Good Old Calgary - Yeehaw

Photo by: Lily Ha
Hiking to Lake Agnes

When we generally think of traveling the first thing we always think of is leaving the city we live in but if you really think about it there is actually a lot to do in the city we live in especially if we are working on a tight budget and cannot really afford to leave home.  In Calgary, no matter what time of the year it is you can always find something to do if you have an open mind to trying new things and don't mind a little bit of walking.  Within the city there are plenty of parks and attractions you can checkout but if you want to leave Calgary there are also tons of beautiful mountains surrounding the city which are only a few hours away.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Elbow Falls

In the spring and summer months you can choose from the many local parks, museums, or festivals that you may wish to attend.  A lot of the attractions available are free of charge and the ones that have a fee are usually under $15.00 and if you wish to bring the whole family there is usually a family discount.  These activities are a great way to spend so time with the family and bond and not having to break the bank.

During the winter months you can get away to the mountains  to do some skiing or snowboarding.  If you don't know how to do either you can always go downtown to the Olympic Plaza to do some free skating or to any hills in the many parks or communities to do some toboggan.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Lake Louise

A few of the parks available to us are Princess Island Park, Stanley Park, Heritage Park, and Canada Olympic Park.  There are also plenty of museums that are available if you’re interested in museums such as The Military Museums, Glenbow Museum, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, and Museum of the Regiments.  If what is listed above is not your cup of tea there are other activities you can do such as visiting the Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, Spruce Meadows, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Telus World of Science, or even floating down the Bow River.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Floating Down Bow River

As for festivals, starting in May all the way till September there are lots of festivals that are free for the whole family to get out and enjoy the sun, meet new people, and experience the different culture in Calgary.  Just naming a few that are available is Calgary International Children’s Festival, Calgary Lilac Festival, Fiestaval Latin Festival, and Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival.  The different festivals offers things ranging from different kinds food, vendors, bands, dancers and much more.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Kensington Sun & Salsa Fetival

If staying in the city is not on your agenda then there are plenty to do just a few hours outside the city.  There are lots of different trails that you can go hiking or even have a picnic.  The surrounding mountains lakes and waterfalls are a great way to spend a day.  Also there is the Banff National Park if you still want to be close to civilization but less pollution.  If you are more adventurous and can live without technology for a few days there are also a lot of campgrounds around the Calgary area where you can spend a weekend and explore while testing your survival skills.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Kicking Horse River Whitewater Rafting

With everything listed above you cannot forget to check out the Calgary Stamped.  It’s a 10 day exhibition in July which includes rodeo, chuckwagon races, agricultural fair & exhibitions, midway, trade fair, art exhibit and sales, Indian Village, the food, and much more.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Stampede

In 1905 Guy Weadick visited Calgary for the first time.  In 1908, Guy, a cowboy trick roper preformed at the Dominion Exhibition, a national fair held in July in Calgary.

In 1912, Guy was invited by CPR livestock agent to come to Calgary to produce a show commemorating “The Last-Best West.”  Later the same year the first Calgary Stampede was born and held September 2 to 7 following the summer Calgary Exhibition. An estimated 80,000 people attended the first Parade, an astonishing number considering Calgary’s population at the time was just over 60,000 people.  The Duke of Connaught and Princess Patricia watched the Stampede from the viewing box built especially for the Royal guests.

In 1913-1918 the Stampede was cancelled due to the First World War.  By 1919 Guy Weadick organized and put on the second Calgary Stampeded called the Victory Stamped to celebrate the end of the first World War.  In 1922 the last separate Calgary Exhibition was held.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Stampede

By 1923, Guy Weadick organized another Stampede, combining it with the Exhibition. The first combined Calgary Exhibition and Stampede was held in July and yearly ever since.  Chuckwagon racing was also added to the yearly rodeo.  This year was also the year where the first Stampede breakfast was served from a chuckwagon in downtown Calgary.

This year we are celebrating Stampedes 100 year anniversary.  There’s going to be more exhibitions and numerous more performers lined-up for the celebration.  The festivals are drawing international media attention so we can expect attendance level to set a new record high.

Photo by: Lily Ha
Stampede

If you don’t have anything planned for the summer try checking out some of the recommendations listed above.  You might learn something new about the city you live in.