Choose Your Calgary Adventure

Love art, culture? See these six must-visit spots

There are endless ways to experience what gives a city its distinct flavour and character. But how do you choose? Consider your interests and what will create the most memorable experience for you. Maybe you want to discover the best local music, eat delicious food, play in urban green spaces or check out cultural attractions.

Keep reading to get inspired by some of Calgary's must-see museums, galleries, outdoor art and cultural centres.

See history come to life at Heritage Park

Why not start your Calgary adventure by travelling back in time? Heritage Park Historical Village is the largest living-history museum in Canada. You'll learn about the history of the Canadian west through costumed interpreters and make your way through exhibits that span the 1860s to the 1950s. Start at the 1860s Fur-Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment before heading to the 1880s Pre-Railway Settlements and the 1910 Prairie Railway Town. End with a tour from the 1930s to 1950s at the Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square. There are more than 55,000 artefacts and 180 exhibits, and a self-guided walking tour will make sure you do not miss any of Heritage Park's most popular attractions. Set aside the better part of a day to experience Heritage Park to the fullest.

Learn the stories of The Confluence

Your journey through the past continues at The Confluence: Historic Site and Parkland, located on the east end of downtown near historic Inglewood — a must-visit neighbourhood. The site is situated at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. This location has long been important for the Indigenous peoples who have called these lands home for thousands of years. Today, you can immerse yourself in the stories of Treaty 7, the arrival of the North West Mounted Police in 1875, Métis influence in Alberta and the beginnings of the city of Calgary. Visit the exhibits in the replica 1888 barracks and take a self-guided audio tour of the parklands around the site.

Visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Under 10 minutes from Fort Calgary you will spot the unmistakable Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre. The contemporary building houses many musical artifacts and special pieces of pop culture. Among them are Elton John's song writing piano and stage costumes worn by some of the biggest names in the industry. Studio Bell's living collection spans nearly 450 years of history, and many of the exhibits and instruments are interactive. You'll also be able to visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and feature exhibitions while you are there.

Take in cool street art

It's time to switch gears to visual art, and you will find plenty of it in Calgary — from towering murals on downtown buildings (including the world's tallest mural) to more traditional gallery spaces.

Contemporary Calgary

You'll see exhibitions from local, Canadian and international artists at Contemporary Calgary. It's a welcoming space focusing on contemporary and modern art. And the building is a work of art in its own right. Visit the Contemporary Calgary website for the latest on current and upcoming exhibitions.

Esker Foundation

You'll find the Esker Foundation, a non-profit art space, along bustling 9 Avenue SE in Inglewood. You will be treated to contemporary art that reflects local, regional, and international culture from emerging and established artists. Admission is free. Make your way through the current exhibitions on the fourth floor and visit the Project Space at street level. This space engages the community by making contemporary art more accessible. The artists in the Project Space develop exhibitions that reflect the historic neighbourhood and contemporary issues.

Glenbow Reimagined

The Glenbow Museum has been a part of the Calgary arts scene for more than 50 years. The main building downtown is undergoing extensive renovations and is set to reopen in 2023. But that doesn't mean you will miss out until then. The museum has found a new space in the meantime, with Glenbow Reimagined at The Edison, on the corner of 9 Avenue SW and 1 Street SW. Admission to the exhibitions at The Edison is free, and the space can be visited Wednesday to Sunday.

Are you interested in finding more culture in the province? Click here to learn more about Alberta's museums and historic sites.