Introduction
Located between the foothills of the Rockies and the Badlands to the east, Alberta's largest city offers a great escape from the mountainous wilderness of nearby Banff National Park. Established in 1875, the city retains all the old character of its Wild West past, despite the ultra--modern skyscrapers of its city centre. Head here for a genuine slice of Canadian heritage and, in July each year, the world-renowned Calgary Stampede.
Calgary Stampede
If you can time your trip right, you should absolutely include a visit to the Calgary Stampede. This world-famous 10-day festival entertains the crowds with a massive parade, rodeos, wagon racing and many more enjoyable events. Cowboy boots aren't a rare sight on the busy streets of this city that reminds you of its cowboy roots.
City parks
View the host of wildlife at Calgary Zoo and floral displays in the Botanical Gardens. Or prepare for a picnic at Prince's Island Park. Follow the hiking trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park or its cross-country ski trails in winter. And don't forget Canada Olympic Park where Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.
Arts and Museums
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre combines architecture and colour to impress, whereas the Glenbow Museum< displays artefacts of First Nations history. Pay a visit to Calgary for its performing arts and celebrated old buildings such as Fort Calgary History Park and Heritage Park Historic Village.