A celebration of the attractions and places that make this city great.

A celebration of the attractions and places that make this city great

While 2017 marks Canada's 150th birthday, Calgary is almost as old – founded in 1875 as an outpost of the North-West Mounted Police (now the RCMP). And what better way to celebrate Canada's major milestone than by checking out some of the top attractions and experiences that make Calgary such a great place to live? To that end, we've created this list of 150 things to see and do across the city, covering everything from museums and parks to entertainment venues and Calgary landmarks.

A celebration of the attractions and places that make this city great.

A celebration of the attractions and places that make this city great.

A celebration of the attractions and places that make this city great.

Snapshots of Calgary's lake communities

Life at the water's edge may not be the defining Calgary experience. But for thousands of Calgary homeowners, life by the lakeside was a key reason they chose to buy in one of the city's many man-made lake communities. Here's a look at each of the Calgary neighbourhoods with a blue jewel of H2O at its heart, making them among the most desirable communities in
the city.

New communities and developments in bustling town offer more choices for would-be residents

The explosive growth that Cochrane continues to enjoy is evident when Mayor Ivan Brooker reels off the names of more than a dozen new communities either under development or in the planning stages in the scenic town west of Calgary.

"We've had huge growth – we were the second-fastest growing community in all of Canada from 2011 to 2016," said Brooker.

"People love the location. We're a beautiful community, you're on your way to the mountains, and we're not a small town necessarily, in the aspects of not having services. We have everything you would expect in a big city. The amenities are there for anything you might want to entertain as a family."

A bit of preparation, and business savvy, can make a world of difference

Summer is rapidly approaching, and odds are you've still got some stuff lying around from spring cleaning that you're not sure what to do with.

Gently used power tools, heirloom furniture, old DVDs and electronics, and all manner of items collecting dust in your basement are ripe for selling to neighbours, friends and passersby – why not have a garage sale?

These time-tested, often impromptu, community get-togethers are the perfect opportunity to score old treasures, get to know your neighbours or even make a bit of cash. Not only that, but with the ever-increasing focus on eco-friendliness and conscientious consumerism, garage sales are an excellent way to keep forgotten possessions out of the landfill.

These are exciting times for James Robertson as he watches the massive University District mixed-use development rise from the ground in northwest Calgary.

As president and chief executive officer of West Campus Development Trust, which is spearheading the impressive project, Robertson proudly points to some recent accomplishments as a clear indication that this proposal is now well on its way and not just a grandiose plan.

A roadway off of Shaganappi Trail N.W., leading directly to the site, opened at the beginning of December, providing easier access. A Discovery Centre opens March 11, which will include a 3,000-square-foot information area about the project as well as two areas that are 1,000-square-feet to serve as sales centres and show suites for builders Truman and Brookfield Residential.

Inner-city communities offering residents plenty to get excited about

From the historic streets of Inglewood to the shopping district along 17th Avenue, Calgary's inner city represents an eclectic and ever-changing mix of stories, style and substance. After all, these are areas where 100-year-old brick buildings seamlessly interchange with high-rise construction cranes.

Yet for those who live in Calgary`s inner city, it isn't just their surroundings and amenities that make it special. It's the people.

"Sure we have our night markets, Christmas celebrations and kitschy shops, but what makes Ramsay and Inglewood an exceptional place to live are the people," said local resident Natalia Jezierska.