Calgary

You don’t have to be a fan of Canada’s official national winter sport but it’s definitely worth witnessing the Flames’ loyal fans (and the players) in action! Home Games are played regularly throughout the hockey season, (October-May) at the famous Saddledome in the heart of Calgary.

Escape the cold and visit the city’s new Central Library. This architectural gem opened late 2018 and was added to the 2019 Time Magazine list of the World’s Greatest Places. Located in the downtown East Village and housing almost half a million books it’s one of North America’s largest library systems and includes a digital production studio built for podcasters and YouTubers.

If you need more snow fun then Calgary’s only tube park (and one of Canada’s largest) is located at Canada Olympic Park just 15 minutes from downtown. You can choose to ride solo or in a group of four down the 12 lane track and let the magic carpet take you back to start again. Those of you braver could go ‘Cool Runnings’ style and ride the bobsled like the famous Jamaican team did in The Calgary Winter Olympics of 1988 plus you can check out the ski jump which made Eddie the Eagle famous at the same games.

Olympic Plaza is a large city park located close to Downtown which was created as the venue for the medal ceremonies during the Winter Olympic Games of 1988. Today it’s a popular meeting place and for hosting outdoor events.  During the winter a large public ice-rink is created where you can rent skates & helmets for a small fee.

Studio Bell opened in Calgary’s East Village on Canada Day 2016 and there is nothing like it in North America.  This multi use facility houses a performance hall,  museum, broadcast studio, and is a live music venue and recording facility.  The building itself is a masterpiece, bridging across the street and back again and is made up of 9 towers forming the body with curving terra cotta walls. Entrance is inexpensive and covers five levels of sights, sounds and interactive activities including The Canadian Music Hall of Fame & Canadian songwriters Hall of Fame.

This iconic landmark in Downtown Calgary opened in 1968 and is a 190.8 meter observation tower. Calgary has of course grown a lot since then and it’s no longer the highest building in the city by a long shot but it’s certainly worth a visit.  Take in the city views, the bustling Calgary streets below and best of all look across the plains towards the majestic foothills of the Canadian Rockies.  Stand on the glass floor and look down if you dare!