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The City
History
Calgary was incorporated in 1904 with a population of just 6,000. When huge reserves of oil were discovered in 1914, the city's economy boomed.
Population
991, 759 as of April, 2006.
Weather
Although sunny and dry year-round, the people of Calgary endure very cold winters. 
Activities/Sights
The Calgary Stampede
 The Calgary Stampede bills itself as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and that's no exaggeration. The ten-day extravaganza has yearly attendance numbers well over a million. A big attraction is the rodeo-competitions for cumulative points throughout the event feature some of the best talent in North America vying for prize money in bareback, bull riding, ladies' barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, wild pony racing and more. Learn more about the Calgary Stampede vacation.
Be sure to visit the agriculture barns to see who's winning the blue ribbons. Families are known to spend a good part of an afternoon looking at all the different breeds of animals. The little ones will love the miniature horses. Stroll around the enormous midway and take in some of the live music while you're waiting for the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races to start. Afterward, settle in for the stage show entertainment. Don't leave early or you'll miss the spectacular fireworks that close the grounds each night. Dress in western gear and you'll fit right in.
The Calgary Tower
 The Calgary 'Tower' has become the City of Calgary's most famous and identifiable physical landmark. One of the first Towers of its kind, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary and is a must-see on any tourist's itinerary. Imagine standing 525 feet above the ground in the heart of Calgary and being able to look straight down and directly out in front of you into the heart of the city. The experience will be awe-inspiring and will challenge the emotions, but rest assured the thrill will be worth it. The new glass floor is 36 feet long and more than four feet wide, the glass panes that make up the floor can each hold the weight of a couple Hippos! With only a glass wall in front, you will be treated to the unusual experience of literally being suspended in mid-air. And don't forget to check out the optical illusion as the shaft on the Tower looks as though it bends away from you.
Shopping
Calgary is a shopper's paradise. Local gemstones, handmade arts and crafts, antiques, Inuit art, designer Western wear and stylish fashions are just some of the treasures you will find. Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrian zone lined with shops leading to a five-block shopping complex. Major malls offer everything under one roof. Specialty shops and upscale districts. And the best news of all - Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, making it a shopping haven!
Dining
Background of Alberta Beef Industry
With over three million cattle, more than 70% of Canada's $15 billion beef industry is produced in Alberta. In fact, half of the cattle are exported to nearly 70 markets worldwide.
Alberta Farming
Wheat and canola are the primary farm crops, while other grains are also prominent. Although dryland farming is the norm, continuous cropping is becoming more popular because of increased profits and a reduction of soil erosion.
Dining - General
From locally grown, fresh-from-the-field produce and mouth watering local cheeses to wild game and homemade sausages, we've got something for every palate. For a classic steak dinner, our legendary AAA Alberta beef is hard to resist.
Fun Facts
- The Winter Olympics were held in Calgary in 1988.
- Known as "Cowtown", Calgary hosts the Calgary Stampede every July.
- The Petro-Canada Centre, which is 215 meters tall, is the tallest building in Calgary.
Explore Calgary Vacations
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