Onanta’s guidebook
Sightseeing
No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to Banff National Park. Even if you landed in Toronto, thousands of miles away, a trip to this part of the world would be worth every penny, but you only have to travel and hour and a half! The town of Banff is the gateway to the Rockies, an unrelenting 6,641 km2 of absolutely pristine, rugged wilderness. Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Canada’s very first National Park. As you may have guessed, this is a proverbial mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone from hardcore mountain climbers, cyclists, hikers, backcountry skiers and kayak junkies can be found in and amongst Canada’s greatest playground. You can visit all places without a car using a combination of Roam Transit, and Parks Canada Lake Shuttle. During high season, parking will be difficult, but in low season, it is best to have a car, if you want to visit all the places whenever you like.
Parking may pose some difficulties at few of the downtown Banff attractions and famous locales during the height of the tourist season. See this website for parking in and around Banff town.
Public transit – Roam will get you to many of the most famous Banff Town attractions, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley Parkway and to the town of Lake Louise.
IMPORTANT: As number of visitors are increasing, most probably you will not find parking at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Park your car at the overflow parking lot and then take the Parks Canada shuttle to these locations. Reservations are required for the shuttle from the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Area to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. A limited number of paid parking is also available at the lakes. More Details
If you are planning to go on scheduled/ticketed activities, the organizers may provide complimentary transport. If you are in Banff for winter and visiting all three ski resorts, complimentary transport is provided from many locations.
Tour operators like Brewster, and Sun Dog tours also provide transit packages that include many Banff attractions.
Hop on Hop Off Banff Bus which will take you to sites in Banff Town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine from ~June to October.
Another option is Open Touring, a 90-minute tour around Banff by Pursuit in their custom-made tour coaches.
Select roads are closed during various seasons to allow for wildlife protection and for various other reasons.
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Banff
No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to Banff National Park. Even if you landed in Toronto, thousands of miles away, a trip to this part of the world would be worth every penny, but you only have to travel and hour and a half! The town of Banff is the gateway to the Rockies, an unrelenting 6,641 km2 of absolutely pristine, rugged wilderness. Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Canada’s very first National Park. As you may have guessed, this is a proverbial mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone from hardcore mountain climbers, cyclists, hikers, backcountry skiers and kayak junkies can be found in and amongst Canada’s greatest playground. You can visit all places without a car using a combination of Roam Transit, and Parks Canada Lake Shuttle. During high season, parking will be difficult, but in low season, it is best to have a car, if you want to visit all the places whenever you like.
Parking may pose some difficulties at few of the downtown Banff attractions and famous locales during the height of the tourist season. See this website for parking in and around Banff town.
Public transit – Roam will get you to many of the most famous Banff Town attractions, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley Parkway and to the town of Lake Louise.
IMPORTANT: As number of visitors are increasing, most probably you will not find parking at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Park your car at the overflow parking lot and then take the Parks Canada shuttle to these locations. Reservations are required for the shuttle from the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Area to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. A limited number of paid parking is also available at the lakes. More Details
If you are planning to go on scheduled/ticketed activities, the organizers may provide complimentary transport. If you are in Banff for winter and visiting all three ski resorts, complimentary transport is provided from many locations.
Tour operators like Brewster, and Sun Dog tours also provide transit packages that include many Banff attractions.
Hop on Hop Off Banff Bus which will take you to sites in Banff Town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine from ~June to October.
Another option is Open Touring, a 90-minute tour around Banff by Pursuit in their custom-made tour coaches.
Select roads are closed during various seasons to allow for wildlife protection and for various other reasons.
Canada is home to a number of highly respected zoos, and the Calgary Zoo has not only joined the ranks, it leads the charge in terms of successful breeding programs, diversity of animals, research dollars and educational programs. The Calgary Zoo will take you on a journey through the heart of Africa with Hippos, Mountain Gorillas, Giraffes and anything else you might find on the Serengeti. Come get a feel for Canada’s wilderness and watch playful grizzlies and mischievous mountain goats. There are more than 1000 animals, along with botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and Centre for Conservation and Research. If you have little ones along, this is one of the most entertaining things to do in Calgary.
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Zoológico de Calgary
Canada is home to a number of highly respected zoos, and the Calgary Zoo has not only joined the ranks, it leads the charge in terms of successful breeding programs, diversity of animals, research dollars and educational programs. The Calgary Zoo will take you on a journey through the heart of Africa with Hippos, Mountain Gorillas, Giraffes and anything else you might find on the Serengeti. Come get a feel for Canada’s wilderness and watch playful grizzlies and mischievous mountain goats. There are more than 1000 animals, along with botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and Centre for Conservation and Research. If you have little ones along, this is one of the most entertaining things to do in Calgary.
Anyone here in Calgary on a longer stay should consider some of the epic day trips a short drive away, especially if they’re history or archaeology buffs! Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site renown around the world for its exquisite preservation of Plains People culture. The Plains People, an aboriginal people who first peopled the lands in and around Calgary, were skillful hunters, who cleverly chased these giant beasts over cliffs and later set up highly complex butchering and process stations. This is an incredibly essential component of Canada’s archaeological past, and has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
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Sitio de Patrimonio Mundial de Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Anyone here in Calgary on a longer stay should consider some of the epic day trips a short drive away, especially if they’re history or archaeology buffs! Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site renown around the world for its exquisite preservation of Plains People culture. The Plains People, an aboriginal people who first peopled the lands in and around Calgary, were skillful hunters, who cleverly chased these giant beasts over cliffs and later set up highly complex butchering and process stations. This is an incredibly essential component of Canada’s archaeological past, and has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
This award winning attraction is one of Western Canada’s most beloved and holds the esteemed title of being Canada’s largest living museum. Family friendly and a feast for the eyes and ears, the Heritage Park Historical Village boasts more than 200 exhibits, spread out over 127 acres of pristine land. Living museums take history from behind the glass and place it out in the open so visitors can experience it first hand. Exhibits include a First Nations Encampment from the 1880’s, and a peek into the lives of pre-railway settlers.
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Heritage Park Historical Village
1900 Heritage Dr SWThis award winning attraction is one of Western Canada’s most beloved and holds the esteemed title of being Canada’s largest living museum. Family friendly and a feast for the eyes and ears, the Heritage Park Historical Village boasts more than 200 exhibits, spread out over 127 acres of pristine land. Living museums take history from behind the glass and place it out in the open so visitors can experience it first hand. Exhibits include a First Nations Encampment from the 1880’s, and a peek into the lives of pre-railway settlers.
Most people think of south for a good rodeo. Perhaps the rolling hills of Montana or Wyoming, or better yet, the ten gallon hat capital of the world, Texas. But the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ happens right here in the modest city of Calgary. This century old show collides with the modernity of the 21st century to create one of the most entertaining displays of Wild West heritage. While good old fashion rodeo takes the main stage nightly, there are also chuck wagon races, cattle auctions, midway rides and games, an incredible array of southern inspired and not-so-southern cuisine, and of course, lot’s of cowboys! The Calgary Stampede happens every July and is well worth planning your visit around this time.
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Calgary Stampede
1410 Olympic Way SEMost people think of south for a good rodeo. Perhaps the rolling hills of Montana or Wyoming, or better yet, the ten gallon hat capital of the world, Texas. But the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ happens right here in the modest city of Calgary. This century old show collides with the modernity of the 21st century to create one of the most entertaining displays of Wild West heritage. While good old fashion rodeo takes the main stage nightly, there are also chuck wagon races, cattle auctions, midway rides and games, an incredible array of southern inspired and not-so-southern cuisine, and of course, lot’s of cowboys! The Calgary Stampede happens every July and is well worth planning your visit around this time.
Alberta is a haven for paleontology enthusiasts. If you want to travel back in time 65 million years, and check out the richest dinosaur deposits on earth, take a quick 1.5 hour drive from Calgary, and you get to experience it all first hand. Plug ‘Drumheller’ into the ‘ol GPS, load up the kids and head straight for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Here you will find 30 of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world, various interactive exhibits and plenty of experts on hand to walk you through a truly prehistoric journey. The museum also features a brand new exhibit, a marine specifies dating back 75 million years!
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Museo Real Tyrrell de Paleontología
1500 N Dinosaur TrailAlberta is a haven for paleontology enthusiasts. If you want to travel back in time 65 million years, and check out the richest dinosaur deposits on earth, take a quick 1.5 hour drive from Calgary, and you get to experience it all first hand. Plug ‘Drumheller’ into the ‘ol GPS, load up the kids and head straight for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Here you will find 30 of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world, various interactive exhibits and plenty of experts on hand to walk you through a truly prehistoric journey. The museum also features a brand new exhibit, a marine specifies dating back 75 million years!
Like our neighbours to the South, Canadians are huge sports fanatics. From baseball, football and track & field, to our most beloved sport of all, hockey. Any sports buff will appreciate this 40,000 square foot museum, conveniently located in the WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. Try your hand at some shadow boxing against legend Lennox Lewis, and check out the torch used to light the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. More than 600 Canadians have been inducted, many of which you probably know, but had no idea were Canadian!
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Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
169 Canada Olympic Rd SWLike our neighbours to the South, Canadians are huge sports fanatics. From baseball, football and track & field, to our most beloved sport of all, hockey. Any sports buff will appreciate this 40,000 square foot museum, conveniently located in the WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. Try your hand at some shadow boxing against legend Lennox Lewis, and check out the torch used to light the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. More than 600 Canadians have been inducted, many of which you probably know, but had no idea were Canadian!
Despite it’s cosmopolitan facade, Calgary is a city that provides you with ample opportunity to experience and explore the past (even the prehistoric past!) Fort Calgary is a living museum that shows the beginnings of Calgary from 1875, at the convergence of the Bow and Elbow River. Here you can learn about the rich history of our Mounted Police, take a virtual tour of Calgary from a streetcar and get a feel for what it was like when the first train arrived. Calgary is incredibly proud of its humble beginnings and the long journey to get to where it is today.
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Fort Calgary
750 9 Ave SEDespite it’s cosmopolitan facade, Calgary is a city that provides you with ample opportunity to experience and explore the past (even the prehistoric past!) Fort Calgary is a living museum that shows the beginnings of Calgary from 1875, at the convergence of the Bow and Elbow River. Here you can learn about the rich history of our Mounted Police, take a virtual tour of Calgary from a streetcar and get a feel for what it was like when the first train arrived. Calgary is incredibly proud of its humble beginnings and the long journey to get to where it is today.
While Canada’s military is a fraction of the size of our neighbours down south, we did have one of the most important victories in both the First and Second World Wars. It was a crazy time in history and resulted in an unbelievable amount of casualties. During your visit to the Military Museum, you’ll learn about the stories of bravery during this troubling time in history. You’ll get insight into what life was like in the trenches, what it was like flying a bomber, and how everyone came together as a team to bring down the enemy.
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Los Museos Militares
4520 Crowchild Trail SWWhile Canada’s military is a fraction of the size of our neighbours down south, we did have one of the most important victories in both the First and Second World Wars. It was a crazy time in history and resulted in an unbelievable amount of casualties. During your visit to the Military Museum, you’ll learn about the stories of bravery during this troubling time in history. You’ll get insight into what life was like in the trenches, what it was like flying a bomber, and how everyone came together as a team to bring down the enemy.
Neighbourhoods
With Calgary’s young demographic, just about anything you would find in the larger cities you’ll find on Calgary’s famed 17th Ave, plus a few quirky shops you won’t find elsewhere. From mainstream favorites like Gravity Pope, West Elm and Frank & Oak, to cool record shops, chic knitting boutiques and glitzy jewelry shops fit for any Manhattanite. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, punctuated with cocktails at the hottest wine bar in town, this are over 400 shops, restaurants and services at your beck and call.
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17 Avenue Southwest
17 Avenue SouthwestWith Calgary’s young demographic, just about anything you would find in the larger cities you’ll find on Calgary’s famed 17th Ave, plus a few quirky shops you won’t find elsewhere. From mainstream favorites like Gravity Pope, West Elm and Frank & Oak, to cool record shops, chic knitting boutiques and glitzy jewelry shops fit for any Manhattanite. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, punctuated with cocktails at the hottest wine bar in town, this are over 400 shops, restaurants and services at your beck and call.
Despite it’s rough and tumble cowboy reputation, Calgary was named the cultural capital of Canada in 2012. After receiving this designation, the number of outdoor art installations has exploded, with artists from around the country (and the globe) flocking to Calgary to experiment with their own unique mediums. Grab your camera, hit reset on your imagination, and stroll along somewhere like the Stephen Avenue Walk. Here you’ll find 10 metal tree sculptures, white in color, standing between 21-26 meters high, lit up at night. The trees are both an art installation, and a funky way to reduce sudden wind gusts that pick up along 8th Avenue S.W. If you’re interested in murals, Calgary artists Ivan Ostapenko, Daniel J. Kirk, and Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher have fantastic temporary installations up in the East Village area.
If you’re looking for really great Calgary kid’s activities, I’m not sure you’ll find anything better than TELUS Spark. It’s not just for kids though. This science centre has Calgary’s only Dome Theatre, which features incredible nature movies and live planetarium shows. There are also travelling exhibitions, an outdoor adventure space for play and risk-taking, a plethora of fun and interactive educational exhibits, and so much more.
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Downtown
Despite it’s rough and tumble cowboy reputation, Calgary was named the cultural capital of Canada in 2012. After receiving this designation, the number of outdoor art installations has exploded, with artists from around the country (and the globe) flocking to Calgary to experiment with their own unique mediums. Grab your camera, hit reset on your imagination, and stroll along somewhere like the Stephen Avenue Walk. Here you’ll find 10 metal tree sculptures, white in color, standing between 21-26 meters high, lit up at night. The trees are both an art installation, and a funky way to reduce sudden wind gusts that pick up along 8th Avenue S.W. If you’re interested in murals, Calgary artists Ivan Ostapenko, Daniel J. Kirk, and Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher have fantastic temporary installations up in the East Village area.
If you’re looking for really great Calgary kid’s activities, I’m not sure you’ll find anything better than TELUS Spark. It’s not just for kids though. This science centre has Calgary’s only Dome Theatre, which features incredible nature movies and live planetarium shows. There are also travelling exhibitions, an outdoor adventure space for play and risk-taking, a plethora of fun and interactive educational exhibits, and so much more.
Canadians adore their urban space, and especially when its green. You won’t find any Canadian city without a significant urban park, and Calgary is no different. Sometimes you need a break from manic sightseeing, a day to throw a blanket down, have some lunch, and experience a city from a local’s perspective. Prince Island Park is not only a great place to enjoy beautiful city views, it also plays host to a number of festivals and features a seasonal outdoor skating rink.
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Bow River Pathway
Bow River PathwayCanadians adore their urban space, and especially when its green. You won’t find any Canadian city without a significant urban park, and Calgary is no different. Sometimes you need a break from manic sightseeing, a day to throw a blanket down, have some lunch, and experience a city from a local’s perspective. Prince Island Park is not only a great place to enjoy beautiful city views, it also plays host to a number of festivals and features a seasonal outdoor skating rink.
If you’re looking to go for an inner-city hike, few places match Nosehill Park. This park is one of North America’s biggest urban parks at more than 11 square kilometres. It also offers stunning views of downtown Calgary and is home to an ancient First Nations artifact – The Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel.
Nose Hill Drive Northwest
Nose Hill Drive NorthwestIf you’re looking to go for an inner-city hike, few places match Nosehill Park. This park is one of North America’s biggest urban parks at more than 11 square kilometres. It also offers stunning views of downtown Calgary and is home to an ancient First Nations artifact – The Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel.
Sports scene
Canada is hockey country, with 7 NHL teams and millions of fans across the country. The province of Alberta is home to two Stanley Cup champion teams, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, home of the ‘Great One’, Wayne Gretzky. If you have the opportunity to visit Calgary between the months of October – April, treat yourself to some of the most exciting, fast-paced hockey in the league by seeing either team play.
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The Scotiabank Saddledome
555 Saddledome Rise SoutheastCanada is hockey country, with 7 NHL teams and millions of fans across the country. The province of Alberta is home to two Stanley Cup champion teams, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, home of the ‘Great One’, Wayne Gretzky. If you have the opportunity to visit Calgary between the months of October – April, treat yourself to some of the most exciting, fast-paced hockey in the league by seeing either team play.
City/town information
Did you know Calgary was home to 6 of Canada’s top 50 restaurants last year? Who would have thought this land-locked province could compete with its seemingly more populated big brothers to the West and East. Calgary’s multicultural demographic and strategic location (surrounded by farm lands) makes it a hotbed for fusion restaurants, farm-to-table trends, the evolution of mixology and a burgeoning food truck presence. The restaurant and dining options here are endless, and every month it seems, there is some hot, new eatery making national headlines.
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Calgary
Did you know Calgary was home to 6 of Canada’s top 50 restaurants last year? Who would have thought this land-locked province could compete with its seemingly more populated big brothers to the West and East. Calgary’s multicultural demographic and strategic location (surrounded by farm lands) makes it a hotbed for fusion restaurants, farm-to-table trends, the evolution of mixology and a burgeoning food truck presence. The restaurant and dining options here are endless, and every month it seems, there is some hot, new eatery making national headlines.
Calgary country and western roots definitely attracts star power with the likes of Faith Hill, Garth Brooks and Keri Underwood coming to town, but you can’t get your trip to align with tour dates. Instead, check out some of Calgary’s vibrant live music scene in some of the smaller, less known venues around town. Clubs like the Blues Can attract local and national artists to play their best blues every Sunday night. The Tubby Dog shows off Calgary’s fantastic alternative rock scene and Wine-Ohs plays everything from acid jazz, to pop and indie rock.
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Calgary
Calgary country and western roots definitely attracts star power with the likes of Faith Hill, Garth Brooks and Keri Underwood coming to town, but you can’t get your trip to align with tour dates. Instead, check out some of Calgary’s vibrant live music scene in some of the smaller, less known venues around town. Clubs like the Blues Can attract local and national artists to play their best blues every Sunday night. The Tubby Dog shows off Calgary’s fantastic alternative rock scene and Wine-Ohs plays everything from acid jazz, to pop and indie rock.
Stagewest Calgary: Stage West Theatre is a great place to go to see live musical theatre while eating one of the biggest buffets in the city. We’ve seen all sorts of shows there, including Red Rock Diner, And The World Goes Round, and my absolute favourite – Jersey Boys! It all starts off with a 120-item buffet, which includes all sorts of things for all tastebuds. Crab legs, salmon, roast beef, perogies, sushi, dessert, and so much more. In fact, the menu has been different every time we’ve gone. Once dinner ends, the lights go out and the show begins. It’s a really great time and if you’re looking for a dinner theatre in Calgary, this is one of the best places to go.
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Calgary
Stagewest Calgary: Stage West Theatre is a great place to go to see live musical theatre while eating one of the biggest buffets in the city. We’ve seen all sorts of shows there, including Red Rock Diner, And The World Goes Round, and my absolute favourite – Jersey Boys! It all starts off with a 120-item buffet, which includes all sorts of things for all tastebuds. Crab legs, salmon, roast beef, perogies, sushi, dessert, and so much more. In fact, the menu has been different every time we’ve gone. Once dinner ends, the lights go out and the show begins. It’s a really great time and if you’re looking for a dinner theatre in Calgary, this is one of the best places to go.