Summer Information For Calgary In Alberta






May 16, 08

Calgary
Alberta

An Extensive Park System

Calgary started out as a cattle and meat packing town, then with the discovery of oil to the south in 1914, and to the north in 1947, the town changed and the population grew. The town continued to grow into the metropolis it is today with skyscrapers and as many cultural endeavors as recreational.

Outdoor Opportunities

The city has an extensive park system that provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Edworthy, Bowness, Rileyand Prince's Island parks are all available to the public. Fish Creek Provincial Park offers swimming and has numerous trails for both hikers and cyclists, while Glenmore Reservoir, covering 30 acres, is welcome to sailing and canoeing.

There are several natural areas in the region as well, which offer canoeing, camping, rafting, and with trails throughout for hikers and mountain bikers.

Visitors and residents will find more than 40 courses in the area, providing a challenge for golfers of all abilities. These rewarding courses include the Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, situated on the banks of the Bow River.

If rivers are your thing, try rafting or kayaking here. Guides will find a stretch of river that's just right for you, whether you're a beginner or experienced rafter.

Culture and Entertainment

If it's culture and entertainment you're looking for, this is the place. Check out the world famous Calgary Stampede, the Calgary International Jazz Festival, Heritage Day Festival and the International Native Arts Festival to get a feel of what Calgary has to offer.

Calgary has many attractions, including Heritage Park, Canada's largest living historical village; the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum at Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Olympics; and the Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park, with more than 1,200 animals, some of which are endangered species.

The area has several different shopping districts that offer a wide variety of choices of atmospheres as well as goods. The Eau Claire Market is built around an open-air produce market, but has many different shops as well. The Downtown shopping district is connected with an indoor walkway system for those wishing to stay out of the elements.

Diners will find a wide array of cuisine choices -- anything from Western to Korean and from fast food to gourmet.