Calgary Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Calgary

The gleaming city of Calgary, no longer just a prairie cow town rises up over the flat farmland of south-central Alberta. To the west, just in view, are the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and the grassy farmlands of the prairies spread out east for over 1,500 kilometres.

With almost a million people now living in the metropolitan area, Calgary has made a firm place for itself in Canada's economy. Calgary is home to hundreds of oil companies, the Calgary Stampede (one of Canada's biggest annual events) and is still the national centre for cattle trade.

Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains are only 120km away and with the wide selection of visitor attractions, events and year-round activities within the city, Calgary is a popular tourist destination amongst Canadians and also attracts tourists from around the world.

Locality:

Calgary is located in the S region of self-governing province (state) of Alberta in W Canada (80 mls SE of Banff, 116 mls SE of Lake Louise, 8 mls S of international airport). Calgary is spread either side of Bow River and surrounded by an expansive flat prairie. Bounded to the W by the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Calgary Science Centre - Aimed at children, the science centre is packed full of indoor and outdoor, hands on exhibits and activities. The Dome Discovery Theatre is worth visiting and is interesting for all the family.

Calgary Tower - Calgary's symbol of the city and most recognisable structure on the skyline. The Calgary Tower, built in 1968, rises 191m over Centre Street.

Calgary Zoo - Calgary Zoo is one of the largest in Canada. Spread over the whole of St George's Island just east of downtown on the Bow River, the zoo has over 1250 animals. An impressive Botanical Garden and huge Prehistoric Park are also on site.

Chinese Cultural Centre - One of the most impressive buildings in Calgary is also the large and fascinating Chinese Cultural Centre.

Devonian Gardens - These indoor gardens spread through the Toronto Dominion Square (shopping complex) across the 4th and mezzanine floors. With over 1km of paths, fountains, fish ponds, and 20,000 plants the gardens are a popular destination for city workers on lunch.

Fort Calgary Historic Park - Fort Calgary is the original spot of where modern day settlement began.

Heritage Park Historical Village - One of Canada's many living history parks. The park is a recreation of a Canadian town in 3 eras, 1860s, 1880s and 1910.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - At the end of 9th Avenue is a 32 hectare bird sanctuary and interpretive centre. Prince's Island Park - One of the Bow Rivers many islands, Prince's Island is a beautiful park connected to both banks my pedestrian bridges.

Saddledome and Stampede Park - The Saddledome is home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, a real rodeo, which is held annually at the beginning of July. Stampede Park and the Saddledome are home to many events and activities throughout the year including the Grain Academy.

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Population: 32.805.000
Languages: English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other
Currency: Canadian dollar
Currency code: CAD
Local Times:
Canada - Ontario - Toronto

Canada - British Columbia - Vancouver

Canada - Quebec - Montreal

Canada - Alberta - Calgary

Canada - Yukon Territory - Whitehorse

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The second largest country on earth (only the Russian Federation is bigger), it stretches over 3,400 miles from Atlantic to Pacific coast, spans six of the world's 24 time zones and could fit most of Europe within its borders.

Yet 90 per cent of the population lives within 100 miles of the US border, leaving huge tracts of unspoilt wilderness elsewhere.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

From its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts, Canada offers something to suit the taste of every traveller. Canada is bound in the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the polar ice-cap, and in the south by the United States of America.

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Calgary Travel Guide

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