Things to do in Calgary

It is in the uncommon energy and its unique combination of adventure, spirit and hospitality that makes Calgary so appealing. Visitors will find a wealth of cultural attractions, festivals, parks and pathways, live performances, spa experiences, theme parks, sporting events and a share of interesting sites that are not to be missed.

Calgary Zoo - Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park

More than 100 rare animals and a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians, housed in natural habitat enclosures. Nineteen life-size dinosaur models are on display in the prehistoric park, and the gardens include a 1,858 square metre conservatory and butterfly garden. The Calgary Zoo is open year-round. Phone: +1 403 232 9300; website: www.calgaryzoo.com.

Fort Calgary

This historical site chronicles Calgary’s history between 1875 and the 1940s, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the early days of the city through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, guided tours and an entertaining audio-visual presentation. This 40-acre riverside park is on the site of an original North West Mounted Police Fort, designed to preserve the city’s history. Phone: +1 403 290 1875; website: www.forcalgary.ab.ca,

Spaceport

Live in outer space, ride around in a shuttle or be at the controls of your own F-18 fighter jet. The Spaceport is where visitors can experience all of these things and learn about space and aviation for free. Other features include a quarter-scale model of an original space shuttle, real moon rock, Mars rovers and interactive displays. Spaceport is open seven days a week. Phone: +1 403 717 7678; website: www.calgaryspaceport.com.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park has been western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park for more than 25 years. The park has more than 30 rides, a variety of games, numerous food outlets and daily live stage shows. Visitors can also camp for the night at the Calaway RV Park and campground. Phone: +1 403 249 7372; website: www.calawaypark.com.

Telus World of Science

The Telus World of Science consists of interactive exhibit galleries, an amazement park and a science theatre. This attraction is a hands-on science experience that’s a big hit with tourists, especially those with curious children. Phone: +1 403 268 8300; website: www.calgaryscience.ca.

Calgary Tower

Officially opened in June 1968, the tower has become Calgary’s most famous and identifiable physical landmark. It offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surrounding mountains from the observation deck, which provides the heart-stopping experience of virtually stepping out into air on its glass floor, 525 feet above the ground. Calgarian culinary delights are also on offer at the revolving Panorama dining room. Phone: +1 403 266 7171; website: www.calgarytower.com.

Canada Olympic Park

As the flagship site of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Canada Olympic Park is along the TransCanada Highway and at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, 15 minutes drive from downtown Calgary. The Park is unique from most Olympic venues in that it continues to operate as a multi-purpose competition, training and recreation area, designed for year-round use by both athletes and the general public. Phone: +1 403 247 5452; website: www.canadaolympicpark.ca.

Heritage Park Historic Village

A recreation of pre-1914 western Canada and the prairie pioneer lifestyle of the time, the Heritage Park features more than 150 buildings and 45,000 exhibits as well as turn-of-the-century shops such as an antique midway, a bakery, ice cream parlour, candy store and a gift shop. Canada’s largest living historical village is situated on the most picturesque 66 acres in Calgary, and if you can’t board the SS Moyie sternwheeler for a tour around the Glenmore Reservoir, be sure to ride the steam train around the perimeter of the park. Phone: +1 403 268 8500; website: www.heritagepark.ca.

Museums

The Pioneer Acres Museum features a large collection of antique farm machinery such as steam tractors, which were used by western Canada’s pioneers. Several historic buildings including a blacksmith shop, a bunkhouse, a cook car and a school are also located on-site at the museum, which is open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Phone: +1 403 935 4357.

Opposite the Calgary Tower is Canada’s largest museum, with more than 8,640 square metres of exhibition space spread over three floors. The Glenbow Museum houses more than a million objects that fill up its 20 galleries and showcase the colourful history of the Canadian west. The Blackfoot Gallery tells the story of the Nitsitapi people through interactive displays, artefacts, film and a circular narrative path.
Phone: +1 403 268 4100.

The Museum of the Regiments, the largest military museum in western Canada, was originally opened in 1990 by Queen Elizabeth II. Six galleries are housed within this nationally-acclaimed facility, dedicated to educating the general public about Canada’s military history and to explaining the country’s efforts and contributions to worldwide peacekeeping. Phone: +1 403 974 2850; website: www.museumoftheregiments.ca.

The Aero Space Museum of Calgary features several artefacts that delineate the history of the aviation industry in Calgary, from the time that the city’s first airplane was built in 1914. Aircraft restoration work takes place in the hangar; the airplanes can be examined up close, or you can try your hand at flying in the flight simulator. The Aero Space Museum is open year-round. Phone: +1 403 250 3752; website: www.asmac.ab.ca.