OUR Alberta 2018 | Page 34

region |calgary & area A city of Surprises Western hospitality and big-city attractions Thanks to the Calgary Stampede and the year-round western spirit and hospitality, Calgary is synonymous with cowboys and western culture. However, what may surprise many people who haven’t visited yet is that it’s also a cultural hub with offerings far beyond the main 10-day event. The city possesses one of North America’s hottest contemporary dining scenes, a selection of the country’s top urban attractions and large green spaces. While Calgary shows its well-known entrepreneurial spirit in shopping centres and growing boutique enclaves, it also applies this energy and acumen to its arts and cultural ambitions. Outdoor sculptures and art galleries proliferate and the festival season is jam-packed and bulging at the seams with lively celebrations of music, science and cuisine. 34