| |
Guide to Calgary, Canada
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Calgary
|
CalgaryCalgary
Calgary, a city of great architecture (modern and historic), a wonderful shopping center, landmarks that both stand out and fit into the landscape; it is a haven for traditions and advancement. From its historic Stephen Avenue to the Calgary Tower, Calgary is a great destination for anyone who likes a little of everything, or a lot for that matter!
When to go:
Calgary is a lovely destination year round, its location allows moderate temperatures in the summer, and in winter, theres lots of snowfall, blanketing the city in a beautiful white. If you wish to catch the Calgary Stampede, make your plans for the month of July.
Getting there and around:
Youll arrive at Calgary International Airport. It is quite close to the heart of the city, which means your transportation options are numerous from the get-go. You have buses, trains, cabs, rental cards, and a few others readily available. And walking is also always an option. Calgarys urban pathway network is said to be the best and most extensive in North America, so its definitely a sensible way to get around.
Since Calgary is somewhat of a large city, and the sites you may want to visit are not all confined in a particular area, walking is now the best choice in many circumstances. Your best alternatives are either the bus or a taxi. Though taxis are expensive, they do allow you to go to specific destinations with no hassle whatsoever. We would suggest renting a car, but traffic can be annoying, and thats just a hassle no traveler really wants to deal with.
When to go:
A great place to begin your exploration of Calgary is Stephen Avenue. Along this National Historic District are numerous original, reconstructed and/or renovated buildings from the colonial era, when the city was first established. City Hall is in the area as well, located on the corner of Macleod Trail and Seventh Ave. It is constructed of solid sandstone, and was first opened in 1911, and since has received somewhat of an upgrade. With exterior enhancements as well as a complete overhaul of the interior, it is outfitted for todays world, but keeps nuances which commemorate its past and the past of the city.
Another beautiful site to visit, one that is visible from nearly all parts of the city, is Calgary Tower. With such a unique and modern structural design, you may be surprised to find that it is over 36 years old. Opened in 1968, Calgary Tower is the citys great marvel, and its most famous one too. The Tower has been used for many difference occasions and events. During the 1988 Olympic Games, which Calgary hosted of course, the Olympic Torch stood atop the tower, allowing all in the city, and even some from afar to see the burning flame (Calgary Tower still stands as the largest Olympic Torch in history). The torch atop the Tower is still used occasionally, for Canada Day, or for when the citys hockey team, the Calgary Flames, is competing for the Stanley Cup. The Towers observation deck is 160 meters above the ground, and you can see (on a good day) all the way to the Rocky Mountains.
Calgarys Glenbow Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon, or even the whole day! With displays of items from throughout Calgarys history, Glenbow holds an all-encompassing view of Calgary, from its birth to the present-day. The items are so numerous its difficult to see them all in one visit, but give it a shot, its definitely worth it. Glenbow is said to be the largest museum in Western Canada, and houses, in addition to the museum, an art gallery, library, and archives. The art gallery is a superb place to visit as well.
Calgary Zoo is a fantastic place to spend the day too. With 230 species of mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, fish, and amphibians, 100+ species of plants, and life-sized dinosaurs, the whole family will surely enjoy the spectacles Calgary Zoo has to offer. The wonderful Dorothy Harvie Garden is on the premises as well.
Calgarys Eau Claire Market is where youll find everything you could possibly need and/or want. People from all over the city come here to shop, eat, and do whatever else they wish to do, all in the confines of a marketplace of course.
|
|
|
