303km (188 miles) S of Edmonton, 788km (490 miles) W of Regina, 512km (318 miles) NW of Great Falls
Calgary dates only from the summer of 1875, when a detachment of the Northwest Mounted Police reached the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The solid log fort they built had attracted 600 settlers by the end of the year. Gradually, the lush prairie lands around the settlement drew tremendous beef herds, many of them from overgrazed U.S. ranches in the south. Calgary grew into a cattle metropolis and a large meatpacking center. When World War II ended, the placid city numbered barely 100,000.
The oil boom erupted in the late 1960s, and in 1 decade the pace and complexion of the city changed utterly. In 1978 alone, C$1 billion worth of construction was added to the skyline, creating office high rises, hotel blocks, walkways, and shopping centers so fast even locals weren't sure what was around the corner. In the mid-1990s, the oil market heated up again, and Alberta's pro-business political climate tempted national companies to build their headquarters here. With world oil prices at all-time highs, Calgary continues to boom in the 21st century, and building cranes continue to dominate the skyline.
In February 1988, Calgary was the site of the Winter Olympics, giving it the opportunity to roll out the welcome mat on a truly international scale. The city outdid itself in hospitality, erecting a whole network of facilities, including the Canada Olympic Park, by the Trans-Canada Highway, some 15 minutes west of downtown.
Calgary, with a population of one million, has an imposing skyline boasting dozens of business towers topping 40 stories. Despite this, the city doesn't seem urban. With its many parks and convivial populace, Calgary retains the atmosphere of a much smaller, friendlier town.
Calgary Travel Experiences
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Trans Canadian Highway
Did you know that the Trans Canadian Hwy is the world's longest National Highway with a length of 7821 km (4860 miles)!! It extends betwe... Continue reading »
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Day 5
The plan was to take the morning off to do some laundry in Banff, so we bagged up the dirty clothes and set off into town. CHANGE OF... Continue reading »
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Australia Day
Five Thirty came and it was time to knock off shift. It was pretty exciting as I had been looking forward to this all day. It was Austral... Continue reading »
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End of Season
The Season is overThe love for so many Aussies and Kiwi’s who have come over to Canada to live their dreams of skiing and riding big moun... Continue reading »
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Lets go Skydiving!
Today was the sixth day of Stampede and it was also Deco’s (company I work for) outing day. We’re going skydiving today then down to the... Continue reading »
Popular Calgary Hotels
- Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
- Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport
- Delta Calgary Airport
- Hyatt Regency Calgary
- Executive Royal Inn
- Hotel Arts
- Calgary Marriott Hotel
- Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Calgary Airport
- Blackfoot Inn
- Delta Bow Valley
