Calgary is one of those cities that manages to surpass any expectations you had before visiting. Part bustling metropolis, part peaceful green spaces, the city nicknamed “Cowtown” is all unique and lively vibes. Here is a quick guide to all the best things to do in Calgary, Canada!
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How to get to Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in western Canada’s Alberta province. The city sits between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Prairies, about 240 km (150 mi) north of the US border.
By plane
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is one of the largest and most well-connected airports in Canada. You can find direct flights to Canada, the USA, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Domestic carriers Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair (a new low-cost airline) also use the airport as a hub.
By train
If train travel is more your style, you’re in luck! The ultra-luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train stops in Calgary on its way to several different destinations around western Canada.
Once on the train, you’ll be met with tasty meals, oversized windows for watching the scenery roll past, and storytelling from the train workers. Tickets are by no means cheap — they start at over $3,300 CAD ($2,429 USD) — but the experience is one for the bucket list.
By car
Calgary is easy to reach by car and makes a great place to start or end a Canadian road trip. You can find many different rental car agencies at the airport and throughout the city. There are two major highways connecting the city to other areas of Canada and the United States border: the Trans-Canada Highway (#1 Highway) and Alberta Highway 2 (Queen Elizabeth II Highway).
Things to do in Calgary
Calgary Tower
Getting a bird’s-eye view is often one of the best ways to orient yourself in a new city, and the Calgary Tower is a great way to do it! At 191 m (626 ft) high, the tower’s observation deck gives you unobstructed views of downtown Calgary and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the panoramic views, you can head up to the upper observation deck to have some drinks and appetizers. Regular admission tickets cost $19 CAD ($14 USD) and can be bought online from GetYourGuide or the Calgary Tower website.
Glenbow Museum
Glenbow is an art and history museum in Calgary’s downtown core. There is a specific focus on Inuit and Indigenous artists and culture, making this a great place for tourists that want to learn more about Canada’s diverse population. You’ll also find interactive exhibits, as well as a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions.
Note: The Glenbow Museum is temporarily closed for renovations and will be later known as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture. You can still buy tickets to their satellite gallery, Glenbow at The Edison.
Stephen Avenue Walk
Stephen Ave Walk, located down 8th Ave SE, is one of the greatest places in the city to shop, sightsee, and eat. Here, you’ll find tourists and locals alike walking down the pedestrian-friendly street in search of souvenirs and al fresco dining.
Some of the best restaurants include Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, The Wednesday Room, and SALTLIK. In the summer months, make sure to make a reservation in advance if you want to sit in the outdoor patios.
Calgary Stampede
Happening every year in July, the Calgary Stampede is a world-famous multi-day rodeo, parade, and festival. You can experience live music, drag brunches, powwows, and lots (and lots) of bucking broncos. It’s called the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for a reason, after all!
If you want to attend the Calgary Stampede, make sure to start booking your flights, hotels, and rental cars sooner rather than later — it is one of the busiest times of year to visit Calgary. Tickets start at $66 CAD ($48 USD) and can be bought from the official ticket website.
Olympic Plaza
This charming plaza in the heart of the downtown area was built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games. Back then, it hosted medal presentation ceremonies for the winning athletes. Nowadays, it’s known for being a social gathering place and home to the only outdoor refrigerated ice skating rink in the city.
In the summer, come here to people watch and enjoy the Winter Olympics reflecting pond. During the winter months, you can go ice skating and enjoy the festive lights and Christmas tree.
Chinatown
A local favorite, Calgary’s Chinatown is a colorful and fun neighborhood situated against the Bow River. There, you’ll find traditional architecture and decor, near-monthly cultural festivals, and local businesses. Chinatown is also the place to go if you’re after some authentic Chinese food or bubble tea.
Within the neighborhood, you’ll find the Chinese Cultural Centre, the largest building of its kind in North America. The center hosts a museum and gallery, as well as various art and language classes that are open to the public.
Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a massive urban park located along the river on the site of a former sawmill. There, you can hike, bike, fish, and have a picnic in the grass. It’s the perfect place to people watch or get some exercise on a sunny day.
Throughout the year, Prince’s Island Park also hosts several events and concerts, including the Canada Day celebrations and Calgary Folk Music Festival. In the winter months, you’re also able to go ice skating on the lagoon.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is a Western Canadian living history museum with real working antiques and historical reenactments. Its attractions and exhibits give a glimpse into life in Calgary in the 19th and 20th centuries. Walking through the historical village is like taking a time machine back to the Second Industrial Revolution!
Heritage Park Historical Village is only open in the summer months (from late May to Thanksgiving). Gasoline Alley, the indoor museum dedicated to vintage vehicles, is open year-round. Gasoline Alley Museum tickets can be bought online from GetYourGuide.
Fort Calgary
Built in 1875, Fort Calgary is a wooden compound that was built by the Canadian North West Mounted Police to establish a presence in the area. As the city’s first building, Fort Calgary has a complicated and fascinating history with the various Indigenous tribes that lived in the region.
Fort Calgary is located on the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, which was an important site for the Blackfoot, Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina tribes. The centre is linked to the rest of downtown by the Calgary Riverwalk, a peaceful trail that encircles the northern end of the city.
General admission tickets to Fort Calgary cost $10 CAD ($7.40 USD) and can be bought online in advance.
17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District
If you’re after some great shopping and places to have a bite to eat, look no further than 17th Avenue. Located a bit south of Calgary’s downtown core, 17th Ave Retail and Entertainment District is filled with just that. You’ll find local shops as well as worldwide chains, ranging in category from clothing to plants to crystals.
As far as food goes, check out Black Sheep Pâtisserie, Socality House, The Coup, and Maven for coffee/brunch/baked goods. Heaven Restaurant Market, Hankki, and Meltwich Food Co. come highly rated for lunch and dinner, while Betty Lou’s Library is the place to go for speakeasy cocktails.
Appreciate public art
Public art is on almost every corner in Calgary. From colorful murals, to eccentric metal sculptures, to historical depictions of important events — you can find it all walking around the downtown area.
You can see a map of Calgary’s public art installations here. It’s easy to plot your route and come up with your own personalized public art tour around the city!
My favorite pieces were the Women are Persons! sculpture in Olympic Plaza and the Wonderland sculpture in front of The Bow skyscraper.
Best day trips from Calgary
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to learn about Alberta’s indigenous culture. There, you can find artifacts, films, and educational displays about the Plains Buffalo people, a group that has been living in the area for more than 6,000 years.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is 18 km (11 mi) from the town of Fort Macleod. To get there, you’ll need to drive about an hour and a half out of Calgary. Adult admission tickets cost $15 CAD ($11 USD).
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. Dramatic mountains, thick green forests, and the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen are all common sightings.
Be sure to check out Lake Louise, Lake Alberta, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk for the most gorgeous views.
While Banff can be done as a day trip from Calgary, it’s better to spend at least a weekend here. There is so much to do and see — you definitely won’t regret allocating a few more days in the Canadian Rockies!
Driving yourself is the best way to get to Banff National Park from Calgary. If you’re not renting a car, however, then you could also take a public bus or shuttle. Brewster Express, Banff Airporter, and RTB Tours are several companies that offer daily trips to Banff and beyond.
Where to stay in Calgary
Budget
Mid-range
Bougie
Calgary FAQ
Is Calgary worth visiting?
Yes, Calgary is worth visiting, even if you’re not a huge fan of cities! There are plenty of parks and green spaces incorporated into the downtown area, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year. Of course, its location near the Rocky Mountains makes it the perfect base to explore Banff and Yoho National Parks.
How long should I spend in Calgary?
I’d recommend spending two full days in Calgary (three if you’re planning on taking a day trip out of the city). That way, you’ll be able to see all of the top attractions, including the Calgary Tower, Prince’s Island Park, and Olympic Plaza without feeling rushed.
If you’re coming for the annual Stampede, plan to tack on an extra day or two to explore either before or after the event. It would be a shame not to!
What is Calgary best known for?
Calgary is known for its annual Calgary Stampede rodeo, its ice hockey team the Calgary Flames, and for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. For most foreign tourists, it’s also known as being the gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
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Yeehaw, thanks for reading this post on the best things to do in Calgary!
xoxo Niki
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