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A New Kind of Calgary
The 1988 Winter Olympics really put Calgary on the map, and the city continues to delight with an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor activities that will have your head spinning. These days, it’s a city that’s much more than its honky-tonk, oil and gas reputation, and visitors will quickly see that a younger, hipper Calgary has emerged. As evidenced by the steady arrival of trendy downtown boutique hotels, Calgary is a city that is constantly evolving. Whether you’re planning to boogie on down at the world famous Calgary Stampede, heeding the call of the mountains, or just want to sit in a café and soak up the vibe of this dynamic city, a visit here is sure to be a good time.
24 Hours in Calgary
If you only have a day for exploring, you can see and do a lot in the downtown core. Start the day with a visit to Calgary’s premier museum, the Glenbow Museum. An impressive array of permanent and temporary exhibits will greet you beyond its doors, and the history of the area comes alive with voice recordings and hands-on displays. When you’ve learned enough for the day, walk three minutes down the road and you’ll be at the base of the Calgary Tower. A ride to the top is worth the price to see the city unfold before you, and to get a glimpse of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains that keep a watchful guard over the city. After another short walk, it’s time to take in the natural light and over 550 trees and plants that call the Devonian Gardens home. From here, it’s easy to get to Stephen Avenue, a pedestrian-only street brimming with historical buildings, designer boutiques, and a selection of some of the best restaurants in the city. Stretch your legs again for a ten-minute picturesque walk over the Bow River, and you will find yourself in Eau Claire. Check out the shops in the market, walk around the greenspace, and maybe even grab a nightcap as the sun goes down. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in a downtown hotel, you won’t have far to get home.
Calgary for Kids
If you’re travelling with children or are just young at heart, Calgary has a lot to offer. A sure bet to charm the younger crowd is the Calgary Zoo. With natural enclosures like Destination Africa and Canadian Wilds, it’s possible to see all of your favourite animals in one place. Don’t forget to take in the Penguin Walk, a chance to get up close and personal with king penguins going for a stroll around the zoo. For an educational step back in time, Heritage Park Historical Village is a must-see. Open from May to October, families are treated to over 180 exhibits dating back to the 1860s. From wagon rides to learning how to make bread, there is something for everyone, and an entire day could easily be spent here. Spruce Meadows also deserves a spot on a family-friendly fun list, and in addition to world class show-jumping, there are often markets and special events worth looking into. If you have a car and are prepared to drive 20 minutes outside of the city, Calaway Park is guaranteed to bring a smile to any child’s face. Western Canada’s largest amusement park has rides for all ages, including Timber Falls, a log ride where you just might get wet.
Time to Celebrate
Calgary knows a thing or two about having a good time. Festivals and events are when this city really comes alive, and there happens to be a lot of them. While there are plenty of large-scale, multi-day extravaganzas, sometimes it’s the smaller festivals that really make an impression. One of these is the Lilac Festival held every May. Coinciding with the blooming of fragrant lilac trees found throughout the city, this street fair is equal parts shopping experience and celebration. Duck into a beer tent, dance to live music, get your fill of snacks and treats, and don’t forget to pick up a locally made handicraft. Continuing on with the celebratory vibe, Calgary’s Sun and Salsa Festival is the perfect way to feel like you’re in Mexico without actually being there. Don your sombrero, pack some water, and get ready to indulge in over 40 spicy, salty, garlicky concoctions that you get to be the judge of. Proceeds go to charity, and when the winner is announced, the party really gets going. If Calgary is your travel destination in April, The Calgary Underground Film Festival screens independent films from the provocative to the downright unusual. If you prefer to experience the underground, lesser-known Calgary, or would rather hit the big time with a festival like the Folk Music Festival or Blues Festival; one thing is for certain – Calgary is waiting to be discovered.