Sights in Calgary
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Heritage Park Historical Village
Want to see what Calgary used to look like? Head down to the Heritage Park Historical Village and step right into the past. With a policy that all buildings within the village be from 1915 or earlier, it really is the opposite of modern Calgary. There are 26 acres of re-created town to explore, with a fort, grain mill, church, school and lots more.
You can ride on the steam train, catch a trolley and even go for a spin on the SS Moyie, the resident sternwheeler, as it churns around the Glenmore Reservoir. Heritage Park has always been a big hit with the kiddies and is a great place to soak up western culture. At the time of research major expansion was underway, so expect…
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Fish Creek Provincial Park
Cradling the southwest edge of Calgary, the huge Fish Creek Provincial Park is a sanctuary of wilderness hidden within the city limits. Countless trails intertwine to form a labyrinth, to the delight of walkers, mountain bikers and the many animals who call the park home. There was severe flooding in the park a few years ago, washing away many bridges and, in many cases, severely impacting the landscape.
The park is slowly returning back to normal with the assistance of the city and Mother Nature. There are numerous access points to the park, which stretches 20km between 37th St in the west and Bow River in the east. From downtown, take bus 3 via Elbow Dr.
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Calgary Zoo
More than 900 animals from around the world, many in enclosures simulating their natural habitats, make the Calgary Zoo one of Calgary's most popular attractions. Besides the animals, the zoo has a Botanical Garden with changing garden displays, a tropical rainforest, a good butterfly enclosure and the 6½-hectare Prehistoric Park, featuring fossil displays and life-sized dinosaur replicas in natural settings.
Picnic areas dot the zoo and a café is on site. During winter, when neither you nor the animals will care to linger outdoors, the admission price is reduced. To get here, take the C-Train east to the Zoo stop.
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Glenbow Museum
In the heart of Downtown, have a look for the stunning Glenbow Museum. The Glenbow is a world-renowned museum that traces the recent and not so recent history of Calgary and Alberta. Contemporary art exhibitions and stunning artifacts, dating back centuries, fill its halls and galleries. With an extensive permanent collection and an ever-changing array of traveling exhibitions, there is always something for the history buff, art lover and pop culture fanatic alike.
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Calgary Tower
This 1968 Calgary Tower is an iconic feature of the Calgary skyline. There is little doubt that the aesthetics of this once-proud concrete structure have passed into the realm of kitsch, but, love it or hate it, the slightly phallic 191m structure is a fixture of the downtown area. The views from the top are fantastic and there is even a revolving restaurant so you won't miss a thing. Back in '88, the Olympic flame burned brightly on top of the tower.
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Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Inside the impressive Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, built by skilled Chinese artisans in 1993, you'll find a magnificent 21m-high dome ornately painted with 561 dragons and other imagery. Its design was inspired by Beijing's Temple of Heaven. The 2nd and 3rd floors frequently house changing art and cultural exhibitions. Downstairs, the museum holds Chinese art and artifacts, including a collection of replica terracotta soldiers.
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Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Get the flock over here and look out for some foul play at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. With more than 260 bird species calling the sanctuary home, you are assured of meeting some feathered friends. It's a peaceful place with walking paths and benches to observe the residents. There is a small interpretive center to give you some more information about the birds, complete with displays that are popular with the young ones.
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Canada Olympic Park
In 1988 the Winter Olympics came to Canada for the first time. Calgary played host and many of the events were contested at Canada Olympic Park. Located near the western edge of town along Hwy 1, you won't be able to miss the distinctive 70m and 90m ski jumps crowning the skyline. Check out the Olympic Hall of Fame and learn about some great Canadian athletes and the story of the Calgary games.
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Telus World of Science
You'll wish science class was as fun as the Telus World of Science. Kids get a big bang out of this user-friendly and very interactive science center. There is a giant dome, where light shows depicting the cosmos are projected, and a whole raft of other things to discover. Plans are in the works to move on from its current Bow River location, so it's best to phone ahead.
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Fort Calgary
In 1875 Calgary was born at Fort Calgary . If only the NWMP who first called Fort Calgary home could see it now. Luckily their efforts have been restored so we can see what their life was like. There are preserved buildings to walk through, the chance to dress up like a Mountie and even a jail to get locked up in.
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Museum of the Regiments
Those with an interest in the military will enjoy the Museum of the Regiments, a very thorough overview of Calgary's military background and its role in Canadian conflicts over the years. Follow Crowchild Trail to Flanders Ave - about 3km south of Downtown.
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Saddledome
Archrival of the Edmonton Oilers, the Calgary Flames play ice hockey from October to April at the Saddledome. Make sure you wear red to the game and head down to 17th Ave afterwards, or the 'Red Mile' as they call it during playoff time.
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Tsuu T'ina Culture Museum
To learn the history of Calgary's first inhabitants, the Tsuu T'ina (Sarcee) people, check out the Tsuu T'ina Culture Museum. Take MacLeod Trail South to Andreson RD, turn west and follow for 5km to the museum.
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Art Gallery of Calgary
For stunning contemporary artwork, stop in at the Art Gallery of Calgary. What it lacks in floor space, it more than makes up for with the standard of work on display.
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