This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada.
With a swagger all its own, Calgary has a treasure trove of things to do, places to see and incredible food to eat, all in the shadows of Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains.
Calgary is a very pretty city, with modern buildings sparkling in the sun – it has an average of 2400 hours of sunshine a year – and the Bow River meandering through its heart in a beautiful ribbon of glacial green. It is not just a summer destination, nor is it just winter-focused; it’s a year-round city that will captivate whether you love being inside or out.
In the warmer months, enjoy the outdoors on foot or by bike on the longest urban bikeway and pathway network in North America, with about 1000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails. Go for a float, kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Bow River – making sure you check with locals the best and safest places to do it – or relax on the calmer Elbow River. The banks of the Bow are also home to the beautiful Prince’s Island Park, a local favourite and home to various festivals throughout the year.
Take it to the streets
The best way to explore Calgary is to wander through its eclectic neighbourhoods to get an insider’s view of what makes Calgary such a vibrant place. As you wander, look out for the 1300 pieces of public art throughout the city, including the world’s tallest painted mural. Painted by German artist, Mirko “DAIM” Reisser, it is in the centre of the Beltline district and soars 95 metres. The Beltline is known as the design district and has many art galleries and contemporary showrooms. To refuel, visit Monki – a favourite for breakfast – or check out Re:Grub, which usually has a line out the door for its burgers and milkshakes.
A visit to the top of Calgary Tower downtown is a must with its incredible vista over the city, the prairies and to the Rocky Mountains from its observation deck. Step out onto the glass floor and take a look down at the city streets, 191m below. While downtown, watch the buskers and street performers in Stephen Avenue’s pedestrian mall, and take your pick of the culinary offerings from food trucks to craft breweries, distilleries and fine dining. You can’t go past Saltlik for a classic Alberta steak.
There are more excellent options for a drink or a meal in historic Inglewood, Calgary’s original main street. It is a lively mix of shops, restaurants and live music venues along the Music Mile. Try out High Line Brewing, Cold Garden or Deane House or Ironwood Stage & Grill, and make sure you try a Caesar Cocktail – Canada’s national cocktail. It was first created in Calgary, so there’s no better place to have one.
Music lovers will want to head to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. The building itself is worth the visit with its stunning architecture, and inside, discover five floors of music exhibitions, live music, recording studios, a live music space and interactive activities. The incredible collection includes the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio – the first of its kind in the world – and one of the only Kimball organs on the planet. It is located in the East Village, which is a former industrial area being transformed into a modern, inviting area.
Saddle up
Any visit to Calgary should include a visit to Smithbilt Hats, who created the official White Cowboy Hat of Calgary. The company has been part of Calgary’s DNA since 1919, and the special white hat has been presented to dignitaries as the city’s symbol of hospitality for decades. It is the ultimate souvenir of a stay in Calgary.
Calgary is the final destination on Adventure World’s ‘Road Trip to The Rockies’ itinerary, a 10-day, nine-night adventure from Vancouver. Once in Calgary, you’ll have time to venture out and explore, discovering this epic city for yourself.
This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada.
