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10Best Sightseeing |
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Bar U Ranch National Historic Site |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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Hwy 22 8 mi south of Longview, Longview T0L 1H0 403-395-2212 888-773-8888
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Description:
For a first-hand view of ranching and its significance in Calgary's history, this complex is exemplary. Set on 360 acres at the base of the Rockies are 35 buildings that have been gathered to showcase the workings and heritage of an authentic ranch. You'll find barns, stables, outbuildings, horse-drawn wagons, and all the other accoutrements that went into the running of a productive ranch. Costumed guides point out interesting facts and details about the era and lead groups around the facility. Depending on the season, you can also watch demonstrations on branding, roping, making hay and more. On the premises is also a visitor center, restaurant and a gift shop with locally-made items. About 1-1/2 hours southwest of Calgary. |
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User Rating: 10
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Calgary Tower |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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101 9th Ave SW, Calgary T2P 1J9 403-266-7171
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Description:
Every major city has its defining landmark, and this is Calgary's. Built in 1968, the concrete baton is a favorite of tourists, who search out the tower for its incredible views. At 626 feet, the edifice is no longer the city's tallest structure but does afford spectacular vistas of the city, the plains, and the Rockies off to the west. Depending on your interest, you can check out the skyline from the observation deck or make reservations for the Panorama Dining room, which provides a panoramic view while you dine. For less elaborate dining, look to Tops Bar & Grill, and for souvenirs, head to the gift shop. |
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Canada Olympic Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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88 Olympic Rd SW, Calgary T3B 5R5 403-247-5452 403-247-7669
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Description:
Originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this park remains an integral part of the city's recreational life. Nowadays, it serves as a training facility for athletes and is used by the city's residents throughout the year. Although the original ski jumps are off-limits to the public, you'll find ski and snowboarding slopes, winter bobsleigh rides, a park for mountain biking, summer luge rides and year-round zipline rides. You can also take a bus tour of the facility or visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Several restaurants and a gift shop are also located on the premises. Athletic facilities have different hours depending on season. |
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Cathedral Church of the Redeemer |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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7th Ave and 1st St SE Across from Olympic Plaza, Calgary 403-269-1905
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Description:
The first Anglican church to be built in Calgary, this structure was constructed of local sandstone in 1905. Named a Registered Heritage Site in 1974, the cathedral has lovely architecture that might be considered Victorian or neo-Gothic. Its stained glass windows are some of the city's oldest and follow the medieval belief that sacred artwork should educate and instruct believers with its symbolism. Other notable features of the sanctuary include its brass lectern in the shape of an eagle and the plaques in the nave that remember early soldiers and citizens. |
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Fort Calgary Historic Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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750 9th Ave SE, Calgary T2P 2M5 403-290-1875
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Description:
This historic attraction is located on the site of Calgary's original settlement. The town was founded in the late 1800s, when the North West Mounted Police (later to become the RCMP) arrived to stop settlers from selling liquor to Native Americans. That first fort gave rise to the metropolis that is Calgary today. The site that it occupied is now a 40-acre park along the river and features a visitor center, a host of exhibits, videos, trails and the reconstructed fort itself. Displays track the city's history with artifacts, memorabilia and interiors. The nearby Deane House, also an historic building, offers weekday lunches, Sunday brunch and occasional evening dinner theater. |
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Grain Academy |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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Off 4th St SE Roundup Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary 403-263-4594
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Description:
Alberta's prairies are a significant source of the country's foods, and a substantial supply of grains is produced there. This museum illustrates the cultivation of grain and the farming industry in this area of the province. Among the attractions at the museum are a video presentation, a working model of a grain elevator, a collection of agricultural artifacts, informative kiosks and an exhibit that details the movement of grain via trains from Alberta to Vancouver's coast. An informative glimpse of local enterprise. |
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Head – Smashed – In Buffalo Jump |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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Secondary Hwy 785 PO Box 1977, Fort Macleod T0L 0Z0 403-553-2731
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Description:
For more than 10,000 years, Plains Indians drove herds of buffalo off the cliffs to their deaths at this historical site. In a highly organized and choreographed effort, the tribe collaborated to obtain meat and other animal goods for their subsistence. Visitors can learn all about the Native American culture at the incredible interpretive center that's built into the cliff. A variety of exhibits provides details about the Indians, the geography of the plains, and the presence of Europeans in later days. Along with the realistic displays, visitors may walk outside to the jump and catch a glimpse of this centuries-old site. Ongoing archeological digs continue to add information to the center. Also on the premises are a cafeteria and gift shop. Located about 2 hours drive from Calgary. |
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Heritage Park Historical Village |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary T2V 2X3 403-268-8500
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Description:
Occupying more than 66 acres along the Glenmore Reservoir, this historical village recreates Calgary's pre-1914 existence. Scores of buildings capture the flavor of the past, as does a variety of authentic transportation, including steam engine, horse-drawn wagon, sternwheeler and streetcar. You'll also find carnival rides, dozens of exhibits about all facets of the city's history, and demonstrations of arts, crafts and industries. A restaurant and bakery are among the options for dining and refreshments. |
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Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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88 Canada Olympic Park Rd SW, Calgary T3B 5R5 403-247-5452
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Description:
This museum preserves the spirit of the XV Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary in 1988. The three-story establishment makes available video footage of the events, along with uniforms, athletic equipment, photographic records and other memorabilia. You'll also find a bobsleigh simulator and profiles of famous athletes. An inspiring and illuminating glimpse into the sacrifices and glories of becoming an Olympian. |
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User Rating: 8
/ 10 |
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Olympic Plaza |
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(Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) |
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222 8th Ave SE, Calgary T2G 0K7 403-268-2489
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Description:
If you happen to be downtown and are looking for a beautifully landscaped venue where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or the balmy summer weather, it's already here – and has been since 1988. Built as the site for medal presentations during the Winter Olympics, the park has since become a favorite of downtown professionals and anyone who frequents the Stephen Avenue area. It hosts many public festivals and events, along with winter ice-skating. Plaques honor athletes who performed well in the Games, and bricks paving the area are inscribed with the names of those individuals who helped finance the park. |
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