For those interested in war trivia and collectibles, visit this museum, one of the largest military museum in Western Canada. Stocked with artillery, planes and fine examples of the Canadian war effort, it includes many interesting rarities and artifacts. Stop by the gift shop and purchase a memento after a tour through the comfortable and well-appointed rooms. In 2007, new construction added a range of attractions, such as the relocated Naval Museum of Alberta, Air Force Museum, expanded archives, an art gallery, and Military History and Strategic Studies Center of Excellence. The museum also offers research facilities in cooperation with the University of Calgary as well as a range of lectures and educational programs. The museum relies heavily on community support to keep in operation, so cash donations can be placed in the drum located at the front entrance.
Located around 37 kilometers (23 miles), north west of Calgary, the Cochrane RancheHouse Theatre is a facility within the Cochrane RancheHouse. The venue can be rented for almost any kind of event. Be it comedy shows, serious lectures, readings, recitals, workshops, dance performances, concerts or drama, all of these can happen within the confines of this very intimate space. Performers will be especially delighted with green room, showering and changing room facilities.
Voted as one of the most fun outdoor sites in the country, Calgary Zoo features more than 1,100 animals from around the world and an ever-growing portfolio of innovative exhibitions. The fascinating programs put on by the zoo, allow guests to get up close and personal with its less ferocious animals through the Creature Features Program. Life-sized dinosaur models lurk in the badlands of the Prehistoric Park, and the more genteel setting of the Botanical Park includes a butterfly garden that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is Canada's largest urban park, covering much of the south side of the city and dividing established and newer suburbs. The park features no organized recreational grounds, with daily usage intended for walking, cycling, and picnics, although tobogganing is popular in the winter. At the far east and south end are the man-made Lake Sikome beach and swimming area. The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center, at the west end of the park, is intended primarily for school groups. At the east end, the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Center, a small bakery cafe, and a more upscale sit-down restaurant, dubbed The Ranch, greet visitors.
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.
Established in 1996, the Wild Rose Brewery has been delighting beer-lovers with fine quality craft brews. Velvet Fog, a Canadian Wheat Ale, WRaspberry Ale, made from real raspberry fruit and Stout are few of the gorgeous golden wonders brewed here. Take a tour around to find out the secret behind the brewing process. Once you're done exploring the brewery, head out to the delightful taproom and enjoy the fine brews in the company of beer-lovers. To accompany the brews is an above average food menu that has something for everyone. For those who wish to take their draft beer home, Wild Rose has engineered an ingenious contraption called the Party Pig, which stores and dispenses your favorite beer.