Located east of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is home to beautiful scenery, festivals, and a wide range of fun, exciting, and interesting activities. Besides being famous for hosting one of North America’s biggest rodeo events, The Calgary Stampede, the city offers plenty of fantastic ways to enjoy the ‘The Wild West of the North’. Here is a list of the top things to do while visiting Calgary:
Make a trip to the Banff National Park to savor the sight of the gorgeous Rocky mountains and lakes.
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Gorgeous Mountains and Lakes
What can be more beautiful than crystal clear water and pristine air? The relaxing atmosphere and the beauty of the nature and wildlife of these places will most certainly take your breath away.
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- The Canadian Rockies – no matter how many wonders of nature you have checked out in the past, you should most certainly add the Canadian Rockies to your bucket list. You will be able to enjoy the stunning towering peaks and lakes so turquoise that they will seem like something out of a fairytale. You can enjoy their magnificent beauty at the Banff National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Bar U Ranch, and Cave and Basin.
- The town of Banff – a beautiful little resort town located within the Banff National Park. Here, you can enjoy the sight stunning towering peaks as well as relax and enjoy the naturally occurring hot springs. The hot springs attract tourists from all over the world, who come for the calming, healing effects of the mineral-rich water of the hot springs. The town acts as a gateway for the extensive range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking that popular within the Banff National Park.
- Lake Louise – one of the most popular lakes in the Banff National park, as well as the name of a town that is nearby. One of the best parts of this glacier full lake is that it will be beautiful no matter what season you choose to visit it. During winter, the lake freezes over and becomes one of the most beautiful winter wonderland scenes you could imagine. Plus, if you enjoy skiing, there is a Lake Louise Ski Resort that is situated nearby. During the summer season, the lake becomes a turquoise wonder, as well as an adventure playground for hikers and kayakers. But, the wonders do not stop here. Close to Lake Louise is another lake, Lake Moraine that often competes for the title of the most gorgeous lake.
- Lake Moraine – one of the most iconic lakes, and it is pictured on the old Canadian 20 dollar bill. It is situated in Banff National Park and is about 15 minutes away from Lake Louise. This lake is also known as the “Jewel of the Rockies”. People who decide to visit this lake will be stunned by the beauty and serenity of the iridescent turquoise-colored lake, as well as the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
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The Dinosaur Capital of the World: Drumheller
If you are heading east of Calgary, you will be able to find the Alberta Badlands and the Drumheller, which is the world’s dinosaur capital. You will be able to learn more about it at the Tyrell Museum of Paleontology and the Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Center. You can enjoy exploring the Badlands at Drumheller’s natural attractions such as the Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, and the Midland Provincial Park. Do not forget to take a selfie or a picture with the world’s largest dinosaur before you go!
Breakfast – The Brunch Capital of Canada
Calgary is popularly referred to as the brunch capital of Canada due to a vast number of local, artisanal breakfast restaurants, that are all highly popular. Known to use farm-fresh eggs and locally roasted coffee, these breakfast restaurants are sure to give a hearty start to your morning. Among the most popular Calgary breakfast spots to visit are the OEB Breakfast Co. and Monki Breakfast club and Bistro.
OEB Breakfast Co. is known for its large menu with a wide array of interesting entrees. One of their best-sellers is the “Soul in a Bowl” breakfast poutine with poached eggs, herb potatoes, cheese curds and bacon. Monki Breakfastclub and Bistro is a cute, little Calgary breakfast spot known for its “prosecco” infused hollandaise, as well as their signature French toast that features bananas, Frangelico liqueur, and cream cheese stuffed inside a Brioche bun that is dipped & soaked in hazelnut chocolate. One thing that you should be prepared for is the long wait times which can sometimes be a couple of hours before you can get inside for brunch.
Banana and Frangelico Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast at Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro
Conclusion
This list features only a few of hundreds of things that you can do and see in Calgary. So, before you pack your bags, make sure that you did some research.
