Situated on the Bow River in Alberta province of Canada is the city of Calgary. Known as “Cowtown” by some, it is home to over 1.2 million people and host of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. A youthful and energetic city, it was named the cleanest city in the world by Forbes.com.
It is a city that still maintains a Wild West image and hosts the world’s largest rodeo, concerts. When visiting Calgary one cannot afford to miss the Midway, First Nations exhibits, chuck wagon racing, agricultural competitions, stage shows and a parade that attracts over one million visitors. Calgary is amodern city that has managed to keep the old western spirit alive, it is the one place that is never low on energy.
Calgary is located between the Canadian Rockies foothills and the Canadian prairie and experiences a dry humid continental climate. It haslong, cold, dry winters due to it close proximity to the Alberta Rocky Mountains.
Calgary is well known for its winter sports making winters undoubtedly the best time for you to visit this western paradise. Being the host of the 1988 Winter Olympics Calgary has many high performance training facilities that help any enthusiast enjoy various winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding while ensuring the highest standards of safety are in place.
The Canada Olympic park and the Olympic Oval are two of the most notable training facilities and are definitely worth a visit. Those feeling adventurous can even take advantage of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. People visiting Calgary during the summer months can avail the opportunity to experience the “Old Western” essence of this beautiful city.
You must attend Calgary stampede which Calgary hosts every July. This ten day long rodeo and festival is sure to leave you with amazing memories. Its main events are the parade, exhibition, Rangeland derby and the rodeo. A vibrant parade marks the official start of this festival and invites marching bands, floats and hundreds of horses with entrants from around the world.
A trip to Calgary is incomplete without visiting the Banff National Park which has attractions such as the Upper Hot Springs and a 27-hole golf course. You must also visit theCalgary Zoo which is home to over 1000 animals. People looking for fun and entertainment for the whole family should definitely go toCalaway Park, which is western Canada’s largest amusement park, the Shakers Fun Centre, Butterfield Acres Children Farm and the Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm.
As you walk along the Downtown Calgary streets, you are surrounded by delicious aroma of pancakes, hamburgers and barbeque grill.All around Calgary, there is an exquisite selection of restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an economic meal or planning to splurge on yourself, Calgary will not be a disappointment. The currency of Calgary is the Canadian Dollar.
A place of serenity and beauty, a place that with a fine balance of modern and rustic charms, a place where people are friendly and helpful, Calgary is sure to be a remarkable experience for you, one you cannot possibly regret.
