Attractions

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park, with 23 exciting rides and 22 eateries. You can also catch a live rainbow trout or play a round of mini-golf. Musical productions are presented daily by the resident entertainment troupe, “Calaway Live”. Calaway Park is only 10 km west of Calgary and offers a great view of the Rockies. It also has an RV park and campground for travelers.

Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park

The Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park (or simply, “The Zoo”) is Canada’s second largest zoo with over 1,000 various mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The Zoo’s indoor and outdoor botanical gardens showcase a variety of annuals, cactuses, and rainforest plants. The Prehistoric Park shows over 20 life-sized models of dinosaurs and reptiles. There are specialized areas for wildlife from the Rocky Mountains, and the northern forest.

Calgary Tower

Built as a centennial project in 1967, The Calgary Tower is the “center” of the city, the tower stands 191 metres (626 ft) high and provides a 360-degree view of both the city and Rocky Mountains. The observation level has high-powered telescopes, and interactive video displays. The tower’s revolving fine dining restaurant and lounge also have views of Calgary and surrounding area. Check out the new Glass Floor at the top of the Calgary Tower, off the existing Observation Deck, 4.5 feet deep and 36 feet long with full glass surround. Step out 525 feet above the busy downtown streets below.

Lake Windermere & Invermere Beach / Kinsmen Beach

Swim, kayak, paddle-board, relax by the lakeshore, picnic, enjoy warm summers. A beautiful place to watch sunrises/sunsets, with views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Canada Olympic Park

Canada Olympic Park (COP) was a major venue in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Just ten minutes west of the downtown core, Canada Olympic Park (COP) is the crown jewel of the XV Olympic Winter Games and Calgary’s premiere year-round sport and tourist attraction. Whether learning how to ski and snowboard in the winter, tearing up the mountain bike trails in the summer or blasting down Canada’s only Olympic Bobsleigh/Luge Track in the Bobsleigh Bullet (winter) or Bobsleigh Road Rocket (summer), there’s something for everybody. Take a guided bus tour with a knowledgeable interpreters to gain the full insight of our Olympic heritage. Explore the Olympic Hall of Fame & Museum to witness inspiring Olympic films, then test your strength, speed, endurance, accuracy and intelligence in our interactive Olympic Challenge Gallery.

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is in the heart of downtown, beside Eau Claire. The Centre has six-story Great Cultural Hall, modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, that took 100,000 man-hours to build. The centre includes a cultural museum, an arts and crafts store, and a Chinese restaurant. The Cultural Centre features various exhibitions, festivals and events.

Panorama Mountain Resort

Just ~20 minutes from Invermere. In winter: skiing, snowboarding. In summer: hiking, chair-lift views, mountain biking, alpine activities. Also a scenic drive through Toby Creek Canyon.

Telus Spark Science Centre

The Calgary Science Centre tries to make science interesting and exciting. It brings science to life with hands-on exhibits and unique demonstrations. The Discovery Dome is one of the best multimedia theatres in North America, with shows and wide-screen films throughout the year.

Fort Calgary Historic Park

Fort Calgary is where the settlement of Calgary began. Displays in the interpretive centre cover the life of Natives, early pioneers, and the North West Mounted Police, Canada’s world-renowned Mounties, who arrived in 1875 to establish law and order. To do so, they built a fort at the crossing of two rivers. Across the Elbow River is the Deane House Historic site & Restaurant. During the summer, tour the re-constructed Fort (in progress).

Lake Windermere Whiteway

One of the longest naturally frozen skating and winter recreation paths. Offers skating, cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, and pond hockey in winter.

Windermere Valley Museum

Discover the history of the Columbia Valley—mining, rail, early settler life—through historic buildings and exhibits. Great for quieter afternoons & cultural interest.

Glenbow Museum

The Glenbow has extensive exhibits of Canadian Western heritage. Featured areas include: the Native Indians (with a Blackfoot teepee), early settlers (and a real log cabin), the railroad, and early oil & gas exploration. The Glenbow’s second floor shows parts of its art collection with works by contemporary and early Alberta artists.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park is Canada’s largest living historical village, located just 15 minutes from downtown. Heritage Park has over 100 buildings and exhibits spread over 66 acres. It recreates the feel of pre-1915 prairie life. You can walk down Main Street, ride a train drawn by a steam locomotive; cruise around the Reservoir on the S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler, and enjoy the antique kid’s midway. The Park features a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains up the Elbow Valley. Heritage Park is open during the summer (and for Christmas festivals).

Calgary Spaceport

Experience the science and latest developments in aviation, high technology communication and space exploration. SpacePort features a soaring aluminum prototype of NASA’s space shuttle orbiter, interactive displays from the Canadian Space Agency, flight and motion simulators, a moon rock exhibit and many more exciting interactive space and aviation adventures.

Hot Springs (Radium & Fairmont)

Relaxation after adventuring. Natural mineral hot springs are perfect for wellness, resting muscles, enjoying nature in comfort.

Art & Culture – Galleries, Markets, Events

Pynelogs Cultural Centre, downtown art galleries & artisan shops; seasonal markets (farmers, crafts); concerts & festivals. A chance to dive into local life and creativity.

Hiking, Trails & Nature

Trails for all levels—mountain hikes, forest walks, scenic viewpoints. The Columbia Wetlands, bike trails, the Westside Legacy Trail, and more. Ideal for early mornings, photography, wildlife spotting.

James Chabot Provincial Park / Athalmer Public Beach

Shallow waters, picnic areas, playgrounds, great for families. The beach is close to downtown and combines natural beauty with conveniences.