Top Places to Visit In Calgary, Alberta

Most people will tell you that the best time to visit Calgary, Alberta is during Stampede Week. From July 6th through to the 15th the entire city goes cowboy. Everyone dusts off their favourite Stetsons and joins in with the festivities. You'll find waiters at restaurants, and tellers at the bank wearing western attire.

Getting tickets can be expensive as they charge a park entrance fee as well as the events tickets. The entrance fee will get you access to the park and the shows that are preformed throughout the day. The rides and venues are extra and have a way of emptying your pockets fast. So here's my tip as a local who has learned how to enjoy the events without busting my budget;

• If you are going to the park leave your car. Parking is a major revenue producer for these people and can charge you over $20 for a pass if you can find one. The LRT (light rail transit) is just over $2 and it is convenient.
• Get to the park early. I might get into trouble saying this but you can avoid paying the entrance fee by getting to the park before they open. Be the first in line for the free pancake breakfast and if you decide to leave you can get your hand stamped and return later for the night performances.
• The same trick works for the parking. If you park in a lot before the attendant stands watch it's free of charge, and they can't tow it away.

The Calgary Stampede attracts million of visitors each year, but don't confine yourself to the Stampede Park. Since it can get very crowded, Calgarians prefer to put on their own community Stampede events. All over the city little festivities are going on. They may include free pancake breakfasts and activities for the children. Just keep an eye in the paper for event times and places.

If cowboys aren't your cup of tea, Calgary can still offer excitement for any taste or budget.

Calgarians love their hockey team! And after the excitement of a Flames home game win, spectators make it a routine to celebrate in the streets of 17th Avenue, otherwise called the Red Mile.

• Never go to Flames game without wearing Red. You'll feel awkward if you don't.

Located at the very edge of Calgary's southern border is Spruce Meadows a site where they play host to many world horse-jumping championships. The best part about the major events is that they are free to watch. Just enter the grounds and reserve your seat. You will have to pay for VIP seating.

• If at all possible select a seat in the shade.

The Devonian Garden is a large indoor urban park. The indoor park covers 2.5 acres of climate controlled area located on three floors of the Toronto Dominion Square, near pedestrian street Stephen Avenue. The garden contains more than 20,000 plants representing 135 tropical and local species, decorated with waterfalls, fountains, bridges, koi and turtles pools. Sections of the park have been named Quiet Garden, Sun Garden, Creek Bed, Reflecting Pond. Various sculptures dot the garden, which also hosts a permanent art exhibition showcasing the work of local artists.

• The food court is adjacent to the garden in its upper level and eating in the garden is permitted.

Officially opened June 30th 1968, the ‘Tower' has become the City of Calgary's most famous and identifiable physical landmark. One of the first Towers of its kind, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary.

Throughout the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, a flame burned at the top of the Tower, making the Calgary Tower the "World's Largest Olympic Torch."

The Tower has an Observation Deck that allows people to step onto a glass floor and look strait down 525 feet. Above the observation deck is the Panorama Dining Room, a restaurant that serves the finest Canadian cuisine.

During the Olympics, Canada Olympic Park was the primary venue for ski jumping, bobsleigh, and luge. They still maintain the facilities for training and competitive purposes. In the winter, the park is used for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, the park is used for warm-weather sports such as cycling (there are 25 km of bike trails) and is also the site of a number of summer festivals. The park is also home to a National Sports School and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.

Forming the heart of vibrant Eau Clair and adjacent to Prince's Island Park, Eau Clair Market has over 60 stores, restaurants and services and 6 Cineplex Screens, making it Calgary's unique downtown shopping and entertainment destination.

The Farmers Market offers local farmers the opportunity to sell their products directly to their customers. Inside the market you can find many aspiring musical artists showcasing their talent.

• The market can get very crowded (since it is a local hotspot) so avoid peak hours.

If you prefer the tranquility of parks, Calgary has a few to choose from. Here are my three favourite;

Nose Hill Park

The park is one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and North America. It is a natural environment park, commonly regarded as a retreat from city life and a place to enjoy nature.

• Since the park is a natural preserve, stick to the trails.

Bowness Park

The park is located along the Bow River in the city's northwest district. It is a local favourite for winter skating, summer canoeing, and year round access to trails and fire-pits.

Prince's Island

The island has a surface of 20 hectares and is linked by three bridges. It is part of the pathway and hiking trail system lining both sides of the Bow River. The southern arm of the river has been landscaped into a lagoon, while the eastern end of the island re-creates a wetland environment. Geese and mallard ducks are abundant in the park.

The park hosts many festivals such as the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Shakespeare in the park, Carifest, Canada Day, Heritage Day, Afrikadey and Barbeque on the Bow, as well as busking events.

• If you have an affinity for fine dining, go to River Café, a world-class restaurant that can only be accessed by foot over one of the bridges to the island.

Heritage Park HistoricalVillage

The park is located on 66 acres (267,000 m²) of parkland on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir, along the city's southwestern edge. It is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. It is also the largest living historical park in Canada. The park is branded as a living museum since it features a village that was recreated to appear as it might have in late 19th and early 20th century Alberta. Many of the historical buildings are real and were transported to the park to be placed on display. Others are re-creations of actual buildings. Most of the structures are furnished and decorated with genuine artifacts. Even the park's staff costumes and maintenance vehicles are true to the time.

• Make sure to visit the baker's shop to buy bread, you'll never find tastier food.
• Don't forget the train exhibit. It's off the beaten path and can sometimes be overlooked.

Calgary also has several museums, such as;

• The Glenbow Museum
• Aero Space Museum
• The Naval Museum of Alberta
• The Military Museums
• Fort Calgary

Calgary has a few hick ups. So ensure that you follow some guidelines I made at my Hub Travel Advisory: Calgary, Alberta

If you love excitement, Calgary offers year round festivals and events.

• Dragon Boat Race (August 24th to 26th, 2007)
• Calgary Marathon
• Calgary Folk Music Festival
• Shakespeare in the park (July 31st to August 25th, 2007)
• Carifest (June 8th to 16th, 2007)
• Canada Day (July 1st)
• Heritage Day
• Afrikadey
• Barbeque on the Bow
• Taste of Calgary (August 9-12, 2007)

Check this City of Calgary site for a complete list of Festivals and Events.

Calgary is often overlooked because of its ‘cowtown' reputation. I hope I have helped develop a better understanding of the many things this great western city can offer.