8 of the Most Well-Known Attractions near Calgary, Canada

Best known for its mountainous landscape, Calgary is a must visit for photographers and sports and adventure enthusiasts. While there is a lot to do in the city, tourists must take out some time to explore the different attractions and sites surrounding Calgary.

1. Remington Carriage Museum

Located in the foothills of Cardston, Remington Carriage Museum is one prominent tourist attraction on the outskirts of Calgary. The museum provides its visitors an insight into the 19^th and 20^th century’s horse-drawn transportation system of the city. Featuring a number of galleries, the museum narrates the story of age old carriage industry. The museum has the largest collection of horse drawn vehicles in North America with over 270 carriages, numerous buggies and several sleighs.

Image Credits: Jeffery J. Nichols, Zeitlupe, Grapher78

2. Rutherford House

Home to the first Premier of Alberta, Rutherford House is a popular historical attraction, close to the city. Built in 1911 near the University of Alberta campus, the house perfectly describes the life as it was during the 12^th century. Today, the Rutherford House Society maintains and preserves the historic site with a number of fundraisers and other promotional activities.

3. Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a well-known attraction. The popular canyon is a fine layer of limestone deposited about 365 million years ago by lime secreting planktons in the sea. The canyon features beautiful waterfalls, fossils and underground stream outlets. A walk around the canyon is an amazing experience!

4. Sylvan Lake

An ancient town in central Alberta, Sylvan Lake is a major tourist attraction located a few kilometres from the city. Originally inhabited by French immigrants from Quebec and the United states, the town today welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world. One can enjoy numerous fun activities here including water sports, swimming, golfing and fishing.

5. Jasper National Park

Named after Jasper Haws, Jasper National Park is yet another popular attraction on the outskirts of Calgary. Established in 1907, the park is home to several species of elk, caribou, moose, mule deer, beaver, pika and wolverine. Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Mountain, Maligne Lake, and Medicine Lake are some of the attractions of the park. In 1984, the park was declared a World Heritage Site.

6. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

A buffalo jump located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is quite an interesting attraction on the outskirts of the city. The popular site was used by the native indigenous people to kill buffalos. Today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum on Blackfoot culture.

7. Brooks Aqueduct

Build over 90 years ago, Brooks Aqueduct is a shallow 3.2 km valley situated at an elevation of 20 meters. It is believed that in the ancient times, the site functioned as an extensive irrigation network which provided water to the dry lands of south Alberta. Today the valley is a famous National Historic site of Canada and continues to serve the area through the Bassano Dam.

8. Stephansson House

Built in 1927, Stephansson House is a famous spot on the outskirts of Calgary. The popular site showcases the life of the ancient poet, Stephan G. Stephansson. Guides and customized tour planners offer tours of the house; one can also take part in recreational activities like reading, poetry writing, arts and craft.