I remember back in the mid nineties, or maybe it was the late nineties. Big box store complexes were becoming all the rage. I thought to myself, "well no one will ever build a mall in Alberta again."
Okay so that's clearly wrong. Cross Iron Mills is a really nice shopping mall just south of Calgary in Balzac. I really like the layout and the design in side, it's big and open. The food court is big, and has a good variety although I've never eaten at the food court. There aren't any big department stores like Sears or the Bay, but there is a giant Bass Pro Shop on the one corner. Its not my thing, but if you like hunting/fishing/outdoor wildlife stuff (or you know someone who does and want to buy a gift for them) its a good place to check. There are several outlet stores, like the Coach store. The first time I went there they had a lineup outside. Its usually busy, but if you like Coach they had good deals. The styles are usually last season or older, but they're lower than a regular Coach and there's usually an additional sale of 30-50% off.
Only downside is the mall is always pretty busy, and its a little out of the way for me (considering I'm from Edmonton). But if I'm going down to Calgary I'll stop by Cross Iron Mills to look around.