This complete information to the most effective issues to do in Calgary, Alberta will present you the highest sights, festivals, and outside actions to take pleasure in all through your time in Stampede City.
Full of pioneering historical past and flanked by the Canadian Rockies, the gorgeous metropolis of Calgary is the place on your subsequent journey. In Alberta, Calgary is extra than simply the placement of an iconic stampede, it has an distinctive foodie scene, enjoyable vacationer sights, and outside adventures galore. Cut by the Bow River, it’s a metropolis of parks and recreation. Calgary can also be an awesome launch level for a visit to Banff.
Things to do in Calgary
When visiting Calgary, one of the best ways to see it’s to hire a automotive. We normally decide up our automotive rental on the Calgary International Airport and use it to discover the encircling areas corresponding to Canmore, Banff, and Drumheller. But earlier than you begin doing day journeys from Calgary, let’s try the most effective issues to do in Calgary for a few days in downtown Calgary.
1. Go Up the Calgary Tower
As some of the recognizable constructions in the town’s skyline, the Calgary Tower helps newcomers and vacationers keep their bearings as they roam the streets. Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing in the town. Although it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless gives guests a number of the greatest views in Calgary.
From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you possibly can see properly into the encircling mountains. One of the most effective issues to do in Calgary at night time is to head to the second commentary deck in the Tower. Sip on a cocktail at Sky 360 and benefit from the metropolis lights up from above.
2. Canada Olympic Park (WINSPORT)
Home to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park is without doubt one of the high Calgary sights and continues to be used as a coaching floor for skilled athletes. Now often known as WinSport, Canada Olympic Park is the place for winter sports activities fanatics to go in order for you to do some snowboarding shut to the town centre, or to take pleasure in considered one of its many outside adventures in the summer season.
Beyond snowboarding and snowboarding, guests can take pleasure in tubing down the hills and even attempt bobsledding on the unique Olympic bobsleigh observe. Is there a greater manner to head down the mountain at 100km per hour? WinSport additionally gives rides on one of many quickest zip-lines in North America. There are mountain bike trails or you possibly can put your mountaineering boots to work. Read extra about it at Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta
3. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Conveniently positioned in the Olympic Park, the museum is hallowed floor for the sports activities of hockey, baseball, soccer, and the Olympics. Along with studying in regards to the lots of of Canadians which have been inducted, you can too see the torch that was used to start the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later check your abilities by shadowboxing towards iconic boxer Lennox Lewis.
4. Bow River
With intensive pathways for walkers, bikers, and the occasional rollerblader, following the Bow River is a good way to discover Calgary. The river cuts via the town and the 6.1 km pathway offers welcoming entry to numerous spots. Examples embrace Prince’s Island Park and the beloved Peace Bridge.
The Peace Bridge connects Memorial Drive with Eau Claire Park. We counsel renting a bicycle to discover the waterfront. Our resort The Hotel Arts Kensington had complimentary bikes to use to discover the town.
Take a Walking Tour
One of the most effective methods to discover a brand new metropolis is to be part of a strolling tour. This 2-hour strolling tour enables you to reserve now and pay later. (straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour in case your plans change. It takes you thru downtown Calgary to discover its elevated walkways and historical past. Places to see in Calgary embrace the Municipal Plaza, Calgary’s East Village and Old City Hall. You’ll additionally stroll probably the most intensive pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.
5. Stephen Avenue
Arguably probably the most stunning avenue in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Walk is a must-do. Placed in the town middle, the avenue is simple to get to and gives historic buildings, stylish outlets, and comfortable eating places.
The magnificence goes up a notch in the summer season when the road turns into a hub of exercise. Once you may have accomplished the stroll, additionally, you will be shut to lots of the high sights on this checklist. From the Calgary Tower to Glenbow Museum.
6. Studio Bell & the National Music Centre
Home to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Studio Bell & National Music Centre options an architectural design that’s as memorable because the displays themselves. Inside, you’ll uncover an abundance of memorabilia and devices, that includes iconic Canadian musicians corresponding to Neil Young, Bryan Adams and Oscar Peterson.
By becoming a member of the backstage tour, you possibly can discover centuries of historic devices and find out about native music icons. The spotlight of the tour, nonetheless, is the journey via the enduring Rolling Stones recording studio and an opportunity to play some devices alongside the journey.
7. Prince’s Island Park
On an island alongside the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park comes with 50-acres of pure house to discover. On a sunny day in Calgary, seize a picnic and loosen up beneath the shady timber. Or you possibly can eat on the River Cafe, a advantageous eating restaurant situated inside the park
Connected to downtown Calgary by way of three pedestrian bridges, you’ll uncover ample strolling and biking tracks to stretch out your legs. If you didn’t carry a picnic, there’s a fantastic restaurant to dine at, and you might also come across stay music as you stroll the paths. Prince’s Island Park is close to the Eau Claire Market. Combine your park day by exploring the market’s choice of one-of-a-kind finds and specialty treats.
8. Calgary Folk Music Festival
Over 4 days, Prince’s Island goes to one other stage with implausible solo acts and bands lighting up the house. Boogie beneath the balmy Calgary solar and pay attention to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the stay performances, one can find a number of workshops, arts and crafts, together with scrumptious meals distributors. When the music stops, that doesn’t imply the enjoyable ends. You are inside strolling distance of the downtown core, with loads of choices to hold the night time rolling.
9. Expo Latino
One of the most effective festivals in Calgary is Expo Latino. Held yearly in August, Expo Latino is the biggest Latin competition in Canada. With ample stay music, room to dance, and wonderful Latin delicacies, you possibly can’t miss Expo Latino.
10. Fort Calgary
At the union of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Fort Calgary was the primary outpost of the North West Mounted Police. To today, you possibly can nonetheless see the unique foundations of the fort whereas the Fort Calgary Museum tells the story of the town from its basis to trendy instances. You’ll be taught of the Métis’ historical past and affect in Calgary and the way the Elbow River and Bow Rivers are vital to Indigenous tradition and heritage.
11. Heritage Park Historical Village
If Fort Calgary offers a glimpse into Western Canada’s historical past on the Heritage Park Historical Village offers the complete image. The park is residence to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters to provide help to journey again in time. Fun Fact: This is Canada’s largest residing historical past museum!
The buildings cowl 4 key durations in Calgary’s historical past. You’ll uncover an 1860s fur-trading fort, a city sq. from the early twentieth century together with the favored previous steam engine. Jump on for a trip across the village. Other actions embrace a paddlewheel tour on the scenic Glenmore Reservoir and a go to to Gasoline Alley Museum. A spot filled with classic autos and interactive displays.
12. The Military Museums
Displaying the necessary efforts of Canada’s military throughout the First and Second World Wars, the Military Museums provide wonderful perception into this era of human historical past.
The museums go into nice element, protecting tales of the courageous women and men who put their lives on the road. Here you possibly can be taught what it was like to be in the trenches on the Western Front, or flying a bomber throughout WWII. Your go to will even include the prospect to view numerous army autos, together with tanks.
13. Glenbow Museum
If it’s a depressing day and also you’re questioning what to do in Calgary when it’s raining, then the reply is the Glenbow Museum. Within downtown Calgary, the museum focuses on artwork and tradition in Western Canada. With over one million artifacts, artwork items, and images on show, put together to take a deep dive into modern life and tradition in this nook of the world.
The Museum additionally presents an incredible look into the values, traditions, and heritage of indigenous peoples who’ve lived alongside the Northwestern Plains for hundreds of years.
14. Calaway Park
Wondering what enjoyable issues to do in Calgary as a household? Well, you possibly can’t go fallacious with a day at Calaway Park. As the most important outside amusement park in Western Canada, Calaway Park guarantees to be a enjoyable day for everybody.
The park comes with over 30 rides, of which many will get the center pumping. For some extra relaxed enjoyable, you possibly can play nearly two dozen carnival-style video games. Better but, take pleasure in a present at Calaway Park’s very personal 3D theater.
15. Fish Creek Park
The second-largest city park in Canada has pleasant strolling trails via forests and alongside the famend creek. The designated pure space is residence to some 200 species and is a good place to take pleasure in bird-watching.
16. Watch the Calgary Flames
Hockey is Canada’s hottest sport and by a giant margin. One of the most effective methods to get into the native spirit is to go to the Saddledome and watch the Calgary Flames tear up the ice
The aptly named Saddledome certainly seems like a saddle from the surface. From October to April, the sector sells out a number of instances every week. If you’re on a finances, tickets to see the Flames may be low-cost, particularly in contrast to a Maple Leaf’s sport in Toronto. Tickets to video games towards the Edmonton Oilers may be aggressive. But watching the 2 bitter rivals face-off is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Calgary.
17. Theatre Calgary
If you might be on the lookout for one other exercise at night time in Calgary, why not go to the Theater? Theatre Calgary is knowledgeable theatre firm and performing arts theatre that hosts Broadway productions.
18. Calgary Zoo
Zoos are usually not usually listed on our to do checklist, however they do have a spot in conservation and training. Plus, the Calgary Zoo is famend for its conservation efforts serving to uncommon and endangered species. The Calgary Zoo additionally has a botanical backyard and butterfly conservatory. If you might be on the lookout for issues to do in Calgary for the entire household, you might have considered trying to take into account a visit to the Calgary Zoo.
19. Calgary Stampede
Over ten days in July the world-famous Calgary Stampede takes place at Stampede Park. Locals and up to one million vacationers descend on the occasion.
Known because the ‘greatest outdoor show on earth, guests are enthralled by rodeo events and exhibitions to stage shows and pancakes breakfasts. The history of the Calgary Stampede can be traced back to the late 19th century and its reputation grows by the year.
Where to Eat in Calgary
Calgary has an excellent foodie scene and there are plenty of places to have a delicious meal. These are a few of our favorite restaurants.
Charcut Roasthouse was voted as one of Canada’s high 10 greatest new eating places by enRoute Magazine. It’s a carnivore lovers delight at Charcut, a positive guess is to order the particular of the day from their customized constructed rotisserie. When visiting Alberta, it’s essential to have Alberta Beef, and that is the place to attempt it.
Model Milk is and open idea kitchen overlooking the restaurant the place patrons can sit on the bar and watch the employees at work. The menu has a really European flare and adjustments often following what’s in season.
Day Trips from Calgary
Calgary is conveniently situated on the Trans Canada Highway linking, Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. No go to to Alberta could be full with out seeing these stunning locations.
20. Banff National Park
One of the most effective day journeys from Calgary is Banff National Park, residence to towering mountains and the storybook Lake Louise. You can attain the park in 90 minutes however the surroundings is probably going to have you ever stopping at common intervals.
After arriving in the park, proceed on to the lake. Spectacular mountain vistas encompass you at each flip, carved over millennia by the sluggish motion of glaciers. The result’s the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Head out on the lake or stroll the lakeshore path.
With mountains hovering in the direction of the heavens, Banff National Park is the definition of unforgettable. In the winter there’s world class snowboarding and snowboarding and in the summer season you possibly can go mountain biking, or mountaineering. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
21. Canmore
Canmore is situated between Calgary and Banff and is a superb cease for a day. In reality, we’ve spent a number of days in Canmore from exploring its many mountaineering trails in the summer season to snowshoeing and cross nation snowboarding in the winter. One of the most effective issues to do is to take a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies to see the spectacular surroundings of Banff and Lake Louise. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta
22. Drumheller
One of our favourite day journeys from Banff is the unimaginable city of Drumheller. Take a street journey to see the hoodoos, Royal Tyrrell Dinousaur museum and canyons of the realm. The Atlas Coal Mine is a good tour for the entire household and also you’ll even get to see the world’s largest dinosaur. Read extra: 17 Awesome Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta
23. Take The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
One of the world’s greatest practice journeys leaves from Calgary on its manner to Vancouver. If you may have just a few days to fill in your Calgary itinerary, take into account a once-in-a-lifetime journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.
The luxurious practice travels alongside the historic Canada Pacific Line, venturing deep into the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Along the best way, you’ll have the prospect to cease at Canmore, Banff National Park, or Jasper for a wide range of spectacular day journeys.
How to get to Calgary
The major level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You can have a wide range of transport choices to select from.
There is an specific bus to downtown that leaves each half hour between 5 am and midnight and prices $6.35 USD. The journey takes half-hour. A shuttle leaves from Bus Bay 8 each half hour from 8 am to midnight. The shuttle prices $12 USD and connects to most metropolis lodges. A taxi trip from the airport to downtown prices roughly $35 USD.
Best time to go to Calgary
With a steadiness of city and mountain adventures to embark on, there’s by no means a foul time to go to Calgary. The winter months provide nice native snowboarding and decrease room charges. In the autumn, you’ll take pleasure in average temperatures and delightful surroundings because the leaves flip to auburn.
However, you possibly can’t go previous summer season as the most effective time to go to Calgary. With all of the festivals and stay occasions plus the Calgary Stampede, it’s a magical time of 12 months. Book as far in advance as doable to get monetary savings on lodging.
Where to keep in Calgary
Even as the town continues to develop, the most effective place to base your self is inside Calgary’s downtown. You might be shut to the overwhelming majority of sights from the Bow River to Stephen Avenue.
Hotel Arts Kensington – Calgary
We have stayed at this boutique resort in Calgary just a few instances and it’s excellent. The Hotel Artis is a luxurious boutique resort that goes the additional mile. Located in the center of Kensington Village, it has a cool and funky vibe that’s nice for nightlife. They provide free bike loans on the resort and it’s situated alongside the pedestrian path working alongside the river. Check out costs on TripAdvisor
More Calgary Hotels
Luxury – Fairmont Palliser – You can’t go fallacious with this historic resort. Operating for greater than 100 yeras, this luxurious resort in the central enterprise district is close to lots of Calgary’s high sights. It’s shut to the CORE buying Centre, cultural sights and leisure. Budget – Best Western Plus Downtown gives visitors spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Offering studios together with one and two-bedroom suites take pleasure in free breakfast and WiFi whereas being mere steps from the downtown enjoyable. Mid-Range – In the center of Calgary, one can find a number of mid-range lodges, together with International Hotel & Spa. The resort gives beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a health club, and a heated pool.
So, there you may have it. These are the most effective issues to do in Calgary for the entire household. Whether you might be utilizing the town as a leaping off level to discover the Rocky Mountains or for a metropolis break, Calgary is a superb alternative as the most effective cities in Canada to go to it doesn’t matter what the season.