Calgary, Canada, was ranked North America’s fifth-best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit. You can understand why this is true by looking at the variety of available facilities. With an Olympic Park, theatres, a zoo, museums, and lots of restaurants on the doorstep, all age groups are well catered for. Whether visiting for a few days or moving to Calgary, you will never be short of great things to do in this incredible city.
Ride the Bobsleigh at the Olympic Park
Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the legacy park now welcomes 1.2 million visitors a year. There is a range of unique activities to try here, such as riding one of the few bobsleigh tracks open to the public. The luge run is also open, along with a zipline, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and ice skating. Even if you don’t participate in one of these experiences, a walk around the Canada Olympic Park and a browse through the Hall of Fame is entertainment enough for many.
Enjoy the Views From the Calgary Tower
Standing 191 metres above downtown Calgary, the views from the top of the tower take in the whole city and the Rocky Mountains beyond. As well as an observation deck, there is a restaurant that slowly revolves and a cocktail lounge. Reaching the downtown area is straightforward from everywhere in the city, thanks to the Calgary transit system, which includes a far-reaching network of trains and buses.
Experience a World-Class Sporting Event
Calgary is home to a top-ranking hockey, football, soccer and lacrosse team. Nothing is as thrilling as watching a live game in a world-class venue, so choose your favourite sport and grab a ticket. The Calgary Flames are the city’s NHL team and they play at the Scotiabank Saddledome, where you can also see the Roughnecks lacrosse team. The Stampeders play football at McMahon Stadium, a field owned by the University of Calgary.
Revisit Canada’s History
At Heritage Park, you can step back in time with a tour of Canada’s largest living museum. A 19th-century village has been replicated with campfires, fur trading posts and an old timber yard. Antique trains, wagons and automobiles are also on display, along with 200 other historical exhibits.
See Canada’s Wild Animals
A visit to Calgary Zoo is great fun for the whole family. The zoo offers the opportunity to see large African and Asian animals up close, such as lions, tigers, giraffes, and gorillas. The fascinating Wild Canada area highlights the country’s most beautiful animals, including polar bears, grizzly bears, moose, wolves and caribou.
Theme Park for the Little Ones
Calaway Park has 32 rides and attractions, mostly suitable for the younger members of your family. Smaller carousels, a live entertainment stage, and a spray-and-play water area provide long hours of fun. One or two thrilling rides are purely for older children and adults, and a campground is adjacent for overnight stays, which is great for a birthday party weekend treat.
Retail Therapy
A shopping trip down 17th Ave offers a mixed bag of stores. From high-street chains to quirky boutiques, every taste is catered for in the downtown area. This neighbourhood is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that are open for lunch, dinner, and late-night meals.
10-Day Festival in July
One of the city’s calendar highlights is the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day event celebrating the country music scene and Western way of life. The list of what happens during the festival is never-ending, with bull riding, barrel racing, wagon racing, and hog tying being just a tiny sample of what to expect. Live music, dancing, eating and drinking continue throughout the event, and you can browse homemade goods and craft stalls galore. Dress for the occasion, or pick up a pair of cowboy boots or a Stetson hat while you’re there.
To Sum Things Up
Calgary offers a wealth of attractions and activities that cater to diverse interests. From exhilarating experiences like riding the bobsleigh at the Olympic Park to enjoying the animals at the zoo, there’s something for everyone. Families with young children can delight in the carousels at Calaway Park, while shoppers can indulge in retail therapy along 17th Ave. With its abundance of attractions, festivals and events, Calgary stands out as a dynamic city with something extraordinary to offer everyone, whether you are visiting for a weekend or moving here for a new start.
