Calgary Overview

Canada's Calgary is a bustling, young and increasingly cosmopolitan city in Canada's Alberta province. Glistening with skyscrapers and constantly growing, its rapid evolution is driven primarily by Alberta's oil industry. However, its nickname, Cowtown pays home to its original Western culture, which is demonstrated in its huge July rodeo and the international Calgary Stampede. The city still retains its 'smaller town charm' with a real air of friendliness. Throw in art galleries and museums, a thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants and shopping (try Stephen Avenue Walk) and you have a city that is on the up.

The atmosphere of the city changes greatly with the seasons. During the warm summer months you can enjoy beautiful green spaces, open-air cinema and festivals, pop-up restaurants and parks. In winter, join the locals on the slopes for winter sports. Check out the famous Plus 15 overground walkways and head to a cinema, restaurant or warm bar in Downtown Calgary for a hot winter cocktail. And don't forget to try the tap water! It flows down straight from the Rockies and tastes as pure as you'd imagine.

Things to Do

Calgary is often seen as a gateway to the Rockies, but there's more to this city; you'll never be short of activities in this young and lively destination.

Meet the original veterans at the Military Museums

You won't fail to be fascinated and respectful when you meet the many original veterans who volunteer to educate future generations about war in this fascinating series of museums. Discover the history of the Canadian Forces and see planes, vehicles and other artefacts from wartime use, with first-hand talks and interactive displays.

See the past re-enacted at Heritage Park

Experience a stagecoach robbery, a sweet shop from the past, a cruise on a paddle-wheeler boat, old-fashioned ice-cream and more at this beautiful park in the south side of the city. Now in its 50th year of welcoming visitors, the park is extensive and packed with attractions -- superb for all the family.

See beautiful horses at Spruce Meadows

One of the leading show jumping centres, horse lovers can enjoy equine displays, beautiful surroundings, walks, food and more at this ideal day-trip destination. The grounds are ideal for a picnic and the attraction is also extremely well-priced.

Calendar of Events

You'll never be short of things to do in Calgary, whether your interests are ice fishing or international film! The events calendar is year round.

• The Calgary Stampede. Boldly billed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", this annual July extravaganza is one of the city's oldest event fixtures and dates back 150 years. Enjoy ten days of rodeos, bucking bronco's and a huge array of cultural, educational, social and entertainment that's designed to celebrate and preserve Cowboy culture. See more at [http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede].

• The Calgary International Film Festival. Held for a week in late September, the festival features a wealth of screenings spanning international film, underground releases and even the odd blockbuster, with talks, interactive events, discussions and other rich-media events.

• Folk Fest. Held in late July for one week, this summer festival brings together over 60 artists across a range of city venues, playing new, classic and experimental folk music to a large audience of fans who are both home-grown and visiting for the occasion.