Historic Calgary

Our Local Expert Says:

If you have any interest in Alberta’s past, the Glenbow is the place to come explore it. There is so much to see at the Glenbow that you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Description:

One of Canada's largest museums, the Glenbow is home to more than 1 million artefacts dating back to the first white settlers of the 1800s and the area's First Nations, archives and an art gallery featuring some 28,000 works of art. The people and the history of Canada's west are really brought alive through various mediums that no longer appeal only to museum-lovers. There's also a variety of temporary exhibits on display at any given time - check the website for schedules.

Our Local Expert Says:

The biggest event of the year, the Calgary Stampede is an experience you won’t get anywhere else. One of the largest outdoor shows on earth, book your hotel, flights and event tickets early.

Description:

The Calgary Stampede is definitely the event of the year in Calgary. The city is consumed by Stampede for 10 days, and everywhere you go you'll see people dressed in Western gear. If you are coming to Stampede for the first time, you must see the Rodeo, or the evening show (Chuckwagon races, a musical show and fireworks). You can buy last-minute rush seating, or high-end premium seating to view the events. If you are interested in the nightlife of Stampede, the best place to party is Nashville North, a tent on Stampede grounds with live music. However, line-ups start early and can get very long. Other bars downtown infamous for Stampede parties are Cowboys, Coyotes and Ranchmans, but any bar downtown will do.

Description:

This centre gives visitors a hands-on look at early Calgary life. Fort Calgary lies on 40 acres of riverside park. The interpretive centre reconstructs the original 1875 fort, a facility Mounties built after being dispatched from the settled East to establish law and order among pioneers, and to stop the culturally devastating whiskey trade. Visitors can grab a bite of chow, or indeed a shot of whiskey, at the on-site restaurant.

Our Local Expert Says:

This drive through is rumoured to have the best fast food in town. But be prepared to wait - there's always a line up.

Description:

This unpretentious drive-in restaurant serves up the best in classic American fast food in a vintage 1950s atmosphere. Peters' Drive-In allows you to mix as many flavors of their award-winning milkshakes as you want for your own personal combination, leading to such strange mixes as the chocolate-strawberry-bubble gum shake. It is best to arrive early, as line-ups for the drive-through windows can get long around noon and 6p.

Our Local Expert Says:

COP is a great, affordable way to learn how to ski without having to make a long trip out to the Mountains. There's fun for every level of skier, but you won't find it challenging if you have much experience.

Description:

Canada Olympic Park (aka COP) is a major attraction in Calgary, welcoming over 1 million visitors per year from all over the world. It has Canada's second largest ski school, the only urban half-pipe in North America, as well as a host of other unique athletic activities, such as bobsleigh, cross-country, and mountain biking. This is a great spot to learn, if you're a beginner, especially if you want to take on the Rocky Mountains next! It is also a great place to learn about the history of the 1988 Winter Olympics and other Canadian athletic accomplishments.