From exhilarating winter sports to Wild Western charms, Calgary showcases a distinct blend of Canadian life. From the playground of Prince’s Island Park, to the kitsch delights of Calgary Tower, this is a place of local pride, vibrant nightlife and natural beauty.
Get your bearings
There’s no better way to get your bearings in Calgary than by visiting the iconic Calgary Tower, which offers the most brilliant aerial views of the city. Erected in 1968, Calgary Tower’s ‘space-age’ styling is reminiscent of others built in the same era – such as the Space Needle in Seattle. It might no longer be the tallest building in town, but it’s still the most known and loved.
The tower’s observation deck offers 360-degree views of the Calgary skyline. You’ll see not just the city below you, but the Rocky Mountains in the distance. It used to be called the Husky Tower – after the oil company that helped build it – and today it’s a popular tourist attraction. Feeling brave? Step onto the glass floor and look straight down at the streets and traffic 191 metres beneath your feet. Here you can also dine in style. Sky 360 is only one floor below the observation deck and rotates slowly as you chow down on some Canadian delights.
Visit perfect parks
Once you’re back on lower ground, you’ll find that Calgary is rich with wonderful green spaces. Cross a bridge over the Bow River to discover Prince’s Island Park, with paths to stroll, bike routes and fields made for picnics. These gorgeous gardens really come to life in the summer with sun seekers, live Shakespeare performances and an annual Folk Music Festival every July.
Go over to the western side of the island and you’ll have a great view of the Peace Bridge. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it’s known locally as the ‘Finger Trap Bridge’ due to its resemblance to a finger trap puzzle.
On the city’s southside sits Fish Creek Provincial Park. Measuring 13.5 square kilometres, it’s home to hundreds of bird species including great blue herons and bald eagles. Here you can indulge your adventurous side by going boating, fishing and cycling. If you fancy a slower pace, try some local oysters with grated horseradish, or Wagyu beef cheeks, at Bow Valley Ranche restaurant – housed in a ranch house built in 1896.
For a different kind of park altogether, visit Heritage Park Historical Village. This small town just outside the city is a re-creation of Calgary’s past. Its buildings all pre-date 1915, and costumed staff make it an immersive experience – with street theater, demonstrations and bread making. You can also take part in a fun hay ride, jump on a trolley or steam train, and explore the school, church and fort on foot.
Embrace art
Calgary has a huge selection of museums bringing history, science and culture to life.
The Glenbow Museum takes in indigenous art, pop culture, multimedia and more as it tells the story of Calgary’s early settlers and subsequent growth. Its exhibitions and programme of talks provide a valuable insight into the First Nation’s Heritage of the city – so even if you’ve been before, it’s definitely worth a return visit.
The Glenbow Museum’s four floors will keep you engaged in art and history for hours. But if you think that sometimes less is more, Contemporary Calgary might be for you. It’s a conglomeration of arts societies who organise innovative pop-up events in the city. One night the topic may be post-1970 photography, the next an evening of weaving and wine. With their permanent space still in development, they’re a nomadic arts institution celebrating passion, creativity and inspiration. Find out what events they’ve planned, and where, before you visit.
You’ll find art in a similar vein at the Esker Foundation on 9th Ave SE in Inglewood. The full gamut of visual arts are celebrated, while there are workshops and learning programs for all ages.
The National Music Centre is also hugely popular in Calgary. Housed in an ambitious, cutting-edge building, it chronicles the musical history of Canada in a deft, fun way. There’s interaction aplenty, classic artifacts and a chance to get hands-on with instruments. Fans of the Rolling Stones will love seeing their mobile studio.
Find your wild side
In Calgary, you’re surrounded by nature. After all, you’re just over an hour away from the Rocky Mountains. Travel across to the spectacular Banff National Park and you’ll never forget the heavenly panoramic views of snow-topped peaks, lush green scenery and lakes reflecting the ice blue sky.
However, you can get a slice of wildlife right in the heart of the city at Calgary Zoo. It’s one of the best in the whole of North America, with over 1,000 species including wolves, cougars and bears, plus giraffes, tigers, pandas, gorillas, hippos and penguins from much further afield. There’s an admirable dedication to conservation and education here, and plenty of chances for children to get close to their favourite animals – making it a key family attraction.
On top of this, there’s a Prehistoric Park with dinosaur replicas and fossils, a butterfly enclosure, rainforest and an excellent Botanical Garden to explore.
One of the highlights of the annual calendar is the Calgary Stampede, held every July for 10 days. It’s a time to don your cowboy hat and admire the opening parade with over 150 floats and numerous marching bands. You’ll also see Mounties and perhaps even royalty in this local tradition dating back to 1923. The rodeo is the main event of the Stampede – a world leading event of its type – while there is also a chuckwagon derby, midway, market and exhibitions including the World Blacksmith Championships. The whole city is infected with Stampede fever for the duration, so just go with the flow – join the pancake breakfasts, parties and concerts and see Calgary at its very best.
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