Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, boasting a great number of exciting adventures, sites and cultural heritage. The best time to visit is from late May to the end of September. However, December, January and February are excellent months to enjoy winter sports and activities. Itravel2000 suggests travelling in early July to experience the Calgary Stampede which is the city’s most sought after attraction embracing cowboy culture. The event lasts ten days and features live rodeos, a midway, concerts and chuckwagon races among others. Don’t forget your jeans, cowboy hat and boots as it is strongly encouraged to “dress western.”

Experience the panoramic views of the city with a visit to the Observation Terrace atop the Calgary Tower. Next, take in the sights and sounds with a wander through Prince’s Island, one of Calgary’s most popular parks located in the city’s core, with widespread trails lining the Bow River winding throughout the park. Discover the treasures of the Old West with a visit to the Heritage Park Historic Village. Step back in time and uncover the intriguing history of Western Canada, with a ride on the authentic Steam Train or enjoy the antique midway. The Calgary Zoo is always a fun time; it is adorned with lush botanical gardens, a prehistoric park and thousands of animals from around the world.

A very interesting attraction worth visiting is the Okotoks Erratic (The Big Rock), it is the largest glacial erratic in the world that was left behind after the Ice Age, and was Alberta’s first natural feature to be named a provincial historic site. Just outside of the bustling downtown core you can encounter Canada Olympic Park, home of the 1988 winter games. Witness the highlight of the park, and the Ski Jump Tower, the highest vantage point in Calgary. For those who want a taste of Calgary’s nightlife, head to Electric Avenue, a vibrant area lined with several nightclubs and bars.

To top your Calgary vacation off, take a day trip to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located one hour west of Calgary. It is a nature lover’s sanctuary, enriched with soaring mountains, pristine lakes, giant glaciers, and an incredible wildlife habitat; a picturesque experience that will leave you in amazement. The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) Daytime and night-time temperatures can differ widely, because of Calgary's dry air (there is little atmospheric moisture to slow temperature swings) and its proximity to the mountains. In the summer, overnight temperatures often drop close to freezing (Calgary can get snow in ANY month of the year), yet reaching daytime highs of 30° C (90° F) by noon. In the winter time, "chinook" winds can raise the temperatures as much as 50° C (100° F) over a few hours, evaporating snow so fast that the slush stage is skipped. Calgary has the sunniest winter months with an average of 2,300 hours of sunshine annually. Calgary has one main airport, Calgary International Airport. It is located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Calgary. Calgary Transit provides public bus transportation to and from the Calgary International Airport via Route #57 with service to and from the Whitehorn LRT Station. Taxi service is available 24/7 at the two main taxi stands on the Arrivals level. Shuttle options are also available to travelers from Calgary International Airport to the city center. Limousine service is available through a number of limousine companies. Services include stretch limousines and SUVs. Limousines must be booked in advance. 110-120V 60Hz The official languages are English and French; however, many other languages are spoken throughout. Toronto to Calgary: 4hrs. 9mins. Government of Canada
Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Tel.:1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
Fax: (613) 941-1827 Time: GMT - 7 (GMT - 6 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).