One day in Calgary? What should we do?

Question

The thing is, it's July 13th, the last day of the Stampede. We're flying in from Europe, so 8 hours ahead after about 14 hours travelling, getting in around 8pm Saturday and staying in a hotel by the airport.

My husband wants to get at least 300kms in Sunday night (heading south). I'm not driving.

I lived in Calgary for four years as a kid (9-13) and haven't been back. My kids have never been (they're 9 & 12). I don't really have any friends to see, but I'd like to look at my old house (NW). My husband went to Calgary when he was about 10 (just for a couple days on a cross-Canada trip) and has really good memories about Heritage Park, seems to think we should do that. (I went there once or twice, don't recall it being too impressive.) And I feel it's wrong to be there during Stampede Week and not go to the Stampede.

What say you, Calgarians?

Answer 1

i say go to the stampede because that's Calgary's main attraction. The Calgary tower is interesting, the Calgary Zoo is nice too. The malls are full of memorable stuff to buy. Have fun in Calgary!

Answer 2

The stampede is a bunch of rides and a few other things.  It's not something I take my kids to.   My girsl age 11 & 10 have never been.   However if you get tickets to go to the chuckwagons/show in the evening - that is fun and includes admission to the park.

The zoo is great and Heritage Park is very nice.

Answer 3

Have breakfast or lunch at the top of the Calgary Tower.

Tour the Eau Clair market, try the zoo, Fort Calgary or just wander around down town.

You will not be bored, trust me!!!!

Answer 4

I miss Heritage Park. As mentioned there's also the zoo. And if you want to drive out, there's Calaway Park.

Answer 5

I can't imagine why you'd travel across Canada without seeing the Rockies, Banff, Lake Louise, Roger's Pass at least. I vote for that over anything - unless you live in Switzerland or Bavaria. Bon Voyage.

PS I'd say the chances of your house still being there are 50/50 at best. If you don't want to visit the mountains then just drive around the city for a few hours. You'll be lucky if you recognize anything besides the Tower - believe me. Maybe try Googling it before you come. (Peter's Drive In is still there but Peter retired a few years ago.)

Answer 6

Spend the day packing you bags for your onward jouney because that's about all the excitement you'll find here. More than likely you'll be snowed in anyway as it's one of the coldest cities to live in and has no summer at all. Can't wait to leave this dump.

Answer 7

I'd go too stampede if I were you.

Answer 8

personally.. i think heritage park is boring... but thats prbly because i've been there quite a few times. i think you should definitely go to the stampede. not only because there are rides and stuff for your kids, but it's an experience like no other ,especially if you can go to the grandstand show at night with the fireworks. if anything, i'd go see that over rides! your kids can say they went to the biggest show in canada, and saw bullriding, chuckwagon races, and REAL COWBOYS (my fav part lol) if not - the zoo, the calgary tower, COP, or hang out and go to the IMAX theatre. whatever you choose, have a fun time, take lots of pics, and have a good rest of your trip!