Do You Know Where Calgary Is?

When I travel, meeting people is inevitable. The conversation is usually broken up into little pieces to get to know each other and find some common ground. It is fun to hear where they are from, the country they grew up in, and how life can be a little different yet stay the same as we wander around this globe.

The conversation will shift to me and they will always be curious about the city I live in. The problem is, it seems nobody has heard of the city. It is understandable in some ways. Montreal and Toronto are the biggest ones and closest to the eastern seaboard and mainland Europe. Vancouver, well, everyone has heard of it with the Pacific Ocean right outside its door and the mountains as a backdrop.

But why is Calgary not as well known? It's the fourth largest city by population, has some reputable post secondary education institutions, holds three professional sports teams, and is a stone's throw away from both the Rocky Mountains and the Alberta prairies. Any direction you go there is adventure to be had if you do a quick search.

Calgary is a young city, located next to the Bow River. Located within it are parks of all types, the Calgary Zoo known for its conservation and breeding program, the Telus Science Centre, 17th Avenue, the Calgary Stampede, and an up-and-coming art and music scene. But for some reason, none of these come to mind for people.

A Review of Some Big Events

To start, I am going to touch on some bigger events that happen in the city and throw some love to YYC date night for also compiling lists of things to do every week. Here we go.

1. Beakerhead

Sounds a little weird, right? This is one of the coolest events that I enjoy when it reaches the city. Running in late September for five days is a culmination of innovative science technology and art installations around the city—from music and live performances to mind games and food and drinks all put together using science. This event was to bring together three disciplines that sometimes come into conflict, science, engineering, and art. From this, 60 different events are run for five days around Calgary. To list them all would be a difficult feat so I will hit on ones that have always grabbed my attention: beakerbites and beakerbars where food and drink creativity come together to make some of the most unique and tasty meals and beverages around. Six blocks of art installations ranging from interactive art installations such as the human sized hamster wheel. Performances are given and there are numerous hands and feet on exhibits to interact and play with. If you want to experience something truly unique during the Calgary fall, join in on Beakerhead.

2. The Calgary Stampede

Now, everyone might differ on the rodeo events here but that's ok. The "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" prepares for 10 days of rodeo competition, live performances of all musical genres, night life, and productions. During this time, it is not uncommon to see and meet people from all around the world. It is also important to remember your cowboy hat and boots to get that little extra feel. It is a celebration of western heritage and aboriginal culture, to showcase how both have come together to create a special event. Aboriginal dancers will perform during intermission for rodeo and chuckwagon events telling a story about the creation of the world, using hoops to depict various animals. During this time, you will have a chance to catch dog skill shows, herding, shooting, forging, and metal work competitions. Take a walk into the Big 4 building or other various installations put up to teach you about farming and ranching culture in Alberta and the strict guidelines they follow to preserve the dignity of the animals they work with. Live music is in abundance from artists playing the Saddledome at night to free performances on the Coke stage. Bands of all genres from country, rock, and alternative come out to perform. If anything, the music alone is worth going to see. Check it out for yourself. It lands on the first week in July and becomes 10 days of free pancake breakfasts and one city wide party. So dust off your boots, pull your hat down low, and make your way down to the Stampede grounds.

3. Chinooks

Now, this is very distinct to the area I call home and you will be very hard pressed to find it anywhere else. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months which is both breathtaking and temperature changing. During this time you will have a chance to see the chinook arch, a beautiful light show that will dance over top of the city while at the same time enjoying beautiful warm and sunny weather. When warm air off the Pacific ocean rolls over top of the mountains, it increases the temperature rapidly leaving us with a few days, up to two weeks, with warm weather and almost no snow. It's like a short tropical vacation in the middle of the cold winter.

4. Skiing & Hiking

The most obvious out of this list, the Rockies. Snowboarding or hiking depending on the time of year you decide to go is very close to the city. Take in the sites of Banff and go hop in the hot springs. Find some trails in Kananaskis country and hike upwards to the peak. Exploring in nature is one thing you will not run out of. From short day hikes to multiday backpacking, there is a trail and view that will always be worth the time. If you have a chance talk to locals, they can give you some input on trails and what is the best time to go. If you are in the mood to ski, check out Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, or Nikiska Ski Resort.

Final bit before I tie this section up. Please respect the animals and nature in our areas. We see too many tourists who think approaching a 1200-pound animal with a camera is a good idea. Stay in your car or keep a good distance; we are in there home. It is a shame when animals need to be destroyed because we encroach on them or feed them. Be smart and enjoy your time out in the wild.

5. City Centre

From 17th Avenue with all of its pubs and bars to Stephen Avenue with restaurants and shopping, the city has a lot of hidden gems. Check out historic Fort Calgary and learn a little about the creation of this city. The Glenbow Museum holds many pieces of art and exhibits depicting Canadian artists locally and across the nation. The Calgary Zoo, always enjoyable to spend the day and right now they are lucky enough to house the giant pandas from China. A very rare occurrence.

I love my city and do think it offers a lot of different things for people. Hopefully the next time you hear the word Calgary, you will think of a place of innovation, nature, and curiosity all wrapped into one. If you ever have the opportunity to travel there, go for it and explore it for yourself. I don't think you will be disappointed. Enjoy!