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There’s more to Calgary than oil, cowboys and beef. The southern Alberta city, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, has grown from pioneer settlement to cosmopolitan city in the space of 120 years. Visitors stepping off Calgary flights will find that the city has a thriving music scene – traditional and modern – and Canada's third-largest Chinatown. There are more shopping opportunities downtown than at the West Edmonton Mall and an added bonus is the absence of a provincial sales tax.
Calgary hasn’t grown too far from its roots however. The world-famous Calgary Stampede celebrates its heritage. Fort Calgary, the 1880s North West Mounted Police post in Inglewood, encompasses a historic park, and even the Pengrowth Saddledome, home of NHL's Calgary Flames, the WHL's Calgary Hitmen and the NLL's Calgary Roughnecks, which is shaped like a saddle.
Calgary’s real story is the great outdoors. Fish Creek Park, in south Calgary, is Canada's largest urban park, three times bigger than Stanley Park in Vancouver. Within a couple of hours’ drive is Banff National Park and Lake Louise, Canada's first national park, a mecca for winter sports and nature enthusiasts.
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Calgary is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. After stepping off Calgary flights, visitors can get to Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore, the ski resorts, in just a couple of hours by heading west along the Trans-Canada Highway. The climate is typical prairie: cool summers (up to about 23 degrees Celsius), cold winters (temperatures can dip to about -15 degrees Celsius, but are warmed by the Chinook winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean) and little rain.
Peak seasonBetween June and August, a time of many festivals: the world-famous Calgary Stampede, the International Festival, Greek Festival, Folk Music Festival and Dragonboat Festival.
Autumn weather can be pleasant. September is particularly rewarding with warm days and autumn foliage appearing slowly.
Off seasonIf you're not there for the skiing, the winter months are low season.
The Calgary Transit System operates buses and a light-rail system called the C-Train, allowing easy transfers between the two.
There are many car-rental companies available either at the airport or around town. Taxis are another good way to get around with rates starting at C$2.50 (US$1.80) for the first 162 meters (about 1/10 of a mile), plus C20¢ (US15¢) every 162 meters thereafter.
You may be tempted to walk around the city but bear in mind that the east-west blocks are very long - it will take you 15 minutes to walk only five blocks. If you want a more convenient way to walk around, the city has a series of enclosed walkways called the ‘Plus-15’ system which connects downtown buildings above street level with access points on the streets marked ‘+15’.
Calgary International Airport (YYC). The airport is 20km northeast of downtown Calgary.
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Andrew HempsteadThe “outdoorsman” offers a range of options for travellers on all budgets, from hiking around Lake Louise, dressing western at the Stampede or relaxing in Jasper’s hot springs.
Brian BrennanBrennan introduces us to some of the men and women who have been drawn to the Rocky Mountains over the past 250 years including pioneering missionaries, botanists, painters and guides.
Brian Patton and Bart RobinsonMore than 200 hiking and backpacking trails in the Rockies. Takes in Banff and Jasper national parks.
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