Calgary Attractions and Events

Calgary is the sixth largest city in Canada, and is much more than just a beautiful city. Calgary is located in southern Alberta, below the Bow River and about 136 miles north of the United States border.

Calgary Attractions

There are many things to do in Calgary, making it a top tourist attraction and favorite of the locals. A sixty-acre theme park is centered on a reconstructed frontier village, and shows life in the Canadian West as it took place before 1914. Heritage Park is a great place to learn about the myths and facts of the "Wild West".

The most popular attraction of Calgary is the Calgary Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located on St. George's Island. The zoo was founded in 1920, and in addition to being Canada's largest zoo (and also having the reputation of one of North America's best zoos), the zoo entertains some 850,000 guests annually. There are over 1200 animals, and over 400 species living and on display at the zoo. One of the favorite features of the zoo is that it works hard to ensure the animals are living and shown in habitats as close to their natural habitats as possible. For instance, polar bears and sea creatures are viewed through underwater glass; and nocturnal animals are viewed in darkened rooms for their comfort. Also found at the zoo is a unique Australian section, greenhouses for tropical birds, and a number of outdoor areas for gorillas, tigers, and giraffes, among others.

Calgary Rodeo

Each year, The Calgary Stampede attracts over a quarter of a million visitors and participants for a period of ten days in July. One of the world's largest rodeo's, the event is a gift to the tourist industry as well as one of the largest outdoor shows on earth.

Outdoor Life In Calgary

Regardless of the season you choose to make a visit to Calgary, there are numerous outdoor activities you can take part in and enjoy. Everything from dog sledding to snowboarding, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking or hiking, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, canyon ice walking, snowshoeing and more.

The University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a diverse and comprehensive research univerisity. If you are looking for a college that allows you to enjoy a love for the outdoors, then the University of Calgary is a great option. They have many programs for the general public as well as their students.

They have an outdoor center with equipment rental for non-mechanized outdoor activities. With over 10,000 rental items, you can ensure you always have something available! Whether you attend the college as a student or just go as a visitor, there are outdoor instructional programs and tours available.

The University has an indoor climbing wall with open recreation time, as well as courses available to help people learn how to climb.

In the spring, summer and fall, you can rent camping equipment, canoes, bicycles, climbing equipment, fishing equipment, outdoor clothing, skiing and water sports gear, and kayaks. During the winter, you can still enjoy the outdoors by renting cross country or downhill skiis, snowboard equipment, snowshoes or winter clothing.