Calgary: A Canadian Crown

By: Joe Volz and Kate Bird Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-05-02 12:35:59.449038-04:00

By Joe Volz and Kate Bird

Calgary's origins go back to the 1870s when the western Canadian city was founded as a Northwest Mounted Police headquarters. Nestled between the Bow and Elbow Rivers in southwestern Alberta, Calgary derived its name from the Gaelic phrase meaning "bay farm."

Calgary quickly became a magnet for settlers as the Canadian Pacific Railroad arrived in 1883 and then for ranchers who established large-scale spreads on the plains around the city. From the 1960s on, the city grew rapidly with the oil boom and is now recognized as the second largest headquarters of major corporate offices in Canada.

Today, the city has 800,000 people and offers visitors a pleasing mix of its Wild West background and its innovative design.

Here are some not-to-be-missed sights.

Calgary Tower and Walkways: A Walk in the Clouds

The city boasts higher office buildings, but the Calgary Tower (now almost 40 years old), is its most distinctive landmark. It's a fine way for visitors to orient themselves by looking out from its top to view the Rocky Mountains to the west and the foothills and the plains around the city. Visitors to the Observation Deck can virtually “step out into” space on the new glass floor experience. For a more leisurely viewing of Calgary, order a meal in either the rotating Dining Room or the informal Grill in the tower.

To make its visitors more comfortable during the often bitterly cold winters, Calgary has built a system of overhead enclosed walkways that span over 10 miles. Called the Plus 15, it's about 15 feet above ground-level and connects many of the buildings and sights downtown.

You can start your walk at the Calgary Tower by entering the Plus 15 and stopping first at the Glenbow Museum to study its collection of art and historical artifacts. Calgary Center for the Performing Arts is another popular attraction that can be reached from the Plus 15 walkway. Here you can join a walking, guided tour of its various theaters.

For children, the Performing Arts theaters annually sponsor the Calgary International Children's Festival. Held in the spring, the five-day festival includes puppets, magicians, clowns and storytelling. Face painting is another treat for kids.

Devonian Gardens

To reach this peaceful, enclosed garden located in the heart of downtown Calgary, board the C-Train; Calgary's free light rail system that runs only along the 7th Avenue shopping district. The gardens are built above a shopping mall and, with 2.5 acres, are one of the world's largest indoor gardens. Waterfalls, pathways, flowers, fountains, fish, turtles, playground, artwork and sculptures are featured. The floral displays are changed approximately 18 times a year. The flowers planted reflect seasons and occasions. The gardens are open year round.

Riley Park

Located in the Kensington area of the city, the park offers not only boutiques and stores but is an oasis inside a busy city. Its tempting greens attract children to pitch cricket (the game) and adults to admire its lovely gardens. There's also a wading pool for children.

Each Saturday afternoon in June and July, Riley Park holds free storytelling for kids in a large tent. The readings include the familiar Dr. Suess's "Cat in the Hat," along with space tales and fairy tales.

Stampede Park

Calgary's most talked about festival is the Stampede Rodeo, held for 10 days every July in Stampede Park. Meant to honor Calgary's cowboy past, the rodeo features bronco and bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling and women's barrel racing. The rodeo's first competition dates back to 1912 and it attracts more contestants and visitors each year.

You are welcome to don cowboy gear so you can fit right in with the contestants and the spirit of the festival.

A center for agriculture, trade and commerce, education and theatrical performances, Stampede Park is open year-round and hosts two million visitors annually. High school graduations, holiday parties, concerts and sports events including the Cassie Campbell Street Hockey Challenge hold their events in the park's facilities.

Telus World of Science

The Telus World of Science is a wonderful family experience designed for curious minds. The exhibits are all located in the three main exhibit areas: the Demo Theatre, Discovery Dome theatre, and the LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ center. They are some of the best exhibits and films in North America. The demo theatre offers a variety of science topics through interactive activities and movies. The Dome theatre features a huge dome screen with wrap-around digital sound. View presentations on topics such as African safaris, space exploration, and the life of rainforest insects. The LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ center offers a glimpse into the world of robotics through a 45-minute facilitated program. Kids can program pre-built LEGO® robots and test their effectiveness on space mission and robot ant scenarios.