Calgary
Canada’s sunniest city, Calgary is the main gateway for British travellers to Alberta. It is a modern, cosmopolitan city and, with easy access to world famous national parks such as Banff and Jasper, most visitors waste no time to head out to the mountains – but with so much to see and do, Calgary should be your first stop.
You can soak up the panoramic views from the top of the Calgary Tower, retrace the city’s western heritage, discover the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, explore world class museums and attractions or immerse in nature through the many easily accessible trails. With a bustling downtown area, vibrant culinary scene and award-winning breweries and distilleries, Calgary is a must-visit on your Alberta itinerary.
Western Culture
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The annual Calgary Stampede features the largest rodeo in the world and is known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. If you can’t be in Alberta in July, when the 10-day event takes place, you can get a taste of it at the SAM Centre, which brings the stories of the Calgary Stampede to life through a series of immersive experiences. If you are searching for the perfect present, look no further than the Alberta Boot Company for a pair (or more!) of its handcrafted premium boots.
Pictured: Calgary Stampede
Winter Olympics Legacy
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Calgary proudly hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and the city still celebrates its Olympic legacy to this day. The Olympic venues continue to be major attractions, with a variety of activities on offer throughout the year so don’t miss your chance to go outdoor skating at Olympic Plaza, experience the Fastest Ice in the World of the Olympic Oval or try one of the world-class ski runs at WinSport (formerly the Canada Olympic Park).
Pictured: WinSport
Must-See Attractions
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There is so much to see and do in Calgary that the city truly has something for everyone. The 190-metre tall Calgary Tower offers panoramic vistas across the city and beyond and comes complete with a revolving restaurant at the top. At the impressive Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, you will turn up the volume on the history of music in Canada. Or, for a captivating insight into Calgary’s past, head to Heritage Park, the largest living history museum in the country.
Pictured: Sky 360 Restaurant with views of the city skyline from the Calgary Tower
