CALGARY is located on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies. Founded in 1875, the city grew rapidly after the oil boom in the 1960s. By the 1990s, Calgary solidified its reputation as a world-class city by earning rave reviews for its hosting of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Although there is plenty to do in the city, the true beauty lies outside of the city in the national parks, where you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery you will find anywhere. When planning a trip to Calgary though, make sure to coordinate your dates so you can take in some of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, where everyone's a cowboy!

Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies!

Points of Interest

The Calgary Stampede - When planning a trip to Calgary in the summer, make sure you're there for the world-famous Calgary Stampede, a 10-day event that takes place every July. Cowboys from all over the world come to participate in various rodeo events, from roping calves to riding bucking broncos and bulls. There are also the famous chuckwagon races, as well as an extravagant grandstand show and live entertainment acts. Make plans early!

The Calgary Tower - This 626-foot tower provides spectacular views of the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance from its observation deck. There is also a revolving restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Canada Olympic Park - Site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. See where the ski jumping, luge, and bobsledding events took place. There is also an Olympic Hall of Fame & Museum where you can enjoy a large collection of Olympic memorabilia.

Pengrowth Saddledome - Home to the Calgary Flames.

Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park - One of Canada's largest zoos, it includes a Prehistoric Park that displays 22 realistic, life-size dinosaur replicas.

Eau Claire Market - A popular place where many people come to shop, eat, or just hang out. Vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods, among other things. There are also restaurants, an IMAX Theatre, and several entertainment options at the market.

Glenbow Museum - One of the largest museums in the country, the Glenbow Museum concentrates on the history and culture of western Canada.

Banff National Park - The oldest National Park in Canada, it contains some of the most spectacular scenery you'll see anywhere. The main tourist area centers around Banff and beautiful Lake Louise.

Jasper National Park - Bordering Banff National Park to the north, Jasper National Park contains more spectacular scenery. Highlights include Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake (partially accessible), and the Columbia Icefields.

West Edmonton Mall - Located a few hours north of Calgary in the city of Edmonton, the West Edmonton Mall is the world's largest entertainment and shopping centre and Alberta's number one tourist attraction. There are over 800 stores, restaurants, attractions and services to choose from.

Sample Independent Itinerary

Day One - Arrive in Calgary
Arrive in Calgary. Accessible transfer to hotel for check-in. Balance of evening free.

Day Two - City Tour
Following breakfast at the hotel, get picked up in a wheelchair accessible bus for a half day tour of Calgary. See the Calgary Tower, Eau Claire market, Chinatown, the Calgary Stampede grounds, Scotsman Hill, the Pengrowth Saddledome, and the Talisman Center. You will also see Fort Calgary, Inglewood, the Olympic Skating Oval and Canada Olympic Park. Balance of afternoon and evening free.

Day Three - Banff/Lake Louise
Day trip to Banff National Park. After breakfast, get picked up in a wheelchair accessible bus for a day of breath-taking scenery. You will journey into the Rockies for a day of unforgetable sightseeing. Sights you will see include Lake Minnewanka, Banff townsite, Bow Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Louise, Chateau Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and Mount Victoria.

Day Four - West Edmonton Mall
Full day trip to the West Edmonton Mall. After an early breakfast at the hotel, get picked up in a wheelchair accessible bus for the trip north to Edmonton. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through the Alberta Prairies. The West Edmonton Mall is the world's largest entertainment and shopping centre and Alberta's number one tourist attraction. There are over 800 stores, restaurants, attractions and services to choose from. Stop in Red Deer on the way home for a snack.

Day Five - Banff/Jasper
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Drive to Banff National Park for a day of independant sightseeing. Start off by taking an accessible boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Next, board a wheelchair accessible snowcoach for a trip onto the Columbia icefields. Then drive to Jasper and check into the hotel where you will stay overnight.

Day Six - Jasper National Park
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Spend the day at Jasper National Park before returning to Calgary.

Day Seven - Depart

ACCESSIBLE CALGARY & CANADIAN ROCKIES REVIEW

CALGARY PICTURES
BANFF NAT'L PARK PICTURES
JASPER NAT'L PARK PICTURES

Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies!