House of travel Canada & Alaska Brochure 2017 | Page 18

Calgary
Our favourite things to see and do
A perfect day in Calgary
Calgary Stampede – Taking place in July, this is one of the world’s greatest
rodeos. It attracts top cowboys to test their skills on bucking broncos and
fiesty bulls.
C
algary, where the Canadian prairies collide with the Rocky Mountains,
is Canada’s oil town. With its fortunes tied to energy prices it’s either
boom or bust here; a whiff of the Wild West still wafts around its glitzy
shopping malls and skyscrapers. Calgary was established in the 19 th
century as a headquarters for the Mounted Police, but it was also a
railway town and fur trading post. Calgary Downtown Walking Tour – Explore downtown Calgary by foot,
seeing where the locals go to shop and eat, plus you’ll learn about the history
of the city along the way.
Enjoy breakfast at one of the many restaurants and cafés on Stephen
Avenue Walk before checking out one of the art galleries or boutiques
along this daytime pedestrian mall. A popular gathering place for the
locals is nearby Olympic Plaza where in warmer weather you’ll find a
wading pool and in the cooler months, ice skating. Reader Rock Garden – A haven for nature lovers, this garden, named for
William Reader, has been restored to the original plans. Reader designed and
built the garden himself, proving that plants (over 4000 varieties) from all
over the world could grow in Calgary’s climate.
It’s easy to lose track of time at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s
largest living history museum, just a short drive from Calgary downtown.
You can wander through the village and see how people lived in the mid
1800s to the mid 1900s, ride the steam train, climb aboard the S.S. Moyie
paddle wheeler, savour baked treats from the Alberta Bakery or enjoy a
horse-drawn wagon ride.
What day would be complete without shopping? Head to the Calgary
Eaton Centre or Scotia Centre where you’ll find a mix of designer fashion
and popular brand names.
Head up the Calgary Tower to rest your feet and feast your eyes with
views over the city and Rocky Mountains. If you’re feeling brave, you can
step out into space, on the glass floor of the observation deck. Stay for
dinner at the revolving restaurant and dine on the local Alberta beef.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Fort Calgary – The exhibits at Fort Calgary tell the story of the arrival of the
Northwest Mounted Police, the b