Discovery Series Ornament – Calgary
The mini mugs are back for this Canadian city where prairie grit meets mountain air. Discovery Series Ornament Calgary features cool blue tones, a subtle nod to the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Calgary was established in 1875 as a North-West Mounted Police fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, initially serving to maintain order during western expansion. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 transformed the frontier outpost into a ranching and agricultural center serving southern Alberta’s cattle industry. Calgary incorporated as a town in 1884 and as a city in 1894, growing steadily until oil was discovered at Leduc in 1947, sparking an energy boom that reshaped the city’s destiny. The 1988 Winter Olympics put Calgary on the world stage, leaving lasting infrastructure and establishing the city as a winter sports destination. Today Calgary stands as Canada’s energy capital and fastest-growing major city, balancing corporate headquarters with western heritage, urban sophistication with proximity to Rocky Mountain wilderness, and entrepreneurial spirit with cowboy culture embodied by the famous Calgary Stampede.
– Calgary Stampede transforms the city each July into the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” a 10-day celebration of western heritage featuring rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, and concerts since 1912. The iconic white cowboy hat has become synonymous with Calgary hospitality, with visiting dignitaries and tourists receiving their own “white hat” in official ceremonies. The Stampede represents Calgary’s cowboy roots and ranching history that persist despite modern urban development.
– Downtown skyline with Rocky Mountains creates one of Canada’s most dramatic urban vistas, with gleaming glass towers housing energy company headquarters rising against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. On clear days, the contrast between modern skyscrapers and wilderness mountains visible just 50 miles west defines Calgary’s unique character. The compact downtown sits elevated on the prairie, offering unobstructed views of the Rockies from office windows and downtown streets. This juxtaposition of corporate power and natural grandeur attracts residents seeking both career opportunities and mountain recreation. The skyline with mountain backdrop symbolizes Calgary’s position as a sophisticated city maintaining an intimate connection to the wilderness.
– Plus 15 is Calgary’s elevated pedestrian skyway system connecting downtown buildings 15 feet above street level, creating the world’s most extensive urban walkway network. The climate-controlled bridges allow pedestrians to navigate downtown without facing harsh winter weather across over 10 miles of pathways. The Plus 15 enables year-round downtown activity despite Calgary’s extreme temperature swings and demonstrates practical adaptation to prairie winters.
– Kayaking and water sports thrive on Calgary’s rivers despite the city’s prairie location, with the Bow River offering everything from calm floating to whitewater features. The city’s river systems provide accessible outdoor recreation and connect urban residents to mountain-fed waters. Water activities showcase Calgary’s active lifestyle and the recreational opportunities flowing through the urban landscape.
– Fishing attracts anglers to Calgary’s rivers, particularly for trout species that thrive in the cold, clear waters flowing from Rocky Mountain sources. Urban fly fishing offers opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout at spots within city limits. The productive fisheries reflect Calgary’s water quality and the ecosystems sustained by pristine mountain rivers.
– Canada Olympic Park bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track remains from the 1988 Winter Olympics, offering public rides down the actual Olympic track where athletes reach speeds over 75 mph. This legacy facility continues hosting international competitions while allowing thrill-seekers to experience Olympic sliding sports. The track represents Calgary’s Olympic heritage and ongoing commitment to winter sports development.
