Map Of Sw Calgary
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to Calgary, the southwest quadrant of the city should not be missed. This part of the city is known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more to help you plan your perfect trip to SW Calgary.
Top Attractions
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western festivals, attracting over a million visitors each year. The event takes place in July and features rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides, and much more.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is a living museum that showcases what life was like in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore over 180 exhibits, including historical buildings, costumed interpreters, and antique vehicles.
Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum is one of Canada’s largest museums, with over 1.3 million artifacts and artworks. The exhibits cover the history and culture of Western Canada, including First Nations, Mรฉtis, and Inuit art and artifacts, as well as contemporary art and exhibitions.
Hidden Gems
Griffith Woods
Griffith Woods is a hidden gem located in the heart of SW Calgary. The park features over 93 hectares of natural beauty, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Elbow River.
Battalion Park
Battalion Park is a unique outdoor museum that features over 16,000 stones arranged in the shape of military formations. The stones were placed by soldiers during World War I to represent their battalions and regiments.
Food Scene
The Himalayan
The Himalayan is a popular Nepalese and Indian restaurant in SW Calgary. The restaurant is known for its authentic curries, momos, and tandoori dishes.
Anju
Anju is a Korean-inspired restaurant that offers a unique fusion of Korean and Canadian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its creative cocktails, small plates, and flavorful entrees.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Calgary Public Library
The Calgary Public Library is a great place to visit for budget-conscious travelers. The library offers free events, workshops, and resources for visitors of all ages.
Free Walking Tours
Calgary offers a variety of free walking tours, including historical tours, public art tours, and food tours. These tours are a great way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture.
Outdoor Adventures
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The park features over 80 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Bow River.
Sikome Lake
Sikome Lake is a popular swimming and beach destination located in Fish Creek Provincial Park. The lake features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a concession stand.
Family-Friendly Activities
Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is a popular family-friendly attraction that features over 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower is a must-visit attraction for families. The tower features a glass floor observation deck, a 360-degree view of the city, and a restaurant with a revolving view of the city.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Tom Campbell’s Hill
Tom Campbell’s Hill is a hidden gem located in SW Calgary. The hill offers a panoramic view of the city, as well as a hiking trail and picnic areas.
Reader Rock Garden
Reader Rock Garden is a historic garden that was built in the early 1900s. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a tea house and gift shop.
Natural Wonders
Bow River
The Bow River is a natural wonder that runs through SW Calgary. The river offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Elbow River
The Elbow River is another natural wonder that runs through SW Calgary. The river offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Vibrant Nightlife
17th Avenue
17th Avenue is a vibrant nightlife destination in SW Calgary. The avenue is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as live music and entertainment.
Stephen Avenue
Stephen Avenue is another popular nightlife destination in SW Calgary. The avenue is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and pubs, as well as live music and entertainment.
Local Markets
Calgary Farmers’ Market
The Calgary Farmers’ Market is a popular local market that offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. The market is open year-round and features over 80 vendors.
Granary Road
Granary Road is a unique local market that features a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The market also features a petting zoo, a butterfly garden, and a beekeeping exhibit.
Beaches and Mountains
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to SW Calgary. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, as well as scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a popular beach destination located just outside of Calgary. The lake features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a variety of water activities, including boating and fishing.
Cultural Immersion
Chinese Cultural Centre
The Chinese Cultural Centre is a cultural immersion experience that offers a variety of exhibits, workshops, and events that showcase Chinese culture and history.
Cultural Mosaic Foundation
The Cultural Mosaic Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes cultural understanding and diversity. The foundation offers a variety of events, workshops, and resources for visitors to learn about different cultures and traditions.
Art and Music Scene
National Music Centre
The National Music Centre is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Canadian music. The museum features interactive exhibits, a recording studio, and a variety of musical instruments.
Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum is also a great destination for art and music enthusiasts. The museum features a variety of contemporary and historical art exhibits, as well as a collection of musical instruments and artifacts.
Walking Tours
Calgary Public Art Walking Tour
The Calgary Public Art Walking Tour is a free self-guided tour that takes visitors through the city’s public art installations. The tour features over 50 works of art, including sculptures, murals, and installations.
Historic Inglewood Walking Tour
The Historic Inglewood Walking Tour is a guided tour that takes visitors through Calgary’s oldest neighborhood. The tour features historical buildings, local businesses, and hidden gems.
Architectural Marvels
The Bow
The Bow is a modern architectural marvel that is one of Calgary’s tallest buildings. The building features a unique curved shape and a variety of sustainable design features.
Crescent Heights Stairs
The Crescent Heights Stairs are a unique architectural feature that offers a panoramic view of the city. The stairs feature over 100 steps and are a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and photographers.
Historical Sites
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is a historic site that was originally built as a North West Mounted Police fort in 1875. The fort features a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and historical buildings.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Plains Indians. The site features a museum, interpretive center, and hiking trails.
Biking Routes
Bow River Pathway
The Bow River Pathway is a 48-kilometer trail that runs along the Bow River. The trail is a popular destination for bikers, runners, and walkers, and offers scenic