Devonian Gardens

A glass-enclosed elevator rises to the 4th floor of Toronto Dominion Square (8th Ave. and 3rd St. SW, 403/221-4274, daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m., free), where a one-hectare (2.5-acre) indoor garden features 16,000 subtropical plants and 4,000 local plants—138 species in all. Within the gardens are waterfalls, fountains, pools, and bridges. Lunchtime entertainers and art exhibits can often be enjoyed in this serene environment.

Eau Claire Market

Eau Claire Market at the north end of 3rd Street SW is a colorful indoor market filled with stalls selling fresh fruit from British Columbia, seafood from the Pacific, Alberta beef, bakery items, and exotic imports. Under the same roof are specialty shops, an IMAX and regular theaters, and nine restaurants.

Prince’s Island Park

The northern limit of downtown is along the Bow River, where picturesque Prince’s Island Park is linked to the mainland by a bridge at the end of 3rd Street SW. Jogging paths, tables, and grassy areas are scattered among the trees on this man-made island. To the east is Centre Street Bridge, guarded on either side by large (restored) stone lions. For a good view of the city, cross the bridge and follow the trail along the cliff to the west.

Telus World of Science

This complex (701 11th St. SW, 403/268-8300, www.calgaryscience.ca, Mon.–Thurs. 9:45 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri. 9:45 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., adult $14.25, child $10, includes admission to the Creative Kids Museum) is kid-oriented, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a wonderful facility chockablock with hands-on science exhibits. WOWtown is especially for the under-seven crowd—there’s a working crane model, playground and maze, microscopes, optical illusions, and even a “quiet room.”

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition