Experience Calgary
Calgary Zoo, Photo Courtesy of Tourism Calgary
Fort Calgary, Photo Courtesy of Ian Holmes @irrationalcarny
Calgary is located at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. With a metro population of 1.37 million, it’s the largest city in Alberta and the 5th largest city in Canada. The North West Mounted Police found the ideal place to build a fort in 1875. Colonel James McLeod came up with the name “Fort Calgary”, after his home in the Scottish Highlands. Located just east of downtown, Fort Calgary trumpets the rich scarlet history of the North West Mounted Police and also the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. However, this site and stories being told here, are changing. A plan was launched in 2006 based upon the decision to expand the narrative to include previously untold Indigenous stories. Members of Treaty 7 and also the Metis Nation were invited to join an advisory committee to help guide decisions related to the project. In 2017, “Markings” was installed as an exhibit that reimagines the symbolic beginnings of Calgary. A year later, the gardens, surrounding park, and the Deane House (yes, the building with ghosts!) were all upgraded. Hunt House and Metis Cabin are restored and the 1888 Barracks are being renovated. However, the biggest change was the decision made in 2018 to build a new 12,750 sq. ft. museum, one that would better
showcase the site as both a cultural and historic gathering place. But fear not! Fort Calgary remains open and welcomes visitors to discover the rich history found here. Open daily 9am - 5pm, except July 2, Dec 24 - Jan 1, and Good Friday. Admission: $12 for Adults, $11 for Students & Seniors, $7 for Youths 7-17, $5 for Children 3-6, Free if Under 3. Calgary is also home to several other major attractions. This includes The Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, TELUS Spark, Canada Olympic Park, the Glenbow Museum, Spruce Meadows and the Military Museum. With the advent of DNA testing, Boomers retiring, and access to an ever-growing database of personal records, people are flocking to explore their ancestry. This, combined with the fact that 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, has created a perfect storm for The Military Museum which now hosts more than 50,000 visitors each year. This world class facility is home of four regimental museums: Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, The Calgary Highlanders, and King’s Own Calgary Regiment. It also houses a new Library and Archives and space dedicated to temporary art and heritage exhibits called The Founders’ Gallery.
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