families to acknowledge valid issues while offering a solution.  Whether you are 21, 81, or somewhere in between, we all need privacy and quiet time in addition to the love, support, and companionship of extended families.  Secondary suites offer a perfect solution for Calgary housing challenges confronting modern families.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

You have made the big decision to sell your home and you are overflowing with excitement and anticipation; may be feeling just a little bit nervous too. It does not really matter if it’s your first time letting go of a property or not, the cycle of self-doubt will kick in.

To help your home sell quickly and for top dollar;

Here are my “Top 5 Tips” for apprehensive sellers whether you are in Calgary city or other parts of the world; these guidelines do apply:

1. Work with an Experienced Realtor

The easiest way to banish any possibility of seller’s remorse down the road is to work with an experienced professional who understands the local market.  Knowing that you are in good hands will calm your nerves and help you sleep at night.  You have made a serious decision to sell a very large asset.  Ensure a good outcome by working with an experienced Calgary Realtor ( if you live in the city )

2. Price it Right

Homes that are overpriced end up languishing on the market and, in the end, often sell for less than they would have if they had been priced right in the beginning.  Timing is everything in real estate and an overpriced home can easily end up costing you time and money.  Work closely with your Realtor to set the correct price at the start.

3. Understand the Market

The real estate market is a continuum in constant motion – sometimes leaning heavily toward a buyer’s or seller’s market and oftentimes, balancing somewhere in the middle. Your Realtor can help you understand the realities (good and bad) of the market and micro-market your property is in.  It is great to dream, but you also need your expectations to remain realistic on the road to realizing those dreams.

4. Highlight Your Home’s Strengths

We know you love your home and will be leaving with some great memories.  The challenge in selling is to do everything possible to make sure buyers see what you see and fall in love with the property. You accomplish this by emphasizing your home’s best features – both in marketing and in the presentation.  If the house has great crown molding, don’t obscure it with heavy drapery.  A beautiful façade should not be covered with overgrown foliage.  Do everything possible to make sure the home’s finest qualities shine through.

5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

When you decided to sell your property, you had at least one goal in mind.  Perhaps it was to free up money to invest in another property, or maybe you just wanted to rid yourself of mortgage debt.   Many sellers simply think it’s for a change in their living situation.  Whatever your motivation for selling, keep that in mind throughout the sometimes-frustrating process of selling a home.

Follow these simple tips to avoid needless anxiety, stress, and aggravation after putting up a “For Sale” sign to your property.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net. (more…)

Winter is a wonderful time to plan a visit to Calgary.  The locals here do not hide from Mother Nature’s fierce chill.  They embrace it and extract every bit of snow and ice related fun imaginable.  If snow and ice are not your thing, that’s OK too.  In Calgary, frigid temperatures are never an excuse to not explore the city.  With the world’s largest pedestrian skywalk system spanning more than 16 km, you can enjoy all that downtown Calgary has to offer while leaving your snow boots and parka at home.

Parks, Paths and Hiking

Many of the city’s parks offer year-round recreational opportunities.  The 580-km regional pathway system helps locals keep fit year-round and offers several wintertime fun runs, including the Hypothermic Half Marathon in February.  Many of the trails are kept clear of snow and ice for the enjoyment of walkers, runners and cycling enthusiasts.

Winter Sports

Don’t forget that Calgary sits at the base of the Canadian Rockies – home to world class facilities for skiers and snowboarders.  Some of the best runs in the world are within a few hours’ drive from the city at Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Nakiska Ski Resort, but you do not need to travel at all to participate in your favourite winter sports while in Calgary.  You can snowshoe, cross country ski, play hockey, ice skate, sled and even learn to luge at facilities throughout the city, including Canada Olympic Park, originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Festivals

Calgary is a festival goers dream – for visitors and locals alike.  It starts with the Stampede in the summer and continues for 12 months.  The frosty winter months offer plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor partying – everything from film and music festivals, food and wine tasting to avant garde theatre and motorcycle expos.  There is even an annual citywide Hot Chocolate Festival in which local eateries compete for the best hot chocolate recipes.  The proceeds of this event go to support Calgary’s Meals-on-Wheels program.

Calgary offers endless options for outdoor adventure and indoor exploration during the cold season.    Don’t let a little winter chill keep you from enjoying everything our city has to offer.  Take your pick and have a blast!

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

With so much conflict and uncertainty in the world this year, it is not hard to understand how some people may be having trouble summoning the Christmas spirit.  If you find yourself cringing instead of smiling as the holidays draw near, here are a few tips for getting in the Christmas groove – Calgary style.

1. Start with Music – Create your own Christmas playlist and blast that music until it rocks. Choose your favourite carols and artists – songs that remind you of your childhood or a time in your life when things seemed simple.
2. Make a List and Check It Twice – To avoid getting overwhelmed by all you must do to prepare for the holiday, make a Christmas “To Do” list and take pride and delight in crossing items off once they are done. If you’re not careful, anxiety over workloads and tasks will keep you from enjoying time spent with friends and family. To avoid a meltdown, get organized and stay organized.
3. Pay it Forward – If your financial situation permits, buy a gift or donate to a stranger or local family in need of Christmas cheer. If money is tight, take a few minutes to shovel snow from your elderly neighbour’s walkway.  You will be amazed at how far a simple act of kindness goes toward lifting your spirits.  Joy is truly found in giving.
4. Set the Stage – Pull your Christmas boxes from storage and do a little decorating. Take the time to examine individual ornaments that hold treasured family memories and reminders of Christmases gone by.  Once the tree is up, kick back, put on your favourite Christmas movie and enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate or eggnog.
5. Visit a Christmas Market – Instead of doing all your shopping on-line or at a mall, take a stroll through one of Calgary’s vibrant Christmas markets. Support the fine work of local craftspeople and artists and find something for everyone on your list.
6. Ice Skate in a City Park – You may find magic in the air after lacing on your skates and taking a few turns around a rink in one of Calgary’s beautiful city parks. The crisp winter air and Christmas tunes playing over loudspeakers should lift your spirits.

Tinsel, garland, presents and twinkling lights are all just signs of the holiday season.  They are there to look pretty and help get you in the mood.  They are not, however, what Christmas is about.  Christmas is about rebirth and renewal, love and sharing.  Invest time giving of yourself this year and spending quality time with the ones you love.

The world outside may be frightful at times.  Instead of letting that fact get you down, use it as a reason to appreciate and connect with your family and friends, embrace your holiday traditions and make it a Christmas to remember.

Merry Christmas to all!

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.