Calgary
Situated on the banks of the bow river and not to far from the Canadian Rockies is the beautiful city of Calgary. Located in Canada Calgary is Alberta’s largest city with a population of over a million people.
Tourism plays a big part in Calgary’s economy with its annually held selection of winter sports that once included the 2007 winter Olympic Games and the mountain resorts of Banff and Canmore play host to big groups of skiing parties.
Calgary is a very dynamic city it offers a mixture of old and new with its traditional roots dating back to the wild west era. Expect to find western looking salon bars, county clubs and old style diners as well as trendy wine bars, cocktail bars and fine dining restaurants, high rise office blocks and penthouse apartments.
The best time of year to visit Calgary is during the spring – Autumn as the temperatures can dip dramatically towards the winter months and snowfall can be fairly severe, ideal however if you are deciding on a skiing holiday where direct flights to Calgary International Airport are available form the UK.
Sightseeing
The best place to begin your sightseeing is the Rocky Mountains. Calgary is ideally situated its literally on its doorstep. Winter sports are a big event since the Winter Olympic Games were held here so there is a chance to either participate in a bit of skiing or view the professionals at work in the downhill, cross country and ski jumping events.
The city has several nice parks one worth a visit is Fish Creek Provincial Park which turns into a beach and BBQ area during the summer months.
Art galleries and museums in the downtown Calgary district display some fine art pieces and old artefacts dating back to the early 1800’s Festival are a main attraction with several being held every year, the most notorious one is known as The Calgary Stampede. This 10 day event includes rodeo, country singing and dancing, chuck wagon races, parade and wild animal show. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting in July its worth a look.
You may also want to view Calgary Tower, take the kids to Calgary zoo or Telus World of Science.
Dining out & Nightlife
Calgary is rapidly growing with its choice of International restaurants and cultural defined districts such as little Italy and Chinatown. Having a traditional western dish or an extravagant five course meal is possible here as Calgary caters for the rich and not so rich.
There are the traditional steak houses where you can sample some locally produced cuisine including deer and elk dishes or head to the many fast food joints and grab a burger.
The downtown district of Calgary is rapidly changing with more and more restaurants and bars opening. A trip round several of them is a must. Music is a big thing in Calgary especially country and western, so if you are a fan you could participate in a bit of karaoke or take part in a line dance. And if sounds like a night from hell then you may want to head to a bar or club.
For the whole family there is a cinema plex, theatre, sports stadium where you could take in a baseball or basketball game and an ice arena for a bit of skating.
