The Naval Museum of Alberta exists to "perpetuate the memory of men and women who have served in the Royal Canadian Navy" since its inception in 1910. The facility is Canada's largest naval museum and has been operating in Calgary since 1988. A number of interesting and exciting artifacts are on exhibition, including three beautifully restored 'Second World War wheelhouse', intricate ship models, several gun mountings and a periscope, which is always popular with the kids. Unique gifts are available in the gift shop; books, pins, badges and clothing. The museum offers special tours for schools, groups or individuals at exceptional rates.
Statistics say that Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North Canada. Come here on a sunny day and you will not doubt it. Originally, the island was used to catch felled trees floating down the Bow River from logging projects upstream. Now this bit of serenity in downtown serves as a favorite venue for joggers, football tossers, family picnics, flocks of Canadian Geese, buskers, Shakespearean actors and nearly every major festival that Calgary hosts. This is also a great place for a quiet paddle down the river.
The Contemporary Calgary aims at promoting contemporary art, craft, design and architecture. The museum's decor is kept simple, thus focusing mainly on the showcased art. Visitors can enjoy unique exhibits like Marcel Van Eden's 'The Lone Lake Murders'. Art enthusiasts also get an opportunity to participate in the lectures and discussions held by prominent personalities. Besides the art shows, guests are entertained by musical performances and other. To sum it up, the gallery ensures a thorough visual treat!
Winding its way from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Alberta foothills, Bow River is an expansive waterway. Along its route, the river passes through Calgary and the river banks are a popular outdoor recreation spot for the city dwellers. Many walking paths and scenic vistas can be found along the river. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can find kayak rentals, fly fishing options, cycling tracks and much more. Deer, great horned owls, and beavers have been spotted along Bow River.
Heritage Park Historical Village, one of Canada's largest historical villages, is divided into a pioneer Northwest Mounted Police outpost and a Main Street from 1910. The latter has a working antique amusement park, with rides that are safe even for small children. Other attractions include a working full-scale locomotive thundering through the park, and on the nearby Glenmore Reservoir, a vintage double-decker sternwheeler ship that takes visitors on lake cruises. Shops and restaurants are plentiful in the park, including a turn-of-the-century bakery. All park staff work in costume and character. Entertaining events for the whole family are scheduled year-round, including September's Fall Fair. The opening timing may vary for different experiences at the park.
From the Nose Hill Park, the view of Calgary is incomparable. Visitors may have to exert a bit of effort to hike up a gentle slope to the top of the hill, but once at the top, the view makes it all worth it. The top of the hill affords a 360-degree view spanning the Rocky Mountains, with the skyscrapers of downtown rising out of the Bow River Valley and the prairie stretching off to the east. The surrounding long-grass prairie offers glimpses of the local wildlife, as numerous deer, jackrabbits and red-tailed hawks can often be seen in this area.