Calgary

Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta, Canada combining the thriving metropolis with the small town hospitality and Western roots. It is nestling in the foothills of the Rocky mountains and is the third largest civic municipality, by population, in the country.

As of the 2007 civic census, the citys population was marked reached up to 1,019,942. Calgary receives a highland continental climate, influenced by the citys close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its elevation. The region enjoys short and moderately warm summers and long but highly variable winters.

Since Calgary is a heart of the New West, it gives you truly a great place to visit, live and work. Discover Calgarys advantage and learn more about its rich history yourself. The city is well-known for providing top-class destination for ecotourism and winter sports with a number of Major Mountain resorts near the city.

Calgary conducts numerous major annual festivals including the Folf Music Festival, the Calgary Stampede, the Lilac Festival, the Calgarys International Festival of the Arts, One World Festival (GlobalFest), Wordfest or Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival, and the Carifest.

As of the Calgarys economy, economic activity is primarily centered on the petroleum industry; however, high-tech, tourism and agriculture industries also contribute to the regions fast economic growth. Also, published in 2007 by Forbes magazine, Calgary was ranked the worlds cleanest city in a survey conducted by Mercer Quality of Living.

Calgary Stampede
Calgary is a cradle of many annual large-scale-celebrated festivals providing a diverse array of entertainment, fun and excitement to both citizens and visitors alike. One of the largest and most well-known festivals in Canada that earned Calgary worldwide fame is the Calgary Stampede.

This greatest outdoor show on earth is famous for featuring international rodeo competition. The festival also hosts a variety of attractions which include agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, stage shows, First Nations exhibitions, pancake breakfasts and many.

The 94-years-old history of the Calgary Stampede dates back to1912 when Guy Weadick inaugurated the event. He was the first man putting on this superlative rodeo event and Wild West show that together brought the best cowboys from across the country. The first Stampede drew over 100,000 spectators for the richest rodeo competition in North America with prize money totaling $20,000.

However over a period of time, the Stampede was combined with the Calgary Exhibition and several races were added. During Stampede festival week, majority of the citizens dresses in country attire, and many businesses decorate their workplaces and stores in western style.

Downtown Calgary
Located in the central settings of Calgary, Alberta is a region called Downtown Calgary. It is not a single neighborhood by itself, but is a larger community containing a number of districts and three neighborhoods including Downtown West End, the downtown East Village and the Downtown Commercial Core.

Despite major rejuvenation initiatives, the population of Calgarys downtown is still low relative to some other cities. As of 2006 Census, the combined population of the three downtown neighborhoods was 12,470 altogether.

Entertainment District
Situated along 8th Avenue South is the entertainment district of Calgary. The district is the pedestrian mall of Stephen Avenue, brimmed with delectable restaurants and thriving shopping areas as well as two art house movie theaters and few recreation areas.

If you want to spot the top-notch theatrical performances or movies, the Globe Landmark Cinema and the Uptown has a lot to offer. Among must visit hotels grabbing your attention at once on even seeing them include the Hyatt Regency Hotel, the Calgary Marriott and Fairmont Palliser Hotel.

Cultural District
The Burns Building and Olympia Plaza encompassing several cultural and educational venues together form a culture district of the city. Among cultural and educational venues include Glenbow Museum, Boy Valley College and EPCOR Center for the performing arts.

The culture district is also home to institutions like the Big Secret Theatre, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Max Bell Theatre, Martha Cohen Theatre, and Engineered Air Theatre.

Parks & Gardens
Calgary welcomes you with big shoulders to visit the many parks from neighborhood tot lots to urban green space. They are certainly great places to break from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown life! If youre seeking relief from the tiring routine, treat yourself to the tranquility, peace and beauty at Devonian gardens.

These gardens have long been a much-liked destination for local as well as international tourists. You too will truly get whisked away while strolling along meandering flower-banked pathways to the Quiet Garden. Also of interest is the sculpture displays and artwork.

The citys another most unique cultural landscape is the Reader Rock Garden Historic Park. The park is a tribute to one mans passion for beauty and plants and remains open from sunrise to sunset. It has something for everyone. Also of interest is the well-kept playground for kids where theyre encouraged to burn off their energy with the enchanting attractions.