WELCOME TO CALGARY

Calgary, Alberta stands at the point where the vast Canadian prairie meets the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Glittering skyscrapers rise out of mature suburban neighbourhoods at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. Surrounded by beautiful country on all sides of the city, and connected to nature inside through an array of parks and recreational pathways, the land is never far from the minds of the people of Calgary. Substantial Alberta oil resources have created a vibrant economy; the distant mountains offer locals and tourists from around the globe attract skiers and snowboarders in the winters months; and, during the balmy summers, cattle roam the flat expanse of grassland throughout Alberta’s cowboy country.

As well as being the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary also grew into a tourist destination in its own right. Visitors flocked to take in the city's burgeoning cowboy culture, expressed every year in the Calgary Stampede (held formally for the first time in 1912). The Rocky Mountains and, in particular, Banff National Park, attracted thousands more who were drawn by the parks stunning alpine beauty and its famous hotel. As the popularity of winter leisure sports (such as downhill skiing and bobsleighing) increased, so did Calgary's own popularity, all culminating in the city's hosting of the XV Olympic Winter Games in 1988.

Many have likened the Calgary of today to a Canadian Dallas, a comparison that is not without merit. Like Dallas, Calgary is a confident, often-brash cowboy town that grew wealthy on oil, where they play country and western music in noisy taverns and eat thick and juicy steaks in the restaurants. As an image, however, this captures only a small part of what the city and its people are actually like. Calgary is also a city of diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods, where its citizens relax in cafés, stroll the scenic streets or take in the opera, although they are just as likely to head off to the great outdoors. Its technology industries have grown immensely, diversifying the economy and making it less of a one-horse cowboy town and more of a 21st-century city.

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CALGARY AREA ATTRACTIONS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION

  • ATTRACTIONS

    Alberta Provincial Parks
    With its vast forests, pristine lakes, wide open prairies and the magnificent Rocky Mountains, the province of Alberta contains a diversity of natural landscapes that few other places can match.

    Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
    The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area is dedicated to protecting habitat and providing space for native wildlife in Areas located just outside the south-western city limits (Lake Mckenzie, Shawnessy, Sundance) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

    Calaway Park
    Western Canada´s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rockies only 10 km west of the city limits of Calgary Alberta on the Trans Canada Highway.

    Calgary Aero Space Museum
    The Aero Space Museum Association of Calgary is dedicated to creating a world class aviation museum. It offers educational, cultural and recreational facilities, featuring the development of aviation in Western Canada; past, present and future. The museum focuses on the achievements of Calgarians and Albertans in the field of aviation in war and peace.

    Calgary Convention and Visitors Bureau
    Welcome to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies. This site is dedicated to the traveller and travel planner who are looking for resource material and information about this beautiful city and the surrounding area.

    Calgary Exhibition and Stampede
    The seed that was to grow into the world renowned Calgary Exhibition and Stampede was planted in the fertile soil at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in the year 1884. Now one of the Worlds Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

    Calgary Tower
    Though now 30 years old, the Calgary Tower is still the 3rd tallest structure in the city and a must see on any tourist´s itinerary. Throughout the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, an Olympic Torch burned non-stop at the top of the Tower.

    Calgary Winter Festival
    Showcasing Calgary’s arts, cultural and sporting activities. Providing all residents and visitors to Calgary opportunities to celebrate winter in their communities and throughout the city. Encouraging Calgarians to take ownership in developing the well being of their communities. Fostering support of Calgary businesses, organizations and associations, by positioning ourselves as partners in the economic development of our community.

    Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park
    Welcome to the Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park in Alberta, Canada. We´re located east of the downtown area at the Memorial Drive/Deerfoot Trail interchange. It´s easy to reach us via roads, rapid transit (C-train)or the river valley pathways. You can visit us 365 days of the year!

    Canada Olympic Park
    Canada Olympic Park is the premiere site of the XV Olympic Winter Games where Bobsledding, Luge, Ski Jumping and Freestyle events took place. Now a year-round sport and tourist attraction, Canada Olympic Park is one of Canada´s most popular group tour destinations.

    DISCOVER ALBERTA
    Alberta is a world class tourism destination. Enjoy the Alberta Rockies by visiting the mountain towns of Banff, Canmore and Jasper or savour the Alberta foothills from within Kananaskis Country or Waterton Lakes National Park

    DISCOVER BANFF
    Situated in the heart of world renowned Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is home to breathtaking natural landscape and is just a short trip to world famous Lake Louise, Canmore and Yoho National Park. Skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy amongst the dramatic peaks of Canada´s Rocky Mountains.

    DISCOVER CALGARY
    Calgary is just minutes away from world class skiing and hiking in the majestic Rocky Mountains, outstanding camping and golf in Kananaskis Country and the beautiful scenery of Banff National Park. Calgary is also home to the world famous Calgary Stampede and Exhibition.

    Drumheller
    The spectacular Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is the most popular in North America, while scientists from around the globe use its unparalleled research facility. With leading modelling technology, fibre optics and computer wizardry, we have created a cultural experience of world-class recognition.

    Fort Calgary Historic Park
    In 1988 development of an exciting new gallery called Street of Dreams will focus visitor attention on a streetscape of Calgary during the first three decades of the twentieth century. This gallery, when viewed in conjunction with the 1997 exhibit renovations, will enhance and expand the Calgary story from the NorthWest Mounted Police arrival in 1875 to the City of Calgary in the 1930´s.

    Glenbow Museum
    Western Canada´s foremost centre of history and art. Located in Calgary, Alberta, in the Heart of Downtown Calgary, Close to Olympic Plaza.

    Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
    Hours of Operation for Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Near Fort Macleod, Alberta.

    Heritage Park
    At Heritage Park, you can. Strolling through our 1910 town, you might catch some good old-fashioned gossip at the bakery or livery stable. Hear a suffragist speak about the newly founded women´s movement. Ride an antique ferris wheel. Or thrill as a massive steam locomotive rumbles by.

    Nanton Air Museum
    Operates the Nanton Lancaster Society Air Museum in Nanton, Alberta, a community of 1700 people 65 km south of Calgary. A member of the Alberta Museums Association, the Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association, and the Canadian Aviation Historical Society.

    Naval Museum of Alberta
    A fantastic collection of naval artifacts including three RCN fighter aircraft which flew on the decks of HMCS Warrior, Magnificent and Bonaventure.

    Nickle Arts Museum
    Located on The University of Calgary Campus, The Nickle Arts Museum (NAM) was founded in 1979 with a generous donation by Mr. Samuel C. Nickle, matched by a grant from The Province of Alberta.

    Royal Tyrrell Museum
    The Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society is a non-profit society funded to support the scientific, education, recreational and public operations of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

    Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre
    Spruce Meadows is located in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rockies. This picturesque complex has captivated the worldwide audience of the sport of show jumping. There is no other place like it.

  • BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

    Calgary Downtown Association
    Calgary´s history of steady growth is driving the evolution of Downtown. With more companies choosing Calgary for their headquarters, more jobs are attracting more people Downtown.

    Office vacancy rates are down, residential property sales, new construction and renovations are up. In turn participation in public events, retail sales and visitation to attractions are all reaching new heights as Downtown Calgary becomes a place to work, live and play.

    Calgary Economic Development Authority
    C.E.D.A. coordinates, develops and implements proactive strategies to enhance Calgary´s economic development, prosperity and diversity. The Authority serves a broad spectrum of firms and entrepreneurs, both in and outside of Calgary, and markets the city as a destination for business investment. C.E.D.A. assists companies to identify viable export markets, and promotes trade on national and international levels, focusing on sister city relationships and strategic economic alliances.

  • EDUCATION

    Alberta Vocational College
    Bow Valley College’s main campus is conveniently close to downtown C-Train and transit routes, at 332 6 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB. The main campus is augmented by six additional campuses and learning centres in Calgary and seven in Southern Alberta.

    Alberta College of Art & Design
    One of Alberta’s and Calgary’s Largest and Most Respected Art Colleges.

    Banff Centre
    In 1998, The Banff Centre celebrates 65 years of inspiring creativity, passion, innovation and vision. As Canada’s premier professional development centre for the arts, the Centre has enriched Canadian culture beyond measure. Thousands of artists and managers have come here to explore, collaborate, grow and create.

    Calgary Board of Education
    The Calgary Board of Education, as a public education system, ensures that quality learning is accessible to all its students. The system supports, nurtures and connects the work of teachers, parents and communities. Complete with an Interactive School Map.

    Calgary Catholic School Board
    The Calgary Catholic School District is the largest Catholic school district in Alberta, serving 44,000 students in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and the Municipal District of Rocky View. This learning organization educates and empowers students from kindergarten to Grade 12 to reach their full potential, meet life’s challenges, serve their community, and journey in faith.

    Calgary Public Library
    Where our city´s heritage comes alive in more than 20,000 books, pamphlets, directories, catalogues, school yearbooks, maps, clippings files and magazines. Each page tells a story of real places and people in Calgary and Alberta.

    DeVry Calgary
    DeVry Institute of Technology Located in Calgary, Alberta. Technological Studies and Industries.

    Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta
    The PSBAA is a voluntary non-profit society representing public school boards throughout Alberta. Since 1989, the PSBAA has concentrated completely on being an effective advocate for public school education in Alberta.

    Mount Royal University
    Every year, thousands of highly qualified students choose Mount Royal University as the launching pad for their futures. Their reasons for choosing us are as many and diverse as our student population.

    But our research shows they like several important features of a Mount Royal Education.

    Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
    Here at SAIT, our approach to your future is practical. By combining classroom theory and hands-on experience, our students learn to achieve results in the real world. Practicums, industry mentors, work-simulated labs, and relevant instruction are only a few examples of how we prepare you for employment.

    University of Calgary
    The University of Calgary is a research and teaching university of growing national and international stature. According to the Canadian Association of University Business Officers, the U of C is the most research-intensive university in Alberta and among the top 10 in Canada. Research funding exceeds $64 million per year.

  • GOVERNMENT

    City of Calgary
    Information on all aspects of living in Calgary, Moving to Calgary, and Calgary Laws and Procedures.

    Government of Alberta
    Alberta´s been blessed with an abundance of natural advantages which have formed the foundation of our province´s thriving economy. The Alberta government has built on this by engineering an economic plan which ensures a positive business climate exists in our province. A climate which encourages investment, creates diversity, and empowers Alberta businesses to compete successfully around the globe.

  • HEALTHCARE

    City of Calgary
    Information on all aspects of living in Calgary, Moving to Calgary, and Calgary Laws and Procedures.

    Government of Alberta
    Alberta´s been blessed with an abundance of natural advantages which have formed the foundation of our province´s thriving economy. The Alberta government has built on this by engineering an economic plan which ensures a positive business climate exists in our province. A climate which encourages investment, creates diversity, and empowers Alberta businesses to compete successfully around the globe.

  • POLICE

    Calgary Crime Stoppers
    Crime Stoppers is a citizen, media and police co-operative program designed to involve the public in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers provides citizens with a vehicle to anonymously supply the police with information about a crime or potential crime of which they have knowledge. Cash rewards are offered to people who call the program and their information leads to an arrest and charge. This web site is a means to deter criminal activity in our neighborhood and to inform the general public about the ongoing efforts to make Calgary a safe and enjoyable place to live.

    Calgary Police Service
    We have much to be proud of in the Calgary Police Service – our well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s most progressive police services, our longstanding partnership with our community, and the low crime rate in our city.

  • SPORTS

    Bow Waters Canoe Club
    Bow Waters Canoe Club, established in 1972, is a group of people who enjoy paddling the rivers of Alberta, British Columbia and beyond! In addition to organizing over 100 river tours, we also offer equipment rentals, lessons, youth programs, social events and a newsletter. In winter, a Nordic skiing schedule and Jackrabbit Program provide lots of activity between paddling seasons.

    Calgary Beach Volleyball Association
    The Calgary Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) is a non-profit, volunteer run organization that has been serving volleyball enthusiasts in Calgary through its leagues and tournaments for the past 8 years. CBVA’s mission statement is as follows: To be dedicated towards increasing awareness of beach volleyball by Youth Program providing quality events and nurturing a friendly, enjoyable CBVA environment in which to participate as well as spectate.

    Calgary Canoe Club
    Competitive and recreational paddling.

    Calgary Flames
    Calgary´s NHL Hockey team. In the space of 18 years, the Calgary Flames have become one of the premier franchises in the NHL — on and off the ice. Won first Stanley Cup (1988-89); two Presidents’ Trophies, first overall, (1987-88, 1988-89); two Clarence Campbell Conference titles (1985-86, 1988-89); three season and two Smythe Division playoff championships; two Pacific Division titles; and several NHL individual and team honors; and numerous attendance records.

    Calgary Stampeders
    Calgary’s CFL Football team.

    Dive Calgary Sports Society
    The University of Calgary Diving Club was formed by Lawrence Smuk (Michaels) in 1973. Their mandate is as follows, to promote competitive diving through: The pursuit of excellence at the provincial, national and international level. The provision of an on-going recruitment and developmental program for all ages of divers. The promotion of the sport of diving to the general public.

    Kart Gardens Family Fun Centre
    Gokarts.

    Race City Motorsport Park
    Canada’s finest motorsport facility is more than just a racing venue. Race City occupies 160 acres of land within Calgary city limits. The versatility and proximity of this venue invites use for a multitude of different events and rentals: Concerts and Music Festivals, Corporate Functions and Special Events, Television Commercials and Filming, Track Rentals for Racing Clubs, High Performance Driving Schools, Corporate Driver Training, Race Car and Automotive Testing, Trade Shows and Auctions, Ride and Drive Events, Safety Symposiums, Product Introductions and Sampling, Parties, Barbecues and Picnics, Meeting Facilities, You Name It!

  • UTILITIES

    Enmax
    ENMAX, formerly known as The City of Calgary Electric System, is the power supplier to Calgarians and has been providing electricity to Calgary and area customers since 1905. Keeping our customers powered is the job of about 600 people. ENMAX supplies electricity to more than 300,000 customers in Calgary and surrounding areas.

    Shaw
    Shaw Communications Inc., is a diversified Canadian communications company. Our family encompasses cable television operation, television program development, radio broadcasting, and expanding telecommunication services.

    Telus
    Canada’s third largest telecommunications company, with 9,450 employees and assets of $3.8 billion, through our wholly-owned subsidiaries. A widely-held public company held by close to 100,000 shareholders. Providers of integrated services and solutions for consumers and businesses including local phone service, long distance, data, wireless, Internet, multimedia and advertising services.