Calgary (Summer)

Calgary's nickname, Cowtown, is cherished by the city's one million residents, who prefer that romantic vision of their beloved home to the city's more modern identity as an energy and financial center. Downtown is a massive cluster of modern steel-and-glass skyscrapers bordered by the turquoise Bow River. In its heart is pedestrian-friendly Steven Avenue Walk, home to the Glenbow Museum, a convention center, and numerous restaurants and pubs whose seating spills onto the sidewalks. Riverside trails link downtown to Prince’s Island Park, the Calgary Zoo, and a replica of the original Fort Calgary. Not forgetting its roots, each July the city ...

Calgary's nickname, Cowtown, is cherished by the city's one million residents, who prefer that romantic vision of their beloved home to the city's more modern identity as an energy and financial center. Downtown is a massive cluster of modern steel-and-glass skyscrapers bordered by the turquoise Bow River. In its heart is pedestrian-friendly Steven Avenue Walk, home to the Glenbow Museum, a convention center, and numerous restaurants and pubs whose seating spills onto the sidewalks. Riverside trails link downtown to Prince’s Island Park, the Calgary Zoo, and a replica of the original Fort Calgary. Not forgetting its roots, each July the city sets aside all the material success it's achieved as a boomtown to put on the greatest outdoor show on earth — the Calgary Stampede, a Western extravaganza that includes the world’s richest rodeo. Calgary is centrally located for day trips to Alberta’s best-known attractions, including Banff National Park and Drumheller, as well as lesser-known destinations, such as the wilderness playground of Kananaskis Country.

About the Expert

Over the last 20 years, Andrew Hempstead has authored and updated more than 60 guidebooks for Avalon Travel, Frommer’s, Michelin, Odyssey, Dorling Kindersley, Michelin, and Sasquatch Books, including many books on Canada.