First visit to Calgary? This oil-rich city is known as Canada's answer to the American west. If you're planning a summer trip, the annual Calgary Exhibition draws in one million visitors every July. If it's winter, adventure-hungry athletes will appreciate Calgary's proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Downtown Calgary is praised for its tourist attractions and is easily navigated with its six-district design. Locals know the eastern end of Stephen Avenue Walk as the Shopping District, where hundreds of stores offer everything from trendy clothing to home-style boutiques. Explore the Eau Claire Market on a bright day and drop into Chinatown's Chinese Cultural Centre for an insightful look into the city's established Chinese community. Get lost in the Pennylane Entertainment District, where trendy cafes, theatres and bars are packed with young funsters.
If you're planning your first visit, consider whether you'd like to experience the immense ski resorts in the winter or the excitement of July's Calgary exhibition. The exhibition attracts all walks of life with stage shows, agricultural competitions and wild parties over ten days. Discover The Telus World of Science and zoom up Calgary Tower for amazing views. As 1988's Winter Olympics host, Calgary has many activities to offer sports fanatics - including world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Repeat visitors might want to visit The Drumheller Badlands, with their awesome scenery and a glimpse into Canada's prehistoric past. Check out a Calgary Flames ice-hockey game at Pengrowth Saddledome. Get a taste of history at the Glenbow Museum, which is the largest in Western Canada. Aviation enthusiasts will adore the extensive collection at the Aero Space Museum, while families will have a blast on the 33 terrifying rides of Calaway Amusement Park.
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The bright and breezy gateway to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary International Airport welcomes more than 9 million passengers a year to its terminal. Canada's fourth busiest airport is 17 km (10.5 miles) north-east of central Calgary, a 30-minute trip by bus.
© Copyright 2010 Whatsonwhen Limited - All Rights Reserved
