DOWNTOWN CALGARY
Start with the architectural wonders of downtown Calgary . Grab a panoramic view of the entire city by heading up the iconic Calgary Tower . Rising 626 feet , the concrete and steel structure offers vistas of both gleaming skyscrapers and rugged mountains . Take the free multimedia tour to discover the city ’ s landmarks and general history . Stroll over to the Stephen Avenue Walk , a pedestrian-only lane lined with shops , restaurants and entertainment venues stretching for three blocks . Drop by Lammle ’ s Western Wear to pick up Calgary ’ s signature white cowboy hat to get ready for the Stampede festivities .
Although Calgary Tower is one of the city ’ s most recognizable buildings , The Bow skyscraper soars 774 feet above the skyline and is the second tallest . Named for its crescent-shaped floorplan , The Bow also marks the location of Wonderland , a 39-foot wire sculpture of a girl ’ s head . You can walk right through the head to gain another perspective of downtown or snap a photo in front of it , which makes a popular Instagram post . The bright red Peace Bridge is another landmark . It stretches across the Bow River like a serpentine slinky and is a favorite path for walking or rolling . Head to Prince ’ s Island Park for a green urban space filled with gardens , pathways and hiking trails . Enjoy the beauty of the park at the River Cafe , voted one of the best restaurants in Canada , During the last week of July , experience the al fresco harmonies of the four-day Calgary Folk Music Festival in the park .
With a nickname like Cowtown , a nod to Calgary ’ s cattle ranching frontier history , visiting a steakhouse is a must . There are dozens to choose from but the most legendary are Caesar ’ s Steakhouse , which dishes up the best-aged beef with a secret steak spice recipe and Hy ’ s Steakhouse , which boasts the title of Calgary ’ s longest running restaurant , setting the standard for all the dining establishments that followed .
NATURE ADVENTURES
Dividing the city from north and south , the Bow River is the centerpiece of Calgary ’ s natural resources . Float down the river ’ s gentle blue waves on a raft , paddleboard , or kayak . You can rent your floating device and choose to go solo or have a guide to break down the striking views of the city ’ s skyline . The river is also great for fishing and is reportedly one of the best trout streams in the world . Fishing “ The Bow ” also produces Rocky Mountain Whitefish , pike and cuttlefish . For adrenaline seekers , you can take surfing lessons on the river or just watch locals try out moves under the 10th Street Bridge . Hike over 54 miles of trails at Fish Creek Provincial Park or opt for swimming , canoeing , biking or birding . The park also supplies lots of wildlife , including coyotes , deer , porcupines , bears , moose and cougars .
Meander through living history at Heritage Park Historical Village , which traces Western Canadian history from the 1860s through the 1950s . This expansive park spans 127 acres and showcases over 180 exhibits . Unlike most museums , all the exhibits are interactive , and the park is filled with costumed guides who help tell the history . Highlights include a fur trading post , a First Nations encampment , 50s Gasoline Alley Museum ( vintage 50s sports cars ) and an authentic steam engine train that you can ride . The Midway area of the park features antique rides from the early 20th century , including boat swings , a Ferris wheel , a carousel and horse-drawn wagon rides .
WESTERN AND INDIGENOUS HISTORY
The Blackfoot First Nations people have inhabited the Calgary region for more than 12,000 years . Discover their traditions at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park , which provides a tipi village where visitors can sleep overnight in tipis with wood stoves and fire pits . The museum displays exhibits , a cafeteria with traditional foods and offers tours of the site , which is the location where Treaty No . 7 was signed — an agreement between the Canadian government and several First Nations to cede the land in the area but to keep the rights to hunt on the land . Learn about the culture of buffalo hunting and why the animal was so important to First Nations people at the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site . Hike trails to the clifftop viewpoint and visit the interpretative center with seven levels of exhibits .
Calgary ’ s signature event highlights both indigenous and Western cultures with 10 days of exciting activities . The Calgary Stampede takes place on July 7-16 , 2023 at Stampede Park in downtown Calgary . Put on your white cowboy hat and boots and prepare for non-stop fun . The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is the world ’ s largest outdoor rodeo and it spotlights contestants who compete in barrel racing , steer wrestling , tie-down roping , saddle bronc , bull riding and bareback . The wild west comes to life with Chuckwagon races every night . The Stampede Parade is another highlight , with two hours of floats , horses and marching bands . The Calgary Stampede Pow Wow is the ultimate in showcasing the richness of First Nations culture . For two days , the best First Nations dancers and drummers from across Canada and the U . S . compete for places in the competition . Make your way to the Stampede Elbow River Camp to explore 26 tipis representing the five nations who participated in Treaty 7 . Listen to stories from indigenous families and check out art , jewelry and food from local artisans . Whether you ’ re a fan of the outdoors or a culture lover , Calgary in the summer checks all the boxes for an engaging trip .
GETTING THERE
United Airlines and WestJet offer seasonal nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to Calgary International Airport ( YYC ).
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 42 SUMMER 2023