Things to see in Calgary
Attractions
Heritage Park Historical Village
This huge working museum showcases the settlement of western Canada through restored buildings and characters in authentic heritage costume. You can also ride aboard a steam locomotive, an antique Ferris wheel, historic streetcars or the SS Moyie, an early sternwheeler. The Gasoline Alley Museum displays vintage cars, while Heritage Town Square represents a 1930s to 1950s street.
Address: Eagle Ridge, 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, T2V 2X3Telephone: +1 403 268 8500.
Opening times:
Historical village: Daily 1000-1700 (late May-early Sep); Sat-Sun 0930-1700 (early Sep-mid-Oct). Gasoline Alley Museum: Daily 1000-1700 (late May-mid-Oct); Tues-Sun 1000-1600 (mid-Oct-late May).
Website: http://www.heritagepark.caAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Calgary Tower
Standing among Downtown's gleaming skyscrapers, the Calgary Tower is a must-see. The Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the city, the prairies and the Rocky Mountains to the west. A walk across the glass floor suspended over the city street below can be an unnerving experience. You can enjoy lunch or dinner in the revolving restaurant, SKY 360.
Address: Downtown, 101 9th Avenue SW, Calgary, T2P 1J9Telephone: +1 403 266 7171.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-2200 (Jul-Aug); daily 0900-2100 (Sep-Jun).
Website: http://www.calgarytower.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Glenbow Museum
This museum's three floors house an extensive collection celebrating the Canadian West. The permanent collection follows the development of the west through Canadian indigenous art, early European depictions of First Nations peoples, native crafts and fur trade exhibits. 'Nitsitapiisinnii: Our Way of Life' showcases the traditions and history of the Blackfoot people.
Address: Downtown, 130 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, T2G 0P3Telephone: +1 403 268 4100.
Opening times:
Tues-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.glenbow.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Calgary Zoo
On scenic St George's Island, Calgary Zoo is home to a huge line-up of critters. You can see grizzlies and caribou in the 'Canadian Wilds' exhibit or gaze at gorillas and giraffes in 'Destination Africa'. Snow leopards, red pandas and penguins are also on show. Meander through botanical gardens and encounter life-size dinosaur models in the Prehistoric Park.
Address: Bridgeland, 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, T2E 7V6Telephone: +1 403 232 9300.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.calgaryzoo.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
TELUS Spark
Housed in a futuristic, colour-changing building, this science centre contains four galleries of hands-on fun: 'Being Human', 'Earth & Sky', 'Open Studio' and 'Energy & Innovation'. Beyond these, there's a Creative Kids Museum with interactive programmes for kids up to eight, an atrium for live demos, an outdoor park and planetarium shows in the Dome Theatre.
Address: , 220 St Georges Drive NE, Calgary, T2E 5T2Telephone: +1 403 817 6800.
Opening times:
Sun-Wed and Fri 1000-1600, Thurs 1000-2100, Sat 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.sparkscience.caAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Studio Bell
A glitzy contemporary building in the East Village, Studio Bell is a multi-purpose musical venue and exhibition space. It's home to the National Music Centre, with interactive exhibits related to music in Canada. It also encompasses the iconic King Eddy Hotel live music venue and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, as well as a 300-seater concert hall.
Address: East Village, 850 4th Street SE, Calgary, T2G 1R1Telephone: +1 403 543 5115.
Opening times:
Wed-Sun 1000-1700
Website: http://studiobell.caAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Canada Olympic Park
At this 1988 Winter Olympics venue, you can practise skiing and snowboarding or barrel down the bobsleigh track. In summer, you can take a ride on a zip line from the ski jump tower at speeds of up to 120kph (75mph) or ride the 25km (16 miles) of mountain biking trails.
Address: , 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, T3B 5R5Telephone: +1 403 247 5452.
Opening times:
Various depending on the activity and weather conditions. The winter season typically runs from Nov-Apr and the summer season from Jun-Sep. Check the website for details.
Website: http://www.winsport.caAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
In a contemporary building at Canada Olympic Park, this attraction guides you through Canada's sporting history, achievements and athletes. You can check out hundreds of sporting artefacts and try numerous hands-on simulations. Athletes inducted into the hall of fame include hockey great Wayne Gretzky and Formula One racer Jacques Villeneuve.
Address: , 169 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, T3B 6B7Telephone: +1 403 776 1040.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700 (Jul-Aug); Tues-Sun 0900-1700 (Sep-Jun).
Website: http://www.sportshall.caAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Fort Calgary Historic Park
Fort Calgary dates from 1875, when the Canadian government dispatched a troop of North-West Mounted Police to cross the Bow River and build a fort. Today you can visit a reconstruction of the fort amid 16 hectares (40 acres) of parkland. An interpretive centre outlines Calgary's development via artefacts, audiovisual displays and walks along the river.
Address: Downtown, 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, T2G 5E1Telephone: +1 403 290 1875.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.fortcalgary.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Calaway Park
A vast amusement park, this popular place has over 30 rides, from a traditional carousel, dodgems and gentle kiddie rides to stomach-churning experiences including Free Fallin' (where you plummet 12m/40ft) and whirling ride The Storm. Expect to get wet on Timber Falls! log ride or take a trip on the Rocky Mountain Railroad. There are also daily live shows.
Address: , 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary, T3Z 2E9Telephone: +1 403 240 3822.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1900 (Jul-Aug); Sat-Sun 1100-1800 (Sep-mid-Oct); Sat-Sun 1000-1900 (mid-May-Jun).
Website: http://www.calawaypark.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Tourism Calgary
Address: Beltline, 200-238 11th Avenue SE (administrative office), Calgary, T2G 0X8Telephone: +1 403 263 8510.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0800-1700.
Website: http://www.visitcalgary.comVisitor centres in Calgary offer maps, brochures and travel advice. You can drop into Tourism Calgary's main office downtown or look out for the mobile kiosk in summer. There are also visitor centres at Calgary International Airport's domestic arrivals level (daily 0600-2300) and international arrivals level (daily 0800-0100). You can pick up brochures at various other locations, including at the customer service desks in the Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE and the CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail SW.
Tourist passes
Discount coupon booklets are available free of charge at tourist information centres and at the Calgary Tower all year round. You can also find money-off coupons for major attractions at www.calgaryattractions.com/coupons.
