Bar U Ranch
This is a ranch that speaks volumes about the history of Canada. It's touched the lives of more than a few famous individuals, from royalty to outlaw.
Calgary, Alberta, is a city brimming with possibility for visitors who want to explore and experience the Old West as well as modern attractions. From its numerous museums and tours, to its breathtaking scenery and parks, Calgary has something for everyone.
For visitors who enjoy history, exhibits and collections, Calgary has a multitude of museums and sites. The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada presents a history of Canada's cattle industry, the Old West and cowboys. Heritage Park Historic Village gives visitors a chance to wander a pre-1914 town and experience what life was like a century ago. Heritage Park Village has rides, including a ferris wheel and old-fashioned carousel, artifacts and demonstrations. At Ft. Calgary, the founding site of Calgary in 1875, visitors can try on a Northwest Mounted Police uniform, hear stories and watch volunteers rebuild the Fort using tools and techniques from the 1800s. Other museums include the Glenbow Museum, Western Canada's largest museum featuring exhibits on cultural and military history, mineralogy and ethnology; the Firefighters' Museum with fire engines and other fire fighting equipment from the 1890s to 1973; Calgary Science Center with demonstrations, shows, giant film screens, and hands-on exhibits; and the Art Gallery of Canada, a contemporary public gallery.
Calgary also features numerous attractions and tours. At the Calgary Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Prehistoric Park, visitors can see 1400 animals, wander among life-size dinosaur models, and stroll through beautiful plant displays. For breathtaking views of the city from above, the Banff Gondola with its glass-enclosed cars takes riders to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain, and Calgary Tower, with a revolving restaurant at the top, provides a unique setting for a meal in the sky. Calaway Park, six miles west of Calgary, is Western Canada's largest outdoor family amusement park with rides, an RV park and campground, miniature golf, fishing pond, maze, live entertainment and haunted house.
Thrill-seekers and nature lovers will also find exciting opportunities in Calgary. Calgary's city and provincial parks offer pathways for cycling, walking, running and skating, green space for games, as well as opportunities to camp, canoe, cross country ski or attend festivals. The Bow River is the perfect site for white water rafting and fly fishing. Horseback rides can also be enjoyed on scenic trails across the scenic landscape. The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are outdoor mineral pools that offer day spa services, hiking trails, camping and the chance to sit, soak and soothe sore muscles in naturally-warmed spring water.
Visitors also come to Calgary to watch and participate in sporting events. Calgary is home to four professional sports clubs: Flames Hockey, Roughnecks Lacrosse, Stampeders Football and Cannons Baseball. For those who want to play sports, Calgary has over 40 golf courses, the largest skate park in North America (Shaw Millennium Park) and Tipi camping at Clearwater Tipi Park. To learn about the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, visitors can tour Olympic Park for a look at Canada's only luge and bobsleigh track or a enjoy trip to the top of the Olympic ski jump platform.
Downtown Calgary is also full of surprises and fun. Visit Chinatown for a peek into Chinese culture, or enjoy shopping at the Eau Claire Festival Market, featuring food, entertainment and specialty shops. If you want to be close to the action of the city, stay at the Best Western Suites Downtown, in the heart of Calgary.
Speaking of action, the Calgary Stampede is an annual city-wide celebration that is full of action. For 10 days in July, Calgary becomes a mecca for those who love the cowboy life and all the fun that comes with celebrating Calgary's cattle-ranching roots. During the Stampede, Calgary natives and visitors alike don their cowboy boots and hats to enjoy a first-class rodeo, concerts, a blacksmith competition and chuckwagon races. The Calgary Stampede also features a Midway with rides, a haunted house, special foods and games of chance. It is truly the place to be in July!
Calgary has something for everyone, from history to sports to nature. Combined with the local first-class cuisine and lodging, the adventures and attractions awaiting visitors in Calgary are sure to make for an unforgettable trip, no matter what time of year, or how long the stay.
