Things to do
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Calgary Tower
An observation tower of one hundred and ninety metres, opened in the late nineteen sixties when it was the tallest thing on the prairie skyline and since outgrown by the offices around it. A glass floor lets visitors stand out over the street, and a revolving restaurant turns above the deck. The Rockies show on the western horizon on clear days. A gas flame on top marks civic occasions.
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Calgary Zoo
Most of an island in the Bow River is given to the zoo, reached from downtown by light rail. Canadian Wilds, an African hall and a tropical greenhouse make up the bulk, and life-size dinosaur models occupy the upstream end. Conservation breeding here has sent whooping cranes and swift foxes back to the wild. Heated indoor halls make a winter visit work when the paths are frozen.
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Glenbow Museum
Alberta's collection of western Canadian art and history began as the private hoard of an oil-rich Calgary lawyer: maps, minerals, saddles, First Nations material. The downtown building has been shut through a complete rebuild and will reopen under a new name with new galleries. Parts of the collection tour other institutions meanwhile. Confirming the state of play before a visit saves a wasted walk.
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Heritage Park Historical Village
A living history village on the shore of the Glenmore reservoir, with a steam train circling the site, a paddle steamer on the water and an antique fairground still running. Costumed staff work a blacksmith's, a bakery and a one-room school. The historic quarter opens for the warm months only, while the motoring museum at the gate stays open all year. Half a day is the minimum, and the steam train is worth timing.
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Prince's Island Park
An island in the Bow River at the edge of downtown, joined to the bank by footbridges, with Calatrava's red tubular Peace Bridge crossing just upstream. Lawns, a lagoon and old cottonwoods make the lunchtime green space for the office towers, and a folk festival takes it over for a weekend each summer. A restaurant sits among the trees. River paths run on for kilometres in both directions from the footbridges.