The Stampede not the only attraction
There are plenty of must-see stops in Cowtown that will entertain the whole family
Stampedes and mountain ranges are fab and all, but Calgary has far more to offer as we learned on a recent trip with the family. Here’s a sampling of must-stops you should ensure are on your list if you and the kids are heading to the Alberta metropolis this holiday season.
WHAT TO DO Calgary Zoo
No offence to other animals, but lemurs are quite possibly the cutest zoo creatures we’ve ever seen.
All the way from Madagascar, Calgary Zoo’s newest residents are preparing to spend their first winter in Canada.
But rest assured the leaping primates’ winter headquarters consist of a cosy indoor space that visitors can view from outside.
The three species of lemurs — red-fronted, ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed — were brought to the zoo to boost conservation and spread word about their vanishing forest habitat, as some are critically endangered.
In the warmer months, there’s a walk-through exhibit that allows kids to get right up close to the fast-footed furballs.
While the lemurs are cuddling into their warmer habitat, the penguins are gearing up for their famous penguin walks — a.k.a. daily struts through the zoo grounds during the winter.
Those heading to Canada’s most-visited zoo — home to 128 other species we haven’t mentioned here — during the colder months can stay after-hours for its annual Zoolights display (Nov. 24-Jan. 6), with over 1.5 million lights and light figures flashing to music, skating, fire pits, Santa visits and, yes, hot chocolate. Admission: $23 adults, $21 seniors, $15 children 3-15, free for 2 and under.
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is about as authentic and extensive as living history museums get — and a must-see on any family trip to Calgary.
Its famous ferry, train, vintage midway and Historical Village close for the cooler months, making way for much structured fun in the Gasoline Alley Museum, which contains thousands of auto memorabilia items dating from before the Second World War.
There the kids can take part in games and storytime events, and learn the rules of the road on their own driving course.
The Park’s Wainwright Hotel hosts Sunday breakfast buffets through Nov. 19, and — for those there between Oct. 26 and 29 — kids ages three to nine can take part in Ghouls’ Night Out! with spooky strolls through the village, a monster mash, and Ginger-dead decorating.
Even before you get to the Park gates, it’s worth stopping at Heritage Town Square for homemade fudge at The Corner Emporium and a look through the old fashioned Toy Shoppe — where your kids will inevitably beg you for a pop gun. Admission: Varies by activity/ event.
Telus Spark
Reason No. 101 why kids shouldn’t play with matches: Fire and balloons don’t mix.
If you want to see why, in a safe environment, the science buffs at Calgary’s Telus Spark science centre are happy to demonstrate. The fiery balloon experiment is one of many live, daily demos, but young minds can also be expanded in the Creative Kids Museum as well as the Energy and Innovation lab, where they can send a message with Morse code and build their own energy (like they need more).
For an extra fee, The Dome Theatre screens live planetarium shows and films. Admission: $19.95 adults, $17.95 seniors, $15.95 youth 13-17, $12.95 children 3-12, free for 2 and under.
WHERE TO STAY
Residence Inn Calgary South Free breakfast? Check. Waterslide? Check. On-site Starbucks? Oh heck yes!
Calgary’s newest Residence Inn — located in the up-andcoming suburb of Seton — has all the amenities a travelling family could ask for, plus bonuses like 100 extra square feet of space in the rooms and a grocery shopping service for extended visits.