The main VFR/training airfield for Calgary is Springbank (CYBW) which has a tower and Class D airspace, though there are lots of small airfields within spitting distance of the city. If gliders are your thing, try Black Diamond.
If you're visiting from the UK, the main things to be aware of are that an acknowledgment of your request to enter Class D, even without a clearance, constitutes permission to enter, and you can expect to be vectored in Class C while VFR though terrain separation remains your responsibility. There is a lot of terrain to the west!
Other things to note.... way cheaper AVGAS than the UK and Canucks are great people as long as you don't spill their beer.