For a first-hand view of ranching and its significance in Calgary's history, this complex is exemplary. Set on 360 acres at the base of the Rockies are 35 buildings that have been gathered to showcase the workings and heritage of an authentic ranch. You'll find barns, stables, outbuildings, horse-drawn wagons, and all the other accoutrements that went into the running of a productive ranch. Costumed guides point out interesting facts and details about the era and lead groups around the facility. Depending on the season, you can also watch demonstrations on branding, roping, making hay and more. On the premises is also a visitor center, restaurant and a gift shop with locally-made items. About 1-1/2 hours southwest of Calgary.

A punctuation of exoticism and color in Calgary's downtown, this beautiful structure plays home to a museum, gallery, gift shop, gym, auditorium, restaurant and more. Its central hall rises 70 feet to a dome that's been painstakingly adorned with intricate designs and exuberant color, especially red, the Chinese color for luck. The dome, which was modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, is supported by four gold-leafed pillars that represent the seasons. Smaller columns correspond to the months of the year. The museum includes displays of porcelain, ceramics, textiles, furniture and replicas of tomb treasures. Terrific restaurants in the area serve delicious, authentic cuisine ­ make sure you stop in for a meal or a quick bite.

Every major city has its defining landmark, and this is Calgary's. Built in 1968, the concrete baton is a favorite of tourists, who search out the tower for its incredible views. At 626 feet, the edifice is no longer the city's tallest structure but does afford spectacular vistas of the city, the plains, and the Rockies off to the west. Depending on your interest, you can check out the skyline from the observation deck or make reservations for the Panorama Dining room, which provides a panoramic view while you dine. For less elaborate dining, look to Tops Bar & Grill, and for souvenirs, head to the gift shop.

Originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this park remains an integral part of the city's recreational life. Nowadays, it serves as a training facility for athletes and is used by the city's residents throughout the year. Although the original ski jumps are off-limits to the public, you'll find ski and snowboarding slopes, winter bobsleigh rides, a park for mountain biking, summer luge rides and year-round zipline rides. You can also take a bus tour of the facility or visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Several restaurants and a gift shop are also located on the premises. Athletic facilities have different hours depending on season.

The first Anglican church to be built in Calgary, this structure was constructed of local sandstone in 1905. Named a Registered Heritage Site in 1974, the cathedral has lovely architecture that might be considered Victorian or neo-Gothic. Its stained glass windows are some of the city's oldest and follow the medieval belief that sacred artwork should educate and instruct believers with its symbolism. Other notable features of the sanctuary include its brass lectern in the shape of an eagle and the plaques in the nave that remember early soldiers and citizens.