The ten-day Calgary Stampede is the highlight of Calgary's summer, cementing the Alberta city's reputation as a "cowboy town". This famous rodeo, held in July, includes all kinds of cowboy-style entertainment and pancake breakfasts. The population dresses accordingly, and blue jeans and brightly colored Stetsons become the order of the day. Events include rodeo competitions, neck-breaking chuck wagon races, an authentic First Nations village, as well as agricultural shows.
The luxuriously appointed, privately owned "Rocky Mountaineer" runs between Calgary (or Jasper) and Vancouver, cutting westward on the historic Canadian Pacific line through the soaring mountain wall of the Rockies. At Canmore, providing the weather is good, there is a fine view of the snow-capped "Three Sisters." Soon afterwards, the popular winter resort of Banff is reached. Other highlights on this mountainous section (where peaks top 3,600 meters) include Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass, and Rogers Pass.
Founded in 1912, the Calgary Zoo sits on St. George's Island in the Bow River. The zoo is home to many examples of rare and threatened species of animals, as well as botanical gardens. Spring is always a fun time at the zoo with the arrival of newborn animals.
Heritage Park in Calgary is a typical village from the pioneering period, with dozens of reconstructed historical buildings and lively costumed interpreters from four different time periods - ranging from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square. An old steam engine provides transport at the park, and the Gasoline Alley museum offers a hands-on, interactive experience with one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles. The village is located near Glenmore Reservoir, which is popular with sailing, canoeing, and rowing enthusiasts.
In the foothills of the mountains to the west of the city, rise the strange-looking towers of Calgary Olympic Park. In 1988, this was the primary site for the XV Olympic Winter Games. Today, the hill is still open to skiing and snowboarding, and there are opportunities to bob sled, zip-line, toboggan, and mountain bike. Guided Ski Jump Tower Tours give a panoramic view of the Calgary skyline from the top of the ski-jump slope. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is located in the park as well.
At the top of the Calgary Tower, a viewing platform and revolving restaurant put sightseers 191 meters high in one of the city's landmark buildings. Until 1984, the tower was the tallest in the city. Though it no longer holds that title, there are still excellent views out over the city and beyond to the mountains. It is particularly beautiful at sunset or dusk. In 1988, the tower's giant torch bore witness to the spirit of the Olympics.
Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary's far south is a huge green space where walking trails lead through forest areas and along the creek. Fish Creek Park is a natural area, and perfect for people looking for a taste of nature. There are also a number of heritage buildings within the park.
The Aero Space Museum focuses on the history of Canadian aviation and Western Canada in particular. Canadian pilots who fought in WWII started the museum, which has grown to exhibit a variety of aircraft, simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history. The museum is located in a large building near the Calgary Airport.
The first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary was set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The foundations of the original fort can still be seen, and the Calgary Fort Museum helps interpret the founding of the city. On the other side of the bridge stands Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant. Also on site is a gift shop, which sells souvenirs and RCMP collectibles.
This collection of Canadian Forces museums explores the history of Canada's navy, army, and air force. Exhibits emphasize interactive experiences, whether it's walking through WWI trenches or steering from a wheelhouse. A variety of military vehicles are on-site, including several tanks.
A world-renowned equestrian facility, Spruce Meadows welcomes visitors throughout the year to tour the stables, watch show jumping champions in training, and stroll the pleasant grounds. Outdoor tournaments take place in the spring, with indoor competitions in other seasons.
On the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, visitors will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the floral paradise of Devonian Gardens. Covering about one hectare, the indoor gardens feature lovely tropical palms, sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a living wall. About 10,000 plants make up the displays, and despite Calgary's cold winters they thrive under a glass ceiling. The Devonian Gardens are free and open for the public to wander.
In Glenbow Museum, visitors can see some rare exhibits illustrating the historical development of western Canada. The museum travels back in time, exploring the lives of early fur-traders and the North West Mounted Police, Métis uprisings under Louis Riel, and the development of the oil industry. This Calgary Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world.
Day 1
Depart for the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy your free time in Banff Town. Meet our guide at hotel lobby around 5pm and learn about the itinerary. Stay overnight in this prestigious town.
