Hidden tourist destinations in Calgary : Canada Travel

Calgary Travel

< Stephen Avenue Walk >

Stephen Avenue Walk, also known as 8th Avenue, is a pedestrian-friendly street located in the heart of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is a vibrant and historic district that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.

The street is named after George Stephen, the first Baron Mount Stephen, who was one of the founders of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was originally a bustling commercial district in the early 1900s and has since been transformed into a popular pedestrian promenade.

Stephen Avenue Walk is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the historic Hudson's Bay Company building, the Calgary Tower, and the Devonian Gardens. It is also home to a number of public art installations, including sculptures, murals, and other installations that add to the street's unique character.

Throughout the year, Stephen Avenue Walk plays host to a variety of events and festivals, including the Calgary Stampede Parade and the Calgary International Film Festival. During the summer months, the street is closed to traffic and becomes a lively pedestrian mall, with street performers, musicians, and outdoor patios.

Whether you're looking for a unique shopping experience, a delicious meal, or just a place to enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown Calgary, Stephen Avenue Walk is a must visit destination. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities that make it one of the city's most beloved attractions.

Calgary Trip

< Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre >

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a museum and performance venue located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Canada's musical heritage and promoting music education and culture.

The museum is housed in a stunning building designed by architect Brad Cloepfil, which features a series of interconnected towers that are meant to resemble the pipes of a giant organ. The building spans 160,000 square feet and includes a variety of exhibition spaces, performance halls, and recording studios.

At Studio Bell, visitors can explore five floors of interactive exhibits that showcase Canada's rich musical history and heritage. The museum features a collection of more than 2,000 musical instruments, including rare and historic pieces that date back hundreds of years. Visitors can learn about the stories behind these instruments and the musicians who played them, as well as the evolution of different genres of music in Canada.

In addition to the museum exhibits, Studio Bell also hosts a variety of live performances and events throughout the year. The venue includes a 300-seat performance hall, as well as smaller rehearsal spaces and recording studios that can be rented by musicians and artists.

Whether you're a music lover, a history buff, or just looking for a unique cultural experience, Studio Bell is a must-visit destination in Calgary. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada's rich musical heritage and celebrates the role that music has played in shaping the country's identity and culture.

< Gasoline Alley Museum >

The Gasoline Alley Museum is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the automobile and the associated culture of the 20th century. The museum is housed in the Heritage Park Historical Village, a living history museum that showcases life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s.

The Gasoline Alley Museum features a collection of antique vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, as well as gasoline pumps, signs, and other memorabilia from the early days of motoring. The exhibits explore the evolution of transportation and its impact on society, as well as the development of the oil and gas industry in Alberta.

Visitors to the museum can take guided tours, participate in hands-on activities, and view interactive displays that showcase the technology and innovation that have shaped the automobile industry. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including car shows, vintage fashion shows, and other cultural events.

The Gasoline Alley Museum is a popular attraction for car enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking for a fun and educational experience. It offers a unique glimpse into the past and the role that the automobile has played in shaping our modern world.

< Wonderland Sculpture >

The Wonderland Sculpture, also known as the Wonderland Express, is a large-scale public artwork located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Designed by artist Michael Christian, the sculpture was installed in 2005 and is made up of seven individual pieces that collectively form a whimsical train.

The train is composed of a variety of colorful and fantastical elements, including a giant hare, a teapot, a flower, and a butterfly. Each piece is made of steel and is adorned with a variety of details, such as intricate patterns and textured surfaces.

The Wonderland Sculpture is located in the middle of a busy downtown intersection, and its vibrant colors and playful design have made it a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. The sculpture is particularly stunning at night, when it is illuminated by a series of LED lights that change color and create a dynamic, ever-changing display.

The Wonderland Sculpture is a prime example of public art that engages with the surrounding community and brings a sense of playfulness and wonder to an otherwise mundane urban space.

< New Central Library >

The New Central Library is a public library located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The library was designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta and opened in November 2018. The building is located in the East Village neighborhood of downtown Calgary and spans over 240,000 square feet.

The library is a stunning example of contemporary architecture, with a unique facade made up of hexagonal shapes that are meant to represent the snowflakes that are so common in the Canadian winter. The building also features an outdoor plaza and a green roof that provides a space for public gatherings and events.

Inside, the New Central Library is designed to be an open and inviting space for community members to gather, learn, and explore. The library features a range of amenities, including a performance hall, a children's library, a teen center, a technology center, and numerous study and reading areas.

The library's collection includes over 450,000 items, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library also offers a range of programs and services, including storytimes for children, book clubs for adults, and workshops on topics like coding, 3D printing, and virtual reality.

The New Central Library is a shining example of the important role that public libraries play in communities. It is a space for learning, exploration, and community engagement, and is a valuable resource for people of all ages and backgrounds.

< TELUS Spark Science Centre >

The TELUS Spark Science Centre is a science museum located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The museum opened in 2011 and is dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and engagement.

The TELUS Spark Science Centre features a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Exhibits include topics such as the human body, energy and sustainability, and the science of music. The museum also features an indoor playground for children, a planetarium, and a theater that hosts science-themed movies and live performances.

In addition to its exhibits, the TELUS Spark Science Centre offers a range of educational programs and workshops for both individuals and school groups. These programs are designed to foster an interest in STEM topics and provide hands-on learning experiences for participants.

The TELUS Spark Science Centre is also committed to community engagement and offers a variety of outreach programs that bring science education to underserved communities in the Calgary area. These programs include free admission for low-income families, as well as mobile science workshops and demonstrations that are conducted in schools and community centers.

Overall, the TELUS Spark Science Centre is a valuable resource for science education and engagement in the Calgary community. It provides a fun and interactive environment for visitors to explore and learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

< Kensington >

Kensington is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The neighborhood is situated just north of downtown Calgary and is known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Kensington is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its unique mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and galleries. The neighborhood is also home to several popular festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies series and the Sun and Salsa Festival.

In addition to its lively atmosphere, Kensington also offers easy access to several of Calgary's top attractions. The neighborhood is within walking distance of the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, and the Calgary Zoo, among other popular destinations.

Kensington is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. The neighborhood is home to several small parks, as well as the larger Riley Park, which features a wading pool, playground, and picnic areas.

Overall, Kensington is a must visit destination for anyone looking to explore the best that Calgary has to offer. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the local culture, there's something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood.