Calgary is defined in various ways—the largest city of Alberta, the door to the Rocky Mountains, and the gateway to the stunning regions of Banff and Jasper. Found between Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary is identified as one of Canada’s bustling city where an assemblage of attractions makes it a tourist destination in its own right.
Being situated in the Canadian Rockies makes Calgary a favorite spot for winter activities. Canada Olympic Park is busy welcoming visitors fond of trailing and skiing, but take note that Calgary is more than just a destination for snow-related activities. The Heritage Park, for instance, is a paradise for history lovers, where the 66-acre historical attraction relives the life of the past through its costumed actors and staff. For understanding and witnessing Calgary’s history, Glenbow Museum is the place to see, and its halls present the legacy and past of the region, contemporary art displays, and pre-oil to post-oil artifacts.
If traveling with the family, Calgary Zoo is the ultimate choice, where children get to see gorillas, tigers, and almost 1,400 animals in Calgary Zoo while adults enjoy a relaxing time in its well-landscaped gardens. Since the zoo is located in Prince’s Island Park, several family-oriented activities can be carried out to fill the day. If there is more time to spare, let the kids and kids-at-heart enjoy the thrilling rides, alongside ice cream and cotton candy, of Calaway Park which is just a short 5-minute drive from the heart of Calgary.
For retail therapy, there’s the Stephen Avenue and Barclay Mall, two of the most popular in the shopping scene. Being home to local shops and upscale brands, every shopping enthusiast considers these places their piece of heaven. For unique finds with a touch of cultural fare, the Chinatown, Kensington District, and the Devonian Gardens are great alternatives. Dining out is always part of the adventure, and despite lacking a local dish, Calgary takes pride in the Alberta steak and no tourist shall leave without feasting on it.
Calgary is proud of its architecture as well, and its magnificent structures are photograph-worthy. The Calgary Tower has a whopping height of almost 620 feet, no wonder it was once the city’s tallest landmark. As the city’s imposing centerpiece, the tower is the best place to be for witnessing the enchanting scenery of the Rocky Mountains and the rest of Calgary’s cityscape. The Bow is the city’s latest addition, and this contemporary masterpiece made of glass and steel is very hard to miss.
Tourists visiting Calgary enter the Calgary International Airport which is one of the country’s major airports. From the airport, tourists have the option to take a taxi, private shuttle, car rentals or the Calgary Bus Transit to get to the city. Exploring and getting around Calgary is pretty easy, thanks to the city’s efficient transport systems that take visitors to the major attractions.
