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Western Canada
Road TripsCalgary EventsIn addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, this destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your visit.
Sing Goodbye to the Winter Blues
The Calgary Midwinter BluesFest takes place over 6 days in late February in venues throughout Calgary. The event features concerts by national blues performers; dance parties; and the Singing the Blues Vocal Camp, a workshop for aspiring singers.
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In early June, the Lilac Festival at 4th Street features a parade and concerts—along with tons of vendors hawking artisan crafts.
Summer's Big Events
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Despite a focus on the modern oil and gas industry, Calgary citizens recall their past with the Calgary Stampede , held in July. This 10-day Wild West exhibition features a rodeo, chuck wagon races, livestock shows, beach-themed attractions, educational displays, shopping, extreme sporting events and a midway. Parades, fireworks, street dancing, pancake breakfasts and other activities create a carnival-like atmosphere. Contact a travel advisor at your local AAA travel agency to book vacation packages that include the Calgary Stampede. Families enjoy the cultural and musical events that take place during the Calgary Folk Music Festival , held over 4 days in late July.
GlobalFest takes place in August and features such events as an international fireworks competition and a multicultural celebration. Visitors can sample fine foods and beverages from local restaurants at the Eau Claire Market during Taste of Calgary in mid-August.
Fall Traditions
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During Labour Day weekend BBQ on the Bow offers a barbecue competition, live performances by local bands, a children's craft tent, and vendors selling food samples and take-home goods. The Masters Tournament takes place in September at the Spruce Meadows outdoor equestrian center, off Hwy. 22X (Spruce Meadows Trail) and Macleod Trail. Other racing and dressage events are held at the center throughout the year.
See all the AAA recommended Calgary events.
Calgary, AB
Top AAA Diamond Hotels
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Hyatt Regency Calgary700 Centre St SE. Calgary, AB T2G 5P6
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City Population
1,096,833
Elevation
1,048 m/3,440 ft.
Sales Tax
The federal Goods and Service Tax is 5 percent and applies to most goods, food/beverages and services, including lodgings. Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax but does impose a 3 percent Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) as well as a 4 percent Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT).
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(403) 266-1234
Fire (non-emergency)
311
Temperature
(403) 299-7878
Road Conditions
(877) 262-4997 or 511
Hospitals
Foothills Medical Centre, (403) 944-1110; Peter Lougheed Centre, (403) 943-4555; Rockyview General Hospital, (403) 943-3000.
Visitor Information
238 11th Ave. S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 0X8. Phone:(403)263-8510 or (800)661-1678
Air Travel
Calgary International Airport
Rental Cars
Hertz, with multiple downtown locations and one at Calgary International Airport, offers discounts to CAA and AAA members; phone (403) 221-1676 or (800) 654-3131.
Rail Service
The nearest VIA Rail stations are in Jasper and Edmonton; phone (888) 842-7245.
Buses
Red Arrow Express operates luxury motor coaches between Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Lethbridge; phone (403) 531-0350 or (800) 232-1958.
Taxis
Taxi companies include Associated Cab, (403) 299-1111; Checker Yellow Cab, (403) 299-9999; and Mayfair Taxi, (403) 255-6555. Allied Limousine provides town car and limo service; phone (403) 299-9555. Taxi rates begin at $3.80 for the first 120 metres (about .074 mi.) or portion thereof, plus 20c for each additional 120 metres (about .074 mi.) or portion thereof (unless departing from Calgary International Airport, where rates are $8.30 for the first 120 metres, then 20c for each additional 120 metres with a $4.50 surcharge). Cabs can be hailed on the street, but phoning ahead is recommended.
Public Transportation
Calgary has both bus and light-rail transit (LRT) service; the latter, known as the CTrain, is free in the downtown core between 3rd Street S.E. and 11th Street S.W. Calgary Transit's office, 125 7th Ave. S.E., has schedules and maps and sells transit passes. Fare is $3.40; $2.35 (ages 6-17). A 1-day pass is $10.75; $7.75 (ages 6-17). Phone (403) 262-1000.
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