Calgary is Alberta’s largest city, with a population of 1.37 million people. The Calgary is located 80 kilometers east of the Rockies at an elevation of 1048 meters above sea level. Calgary is a contemporary, metropolitan metropolis built on Western history, and it still goes by the nickname Cow Town.
A Brief History of Calgary
The city of Calgary began as Fort Brisebois, a North-West Mounted Police fort. It was constructed in this location due to the significance of the Bow and Elbow rivers’ confluence.
Calgary was first established as a town in the year 1884, then as a city in the year 1894. When the Canadian Pacific Railway finally connected Calgary to Eastern Canada in the year 1883, it saw a substantial increase in population.
Guy Weadick sponsored the inaugural Calgary Stampede only 18 years after the city was founded. Since then, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth has only gotten bigger! After multiple oil strikes in Southern Alberta in the years 1914, 1920, and 1947, led Calgary to became an oil city.
Though this is what made Calgary the fastest-growing city by the 1950s, the Glenbow Museum and the University of Calgary were founded in the year 1966, and the city became known for its arts and education. Calgary’s cultural significance grew even more in the year 1988, when it hosted the year 1988 Winter Olympic Games, cementing its image as a popular international tourism destination.
Best Time to Visit Calgary
Calgary is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, with plenty of things to do throughout the year! From June to August, there are plenty of festivities and a gorgeous river valley environment.
Summer’s longer days are also another aspect for something to take advantage of. Not to mention the world-famous Calgary Stampede, which takes place every second week in July.
Calgary may also be enjoyable in the winter. While the city will almost certainly be in an uncomfortable deep freeze for a few weeks, warm breezes from the mountains can sometimes melt it all and send temperatures back into the summer range.
Being close to the mountains also means that daily visits to popular ski resorts are possible.
So, now that you know what the best time to visit is, let’s discuss the top things to do or visit in Calgary;
Fort Calgary
Visitors will learn about the complex tale of Fort Calgary, which is located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The Fort has long served as a historical and cultural hub. Fort Calgary was established by the Mounties in the year 1875, laying the groundwork for what is now Calgary. Visitors can visit the interpretive center, walk around the 40-acre park, and see the Hunt House and Métis cottage to take a trip back in time.
Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum is one of the top things to do in Calgary since there is always something new to see. Learn about Alberta’s history, peruse the West African collection, and visit the rotating exhibit, which is always a hit!
Altitude Flight Simulation Center
Here is one of the most exciting things to do in Calgary for you, friends or family. They offer you an experience of a lifetime through their state of the art flight simulators;
F-18 Super Hornet Flight Simulator
If you wish to experience what it’s like to be in a dogfight, and see what it takes to strike beyond enemy lines then try out their F-18 Super Hornet and get a taste of the action.
Boeing 737 Flight Simulator
Always in the backseat? Do you want to know what it’s like to be a captain? Try out their advanced Boeing 737 simulator to get a feel for what it’s like to fly a commercial plane. Sit behind the panels in the cockpit and put your talents to the test. Are you overwhelmed by the number of instruments and their complexity? Don’t worry; a professional instructor will be there to help you.
Spitfire Virtual Reality simulator
With this, you may immerse yourself in a WW2 aircraft combat environment. Fly the famed spitfire bird and put your skills to the test. Learn what it took to rule the skies in the past.
The National Music Centre’s Studio Bell
One of Calgary’s most popular attractions is the Bell National Music Centre. The center is made up of five floors of installations that tell the story of Canadian music.
This is a location where music fans may go to learn more about the genre. There will be lots to see and do for visitors, including the opportunity to interact with interactive instrument displays.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame is housed on the top floor of the National Music Centre and is fully dedicated to commemorating Canadian artists and icons who have made their mark in music, will appeal to any music aficionado.
The information mentioned above will help you plan your visit to Calgary much better.