Prince's Island Park
Calgary's largest inner city park is an island with a number of pleasant trails for walking and relaxing. In the summer, it plays host to Shakespeare in the Park (http://www.mtroyal.ab.ca/...) and it is also the site of two of the city's largest annual festivals: the Calgary Folk Music Festival (http://www.calgaryfolkfes...) and Carifest (http://www.carifestcalgary.ca/) Calgary's annual festival celebrating the city's large West Indian population.
Olympic Plaza
This public square was built as the site of medal presentations during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. During the summer, waders can enjoy the water-filled plaza, while winter visitors can go skating.
The Military Museums
The most extensive military museum in Canada outside of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, this facility houses galleries devoted to four local Army regiments and their service in the Boer War, the World Wars, the Korean War, the Cold War, and post-1945 operations with the UN and NATO including Cyprus, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, several general interest galleries, the former Naval Museum of Alberta, and an outdoor historical vehicle display. Formerly known as the Museum of the Regiments.
Fort Calgary Historic Park
Before becoming a city in 1894, the Calgary area was home to Fort Calgary. The Northwest Mounted Police NWMP fort was built in 1875. Today, Fort Calgary, located in Inglewood at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers is the city's oldest historic monument.
Scotiabank Saddledome
(http://www.scotiabanksadd...) Located on the Stampede Grounds, Calgary's largest hockey arena plays host to the Calgary Flames hockey, the Calgary Hitmen junior hockey, the Calgary Roughnecks lacrosse, and many concerts.
Calgary Zoo
The world-class Calgary Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world, as well as to the Botanical Garden and a Prehistoric Park for dinosaur lovers. It is the second largest zoo in Canada.
Battalion Park
A tribute to local soldiers that trained for the First World War, this is an interpretive 0.5 km hiking trail up the side of the bluff overlooking the former Sarcee Camp. Soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force left enormous battalion numerals spelled out in whitewashed stones which have been restored as a permanent memorial. The interpretive trail also includes a monument and a self-guided tour with historical tablets and photographs. Most but not all of the numbers are easily seen from the parking lots of the nearby Signal Hill and West Hills shopping centres.
Barclay Parade
Barclay Mall is a pedestrian mall that runs from Eau Claire on the north to Stephen Avenue in the south. It is home to a number of high end shops and encompasses the Penny Lane Entertainment District.
Glenbow Museum
Western Canada's largest museum, with over 93,000 square feet of exhibition space spreading over three floors. More than 20 galleries are filled with artifacts from Glenbow's collection of over a million objects, emphasizing local history. Regularly changing visiting exhibits focus on art or more distant cultures. Children can make art on weekends.
Stampede Grounds
The site of Calgary's world-famous exhibition and rodeo, the Calgary Stampede grounds are located on the east end of the Beltline in Victoria Park. Not only are the grounds the site of the excitement of every July's Calgary Stampede, they also house a conference and exhibition centre the Round-Up Centre and a casino.
Devonian Gardens
The Devonian Gardens is a large indoor urban park located in TD Square, above the shopping. It is currently open for visitors.
Chinatown
Canada's third largest Chinatown is in the northeast portion of downtown Calgary. It is the heart of Calgary's Asian diaspora, although much of north and east Calgary has a Pacific Rim influence. The area of about a half-dozen blocks is located along Centre Street S, from 4 Ave S on the south to the Bow River on the north. Calgary's Chinatown packs in a dense network of Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and other Asian restaurants, shops, housing and cultural facilities. The area along Centre Street on the north side of the river almost functions as a loosely organized "second Chinatown" with Chinese-oriented businesses stretching for 20 or more blocks.
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower may not be quite as impressive as the CN Tower in Toronto, but it still commands a great view over the city and the surroundings. On a clear day you can see the Rockies to the west. It features a revolving gourmet restaurant, a bar, and an observation deck. The tower backs onto railway tracks and some run down blocks on the 10th Avenue side and is best approached from 8th Avenue for a more enjoyable experience.
architecture
While Calgary is no Rome, Tokyo, or Paris for architecture, Calgary does have some highlights that may be worth visiting/seeing for those interested in architecture. Although still under construction The Bow is a modern masterpiece of glass and steel and would be a shame to miss but really how could you? The Bow pierces through the skyline from pretty much any angle. Stephen Avenue and Atlantic Avenue both have an abundance of tightly packed, small, old commercial buildings with great architectural details. The Calgary Tower is a beautiful early modern tower with a minimalist design that, even if you don't care for the design, shouldn't miss if only for the views. One could also stroll the construction mazes of Macleod Trail and Scarth St/1 Street SE for many beautiful modern condominiums.
Suburban attractions
Spruce Meadows
(http://www.sprucemeadows.com/). Located just south of the city proper on Highway 22X, Spruce Meadows is a world-renowned show jumping and equestrian facility.
Canada Olympic Park
Take a tour of the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which includes going to the top of the ski jump for a fantastic view. Four runs are available for your skiing pleasure during the winter months, and there is also an on-site museum, as well as the Canadian Olympic Hall Of Fame and the new Canada Sports Hall of Fame. The halfpipe and rail park are frequented by some very talented skiiers and snowboarders, making for interesting viewing. The COP hosts Canada's only bobsled track until Whistler's track is finished and they offer rides periodically during winter.
Heritage Park
One of the largest living historical villages in North America, on 66 acres of land near the Glenmore Reservoir. Attractions include a working Steam Engine, 155 historical exhibits, a candy store and bakery, old fashioned amusement park and ride on the S. S. Moyie, a paddlewheel boat.
Many attractions are LRT accessible, and the stops have been noted. A rental car is recommended for the less accessible attractions, although buses are usually still possible.
Skyline
Crescent Road
Nose Hill
Many Calgarians are understandably proud of the vast collection of skyscrapers. What's more impressive are the clear views you can get of downtown from certain spots around the city, with the mountains in the background, naturally.