Bright and vibrant Calgary is a truly spectacular sight against the rural hinterland which frames the so-called ‘Stampede City’ – named for its annual rodeo festival which has been dubbed ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’.
In the centre, glinting skyscrapers tower above leafy parks. Up in the neighbouring mountains, skiers slice through the snow amid vivid green forests and shimmering lakes.
Experience ‘Cowtown’ Culture
The sunniest major city in Canada, Calgary offers many inspiring things to do, from the extravagance of a shopping mall that doubles up as a beautiful botanical garden, to museums that tell the historical and cultural story of this fascinating part of the world.
Calgary has been fondly dubbed ‘Cowtown’ due to its rodeo heritage– and the annual Calgary Stampede is one of Canada’s best-known festivals. Expect agricultural exhibits and brightly coloured flags at this local spectacle of traditional horse and bull riding.
You can also enrich your understanding of local culture at Heritage Park Historical Village, a beautifully preserved settlement showcasing homesteads dating back to 1860 across more than 120 acres of parkland.
Studio Bell, meanwhile, is home to the National Music Centre – and sums up Calgary’s distinctive blend of quaint tradition and striking, playful modernity. Here you’ll find fascinating exhibitions, entertaining interactive displays and performances, and the opportunity to make music with 300 instruments spanning more than 400 years of music technology.
Take to the slopes
Venture out of Calgary itself, and you’ll find some of the finest local ski resorts dotted along the Trans-Canada Highway and the Kananaskis Trail in the south.
The Nakiska Ski Area is one of the closest to the city, with Olympic-accredited slopes that have been inspiring visitors since the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. There is an ideal hill for beginners, along with sparsely wooded slopes which are ripe for intermediate skiers, and aa choice of delis, grills and cafeterias to keep everyone fed and watered.
Sunshine Village is a little further into the mountains, close to the spirited town of Banff. Here, generous snowfall creates ideal terrain for all abilities, and a choice of mountainside shops means there’s more than just powdery snow to keep you entertained. The resort boasts a lively events calendar too.
Treat yourself to some tranquillity
The largely untouched wilderness to the west of Calgary offers so many relaxing locations that you could easily spend months touring them. But if you don’t have quite as much time to spare in southern Alberta, venture to Banff and find serenity just a 90-minute drive away.
Tucked between Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, this resort has it all. Against the glorious backdrop and surroundings of Banff National Park, there’s plenty of great trekking ground to explore, along with spectacular scenery that will have you reaching for your camera.
Tunnel Mountain is one such majestic setting, along with the glassy vistas of the Vermillion Lakes which can be enjoyed by foot, bike or kayak. To relax after your adventures, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs, where Canadians have flocked to find warm and peaceful waters since 1883.
Banff also welcomes the world of the big screen each October with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival – a nine-day extravaganza that celebrates adventure, sports and the great outdoors in ideal snow-capped surroundings.
If you’re planning a trip into the mountains during your stay in Alberta, take care to check for weather warnings and take measures to maintain a full gas tank in this remote region.
Hertz car rental at Calgary Airport can help kickstart your trip. From sophisticated days spent in the city to fresh mountain vistas, this is your opportunity to enjoy an idyllic and unforgettable adventure.
