Calgary is a cosmopolitan city in Alberta. It is dotted with numerous skyscrapers. The rapid growth is because of its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry. However, it’s still steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname ‘Cowtown.’
The National Music Centre
This is a 160,000 square-foot facility in Calgary’s East Village. And, it is dedicated to sharing the love and understanding of music. The centre was designed by Portland architect Brad Cloepfil. It is located in the historic Customs House building. The Center features a collection of over 2,000 rare instruments and artefacts. Amongst these are one of Elton John’s pianos, as well as selections from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. It also boasts a variety of interactive and engaging exhibits, displays, and daily performances. Also, it offers guided docent-led tours for visitors to enjoy. The National Music Centre is one of the top Calgary attractions. The historic King Edward Hotel is part of the National Music Centre facility and operates as a live music venue seven nights of the week.
Heritage Park Historical Village
This is Canada’s largest living history museum. And, here are featured more than 200 exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of natural parklands. The place is a must visit for history buffs and leisure seekers alike. You could explore an authentic steam train, or an antique midway. Also, one can spot some businesses and shops, such as a working printing press and a blacksmith shop, an ice cream parlour, and a bakery.
The Calgary Pathway System
It is an extensive network of pedestrian pathways and cycling trails that connect the city’s natural parks and communities. Plus it offers a fun and healthy option of getting around and enjoying the outdoors by walking, jogging, running and cycling. The system is made up of a combination of regional and local pathways. From these you may access various facilities throughout the community, and non-paved trails. The best part is that they act as recreational routes through the city’s parks. The paths and trails wind along the Bow and Elbow Rivers, pass by the Nose Creek and West Nose Creek. Then they wind through the Fish Creek Provincial Park and the Western Irrigation District Canal and Glenmore Reservoir.
The Military Museum
The museums are dedicated to Canada’s military forces and educate the public about the honourable role the navy, army, and air force have played in world history. The Museum features eight distinct museums and galleries. You can gain a better understanding of the victories, tragedies, and sacrifices of the Canadian Forces. It is located on St. George’s Island in the middle of Bow River.
The Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park
The green patch is one of Canada’s largest animal parks with more than 1,400 animals living in a variety of natural and diverse habitats. The zoo features several ecosystems in which visitors can experience the animals as they would exist in the wild. You can discover a unique nocturnal exhibit called Creatures of the Night and a landscape featuring 22 life-size dinosaur replicas known as Prehistoric Park. Plus you can see the endangered ecosystems of Canada in the exclusive Canadian Wilds section.