5 must-try family experiences in Calgary this fall

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From the sky-high adventures to down-home experiences, Calgary has a lot to offer travellers of all ages, no matter what the season.

If you’re planning a close-to-home family getaway this fall, here’s a look at 5 adventures for your travel itinerary!

(Editor’s note: The information and COVID-related safety protocols are current at the time of writing. Please confirm directly before travel.)

Fun at the farm: Celebrate autumn with wide-open spaces and room to explore during Fall Farm Days at the Calgary Farmyard, where extended hours allow families to visit during the day or early evening. Find games, activities, petting zoo, pumpkins, corn maze and more farm-based fun! Beginning Sept. 18 and running through Oct. 31, Harvest Lights sees the farm decked out in thousands of lights (except the corn maze, where darkness offers an added challenge for visitors navigating by flashlight.) Learn more at calgaryfarmyard.com.

If you’re brave enough, step onto the Calgary Tower’s glass floor for a bird’s-eye view of the city streets below. Calgary Tower photo, courtesy Tourism Calgary.
What a view! For 360-degree views of the city, a visit to the Calgary Tower is a must. Standing nearly 200 meters high in downtown Calgary, the observation deck affords stunning views of the city, neighbouring mountains and prairie … and if you’re brave enough, step onto the glass floor for a bird’s-eye view of the city streets below! At time of writing, timed tickets can be booked online and all guests older than age two are required to wear a mask. For more information, visit calgarytower.com.
Drive into history: Car buffs will want to make a pitstop at Calgary’s Gasoline Alley Museum, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday at Heritage Park. The two-level, indoor museum tells the story of the automobile and features a rare collection of vintage vehicles, gasoline pumps, signs and more. The Historical Village, depicting life as it was from the 1860s through the 1930s, is also open for the fall season on Saturdays and Sundays. Safety protocols include include one-way traffic flow and masks required on the Bowness Carousel and Big Eli Ferris Wheel, along with all indoor areas and vehicles. Some features or rides remain closed. Visit heritagepark.ca for full details.

Discover a world of furry friends at the Calgary Zoo. Kelly Hofer photo, courtesy Tourism Calgary.
Head to the zoo: Discover one of Western Canada’s favouriteattractions – the Calgary Zoo. Organized by geographic region in large, natural habitats, discover animal exhibits from the Canadian Wilds, Destination Africa, Penguin Plunge, South America and Eurasia, whose animals in many cases represent species that are endangered in the wild.And don’t miss the chance to go back in time with a visit to the Prehistoric Park!Timed ticket admissions are available daily until 3:30 p.m. Face coverings are recommended for all age two and older, and are required inside buildings. Plan your visit at calgaryzoo.com.
Take to the skies: Your aeronautical adventure awaits at Calgary’s Altitude Flight Simulation, where you can fly like a pilot or dogfight like an ace – no experience required! Choose from a variety of scenarios in either the Boeing 737 or F-18 Super Hornet simulator. Individual sessions and family packages are available, with a minimum age of 11; those under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Check it out at altitudesim.ca.

So much to fill your family’s fall itinerary!

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller