Calgary Attractions

Bow Habitat Station is located on the banks of the Bow River. As Alberta's first eco-park, the habitat station includes the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland.

The fish hatchery raises 3 million trout each year to be used in stocking public bodies of water. The interpretive wetland serves as an outdoor classroom for schools, individuals and families.

Calgary's C Train is the city's Light Rail Transit System and one of the best ways to get around the city center. This above ground train system provides access to a number of important venues but is still limited in its scope, with only two lines. For travel on 7th Avenue there is no better option than the C Train, which also services the Stampede Grounds. Tickets must be bought in advance of boarding the train.

The historical old sandstone town hall built in 1911 had become too small, so in 1986 a triangular and highly modern office complex was built; its glass front is visible from a long way off. The City Council meets here.

The old sandstone Town Hall still houses the mayor's office and has been declared a historic landmark. It was designed by W. Dodd in a Richardson Romanesque style. At the time it was built it was considered one of the most modern city halls in Canada.

On the third floor (4th level) of Toronto Dominion Square at 2nd/3rd St. the visitor will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the Devonian Gardens, a floral paradise covering about one hectare/two and a half acres with ponds, fountains and a small waterfall. 20,000 tropical, sub-tropical and native plants thrive here under glass.

The Devonian Gardens are open for the public to wander through and are also sometimes used to host private events.

This "indoor park" also features art work, sculptures and changing exhibits.

The Calgary International Airport is located 17 km (10.5 miles) north east of the city center. It services national and international flights and is one of Canada's key hubs. The visitor information booth is located on the first level of the airport and can provide information on the city and events happening in Calgary.

ATTRACTION PERMANENTLY CLOSED

The little museum in the main office buildings of the West Canadian Gas Company illustrates the development of the gas industry from July 17th 1912, when Calgary was first provided with natural gas.

The Eau Claire Market, located on the river in the downtown area of Calgary, features shopping, dining, and crafts. There are walking trails along the river in front of the market as well as a recreational area for young people, and the adjoining Prince's Island Park. In summer this is a particular popular area with some of the restaurants offering outdoor dining.

The Eau Claire Market offers a variety of unique stores not found in other malls throughout Calgary.

Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary's far south is a huge green space. Walking trails lead through forest areas and along fish creek that runs through the park. Fish Creek Park is a natural area, and perfect for people looking for a taste of nature.

Glenmore Reservoir in the south-west of the city is very popular with water-sports enthusiasts, who can sail, canoe and row here.

Around the Glenmore Reservoir are a number of parks and natural areas with walking and biking trails. The parks are very popular in the summer and offer some scenic views beyond the lake to the mountains.

The Museum of the Regiments in Calgary has a mission: To Preserve, To Remember, and To Educate and in that mission they have been very successful. The Museum of the Regiments is fascinating attraction with a multitude of interesting exhibits on the history of the military in Canada. In front of the Museum of the Regiments are a variety of military vehicles including several tanks. Inside the museum there are 6 major exhibits titled: Behind the Scenes, Alberta Gallery, Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia's, King's Own, Lord Strathcona's, and the Imperial Oil Gallery. Regular exhibits rotate through the Calgary Museum of the Regiments ranging and the website provides regular updates.

In front of the City Hall lies the Olympic Plaza, where medal award ceremonies were held every evening during the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is now a popular meeting-place in summer, and various events, such as open-air concerts, cabarets, firework displays and laser shows, are held here.

In winter Olympic Plaza is open to the public for ice skating. The plaza can be found at the corner of McLeod Trail and 7th Avenue.

A footbridge leads to Palliser Square. At the foot of the lofty Calgary Tower lies Calgary's main railway station.

Palliser Square has seen more development in recent years with new towers and business space.

South-west of Glenmore Reservoir lies the reservation of the Sarcee (Sarsi) Indians, a tribe which once was linked with the Blackfeet Indians, and now forms part of the Athabask tribe. In 1983, to mark the occasion of the century of its written history, the tribe furnished the Sarcee / Tsuu T'ina People's Museum.

On display at the Sarcee / Tsuu T'ina People's Museum are native costumes (headress) and a replica of a teepee dating, along with other cultural artifacts.

Shakers Fun Center is a large amusement park with all kinds of activities for kids and families. Some of the options available include laser tag, wall climbing, and indoor playground. In summer there is also mini golf, go karts, and a "water wars" area. Also popular is a games room with all kinds of games that allow you to win prizes.

SpacePort is located at the Calgary International Airport. There are four flight simulators, a time machine and a virtual tour of the International Space Station. Hands-on exhibits and displays allow visitors to learn more about the Canadian Space Agency, communication technology, and flight simulation.

This is a fun outing for families, with many educational opportunities for children.

Stephen Avenue, Calgary's main shopping street, is a pedestrian zone between 1st. St. S. E. and 4th St. S. W. Here still stand a large number of old buildings built in a variety of styles from local sandstone. In the former Imperial Bank of Canada at 102-8th Ave. the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation has its headquarters; this foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and monuments of the province of Alberta.

Stephen Avenue is a nice place to spend a few hours shopping or have lunch.

In theTELUS World of Science, previously known as the Alberta Science Centre, there is the opportunity to enjoy a "hands-on" experience of the natural sciences. There are numerous themes of popular interest with which the visitor can himself experiment.

Telus World of Science features unique temporary exhibits as well as the Creative Kids Museum. Visitors can buy tickets to either exhibit.

The New Gallery is an artist-run centre showcasing the works of new artists. The center allows emerging artists a venue to display their works. There are regularly changing exhibits involving a variety of media.

The New Gallery offers viewers a great opportunity to see what really is new.

On the campus of the University of Calgary in the west of the city is the Olympic Oval, the first covered 400 m speed-skating rink to be built in North America.

It was constructed for the 1988 Olympic Games held in Calgary. The Olympic Oval is still an important venue for athletes training and is used to hold competitions. It is used not only for skating but also for cycling and running. The facility is also open at specific times to the public for skating or running.

Located in downtown Calgary the Vertigo Theatre, in the Vertigo Theatre Centre is an important arts centre in the city. Two main auditoriums, The Playhouse and the Studio, host a variety of productions. The Vertigo Mystery Theatre presents mystery style performances and the Y Stage offers productions targeted and younger audiences. The Vertigo Theatre also offers workshops and has a gallery space for visual arts.

The facility is available to the public for rental space.