Banff National Park

Established in 1885 Banff is the first national park in Canada. Located at a distance of 120 km from Calgary, it can be reached via the On-It Regional Transit company offering public rides. You can explore its trails either by hiking or biking, enjoy fishing from the Bow River shores, join a zipline tour or have a relaxing birdwatching session, among the many outdoor and learning activities available.

• Web:

  parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff

• Address:

  224 Banff Avenue, Town of Banff

• Phone:

  +1 403 762 1550

• Opening hours:

  The park is open year-round. For up-to-date business hours of the visitor centre, please check the website.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is the biggest amusement park of Western Canada, with more than 30 rides that cater to kids and adults alike. All the classics such as the carousel, bumper cars and Ferris wheel are here, along with their own spin on the drop tower with "Free Fallin'" and on roller coasters with "Vortex". Seasonal events are also hosted all year long, examples being "Halloweekend" and for Canada Day.

• Web:

  www.calawaypark.com

• E-mail:

  calaway@calawaypark.com

• Address:

  Range Road 33, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 240 3822

• Opening hours:

  May to October

Calgary Tower

Calgary's main landmark — Calgary Tower — is almost 200 meters high and mostly known for offering a 360° view of the city, thanks to the observation deck's glass floor. Included in the ticket is the admission to their Theatre Room, featuring a short film that goes through the history of the tower.

• Web:

  www.calgarytower.com

• E-mail:

  info@calgarytower.com

• Address:

  101 9th Avenue Southwest, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 266 7171

• Opening hours:

  September–May: daily 9am–9pm. June–August: daily 9am–10pm

Calgary Zoo

African lions, Amur tigers, giant pandas and whooping cranes are only a few of the animals that can be seen at the Calgary Zoo. You will also be able to witness events such as tiger training sessions and learn more about gorilla family dynamics. Restaurants are also available if you are planning for a longer stay, as well as gift shops and playgrounds for kids.

• Web:

  www.calgaryzoo.com

• Address:

  210 St. George's Drive Northeast, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 232 9300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

There are more than 600 honored members in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, which houses exhibits that celebrate the country's sporting achievements. You will find themed galleries such as the Glide Gallery, focusing on winter sports, the Bounce Gallery, which ranges from baseball to soccer, and the Olympic and Paralympic Gallery displaying the medals won by Canadian athletes.

• Web:

  www.sportshall.ca

• E-mail:

  info@cshof.ca

• Address:

  169 Canada Olympic Road Southwest, Canada

• Phone:

  +1 403 776 1040

• Opening hours:

  September to June: Wed–Sun 10am–5pm. July & August: daily 10am–5pm

Devonian Gardens

The Devonian Gardens is a botanical garden located in Downtown Calgary, on the fourth floor of The Core shopping center. You don't have to buy a ticket in order to visit its living wall, koi carp ponds, fountains and waterfall, while kids can enjoy the playgrounds. Being enclosed in glass, natural light is all that you need in order to also see the art that adorns the walls, like masks and banners.

• Web:

  www.calgary.ca/parks/devonian-gardens.html

• Address:

  333 7th Avenue Southwest, The Core Shopping Centre, 4th floor, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 268 2489

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm

Beakerhead (September)

Beakerhead is an annual festival that celebrates the ways in which engineering and science can create art. Recurring displays include exhibitions featuring robots, street experiments and music on Stephen Avenue Walk, workshops and panels for educational purposes and nightly events with 3D projections and dance performances.

• Web:

  www.beakerhead.com

• E-mail:

  connect@beakerhead.com

• Address:

  1405 4th Street Southwest, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 587 351 7787

Block Heater (February)

Organized by the Calgary Folk Fest, Block Heater is a winter music festival taking place across several locations like the National Music Centre, King Eddy, Festival Hall, and the Central Library in Downtown Calgary. Both Canadian and international performers join this annual celebration of all genres of music, from electronic to folk.

• Web:

  www.calgaryfolkfest.com

• E-mail:

  hello@calgaryfolkfest.com

• Address:

  1215 10th Avenue Southeast, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 233 0904

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo (April)

The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo comes with everything a comic fan would need: scheduled autograph and photo sessions with international authors, Q&A panels with your favorite artists, over 700 retailers with articles and gadgets on sale, as well as cosplay contests that bring fictional characters to life.

• Web:

  fanexpohq.com/calgaryexpo

• E-mail:

  info@calgaryexpo.com

• Address:

  Stampede Park, Calgary

Calgary Folk Music Festival (July)

The Calgary Folk Music Festival has been an annual staple for both Calgarians and tourists since 1980. Set in Prince's Island Park, the festival not only gives a stage to many local and international artists, both up-and-coming and well-established, but also includes a Talk Tent where comedy shows and panels take place, as well as an artisan market and a beer garden.

• Web:

  www.calgaryfolkfest.com

• E-mail:

  hello@calgaryfolkfest.com

• Address:

  698 Eau Claire Avenue Southwest, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 233 0904

Calgary International Film Festival (September)

Starting from the year 2000, Calgary has hosted the largest film festival in Alberta every year, with screenings of feature and short films of any genre, coming from not only Canada but also other countries. During these twelve days the audience is able to ask questions and engage with the filmmakers during panels, film talks and behind-the-scenes events.

• Web:

  www.ciffcalgary.ca

• Address:

  999 8th Street Southwest, Suite 260, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 587 393 3730

Calgary Stampede (July)

A ten-day festival that takes its roots at the start of the 1900s, the Calgary Stampede starts off with a western-themed march through the town. It is mostly famous for having the world's biggest outdoor rodeo, with a range of activities including bull riding and barrel racing that take place during the afternoon. Every day ends with a chuckwagons derby, followed by a variety show featuring comedy, music and dancing, while a firework display acts as the grand finale.

• Web:

  www.calgarystampede.com

• Address:

  1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 261 0101