Calgary is often referred to by many monikers that speak to its western heritage—Texas of Canada and Cowtown, to name a couple. But relics of the Wild West are just a small slice of what Calgary and its surrounding towns have to offer.
Arts & Culture
Nestled between the mountains and prairies, Calgary is a buzzing metropolitan centre where you can experience the opera, the latest play from Broadway, or live music from punk to country any night of the week. Downtown boasts an extensive arts community, with galleries in the design district, featuring local artists or shops with local fashion designs.
Culinary
The food scene is ever-changing and vibrant, too. Feast on a duck confit taco from a food truck, or hit a trendy cocktail bar to sample - or learn how to make the latest cutting-edge cocktails.
Outdoors
Set against a supernatural backdrop of high peaks and lush greenery, the city itself is home to Fish Creek Park, where you can raft, river surf or peace out fly fishing in the Bow River. Fifteen minutes south of Calgary, the town of Okotoks is an emerging community steeped in Albertan heritage. Its main street is filled with local shops and businesses that are housed in historic buildings.
Forty minutes west of Calgary is Bragg Creek, where you can have adventures in hiking, cycling in summer, or cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing in winter. Then stay for a saloon-style dinner with local live music, or enjoy an authentic feast at the local German restaurant.
Other towns worth checking out in the Calgary region include Black Diamond, Cochrane, and Airdrie.
