Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, also known as “Cowtown,” is a city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is home to over one million residents, 12,000 white hats, and an inexplicable obsession with Stampede pancakes.

The city was founded in 1875 after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, which brought with it a horde of cowboys, ranchers, and beer enthusiasts. In 1901, Calgary was officially incorporated as a city, and its residents immediately celebrated by throwing a massive street party.

One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the Calgary Tower, which stands at a whopping 191 meters tall. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city below, as well as the occasional daredevil attempting to base-jump off it.

Calgary is also famous for its world-renowned annual event, the Calgary Stampede, where literally every single resident dons a cowboy hat and boots and walks around like they’re auditioning for a country music video. The event features rodeos, chuckwagon races, and plenty of deep-fried delicacies. It’s also worth noting that during the Stampede, alcohol is the official drink of choice, and it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a bolo tie with absolutely no irony.

But Calgary isn’t just about cowboys and pancakes. It’s also a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and plenty of cultural offerings. The city is home to the National Music Centre, the Glenbow Museum, and the Calgary Flames, who are consistently mediocre but still manage to inspire hope every season.

In the winter, Calgarians (yes, that’s what we call ourselves) trade in our cowboy boots for snow boots and head to the mountains for some skiing or snowboarding. Or, for the more adventurous, we try our hand at luge or bobsled at Canada Olympic Park, where we pretend we’re on an Olympic team before quickly realizing we have no athletic abilities.

All in all, Calgary is a city that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a cowboy, a snow bunny, or just someone who likes pancakes, there’s no denying that this city is a true gem of western Canada.