Calgary is a cosmopolitan city located on the western side of Canada, in the province of Alberta. Situated between the Bow River and the Elbow River, this city is the largest in the region, and is known around the world for being the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games in 1988. For the past two years, Calgary has also been named the most livable city in North America by The Economist Intelligence Unit. But, you don't have to live here to have a great time in Calgary. A weekend is a great amount of time to visit and get a feel of this city.
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Weekend Getaways in Calgary: Top Accommodation
Top 5 Things to See: 48hrs in Calgary
The downtown area of the city offers an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, cultural venues, shopping centers, and public squares. Travelers will not be disappointed by weekend getaways in Calgary.
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1. Climb up the Calgary Tower
Travelers are encouraged to visit the Calgary Tower, if they have a stomach for heights, to enjoy the best bird-eye view of the city. Standing over 4000 feet above sea level, this tower gives visitors a fantastic 360-degree view of Calgary. The elevator trip also takes a staggeringly short time of merely 62 seconds. With the capacity to hold 250 visitors, visitors can enjoy both the observation deck before heading to the second floor to enjoy cocktails and appetizers with their view.
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2. Check out the Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
Just a short drive away from the city, travelers will have the opportunity to encounter a world-famous archaeological site. History and archaeology lovers alike will want to visit this stunning preservation of where one of the Plains People settlements used to be located, a Canadian First Nation group. This site has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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3. Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village
One of the most popular sites to visit while in Calgary, the Heritage Park Historical Village, is also known to be Canada's largest living museum. Travelers will have the chance to visit over 200 exhibits that are spread out on more than 127 acres of land.
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4. Enjoy an afternoon at The Calgary Stampede
Known as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede gives its visitors a taste of century-old Wild West heritage. Travelers will witness chuckwagon races, cattle auctions, midway rides, taste some southern cuisine, and watch a rodeo show.
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5. Walk on 17th Avenue and the Entertainment District
Travelers that wish to spend the day window shopping, sitting in a cozy café, or eating delicious meals at a restaurant will find that 17th Avenue and the Entertainment District are full of eclectic facilities to enjoy.