Chances are you’ll find yourself in Calgary for work at one point or another; this powerhouse of a city is built on an unwavering appetite for business. Among Canada’s 800 largest corporations, Calgary holds the second-most corporate head offices and shows no signs of slowing down. Don’t be fooled by their commercial finesse though – these confident Canadians have more than just office suites to keep you entertained. With a rich history, gorgeous mountains, and an endless list of exciting events, this city is high-class in both business and amusement.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Tired of the glass encasings of museums? Canada’s largest living history museum is sure to transport you back in time with their interactive exhibits that showcase the country’s Western history. The first area, open year-round, is the Heritage Town Square which has shops and an antique portrait studio, as well as one of the world’s largest public collections of antique automobiles in their Gasoline Alley Museum. Other main areas, which are only open from May – October, are the 1900s Living Historical Village, the 1800s Pre-Railway Settlement, and the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment. All areas are enhanced by the appropriately costumed interpreters, historical architecture, and numerous working antiques available at your disposal.
Calgary Stampede
Aptly touted as “the greatest outdoor show on Earth”, the annual Calgary Stampede is the city’s most popular tourist attraction, being over a century old. Check out this real life rodeo, featuring bareback, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc, and tie-down roping events. The adrenaline rush doesn’t end there though, as the evening brings even more entertainment. Check out the GMC Rangeland Derby, where you’ll see the world’s premier chuckwagon race, and finish off with energetic musical performances in the Transalta Grandstand Show. Don’t forget your cowboy hat!
Calgary Zoo
With around a thousand animals from around the world, the Calgary Zoo is the perfect place to spend a day leisurely filled with wonder and curiosity. Most of the enclosures are designed and acclimatized to simulate the natural habitat of the animals, allowing visitors to experience the inhabitants at their best. See animals such as tigers in Eurasia, hop over to the African exhibit to for giraffes and hippos, and find the grizzly bear in the Canadian Wilds area. After you’ve seen all the animals, the zoo has the Garden Gallery for viewing some gorgeous butterflies, and the Dorothy Harvie Gardens where you can rest and have a picnic (and maybe even spot some peacocks).
Calgary Tower
At 191m over Calgary’s downtown core and 1228m above sea level, this observation tower offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and the Rocky Mountains in the background. A glass floor offers a heart pumping birds-eye view of the city streets below. Built in 1968, this tower has become a landmark feature of Calgary’s skyline. There’s more than just a view here however, the Calgary Tower has its own revolving restaurant just below the observation deck for a unique dining experience.
WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park
Did you know that Calgary hosted the first Winter Olympics in Canada in 1988? This historical location still features numerous activities for visitors to experience. Go for some skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or try out North America’s fastest zip line here in the summer. If want to feel the thrills of speed and 5G forces, the Winter Bobsleigh Ride is a 60 second experience where a professional driver will take you on a bobsleigh ride at speeds of up to 120km/h!
