Airdrie City Overview (Go to the Airdrie Sport Hotels Section)

Airdrie is a city of 18,000 residents is about 30 km north of Calgary on Highway 2, fast becoming a bedroom community for Calgary.

Airdrie was named by William McKenzie, the construction engineer for the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. The town was just a mail stop on the rail line to Edmonton. He named the new town in 1899 after his birthplace, a small village north east of Glasgow. The name "Airdrie" is Scottish for "The King's Height" and namdes for The Battle of Ardryth (in 577 AD). The first home was built in 1901, and by 1909 Airdrie was a village. By the mid-sixties, Airdrie had 1,000 residents. During the 70s and 80s Alberta oil boom, Airdrie quickly topped the 10,000 mark. In 1985, Airdrie became Alberta's 14th city.

July is an exciting month in Airdrie with the Canada Day parade and annual Pro Rodeo both occurring on the Canada Day long weekend. Each year the parade gets bigger with more and more floats eager to participate.

Woodside Golf Course offers a challenging 18-hole golf course for the golf enthusiasts. This popular course is located on the edge of the City giving golfers the advantage of playing on a high quality course while enjoying the breathtaking view of the countryside. The East Lake Aquatic Centre is a place where sport tourism comes alive in either the 25 meter six lane pool, diving tank, or teach pool.

Each year ends and begins with the Airdrie Festival of Lights. During this event, thousands of lights illuminate the winter sky celebrating the Christmas season. Throughout December over 149,000 people stroll through the light display or skate on Nose Creek while festive music plays in the background.

Airdrie has great opportunities for sport tournaments of all kinds. Sport tourism is a part of Airdrie and features hockey, basketball, soccer and a host of other sports.