You’d be forgiven for not knowing where Calgary is – but let this be your enlightenment because it’s pretty damn great.

Calgary is a city in Alberta, Canada and whilst it’s not Whistler or Vancouver, it should still definitely be on your Canada bucket list.

Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays tells us that travellers often land in Calgary and head straight to Banff National Park, which is a 90-minute drive away, but that travellers will be missing out on far too many cool experiences by giving Calgary a miss.

This is a place filled with delicious food, microbreweries and a tonne of attractions – making it worth more than a couple hours of your time.

One of the main reasons Calgary pulls in visitors, however, is the Calgary Stampede.

That’s right, little ol’ Calgary is home to one of the world’s best rodeos, where visitors meet the wild, wild west.

The 10-day annual extravaganza includes live music, nightly shows, food galore and a stampede parade.

It is recommended to book at least a 3 night package including your accommodation and the event ticket.

The event features bull riding, barrel racing, and a parade that around 400,000 people turn out to watch.

Plus, fireworks on all 10 days.

It’s also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with five stages and 300 performers, including a slate of international music headliners.

Before you Google, the line-up isn’t out yet for 2018.

But past performers have included heavyweights like Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, and Keith Urban.

It’s no wonder it draws in over one million visitors from around the world.

But the main event is what everyone comes to see. The Calgary Stampede Rodeo features the world’s toughest competitors.

There are six major events that happen including ladies barrel racing, bareback, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc and bull riding.

Many of the cowboys and cowgirls consider it to be the highlight of the rodeo season – and with over 20,000 spectators watching.

It’s held from July 6 to July 15, so plan that leave now.

We know you’re already booking in tickets to be a part of the Calgary Stampede, but wait!

Don’t book too short a stay, because here’s a ton of other things you can only do in Calgary.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Head here to learn all about Canada’s wolfdogs, the mixing of wolves and dog breeds, the sanctuary’s mission of wild wolf protection and responsible wolfdog ownership.

Take an interactive tour into enclosures with two different packs of wolfdogs.

But sorry, you can’t bring them back to Australia with you.

Winsport

In summer, visit this park to go Ziplining, Mountain Biking, Mini Golfing and summer bobsleigh rides.

But winter is better – you can ski and snowboard, ice skate, go tubing and luging.

The perfect introduction to a Canadian winter, without heading up a mountain!

Studio Bell

This is a fun and interactive museum to learn about the history of music (Canadian music to be exact), plus numerous educational sections that teach everything from the power of music on your brain, body and soul, to learning how to play musical instruments.

They even have a recording booth for you to test out your singing voice and/or completely make a fool of yourself.

But what else are holidays for?!

If you’re an architecture nerd, the Studio Bell structure is a marvel in itself.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Travel back in time and explore 127 acres of authentic interactive Canadian history spanning from the 1860s fur trade to the petroleum and automobile-dominated 1950s.

Costumed interpreters bring the park to life and lead interpretation and education programs reflecting the challenges, lives and victories experienced by the generations responsible for the settlement of Western Canada.

There’s a steam train, Fur Trading Fort, old fashioned candy store, renowned vintage cars and more.

Brewery Tours

The best way to keep you warm in winter is to enjoy a brew or two.

Book a brewery tour to try out some popular stops including the likes of Craft Beer Market, Tool Shed Brewery, Village Brewery, Trolley 5 and Banded Peak Brewing Co.

Better lay a bread base.

Food Tours

Calgary is quickly becoming a haven for foodies, so a to-do list would not be complete without suggesting to do one of the many available food tours.

Think cool, hip eateries on 17th Avenue, and basically all of Kensington – a cosy neighbourhood famed for its food.

Depending on the food tour and location, you will be fed everything from breakfast, to cupcakes to desserts.

A special stop is the Farmer Markets for brunch – learn about Alberta’s seven signature foods.

We highly recommend trying a Bison Burger on your trip. Make sure to pack those stretchy pants, you will need the extra room.

Contact Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays to book in your Calgary adventure on 1300 794 959 or sales@canada-alaska.com.au

Click here for more information on this remarkable destination.