Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, it has a population of a little over 1,000,000 people. It is also the fifth largest metropolitan area in Canada, the city’s economy is mostly centered around Petroleum and Agriculture. Calgary was the first Canadian City to host the Winter Olympics Game in 1988, and was ranked the world’s cleanest city in 2007 by Forbes magazine, and the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked it the fifth best place in the world to live. Tourism is also a major part of Calgary’s economy, it generates over $1 billion annually for the city. Calgary is the third most diverse city in Canada, behind Toronto and Vancouver. Immigrants make up 28% of the population, 20% of which are Asian, 3% Black, 2% Latin Americans, and 2% Arab. The drinking age in Canada is set by the individual territories and provinces, in Calgary the drinking age is 18, but minors are allowed to drink if there is a parent present.
Major Attractions
There are plenty of attractions and sight to see when visiting Calgary, some of the best places to go are:
If you visit during the summer, be sure to take in the action at the Calgary Stampede and Stampede park, it is a great environment for some family fun. The festival features rodeos, and everything that comes with the wild west. When the rodeo festival passes, the park still hosts horse shows and the admission is free.
Stampede park
The Canada Olympic Park that was used to host the 1988 Winter Olympic games is still being used by young athletes to train, you can stop by and get lessons on how to ski, or you can try your hand at other Olympic sports like the bobsleigh and luge. If you just want to learn more about the Olympic games you can visit the Olympic Hall Of Fame and Museum which has the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from the games including the Olympic torch.
Prince’s Island Park
If you are looking to have a nice peaceful day, visit Prince’s Island Park. It is a great place to take a walk, ride your bicycle, or enjoy a nice picnic while taking in the beautiful view, they also have festivals there for people that enjoy cultural displays.
Callaway Park
Callaway Park is the largest amusement center in Western Canada, it is another great place for the entire family to enjoy themselves and go on some fun, exhilarating rides. They also have fun performances by stilt walkers, jugglers, and clowns.
Glenbow Museum
For the people that appreciate art, the Glenbow Museum is one of the finest museums in Canada. The exhibits there focus on the history and culture of Western Canada, with interactive displays of the First Nations tribes to the military exhibits. They also display art from all over the world.
If you are still in the mood for sightseeing, you should visit the Calgary Tower, it stands at 626 feet high and was once the tallest building in Calgary. Located in the middle of downtown Calgary, you won’t find a better place to get a view of the city.
Where to Eat
Ox and Angela
Is one of the best places to get some South American food, the atmosphere and service are great and the food is really good and affordable.
The Coup
If you want some vegetarian food, The Coup is a very good choice, they serve great tasting and healthy foods, the staff is very friendly and the price range is very reasonable.
The White Elephant
Some delicious Thai food at a very inexpensive price, with excellent service and a nice atmosphere.
Crave Cookies and Cupcakes
For the desert lovers, Crave Cookies and Cupcakes has very delicious cakes and cookies, it is definitely a must visit, the prices are reasonable and the service is top notch.
Calypso’s Taverna
Great Greek food with a friendly staff and they get your order ready in a timely fashion. The food is well prices and the atmosphere is great.
La Brezza
Some of the best Italian food Calgary has to offer, you need a reservation to eat there but the food and service are excellent in a very cozy atmosphere.
Shopping
For the people that enjoy shopping, Calgary has a lot of places to visit where you can buy anything you need including local souvenirs. Some of the best places to go are:
Market Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Calgary, with plenty of department stores to choose from. CrossIron Mills is the newest mall in Calgary, it has plenty of outlet stores and premium retailers. Willow Park Village has a lot of boutique stores with lots of options from fashion to jewelry. Southcentre Mall has over 185 stores to choose from and a vast array of things to buy. Marda Loop is a village like setting with over 140 stores to pick from. Eau Claire Market is another shopping center with a lot of boutique store where you can find local fashion or designer brands.
Where to Have Fun
If you want to blow off some steam at night, Calgary has an active nightlife and a lot of places to go for fun. Some of the places to visit are:
If you are in the mood to dance, you should visit the Hifi Club, they have local DJ’s spinning funk, techno, and house music and have live bands on the weekends.
Cowboys Nightclub is a tourist favorite, it is one of the most famous clubs in Canada and you are guaranteed to have a great time.
Roadhouse nightclub is a huge venue that has five bars, with house DJ’s spinning top 40 music and alternative dance music. This is a favorite of the college crowd.
Vinyl Retro Dance Lounge is for people who love to dance and enjoy music from the 1970s and 1980s, it is a blast from the past that even comes with disco balls.
For the Polynesian atmosphere, head on to the Bamboo Tiki Room, they have local DJ’s to satisfy your musical needs.
The Mercury Bar is for the stylish and sophisticated people, they play Jazz and Old school hip hop The atmosphere has a grown and sexy feel to it.
How to Get Around
Calgary has an efficient public transportation system that consists of buses and the subway system which will get you anywhere you want to go, you can also get a taxi cab if you want some privacy.
