From The Fairmont Palliser Best Nearby Sightseeing (Attractions & Activities) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Calgary, AB Calgary Tower (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 101 9th Ave SW, Calgary  AB  T2P 1J9 • 403-266-7171 Distance: ~107 m         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. Glenbow Museum (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 130 9th Ave SE, Calgary  AB  T2G 0P3 • 403-268-4100 Distance: ~228 m User Rating: 9.25 / 10         Description: This celebrated museum has received both critical and popular acclaim for its excellent displays. Dedicated to tracking western Canada's history and heritage, the Glenbow fills three stories with information on native peoples, European settlers and cultures from around the world. With realistic displays, life in Canada's early years is detailed, providing a glimpse of hardships, joys and domestic life. In the museum are also a collection of minerals, an extensive archive, an exhibit on Canada's military and art from across the globe. A comprehensive look at the country's growth, this museum is a must-see for kids and adults alike. Olympic Plaza (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 222 8th Ave SE, Calgary  AB  T2G 0K7 • 403-268-2489 Distance: ~387 m         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. Fort Calgary Historic Park (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 750 9th Ave SE, Calgary  AB  T2P 2M5 • 403-290-1875 Distance: ~0.684 km         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. Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 197 1st St SW, Calgary  AB  T2P 4M4 • 403-262-5071 Distance: ~0.826 km         Description: A punctuation of exoticism and color in Calgary's downtown, this beautiful structure plays home to a museum, gallery, gift shop, gym, auditorium, restaurant and more. Its central hall rises 70 feet to a dome that's been painstakingly adorned with intricate designs and exuberant color, especially red, the Chinese color for luck. The dome, which was modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, is supported by four gold-leafed pillars that represent the seasons. Smaller columns correspond to the months of the year. The museum includes displays of porcelain, ceramics, textiles, furniture and replicas of tomb treasures. Terrific restaurants in the area serve delicious, authentic cuisine – make sure you stop in for a meal or a quick bite. Canada Olympic Park (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 88 Olympic Rd SW, Calgary  AB  T3B 5R5 • 403-247-5452 • 403-247-7669 Distance: ~0.988 km         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. Stampede Park (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary  AB  T2G 2W1 • 403-261-0214 • 800-661-1260 Distance: ~1.031 km         Description: Although it's best known for hosting rodeo activities at Calgary's annual Stampede event, thoroughbred and harness racing takes place here much of the year, and facilities are available for trade shows and conventions throughout the year. Even if you don't make it for Stampede, you might want to walk around the grounds and take in the ambience. The casino operates year-round in Big Four Building, and the Grain Academy in Roundup Centre provides a glimpse into the workings of Calgary's agricultural industry. If you're here during Stampede, you'll come to know the place very well without too much added effort. Military Museums (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary  AB  T2T 5J4 • 403-974-2850 Distance: ~4.950 km         Description: By browsing displays in six galleries, visitors to the museum can learn about Canada's military, from the early days of the North West Mounted Police to the Boer War and into the World Wars and beyond. Life-like displays provide a glimpse of combat conditions, complete with sound and visual effects. Memorabilia from the conflicts is also exhibited, along with scale models of particular battles and medals awarded for heroism and bravery. The role of Calgarians is emphasized, particularly those serving in the city's four regiments. In addition to the indoor exhibits, visitors also have access to tanks and carriers outside. On the premises, you'll find a cafeteria, bookstore and gift shop. Heritage Park Historical Village (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary  AB  T2V 2X3 • 403-268-8500 Distance: ~7.335 km         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. Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 88 Canada Olympic Park Rd SW, Calgary  AB  T3B 5R5 • 403-247-5452 Distance: ~11.330 km User Rating: 8 / 10         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. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.