CALGARY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 438

M Calgary Stampede: Few cities in the world are associated as closely with a fest-
ival as Calgary is with the Stampede, a 10-day, early July celebration of everything
cowboy ( click here ).
PLANNING YOUR TIME
For the vast majority of visitors arriving by air, Calgary International Airport is their first
stop in Alberta, and it's straight off to the mountain national parks of Banff and Jasper. But
even with a week in Alberta, it's worth scheduling a day in Calgary—maybe to settle in
upon arrival, or to relax the day before flying out. Two major attractions within walking
distance of downtown hotels are the Calgary Tower and the Glenbow Museum, both eas-
ily visited in a casual morning. With children in tow, replace the tower with the fun of Te-
lus Spark. After lunch at a steakhouse such as Hy's, you can learn about the city's earliest
history at Fort Calgary and then cross the river to see some of Canada's iconic wildlife at
the Calgary Zoo. Sports fans won't want to miss Canada Olympic Park, either on your
second day in the city or on the way to or from the mountains.