Where to equip your Calgary summer survival kit

Summers in Calgary can be all too short, so you need get out and take advantage of the season before it passes you by. To help you get the most out of your warm-weather fun, visit these shops to load up your summer survival kit with everything from beachwear and sunscreen to travel gear. Image credit: iStock.com/artisteer.

Where to equip your Calgary summer survival kit
Allan Farley By

Swimco

1
917 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A4

Sizzling summer styles and functionality are abundant at Swimco, Calgary’s foremost beach and water-wear retailer. Its four city locations include 17th Avenue and Eighth Street Southwest. Find the latest styles by major brands including one- and two-piece suits as well as mix and match tops and bottoms for women and girls, board shorts and trunks for men and boys. Sandals, cover-ups, hats and bags, as well as fitness and water sport accessories are just some of the many summertime accessories also available.

The Apothecary in Inglewood

2
921 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S5

Skin is always in during the summer months, and looking after it can be a whole lot easier with a visit to The Apothecary in Inglewood. An essential oils, bath, body and wellness product specialist, the shop carries house brands as well as popular Canadian product lines, and all are 100 per cent natural and unadulterated, paraben and SLS free, and most are made of certified organic ingredients. Let the certified Aromatherapists on staff assist you in choosing products that are right for you.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

gravitypope Calgary

3
1126 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0B4

Browse a world’s worth of fashionable summer footwear without leaving Calgary. Footwear boutique Gravitypope carries a savvy array of footwear for summer as well as handbags, clothing and accessories. Located on the Beltline side of the 17th Avenue Southwest strip, Brands include Paul Smith, Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, Alexander Wang, Stephanie Kelian and Hispanitas.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Hanson's Fishing Outfitters

4
813 1 St Sw, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2

Ready to tackle the lakes, streams, creeks and rivers in the hopes of landing a big catch? Then visit Hanson’s Fishing Outfitters on your way to the water for all your fishing needs. Located on First Street Southwest just south of Stephen Avenue Walk, the store carries fly-fishing tackle, rods, reels and other fish-getting accessories. Ask about hiring one of the shop’s fishing guides or attending its famous fly-fishing boot camp.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Blink Eyewear

5
4-12192 Symons Valley Rd Nw, Calgary, AB T3P 0A3

Blink and you might miss the wonderful sights of summer. Visit Blink Eyewear and you will find prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, contact lenses and occupational safety protective eyewear. This Royal Oak shop also carries a substantial line of polarized and transition sunglasses by manufacturers such as Ray-Ban, Prada, Oakley and more. Find additional Blink locations in Creekside, Crowfoot and West Springs.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Mountain Equipment Co-Op

6
830-10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A9

Do your summers involve running, biking, hiking, climbing, camping, doing yoga, travelling or boating? Outfit yourself for any and all of these activities at MEC in Beltline. The two-level outdoor department store carries an impressive selection of gear and clothing for men, women and children. Technicians will also repair your bike, and ask about renting canoes and or other equipment. A MEC membership card entitles the holder to all kinds of perks.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Red Nik Surf Co

7
6-22 Richard Way SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7M9

Calgary may be landlocked, but surf’s always up at Red Nik Surf Co., the only surf store in the city. Red Nik carries the latest and greatest surf-related gear and fashions. Summer clothing, boards and accessories are on full display at this sunny shop in Lincoln Park. Peruse Calgary’s best selection of long-board skateboards, surfboards, wakeboards, and stand-up paddleboards. Also find swimwear, bikinis, T-shirts, footwear and much more.

Undercurrents

8
6531 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0E8

Let aquatic recreation experts set you up with everything you’ll need to hit the lakes and rivers this summer. Undercurrents carries a great selection of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Located in Bowness, the shop also repairs and rents equipment. Additionally, to ensure you have a safe and fun day on the water, Undercurrents offers kayak and canoe classes conducted by certified instructors.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Shapes 'N Figures

9
103-5718 1A St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0E8

Shapes ‘N Figures in Manchester Industrial helps folks of all body types look great at the beach or poolside in stylish swimwear. The shop’s more than 8,000 in-stock swimwear models include one- and two-piece swimsuits, bikinis, sarongs and cruisewear. Professional fitters are on hand to help you get suited up right.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Allan Farley Allan Farley
Calgary writer and editor Allen Farley is editor-in-chief of Scene-Chicago.com. An experienced sports reporter and editor who has worked for SportsLine Magazine and the Calgary Sun, he is also a seasoned blues guitarist and the proud owner of a rescue chihuahua named Dixie. 
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