Posted on January 18, 2013 by sguese

 

Calgary’s roots have long been with ranchers and Wild West atmosphere. Set up on the edge of the foothills in Alberta, Calgary has turned its ranching state into one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. When the oil industry boomed here, so came the people, Calgary seems to say. However the Canadian Rockies tell a different story. They have been here longer than you, after all.

Attend the Calgary Stampede: If you are going to come to Calgary any time of the year, make it mid-July when the Calgary Stampede gets underway. Considered one of the greatest rodeos on earth, the stampede consists of a rip-roaring parade of covered wagons, broncos and ranch hands. Around a million tourists show up for the event. Travelers won’t want to miss the annual carnival of steer driving and the livestock wrestling.

 

See What Calgary Used to Look Like at the Heritage Park Historical Village: For those who would like to step back in time, the Heritage Park Historical Village provides a window into Calgary back in the day. Complete with steam engines and horse drawn carriages, visitors can explore 26 acres of recreated town. The village boasts a fort, grain mill, church and school, right on the banks of the man-made Glenmore Reservoir. The Heritage Park Historical Village remains the largest of its kind in Canada.

 

Pass the day in Eau Claire Market and Prince’s Island Park: For a bit of wandering, travelers can roam this carefree pedestrian zone just north of downtown. Set up on the banks of the Bow River, the Eau Claire Market links up with Prince’s Island Park. The park lines with paths, cottonwood trees and those Canadian geese. You come here to eat, drink, shop or just to wander.

 

Be a winner at the Canada Olympic Park: Olympics fanatics, won’t want to miss a visit to the Canada Olympic Park, a lasting memento of Calgary’s role as a host to the 1988 Winter Games. You can spot the ski jumps, luge and bobsledding sites. The park also features a Hall of Fame, home to the world’s largest collection of Olympic artifacts.

 

Learn about Western Canada at the Glenbow Museum: Calgary is also proud to be the home of one of Canada’s finest museums. The Glenbow Museum offers up a detailed look at the history and culture of Western Canada. The displays can be more poignant, touching on the evocation of Native cultures. Then again, they can also be more ridiculous, as is the case with the display of early washing machines.