With its cowboy carnivals and cosmopolitan culture, Calgary has secured a top spot among Canada’s must-visit cities. A surge of new bars and restaurants, plus a flourishing arts scene, has transformed this once soulless financial hub into a mecca for millenials and savvy travellers. Of course, the honky-tonks, museums, galleries and other attractions remain big crowd-drawers, but dig a little deeper beneath the surface and you’ll be surprised with what Calgary has to offer. Think trendy neighbourhoods lined with artisan bakeries, boutique shops and chic cocktail bars.
The city’s biggest claim to fame (aside from hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics) is the Calgary Stampede. Every July, this legendary party sees more than one million Stetson-wearing residents and visitors flock to Stampede Park for 10 days of rodeos, carnival games, parades, concerts and agriculture competitions. This spectacular event has become a fundamental part of Calgary’s identity - it didn’t earn the nicknames ‘Stampede City’ and ‘Cowtown’ for nothing.
The rest of the year, the city maintains an energetic buzz with plenty to see and do. When it comes to sightseeing, the best way to get around is on foot. Tick-off big-name attractions such as Glenbow Museum and Calgary Tower, before exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods to sample the café culture and soak up the Bohemian vibes. In the midst of the urban sprawl, you’ll come across some lovely parks and riverside walks - the perfect excuse to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours.
Calgary is also a gateway to some of Canada’s most breathtaking national parks. Banff and Jasper National Parks, framed by the famous Rocky Mountains, are natural playgrounds for hiking, biking and climbing. If you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, you can’t get much better than these wild and beautiful landscapes.
So whether you’ve come to experience the cowboy way of life, soak up the unique culture or get your adrenaline-pumping in the nearby national parks, Calgary won’t leave you wanting for much.