Whether you’re from Calgary or just in town for a quick visit, there are many beautiful places to see. From provincial parks to the zoo and even a spot to experience music, Calgary has everything you need. Below is a list of places that can’t be missed.
Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a hot spot for Calgarians. It’s a popular place to walk and provides amazing views of the river and the city skyline. In the summer months, there is a splash pool for kids and in the winter people can ice skate. The park opened in the 1950s.
Studio Bell
Studio Bell, National Music Centre is one of Calgary’s newest attractions. It features 2,500 instruments and artifacts. The Center hosts live performances and offers interactive activities for visitors. Studio Bell also has a restaurant. Fun fact, Studio Bell features one-of-a-kind memorabilia from Canadian artists like Bryan Adams and Neil Young.
Stephen Avenue
Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary is a perfect place to meet up for drinks with friends, embrace the city landscape and do some shopping. The famous street has more than 15 bars and restaurants, gift shops, and features local art and musicians. Fun fact, Stephen Ave is Calgary’s only pedestrian mall that offers year-round shopping and entertainment.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a popular place for picnics, nature walks and even hosting events. The entrance at Bow Bottom Trail features the historic Bow Valley Ranche house which has been around since 1896. The house opened as a restaurant in 1999. The park also features art from local artists and a makeshift library where visitors can take and leave books. Fun fact: Fish Creek is the second largest urban park in Canada.
Weaselhead Flats
Weaselhead Flats is a park located in south Calgary, just west of the Glenmore Reservoir. The beautiful park features many types of birds and wildlife. Along the river, beaver dams can often be spotted. Fun fact, despite being so close to busy roads, the park is a whopping 585.6-acres.
Bowness Park
Bowness Park is an iconic Calgary spot both in summer and winter. In summer Calgarians can come by for picnics and scenic views of the park. There are water activities and a lagoon. One of the best things to do at Bowness Park is to rent a boat and have fun on the water. There are many picnic tables and spaces available to rent for events.
In winter, Bowness park is used for ice skating. Fun fact: Bowness Park was forced to shut down after the 2013 Alberta flood but has since reopened with new additions such as a mini train that goes around the park.
Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo, which is rated one of the best in the world, features nearly 1,000 exhibits. It’s a great way to spend the day for people of any age. Over the years the zoo has expanded and now features exhibits from all over the world. The Calgary Zoo has been open since 1929 making it one of the oldest zoos in Canada.
