One of the largest zoos in Canada, this Calgary favorite boasts habitats carefully designed to mirror the species’ natural environments, not to mention more than 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe, it makes for a thrilling family day out exploring the wonders of the natural world. From regal Amur tigers to quietly majestic gorillas – plus birds, butterflies, and reptiles of all shapes and sizes – there’s loads to take in. Picnic areas are easy to find and a large Prehistoric Park with fossils and life-sized dinosaur models is the nearest you can come to zipping back in time.
Calgary Stampede
Over a century old, the Calgary Stampede is a rodeo like no other. Though confined to July, this wild extravaganza sees daily events – including bucking broncos, barrel racing, and bull riding – held at the Stampede Grounds on Olympic Way. Spilling out into the city streets, spirits are always sky high at this time of year, with parties around every corner, and seas of Stetsons everywhere you look. Tagged as the greatest outdoor show on earth, the festivities also include one of Canada’s largest music festivals, complete with international performers and lavish, ear-popping fireworks bursting to light up the night sky.
Heritage Park Historical Village
For an extraordinary experience of how Western Canada once was, Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village is just the ticket. Offering a trip from 1860 to 1950 via a series of lively exhibitions spread across vast parkland, it’s ideal for history buffs and anyone else craving good old-fashioned fun. You can tour the scenery on an authentic steam train, check out a mean collection of vintage vehicles, and drop in at countless historical buildings, with costumed interpreters on hand to bring things to life. There’s a 1860s fur trading port, a 1880s pre-railway settlement, and a 1900s village – with a working printing press and blacksmith shop – all open to visitors from May to October.
