Population: 1,624,524

Calgary, Alberta, is located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, where the foothills of the Canadian Rockies meet the prairie.

Visitor Information

Contact Tourism Calgary: phone 403-263-8510 or 1-800-661-1678, email [email protected], or visit www.visitcalgary.com. Maps and guides are available at the base of the Calgary Tower year-round.

Originally established in 1875 as a fort by a contingent of the NWMP, Calgary has grown from a frontier settlement to a world-class destination. One of Alberta’s 2 major population centers (the other being the provincial capital of Edmonton), Calgary uniquely mixes cosmopolitan flair and big city energy with rich western heritage and famous cultural traditions. The city boasts its own Philharmonic Orchestra and ballet, while its rich western heritage is preserved in its attractions, such as Fort Calgary (no RV parking), the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park Historical Village and the annual Calgary Stampede. Calgary also boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bike network in North America; bike rentals available. Read under “Attractions” for additional information on these and other Calgary features.

Calgary is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Summer activities in the Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise area include hiking, biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, camping, horseback riding, mountain climbing, golfing, hang gliding, fly fishing and more. Winter activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing and ice climbing. Calgary hosted the 1988 XV Olympic Winter Games and the former venue is now operated for use by athletes and the general public (www.winsport.ca).

Attractions
Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village, located at 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, is Canada’s largest living history museum, with more than 180 historical exhibits and 127 acres of parkland. Experience the sights and sounds of life in turn-of-the-century Western Canada: An authentic steam locomotive; an antique midway; the S.S. Moyie sternwheeler; Gasoline Alley Museum, various shops, cafe and restaurant; and lively interpretive activities for the entire family. Admission fee charged. The Historical Village is open from May to October. The Gasoline Alley Museum, gift shops, Railway Cafe and The Selkirk Restaurant are open year-round. Heritage Park hosts special events throughout the year. For more information, phone 403-268-8500; visit www.heritagepark.ca.

WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park

WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, located at 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, west from downtown Calgary on Trans-Canada Highway 1, was the site of the 1988 XV Olympic Winter Games. Today, this premier site operates as a competition, training, recreation and hospitality area designed for year-round use by athletes and the general public. Summer attractions for the general public include 18-hole outdoor miniature golf, a children’s activity area with climbing wall, mountain biking and zipline. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, operated by Skyline Luge, is located at WinSport. Winter facilities include skiing, snowboarding, half-pipe, cross-country skiing, tube park and public skating. Free admission; pay per activity. For information, phone 403-247-5452 or visit their website at www.winsport.ca.

Calgary Zoo, located at 1300 Zoo Rd. NE has nearly 1,000 live animals and the Dorothy Harvie Gardens and ENMAX butterfly-filled conservatory. Journey through Destination Africa and see western lowland gorillas up close; investigate the Canadian Wilds and Penguin Plunge; or immerse yourself in Land of the Lemurs. Open year-round, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily. For more information, phone 1-800-588-9993; or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.

Fort Calgary

Fort Calgary, located at 750–9th Ave. SE. Stroll through Calgary from 1875 to 1940. Authentic reconstruction of the 1875 Fort and 1888 Barracks, with interpretive center and activities. Live a day in the life of a North West Mounted Police. Open year-round Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M.to 6 P.M. Closed primary holidays. Admission fee charged. No RV parking. For more information, phone 403-290-1875 or visit their website at www.fortcalgary.com.

Calgary Tower

Two 18-passenger high-speed elevators take visitors to the top of Calgary Tower (626 feet/190.8m) in 62 seconds. Sweeping views of city and mountains; look through glass floor at the street far below. Revolving Sky 360 Restaurant. Located in the heart of downtown at 101–9 Ave. SW. Admission charged. For hours and information, phone 403-266-7171 or visit their website at www.calgarytower.com.

Calgary Stampede

The city’s best-known and oldest event is the annual Calgary Stampede, “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” which takes place July 8–17, 2022, at the Stampede Park. The 10-day citywide celebration of Calgary’s western heritage includes a parade, daily rodeo (the world’s richest outdoor rodeo), Chuck-wagon races, an evening Grandstand Show extravaganza, midway rides and games, First Nations Culture, agricultural showcases and live music festival. For information and tickets, phone 1-800-661-1260, 403-261-0101 or visit www.calgarystampede.com.

Noteable parks and gardens to visit in Calgary including Prince’s Island Park, St. Patrick’s Island, Reader Rock Garden, and Devonian Gardens indoor park.

View of downtown Calgary from Calgary Tower.
Glenbow Museum

Western Canada’s largest museum traces the history of Canada’s West, from its First People to the arrival of European settlers. International collections; Blackfoot Gallery, “Nitsitapiisinni: Our Way of Life,” and “Mavericks: an Incorrigible History of Alberta” (interactive exhibit). Open year-round. Admission charged. Located at 130–9 Ave. SE. For information, phone 403-268-4100, or visit their website at www.glenbow.org.

Hangar Flight Museum

The Hangar Flight Museum, founded in 1975 by former WWII pilots and aviation enthusiasts, preserves the history of aviation and space industry in Western Canada. Try your hand on the flight simulators, learn about the Canadian Space programs and examine the aircraft up close. The museum’s aircraft collection includes a Sopwith Triplane from WWI, 5 aircraft from WWII and others. The museum is near the Calgary International Airport, off McKnight Boulevard NE. For information, phone 403-250-3752; visit www.thehangarmuseum.ca.

Studio Bell

Studio Bell, Canada’s National Music Centre, is a 160,000 square-foot arts hub with exhibition and performance space. Its 5 floors honor the pioneers of Canadian music. Located at 850 4 St. SE. Check website for hours of operation event dates and exhibition information: www.studiobell.ca; phone 403-543-5115.