Calgaryhitspeakexcitement inJuly as the citycomes to life
July is one of the best months to visit Calgary.
First, the entire city transforms during the Calgary Stampede, which offers 10 days of high-powered rodeo, live music, agriculture events, midway rides and so muchmore.
And beyond the Calgary Stampede, the city comes alive in summer. Calgary is roughly divided into quadrants— northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast — and in every region you’ll find cool things to see and do, for every age and interest. So if you’re planning to come for the Stampede, maybe add a fewmore days to take in what the whole city has to offer.
Here are some highlights, divided by quadrant.
NORTHWEST
Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. The Bumble Blast is a new spinning roller-coaster, and there are new stage shows and movies this year, too. Calaway Park also has camping, and during the Calgary Stampede, you can get a shuttle to and from Stampede Park.
Then there’s Winsport, where you can try a summer bobsleigh or luge, mountain biking and skating. And don’t miss the Monster Zipline Tour — you’ll reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour as you launch yourself from the top of the 1988 Olympic ski jump tower. If you want to get out of the sun, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is on-site as well.
For a taste of nature, go for a hike in Nose Hill Park. There’s wildlife— hawks, deer, porcupines— and spectacular city andmountain views.
Stay at “motel village,” a collection of hotels just off the Trans-Canada Highway and a few minutes’ walk from the CTrain station, where the red line runs right past Stampede Park. Or try the University of Calgary’s Hotel Alma, also only a short walk froma CTrain stop.
SOUTHWEST
Shoppers won’t want to miss CF Chinook Centre, where great eats (Double Zero Pizza; Buffo Ristorante; Phil and Sebastian Coffee), top retailers (Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Le Creuset, Louis Vuitton, Canada Goose) and a huge movie theatre.
Then there’s Heritage Park Historical Village for a blast from the past. Buy cookies at the bakery, and ride the S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler on Glenmore Reservoir.
Next, head to Spruce Meadows, especially if you’re horse-crazy. The North American CSI 5 presented by Rolex show-jumping event takes place through July 7, with shopping, pony rides andmore.
A visit to 17 th Avenue S.W., which leads to Stampede Park, features unique shopping and wine bars and restaurants such as Lulu Bar, Ox Bar de Tapas, Model Milk and Una Pizza + Wine. You’ll need more than a night to try everything.
If you stay along Macleod Trail, which runs from the deep south to the downtown core, you can take the CTrain, drive, Lyft or taxi right to Stampede Park.
If you’d prefer to be downtown, try Hotel Arts, a 15-minute walk from the excitement of the Stampede Midway. And the Fairmont Palliser Hotel is a great place to take in the grand tradition of the Calgary Stampede parade; it’s roughly a 20-minute walk from the Stampede Park, or you can jump on a train.
NORTHEAST
Looking for shopping deals? Then stay in northeast Calgary, near the Calgary International Airport. You’ll be only minutes from outlet shopping heaven at CrossIron Mills.
Northeast Calgary is also home to many of the city’s new breweries: Citizen Brewing Company, Zero Issue Brewing, Railyard Brewing and Toolshed Brewing are here; many are within walking distance of hotels and a short drive from the airport.
Then head to the Calgary Zoo. The flowers are at their best in July, and there are many animals to see — even pandas. The zoo is on the CTrain line, and there’s parking, too. Save money by buying tickets in advance online.
Telus Spark, a science centre for all ages, is just north of the zoo. The Creative Kids Museum is ideal for children ages eight and under; older youth will enjoy workshops and demonstrations.
SOUTHEAST
The new Central Library has had international attention for its bold, innovative design. It also has lots of free activities and is a nice place to just hang out and read.
And the gorgeous National Music Centre, located in Studio Bell, is amust for fans of Canadian music. Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Bass exhibit, which features 26 of the Rush frontman’s favourite vintage bass guitars, is on through Jan. 2, 2020. And Milestones: Corey Hart pays homage to the 1980s heartthrob, with personal details including his legendary sunglasses and high school report cards. The show is on through October.
Located in the East Village, the new Alt Hotel is a 20-minute walk from Stampede Park and much of the downtown’s finest offerings.
For more information on the Calgary Stampede, visit Calgarystampede.com.