This complete information to one of the best issues to do in Calgary, Alberta will present you the highest points of interest, 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 points of interest, and outside adventures galore. Cut by the Bow River, it’s a metropolis of parks and recreation. Calgary can be an excellent launch level for a visit to Banff.
Things to do in Calgary
When visiting Calgary, one of the simplest ways to see it’s to hire a automobile. We often choose up our automobile rental on the Calgary International Airport and use it to discover the encircling areas similar to Canmore, Banff, and Drumheller. But earlier than you begin doing day journeys from Calgary, let’s take a look at one of the best issues to do in Calgary for a few days in downtown Calgary.
1. Go Up the Calgary Tower
As one of the crucial recognizable constructions in 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 town. Although it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless gives guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you may see properly into the encircling mountains. One of one of the best 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 likely one of the high Calgary points of interest and continues to be used as a coaching floor for skilled athletes. Now generally known as WinSport, Canada Olympic Park is the place for winter sports activities fans to go if you’d like to do some snowboarding shut to town centre, or to take pleasure in one in every 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 approach 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 may put your climbing 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 a whole lot of Canadians which have been inducted, you can even see the torch that was used to start the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later check your abilities by shadowboxing in opposition to iconic boxer Lennox Lewis.
4. Bow River
With in depth pathways for walkers, bikers, and the occasional rollerblader, following the Bow River is a good way to discover Calgary. The river cuts by means of town and the 6.1 km pathway supplies 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 recommend renting a bicycle to discover the waterfront. Our resort The Hotel Arts Kensington had complimentary bikes to use to discover town.
Take a Walking Tour
One of one of the best methods to discover a brand new metropolis is to be a part of a strolling tour. This 2-hour strolling tour helps you to reserve now and pay later. (simple 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 essentially the most in depth pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.
5. Stephen Avenue
Arguably essentially the most stunning road in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Walk is a must-do. Placed in town middle, the avenue is simple to get to and gives historic buildings, stylish retailers, and comfy eating places.
The magnificence goes up a notch in the summer season when the road turns into a hub of exercise. Once you have got accomplished the stroll, additionally, you will be shut to most of the high points of interest 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 reveals themselves. Inside, you’ll uncover an abundance of memorabilia and devices, that includes iconic Canadian musicians similar to Neil Young, Bryan Adams and Oscar Peterson.
By becoming a member of the backstage tour, you may discover centuries of historic devices and study native music icons. The spotlight of the tour, nevertheless, is the journey by means of 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 chill out beneath the shady timber. Or you may eat on the River Cafe, a high quality eating restaurant situated throughout 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 deliver a picnic, there’s a fantastic restaurant to dine at, and you may additionally 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 collection 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 incredible solo acts and bands lighting up the house. Boogie beneath the balmy Calgary solar and hear to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the stay performances, you 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 maintain the night time rolling.
9. Expo Latino
One of one of the best festivals in Calgary is Expo Latino. Held yearly in August, Expo Latino is the most important Latin pageant in Canada. With ample stay music, room to dance, and superb Latin delicacies, you may’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 may nonetheless see the unique foundations of the fort whereas the Fort Calgary Museum tells the story of town from its basis to fashionable occasions. You’ll be taught of the Métis’ historical past and affect in Calgary and the way the Elbow River and Bow Rivers are important 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 supplies the total image. The park is dwelling to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters to make it easier 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 journey across the village. Other actions embrace a paddlewheel tour on the scenic Glenmore Reservoir and a go to to Gasoline Alley Museum. A spot stuffed with classic automobiles and interactive reveals.
12. The Military Museums
Displaying the vital efforts of Canada’s military in the course of the First and Second World Wars, the Military Museums supply superb 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 may 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 navy automobiles, 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 up to date 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 may’t go unsuitable 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 may 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 by means of forests and alongside the famend creek. The designated pure space is dwelling 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 an enormous margin. One of one of the best 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 skin. From October to April, the sector sells out a number of occasions every week. If you’re on a price range, tickets to see the Flames could be low-cost, particularly in contrast to a Maple Leaf’s sport in Toronto. Tickets to video games in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers could be aggressive. But watching the 2 bitter rivals face-off is likely one of the finest 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 should 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 contemplate 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 finest new eating places by enRoute Magazine. It’s a carnivore lovers delight at Charcut, a certain guess is to order the particular of the day from their customized constructed rotisserie. When visiting Alberta, you should 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 modifications usually 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 one of the best day journeys from Calgary is Banff National Park, dwelling 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 gradual motion of glaciers. The result’s the gorgeous turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Head out on the lake or stroll the lakeshore path.
With mountains hovering in direction of the heavens, Banff National Park is the definition of unforgettable. In the winter there may be world class snowboarding and snowboarding and in the summer season you may go mountain biking, or climbing. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
21. Canmore
Canmore is situated between Calgary and Banff and is a wonderful cease for a day. In reality, we’ve spent a number of days in Canmore from exploring its many climbing trails in the summer season to snowshoeing and cross nation snowboarding in the winter. One of one of the best 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 highway journey to see the hoodoos, Royal Tyrrell Dinousaur museum and canyons of the world. 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 finest prepare journeys leaves from Calgary on its approach to Vancouver. If you have got just a few days to fill in your Calgary itinerary, contemplate a once-in-a-lifetime journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.
The luxurious prepare travels alongside the historic Canada Pacific Line, venturing deep into the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Along the way in which, you should 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 important level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You may 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 motels. A taxi journey from the airport to downtown prices roughly $35 USD.
Best time to go to Calgary
With a stability of city and mountain adventures to embark on, there may be by no means a foul time to go to Calgary. The winter months supply nice native snowboarding and decrease room charges. In the autumn, you’ll take pleasure in average temperatures and exquisite surroundings because the leaves flip to auburn.
However, you may’t go previous summer season as one of the best 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 lower your expenses on lodging.
Where to keep in Calgary
Even as town continues to develop, one of the best place to base your self is inside Calgary’s downtown. You can be shut to the overwhelming majority of points of interest from the Bow River to Stephen Avenue.
Hotel Arts Kensington – Calgary
We have stayed at this boutique resort in Calgary just a few occasions 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 supply free bike loans on the resort and it’s situated alongside the pedestrian path operating alongside the river. Check out costs on TripAdvisor
More Calgary Hotels
Luxury – Fairmont Palliser – You can’t go unsuitable 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 points of interest. It’s shut to the CORE procuring Centre, cultural points of interest 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, you can find a number of mid-range motels, together with International Hotel & Spa. The resort gives beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a health club, and a heated pool.
So, there you have got it. These are one of the best issues to do in Calgary for the entire household. Whether you might be utilizing town as a leaping off level to discover the Rocky Mountains or for a metropolis break, Calgary is a wonderful selection as the most effective cities in Canada to go to it doesn’t matter what the season.