Western Heritage Tour

This excursion will take you on a trip into the past - Calgary's past. Calgary was built with a pioneering spirit and an entrepreneurial attitude. While a visit to a guest ranch or a trip to the rolling foothills and Rocky Mountains can teach you how to be a cowboy - a trip to many of Calgary's local attractions will give you a taste for the real west without leaving the city.

Play

Calgary Stampede (half/full day) For ten days every July, Calgarians and visitors saddle up to the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!" The Two Million Dollar Rodeo is the focal point of western fun, with chuckwagon racing, midway entertainment, agricultural exhibitions and stock shows, the Stampede Casino and the stage spectacular - the Grandstand Show also offered daily. Dates for 2010 are July 9-18.

Fort Calgary Historic Park (1 - 2 hrs) The North West Mounted Police, Canada's famed "Mounties", brought law and order to Calgary in 1875. Re-live the history at the interpretive centre and dine in the elegant Deane House, a charming setting for lunch, dinner or a murder mystery evening.
Heritage Park Historical Village (2 - 4 hrs) Step into the 1930s/40s and experience history in the making. Explore the new Gasoline Alley and learn about the ingenuity and freedom the introduction of the automobile had on our cultural and social development in this hands-on, interactive new addition. Explore the five new shops in the Haskayne Mercantile Block, including our antique portrait studio. You will also enjoy a guided wagon ride around the village and discover How the West was Once!

Spruce Meadows (2 - 3 hrs) Open year-round you can explore the world-famous show jumping facility, attend the five major annual tournaments, shop during seasonal fairs or simply walk through the facilities and enjoy the surroundings. Spruce Meadows is approximately a half-hour drive from downtown Calgary.

Ranchman's Cookhouse and Dancehall Inc. An authentic western saloon, restaurant and dance hall complete with rodeo memorabilia and photographs. Live entertainment six days a week and a mechanical bull to test your cowboy skills.

Buzzards Cowboy Cuisine Authentic cowboy restaurant specializing in steaks and burgers and home to the famous annual "Testicle Festival."

Learn

Glenbow Museum (2 - 4 hrs) Western Canada's largest museum includes a permanent First Nations Gallery. Learn about the settlement and development of the West and enjoy additional international collections.
The Military Museums (2 - 4 hrs) One of North America's largest military museums capturing world history and local heroes who were a part of it. Vintage tanks and carriers are on display, and learn more through high-tech displays, galleries, special exhibits and from the volunteers who can share their experiences from the past.
Lougheed House (1 - 2 hrs) Beaulieu Gardens is the 2.8 acre estate of the 1891 Lougheed House. Visitors from around the world come to view and explore the building, to enjoy lunch or tea in The Restaurant, or to find the perfect gift in Treasures Gift Shop.
Grain Academy Museum (1 - 2 hrs) Learn about the grain industry. Enjoy model train and elevator displays, artifacts and educational films.

Shop

Riley & McCormick Western Stores Established in 1901, Riley's offers cowboy hats, boots, jeans, western gifts, authentic native crafts and souvenirs.
Lammle's Western Wear 1911 Heritage store is located on Stephen Avenue Walk downtown. Features boots, clothing and souvenirs
Alberta Boot Company Inc. Alberta's only Western boot manufacturer. Over 12,000 pairs in stock. Custom-made boots are also available. Western accessories will compliment your new boots.