Calgary Vacation Rentals
Discover a variety of rental homes and villas in Calgary for your upcoming trip, whether it's for leisure or work. Indulge in a more customized stay with private vacation home rentals that offer an array of amenities and home features. With a wide selection of available homes, you can find a vacation home that suits your preferences and budget. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Calgary Overview
Nestled between the majestic Rocky Mountains and the expansive Canadian prairies, Calgary, Alberta, is a treasure trove of experiences that blend cosmopolitan flair with the great outdoors. This city is not just a gateway to alpine adventures; it's a vibrant hub where soaring skyscrapers like the iconic Calgary Tower punctuate the skyline, offering an observation deck with panoramic views that will take your breath away.
Imagine waking up in your own private home, a serene retreat that's all yours, with ample space for you and your loved ones—including your pets. Calgary offers a plethora of private home rentals, many of which are pet-friendly, ensuring that no member of the family is left behind. For those seeking a splash of luxury, select homes boast swimming pools, providing a perfect oasis to unwind after a day of exploration.
The city's heart beats with a lively arts scene, where galleries, theaters, and music venues come alive with the creative spirit of the West. Calgary's cultural tapestry is further enriched by top-tier museums like the Glenbow Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts, and the TELUS Spark Science Centre, with interactive exhibits that fascinate visitors of all ages.
Step back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada's largest living history museum, where the stories of Western Canadian heritage unfold before your eyes, from the 1860s to the 1950s. And for a dose of exhilarating entertainment, the Calgary Stampede is an unmissable event. This annual festival, known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," captivates with its rodeo thrills, vibrant parades, and a celebration of First Nations culture.
Foodies will revel in Calgary's burgeoning culinary scene, a smorgasbord of flavors ranging from Alberta's famed beef to global cuisines. The city's craft beer movement complements this gastronomic journey, with local breweries inviting you to savor their artisanal creations.
While Calgary may not be known for its beaches, the city's proximity to crystal-clear lakes and rivers offers a waterfront experience that's just a short drive away. Whether you're paddling on the serene waters or simply soaking in the scenic vistas, the aquatic allure is undeniable.
Calgary is a destination that promises a rich tapestry of experiences. From the comfort of your own private home base to the endless adventures that await, this is a place where every traveler can find their own unique rhythm amidst the stunning backdrop of Alberta's natural wonders.
Cultural Attractions in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, is a city that presents a diverse array of cultural experiences for those who value the arts, history, and local traditions. The city's dynamic arts scene boasts numerous museums and art galleries catering to various interests.
The Glenbow Museum is among Canada's largest museums, housing an extensive collection of over a million items including documents, photographs and artworks. These provide an in-depth exploration into Western Canadian history. The museum also highlights an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Heritage Park Historical Village is a must-see for history buffs. As Canada's largest living history museum, it offers an immersive glimpse into life in Western Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can explore historic buildings, take a ride on a steam train or interact with costumed interpreters.
Contemporary Calgary is a haven for art enthusiasts with its focus on modern and contemporary art featuring both local and international artists. The Esker Foundation Art Gallery is another notable venue showcasing contemporary art.
Calgary's live music scene thrives with venues like the Jack Singer Concert Hall offering performances from classical symphonies to pop concerts. For more intimate settings, Ironwood Stage & Grill hosts live music nearly every night featuring genres such as jazz, blues and folk.
The Calgary Stampede - held annually every July - offers visitors an opportunity to experience Calgary's western heritage through various events beyond just rodeo exhibitions; it includes midway games and rides, concerts among others.
Lastly, Studio Bell - home of the National Music Centre - provides an impressive journey into Canada’s music story with interactive exhibits where visitors can play instruments or mix their own tracks.
In summary, Calgary provides an engaging mix of art, history and local customs making it a perfect destination for cultural enthusiasts.
Family friendly activities in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, is a city brimming with family-oriented activities that cater to children of all ages. The city's captivating natural scenery and lively culture are mirrored in its wide array of attractions for young explorers.
Begin your journey at the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,400 animals representing more than 120 species from across the globe. The zoo's Prehistoric Park is a must-see, providing a glimpse into the era of dinosaurs.
Next on the list is the Telus Spark Science Centre. This engaging museum promotes learning through interactive exhibits ranging from space exploration to human biology. The Creative Kids Museum section is specifically tailored for children under nine.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Canada Olympic Park is an ideal destination. During winter, it features ski and snowboard hills and in summer it becomes a center for mountain biking and zip-lining. However, it's worth noting that specific skiing or snowboarding lessons for kids may not be available.
Another notable attraction is Calaway Park, Western Canada's largest outdoor family amusement park. It boasts an array of rides suitable for all ages along with live entertainment and a 3D theatre.
Lastly, consider visiting Heritage Park Historical Village. While not strictly a living history museum in the traditional sense where actors recreate historical life, this site offers an immersive experience of Alberta's past from the 1860s to 1950s. Children can ride on an authentic steam train, visit a traditional First Nations encampment or explore an old-fashioned candy store.
With its top-tier museums, stunning parks and recreational facilities, Calgary provides experiences that will enthrall children and create unforgettable memories. Whether your youngsters are animal enthusiasts, aspiring scientists or adventure-seekers they'll find plenty to love in this dynamic city.
Outdoor activities in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, is a haven for those who love the outdoors and appreciate nature's beauty. Its proximity to the Canadian Rockies provides an array of natural wonders and outdoor activities.
Banff National Park, just over an hour's drive from Calgary, is a must-see. The park boasts awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can partake in hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
While the Bow River that flows through Calgary does not offer rafting opportunities within the city limits due to lack of suitable rapids, it is still a hub for fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, walking trails along its banks provide stunning views of the city skyline.
Nose Hill Park is among Canada's largest urban parks and offers a quick respite from city life right within Calgary. The park has numerous walking and biking trails with panoramic views of both the city and mountains.
Kananaskis Country nearby offers a multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and winter skiing or simply soaking in its breathtaking scenery.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is another gem within Calgary's boundaries. It ranks among North America's largest urban parks with forested areas for hiking or biking along Fish Creek itself.
For those interested in plant life should visit Calgary's Botanical Gardens which houses thousands of species of plants in both indoor and outdoor settings. However, it should be noted that Devonian Gardens are no longer open to visitors.
In conclusion, thanks to its location near mountains as well as its own urban parks within city limits makes Calgary an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature while also having access to urban amenities.
Weather in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, is known for its continental climate and boasts more sunny days annually than any other major Canadian city. Due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
The winter season in Calgary spans from November to March and is characterized by cold temperatures that average between -15°C and -3°C. The city also experiences Chinook winds that can lead to sudden temperature spikes. Snowfall is a common occurrence during these months, but it's usually light and fluffy due to the dry climate.
Spring in Calgary lasts from April to June with temperatures gradually increasing from 6°C to 18°C. It's typically the wettest season with May being the rainiest month. However, due to Calgary's low humidity levels, it feels less damp compared to other cities.
Summer in Calgary offers warm and pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C between July and September. These months provide extended daylight hours and low humidity levels making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Autumn in Calgary is a transitional period with temperatures falling from 14°C in October down to -1°C by mid-November. The cityscape is adorned with beautiful fall foliage during this time.
July and August are considered the most popular months due to their warm and sunny conditions. However, each season has its own unique appeal depending on your preferred activities. For instance, January and February are ideal for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.
It should be noted that these temperature ranges are averages; actual highs and lows may vary above or below these ranges depending on specific days or years.
Transportation in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, is a city that provides a multitude of transportation choices for both incoming and local travelers. The Calgary International Airport serves as the main entry point for those flying in, accommodating numerous domestic and international flights daily. For travelers who favor land travel, Calgary is easily accessible by car or bus from various regions of Canada due to its well-connected highway system.
Once within the city limits, there are multiple ways to navigate around. The Calgary Transit system runs a comprehensive network of buses and a light rail system called the CTrain. These services are cost-effective and cover most parts of the city. Taxis are also widely available throughout the city, along with ride-sharing services like Uber.
For those who prefer self-driving, car rental services can be found at the airport and several other locations in the city. However, it should be noted that parking fees in downtown Calgary can be quite high.
Calgary also promotes eco-friendly transportation through its bike-sharing programs. The city boasts numerous bike lanes and paths that make cycling safe and enjoyable.
In terms of walkability, downtown Calgary is very pedestrian-friendly with many attractions located within walking distance from each other. Places such as Stephen Avenue Walk and Prince's Island Park are particularly delightful to explore on foot. However, reaching farther attractions like the Calgary Zoo or Heritage Park Historical Village would require some form of transportation.
To sum up, whether you're arriving by air or land; planning to navigate the city by bus, car or bike; or intending to explore on foot; Calgary presents a variety of options that meet every traveler's needs.