Calgary is a city with countless adventures and experiences to be had. As the fifth largest city in Canada, the area is jam-packed with interesting things to do, whether you’re a local or a tourist on vacation. We’re going to share with you the 8 things that we recommend you do while you’re in Calgary, Canada!
1. Heritage Park
Let’s learn a little bit about Calgary with our first choice, the Heritage Park! This fun living history museum is a great spot for kids and adults. Experience what it was like all the way from to 1860 to 1950 in Calgary. The interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, historic buildings and hundreds of working antiques all add to the unique experience of learning what it was like to live during that era.
Bring your kids along as you walk around the 1860’s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment, learning about how groups of people including First Nations, Métis, explorers, settlers, and traders all gathered in the area to do business and coexist. Or you can walk around with your significant other in the Heritage Town Square, where you can visit the 5 unique shops, café, restaurants, and nature park in the area.
The Heritage Park is only open from May to October, so if you’re planning your trip during those months, you should put aside an afternoon to take a stroll through history!
Heritage Park
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary, AB
Website: Heritage Park
2. Calgary Zoo
Who could ever say no to the zoo? The Calgary Zoo is one of Calgary’s most popular attractions. The zoo is a great spot to visit with your family if you’re looking for a fun day out with the animals. Say hello to the various Canadian natives in the zoo, like the bears, cougars, and wolves, or even animals from the Antarctic environments, like penguins!
In addition to the animal exhibitions, there are a lot of gift shops where you can pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family. You can also go to the Rides & Play Areas to let your kids burn off a little steam while you rest up. The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and it’s open 364 days a year, excluding December 25, Christmas Day.
General admission tickets to the park cost 24.95 CAD (18.50 USD), while Seniors (60+) are 22.95 CAD (17 USD). Children from ages 3 to 15 are 16.95 CAD (12.50 USD), and infants 2 and under can get in for free! If a day out to learn about animals is appealing to you, the Calgary Zoo will give you a run for your money.
Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Website: Calgary Zoo
3. Canada Olympic Park
If you’ve always dreamed of being a big-shot winter sports athlete, Canada Olympic Park is a great spot for you to visit on your next trip to Calgary. Operated by WinSport Calgary, it’s currently being used as a training facility for high-performance athletes and a recreation center for the general public. In the winter, the park provides access to sports like snowboarding, downhill skiing, and tubing. During the summer months, Canada Olympic Park can be used for mountain biking, mini golf, and other summer festivals. They also have a summer challenge course and zip line for you to enjoy.
The park is great for all seasons, whether you’re in the mood for some snow sports or you’d like to spend some time biking on the mountain trails, this center is a great place for a date or for fun with a group of people. Who can say no to mini-golfing with the family?
Canada Olympic Park
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W. Calgary, AB
Website: Canada Olympic Park
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4. Stephen Avenue Walk
Time to shop till you drop at Stephen Avenue Walk! This major pedestrian mall located in downtown Calgary is a great spot to take a stroll with your friends or family. Lined with various restaurants, cafés, pubs and restaurants, you can shop on this street and grab a bite to eat all without missing a step.
Located in a portion of 8 Avenue SW between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE, this street is made for pedestrians! The street is only open to vehicles from 6 pm to 6 am. With such a high concentration of brand-name retail stores, enjoy roaming the streets and trying on great clothes. Make sure you go in the afternoon though! If you go too early in the morning, things might not be open yet!
Stephen Avenue Walk
Address: 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Website: Stephen Avenue Walk
5. Calgary Tower
Afraid of heights? Don’t be! Visit the Calgary Tower, a 626 ft (190 m) free standing observation tower located in Downtown Calgary. Originally dubbed the Husky Tower, the Calgary Tower was built in 1967 and features full 360-degree panoramic views from the restaurant and observation levels. The restaurant has a revolving floor and seating for 200. The first observation deck has a capacity of 250 people, while the second observation deck has a cocktail lounge and a snack bar.
If you’re going to visit the tower, make sure you make your way to the top for a look around. It is definitely worth the trip! Calgary Tower is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day) and is open from 9 am to 9 pm from September to May, and open from 9 am to 10 pm from June to August. It costs around 18 CAD (15 USD) for general customers, and there are different prices for seniors and children.
Calgary Tower
Address: 101 - 9th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Website: Calgary Tower
6. Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
What could be better than to treat yourself to a night of music with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra! Hosting most of their shows at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1955. They perform a variety of shows and sets that include pieces from Bach, Mozart, and more!
If you’ve never heard the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra perform, or any orchestra performs for that matter, you’re in for a treat! Double check to see if your trip aligns with their shows and grab a ticket or two!
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Address: 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Website: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
7. Nose Hill Park
Calgary has a lot of space, but it can still get busy at times. If you want to get away from all that without going too far from the city, visit Nose Hill Park. The third largest urban park in Canada and one of the largest urban parks in North America, this natural environment park is a great place to enjoy a bit of nature.
The area consists of 1,129 hectares (2,790 acres) and is open from 5 am to 11 pm. There are numerous hiking trails in the park and a variety of dedicated off-leash areas. There’s also a wide range of plants and wildlife here, such as large mammals like deer and coyotes, which can sometimes be spotted roaming the grasslands. There are also other animals like gophers, harriers and hawks. Without venturing too far away from Calgary, you can roam around this park and enjoy nature at its best.
Nose Hill Park
Address: 5620 14 St. N.W., Calgary, AB
Website: Nose Hill Park
8. Calgary Stampede
For those of you who are in Calgary during the ten-day long celebration that is Calgary Stampede, you’re in luck. This huge gathering and celebration started in 1912 and has continued to be a staple of Calgarian culture. At this event, you can really enjoy the community of Calgary in all its glory.
At the Stampede, you can find a ton of rides and games for you and your family or date to play. There is also different food vendors present at the fair to fill you up as you enjoy the festivities. If you’re looking for a relaxing walk, the Western Oasis is open for a stroll. There’s also a ton of shopping to do on-site, from souvenirs to trinkets and such. Finally, you can also enjoy the Stampede Parade, which is a two-and-a-half mile (4 km) parade for everyone to enjoy.
This year in 2017, the Calgary Stampede is open from July 7th until July 16, so if you’re still planning your trip, maybe consider planning around those days, as it’s a yearly event that is definitely worth visiting.
Calgary Stampede
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB
Website: Calgary Stampede
Calgary discovered
These are just some of the recommendations that we’d suggest you try on your next trip to Calgary. There’s still a ton of other things for you to try in this great city. There’s something for everyone in Calgary, so make sure you consider visiting there at least once in your life!
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