Calgary has a rich history and is a booming cultural metropolis in the Canadian province of Alberta. From hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics to being the place where Calgary Stampede rodeo was established, Calgary is full of interesting facts and famous things. This post will take a look at the captivating history and culture of this vibrant city, as well as some must-know information for travelers. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the main attractions, neighbourhoods, and events in Calgary. So what are you waiting for? Let’s explore one of Western Canada’s most remarkable cities!
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Calgary is the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta. It is located in the south of the province, approximately 80 kilometers east of the Rocky Mountains. The city is situated between the Bow and Elbow rivers, and occupies a total area of 825 square kilometers. The city is the third-largest municipality in Canada, after Toronto and Montreal.
The area around present-day Calgary was settled by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 1780s. Calgary was officially established in 1875 as a Northwest Mounted Police outpost. It then became a town in 1884 and a city in 1894. Calgary underwent a period of rapid growth in the years following World War II, which was spurred by the discovery of nearby oil fields. Today, Calgary is an economically diverse city and a major political, cultural, and transportation hub. Industries in the city include finance, oil, agriculture, technology, and tourism.
1. Calgary is home to the world’s largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
2. Because of its location on the Bow River, Calgary is the sunniest major Canadian city outside of the coastal regions.
3. Calgary is the first city in the world to host the Paralympic Winter Games three times.
4. Calgary is home to Canada’s largest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park.
5. Calgary is home to the world’s largest Male Voice Choir, The Calgary Outriders.
6. Calgary’s City Hall is the first LEED Gold-certified building in Canada.
7. Every summer, the Calgary Stampede draws over one million visitors to the city.
8. Calgary provides easy access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, with mountain resorts of Banff, Kananaskis and Lake Louise only an hour and a half drive away.
9. Calgary is home to North America’s longest running art party, the Beakerhead.
10. Calgary’s celebration of freedom, Calgary Pride, is the largest LGBTQ festival in western Canada.
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Calgary is known as the Oil Capital of Canada, due to its important role in the Canadian energy industry. It’s also famous for its unique mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, and historic downtown. Pubs, clubs, and restaurants line some of its many walkable streets. Every summer, Calgary also hosts the Calgary Stampede, a ten-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival.
Visiting Calgary is a great experience! The city has something to offer everyone – from outdoor activities to cultural attractions. In the summer, enjoy hikes in the Rocky Mountains, beautiful green spaces, and city bike paths. Visit Canada Olympic Park for various activities, such as downhill mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and more. From the city centre, take a short drive to any of the surrounding national parks like Banff and Waterton for stunning views of mountains and lakes. Visit some of Calgary’s fantastic cultural attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum, Fort Calgary, or the Calgary Zoo. There are also plenty of amazing restaurants, trendy cafes, and nightlife spots to explore. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation, a thrilling outdoor adventure, or a cultural experience, Calgary has it all!
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