GUIDE TO CALGARY

There are 4 ski resorts within easy reach of Calgary airport

Calgary holidays will take you to the largest city in Alberta, Canada. Known as The Heart of the New West, this bustling city lies on the banks of the Bow River.

The city’s biggest and most famous landmark is Calgary Tower which stands at an impressive 189m tall and hosts magnificent views of the Canadian Rockies, just 80km west of the city. The city is also famous for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 1988. Calgary really does offer something for all ages.

The huge Eaton Centre is a 5 block indoor shopping complex housing designer shops and chic boutiques. Downtown Calgary also has many shops and stalls, the Market Mall is the busiest area here with its 229 shops. Willow Park Village is ideal for those looking for a special gift to take home. Its outdoor mall houses 70 specialist shops where you are bound to find something unique.

Time your holidays to Calgary right and you could enjoy the Calgary Stampede. This age long tradition has been held annually since 1912 and is the most popular visitor attraction. There is a large parade throughout the city before the world-class rodeo gets underway. Over million people come to enjoy the cowboy culture which can last for ten days! Calgary is home to the largest parks in Canada, some 550km of pathways ideal for rollerblading and jogging. They make a great base for a family day out, take a picnic and watch the world go by.

Art galleries are in abundance here, and the centre for Performing Arts is very popular, hosting various shows throughout the year. There are over 20 museums, for those interested in the history of this wonderful city, and there’s also a military museum and a grain museum, teaching the history of this industry. Calgary Zoo Botanic Garden is a great day out for the whole family, and if you love animals, visit Spruce Meadows where the world class show-jumping takes place. The Prehistoric Park revisits the last 65 million years, taking you on a tour to see how the dinosaurs lived and even have life size replicas!

A destination popular with everyone

Getting around the city is easy and cheap. Buses run throughout the day and into the night taking you around the districts outside the centre. The LRT, Light Rail Train is the best option as it offers free rides throughout the Downtown district and only charges a small fee for those wishing to travel further. Calgary really comes alive at night, with its theatre and shows. There is such a wide choice of food here in Calgary, Thai, Vietnamese and Canada’s most famous dish, the Alberta beef.

Of course, no holiday in Calgary would be complete without sampling the world famous skiing here. There are 4 ski resorts within easy reach of Calgary airport. The most popular resort is Banff, the highest town in Calgary. With the longest ski season running from November until May it is a good choice for intermediate and advanced skiers. Visit St James’ Gate, an Irish pub which was actually built in Dublin and transported to Canada! Fernie is more suitable for beginners and is great for families as there are kids clubs available here too. Jasper offers one of the longest cross country ski runs in Canada at over 300km, perfect if you are new to skiing. Lake Louise is a great all rounder suitable for anyone who enjoys a range of activities. The skiing is ideal for all levels of skiers and snowboarders and there is a huge selection of restaurants and bars for enjoying après ski activities! Holidays in Calgary are bookable through Late Deals.