Calgary, Canada, is so much more than what I see coming into the airport! I thought to myself. Probably not the first thing that comes to mind when most locals think of their city. But for those who only fly in and out of Calgary International in Alberta to get to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies (a Unesco World Heritage Site), or Jasper and Yoho National Parks, this is a very true statement.
I had never seen the skyline, the Bow and Elbow Rivers, the public modern art, or cute neighborhoods with boozy mani/pedi shops. Despite having plenty of friends in Alberta, why, oh why, had I been driving away from all of these fun things to do so many times?
No more! Time to dive into this Wonderland (the name for one of the city’s most popular pieces of public art).
Why Visit Calgary in Alberta, Canada?
- Natural Beauty: Calgary is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Canadian Rockies of Western Canada and Banff National Park, making it a paradise of outdoor activities and perfect for road trip enthusiasts.
- Cultural Experiences: Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, offering a vibrant arts and culture scene with top attractions like museums, galleries, the most beautiful, modern-style public library, and cultural events.
- Calgary Stampede: This world-famous annual event is a major draw, featuring rodeos, concerts, and festivities. Oh and food, lots and lots of food.
- Winter Sports: In the winter, Calgary is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. It was also home to the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
- Local Cuisine: Food lovers can indulge in the local cuisine, from Alberta beef to bear claws, craft cocktails and international dishes.
- Events and Festivals: Calgary hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, giving travelers (and locals) entertainment and a taste of the local culture.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Canadians as a whole are very friendly people, and you feel that when you are in the city center and at the top Calgary attractions for sure.
Start Planning Your Trip to Calgary
This post was written by Keryn Means, a professional journalist and photographer, as well as the publisher and editor of TwisttravelMag.com. It may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission from your purchase. This adds NO extra cost to you.
Where is Calgary Alberta?
Calgary is about 90 minutes outside of Banff National Park and Lake Louise. (Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is just three hours north.) Set in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains at 3,428 feet above sea level, it was the perfect spot for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The city is also the largest in the province of Alberta, with just about 1.5 million people, including about 30,000 students attending the University of Calgary.
Located in the southern part of Alberta, sharing the western border with British Columbia and little more than 160 miles north of the Montana border, the city’s mountain access makes it a perfect vacation spot for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers.
Flying into Calgary?
Looking for the best flights to Calgary? We love to track flights via Expedia.com. Not only do we find great rates, but we earn points to use on future travel too.
You can also keep an eye on GOING deals, which is how we got to Ireland roundtrip from LAX for under $500 each. The free version is good, but the paid subscription will save you way more than the cost of the actual subscription.
There are several nonstop flights from the U.S. to Calgary every day; main departures are from Seattle, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Air Canada does offer several nonstop flights from across Canada as well. Most U.S. travelers headed to Calgary will have to take a connecting flight, though.
And yes, you will need a passport to go in and out of Canada, as well as Canadian dollars. You can exchange money at the airport or get money out of the ATM once you arrive. No need to panic.
Hotels in Calgary
- Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District-Perfect for families who need space and modern design.
- The Fairmont Palliser-Fairmont service is always our favorite.
- Westmount River Inn-Good value with free Wifi and Parking.
- Hotel Arts– Eco-certified with ree Wi-fi and a pool. Pets allowed.
- Elan Hotel-Located in the heart of downtown.
Find more Calgary hotels HERE
Need a Rental Car?
We use DiscoverCars.com to get the best rates and availability on rental cars. Find your car HERE, along with all of the extras you may need (insurance, car seats, ski racks, etc.).
Travel Insurance
Do NOT forget to buy travel insurance for your trip, even if you booked through a travel agent.
Things do and will happen, and it’s cheaper to buy travel insurance ahead of time instead of paying out-of-pocket later.
Check out Travelex for rates on a single trip or an annual plan that could be right for you if you take more than one or two trips a year.
Buy a SIM card?
We all love our smartphones, but we don’t love those international roaming charges. Even if you have a travel pass, you could max out your service, which is why we always grab an eSIM card to pop into our phones. It’s especially great for the kids, as it limits what they can do and how much data they can use, but still allows them to text friends back home.
Check out Airalo, our preferred eSIM card store for the best prices on eSIM cards and international data plans.
Don’t Forget about Your Vacation Photos!
Don’t forget to book your Flytographer session to capture awesome memories from your trip. We do it as often as we can. Sometimes, this mom just wants to be in a few photos with her kiddos, or gorgeous shots at sunset.
Heading to Edmonton too? Read our guide to things to do in Edmonton Canada.
A Brief History of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, boasts a history that dates back to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region way before European settlers arrived. Let’s dive into how Calgary went from a wilderness to the sprawling city you see today.
Indigenous Peoples
The area that is now Calgary was traditionally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda nations. They relied on the land’s resources for sustenance, and had a deep connection to the Bow River and the surrounding plains.
Arrival of European Settlers
The first European explorers arrived in the Calgary region in the late 18th century, many of them fur traders and explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company, which lead to fur trading posts in the region.
Establishment of Fort Calgary
In 1875, the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) established a fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, which was named Fort Calgary after Calgary Bay in Scotland. This marked the beginning of the city’s development.
Ranching and Agriculture
In the late 19th century, Calgary’s economy revolved around ranching and agriculture, and it became a hub for cattle ranchers and the meatpacking industry. The Calgary Stampede, a famous rodeo and exhibition, traces its roots to this era.
Railway Expansion
The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1883 played a pivotal role in Calgary’s growth. It transformed the city into a transportation and trade center, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Incorporation and Growth
Calgary was officially incorporated as a town in 1884 and as a city in 1894. Its population grew rapidly due to its strategic location and economic opportunities.
Oil Boom
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in nearby Turner Valley and later in the Leduc area led to an oil boom that significantly boosted Calgary’s economy. It became known as the “Oil Capital of Canada,” and oil is still a major industry in the region today.
Economic Diversification
Over the years, Calgary has diversified its economy beyond oil and gas to include industries like finance, technology and tourism. It is now considered one of Canada’s major economic hubs.
Hosting the Winter Olympics and Calgary Today
In 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympic Games, which brought international attention to the city and resulted in significant infrastructure development.
Today, Calgary is a great city known for its natural beauty, cultural events and recreational opportunities. It remains an important center for business, education and culture in Canada.
What’s the Weather in Calgary?
Well, the good news is that it is Canada, so you are guaranteed less humidity and cooler days instead of roasting in the summer months in the Lower 48. In fact, summers here are gorgeous, with highs in the 80s. Nights can cool off into the high 40s and 50s. Every restaurant patio is packed until sunset after 10 p.m., however, and you will find people playing in Princess Island Park every weekend.
The flip side is that it also gets chilly in the winter, but it’s not as cold as you may think. Calgary winters see temperatures dipping into the 20s during the day and into single digits at night. It’s a drier cold, though, so not as brutal as those wet winters elsewhere.
The city of Calgary is also an easy drive to the SkiBig3 mountains to enjoy a few winter sports. If you get too cold, grab a snowboard or pair of skis to build up a sweat on day trips to Lake Louise and the Banff Rocky Mountain slopes. Winter also brings a profusion of festivals to the city, including the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest we can’t wait to check out.
No matter the weather, there are always things to do in Calgary. Whether you like to shop, eat, hike, bike or stalk mural art, you are sure to have fun in this western Alberta city that has loads of top Calgary attractions within walking distance of each other.
Our Favorite Things to do in Calgary Year-Round
Calgary Neighborhoods
Calgary offers at least 12 distinct neighborhoods, all unique and worth visiting. There is no way you will have time to see them all during your visit, however, unless you plan a marathon. So we will break down a few of our favorites, starting at the top with Inglewood.
And if you do have extra time, make sure you head to Kensington, 4th Street and Beltline.
Historic Inglewood
When you want to really get to know Calgary, visiting the historic village neighborhood of Inglewood is one of the best ways to start.
Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighborhood, established in 1875 and originally known as East Calgary. The place where the city really began, it’s filled with shops, restaurants, locals’ coffee shops, bike paths, nature preserves and one heck of a set of rapids for kayakers to tackle.
It’s also home to the renowned Smithbilt Hats, which specializes in creating felt and fur Western hats that have graced the heads of Queen Elizabeth II and the Dalai Lama.
We also loved loading up on spices and bitters at the Silk Road Spice Merchant, and more than one knitting friend insists you pop into Stash Needle Art Lounge too. Plant lovers should check out the tropical varieties sold at PLANT.
And if you’re heading to this city in July for the Calgary Stampede, be sure to shop at Cody and Sioux or The Livery Shop, two if the best places to shop for modern cowboy attire.
Note: many shops are closed on Mondays, so try to visit this historic neighborhood on the weekend or other times throughout the week.
4th Street
Once Calgary’s French-speaking neighborhood, it is now filled with boutique shops and restaurants. Pop in during June for the Lilac Festival, a great spot for families to welcome spring (yes, June is still considered spring in this Canadian city). It is also the best spot to discover new and emerging musicians on the six stages set up for the public to enjoy.
Beltline
Head to the more contemporary section of Calgary to taste the best cocktails, cruise art galleries and dig into a few tasty dishes. We loved learning how to smoke cocktails at Shelter. And be sure to visit the Chinook Arc, an interactive piece of artwork you can control with your Smartphone.
Kensington
A small, but jam-packed neighborhood just across the Bow River, we love its coffee shops and restaurants. But it’s how this neighborhood powers cell phones that has us giddy: Dale the Origami Horse. A permanent metal sculpture located at the corner of 10th Street NW and Memorial Drive, you can hop on him and pedal him like a bike to recharge you phone.
Don’t believe us? Go find him yourself. Then be sure to search out all the other cool art and murals located in this part of town.
Explore 17thAve
One of our favorite places to hang out in Calgary is 17th Avenue. Not only is Ollia Macarons & Tea located here (I dare you only to eat one of these sweet confections!) but also Analog Coffee for some of the city’s best brews.
If you love a well-balanced cappuccino, especially a nice decaf in the late afternoon, this is the coffee shop for you. (The beans aren’t bitter at all!) Alternately, if you want to work and hang with the hipster crowd, mellow out at Philosafy just down the street. Both shops are great; we just prefer Analog.
Arguing over the Best Pizza and Ice Cream in CAlgary
UNA pizza + wine is arguably the best pizza spot in town. And yes, the locals will argue about this with you. Naturally, you can’t have pizza without ice cream, so pop over to Made By Marcus* for a unicorn-inspired sundae or one of their seasonal specialty flavors.
We chose the Lemon Curd Wild Blueberry in a waffle cone and were tempted to get back in that long line for seconds. Yes, the line at Made By Marcus can be long after dinner. But it moves quickly and is so worth it.
*WARNING: Made by Marcus is also know for bright confections that can and will initiate a sugar high. Instagram-worthy concoctions come with cotton candy and cones will make you think you are eating a unicorn. And no, not just children are ordering these sweet treats. We won’t judge if you do too. I fact, we’ll judge you if you DON’T.
Shopping 17th Ave
Just like any cute neighborhood, the shops set the mood. Steeling Home is our go- to spot for kitschy gifts, the perfect welcome mat, and all things Alberta and Calgary inspired. Need to say “Sorry” as only a Canadian can? There’s a mug for that, don’t you know.
Purr has gorgeous seasonal wear priced on the higher end, but always great sales, so keep your eyes out for those signs ladies. You never know when you will score the perfect maxi dress for half price. For those who love to thrift and consign, check out Thrift Culture, Used House of Vintage and Velour Clothing Exchange.
Art-filled East Village
Every morning should start at the Simmons Building with a latte from local roaster Phil & Sebastian. With coffee in hand, saddle on over to Sidewalk Citizen to load up on the best strawberry cardamom scones we’ve ever tasted. Or sit down and try some of their great egg dishes to fuel up your morning with protein.
Now you are ready to hit the streets for an art walk.
Thanks to the Calgary Public Art Policy, the streets and walls of the city are bursting with color and unexpected surprises in the parks, public restrooms and along the river. The river pathways were given a refresh in Fall 2016 with nine mixed-media murals by Curtis Van Charles Sorensen, incorporating his well-known joyfully jumping animals.
Where to find art installations in East Village
In the square at Riverfront Ave. SE and Confluence Way SE, you will find a little church turned on its head. Make your way from there toward the Calgary Central Library, where you’ll find a pop-up park with ping pong, hopscotch, basketball, chess and a mural ready to set the mood.
Even the East Village Dog Park features artistic elements built into the agility equipment. Instead of boring old logs, for instance, these colorfully painted timbers will catch your eye and make you want to hang out with you pup a little longer.
Roughly 2.5 miles northeast, you’ll find Crossroads Urban Park, which brings together public art, a community garden and a playground. It’s definitely a public space that families won’t want to miss when in this neighborhood.
But if you really want to be impressed, travel into downtown to the Bow Building to see Wonderland, a bent-wire portrait of a girl’s head designed by famous Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa. (He is well known for his previous work the Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park, so you’d better believe we are stalking his work elsewhere.) Visitors can walk into the head and around it, but please don’t climb on it.
Calgary Central Public Library
Opened on November 1, 2018, the Calgary Central Library is one of the most futuristic libraries we have ever seen. Featuring light-filled, airy spaces that bring the community together in a variety of ways, it’s an amazing reading space worth visiting.
Class rooms, reading rooms and computer stations, plus a café and performance hall, only complement the 450,000 books on the shelves. There’s also a dedicated teen space that only teens are allowed to enter that includes a recording studio, video-game systems and editing suites. That means it’s a popular spot for teens! Moms and dads will flock to the huge children’s library with books, LEGOs and sensory tables, even when they are vacation.
The real beauty (outside of all those delicious smelling books) is the Snøhetta DIALOG design, though. The design team entwined timber slats with a crystalline exterior to create a natural cloud formation called a chinook, which is common to the region thanks to the dry winds blowing down the Rockies. The library also connects downtown to East Village, marrying the business center with this art-centric urban hub.
Peace Bridge photo opp
Once a controversial piece of architecture in the city, the Peace Bridge is now a symbolic part of Calgary, Canada.
Why was it controversial? It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, leaving locals wondering why Calgary artists weren’t hired to design the bridge. Good question.
But when it was installed in 2012, Calatrava’s the footbridge was too short to span the Bow River. So Calgary designers and engineers were brought in to develop the white pieces at the end to connect the bridge to shores of the Bow River.
It’s now a beautiful place to float under it or walk across it hand in hand, especially when it is lit up at night. What was once a contentious landmark has since become a piece of the Calgary that locals celebrate.
Bike along Bow River Pathway
Everyone should take a bike ride through Calgary, Alberta, at least once during their visit. And while you could just grab a city bike, we prefer to rent bikes through Rath Bicycle, located next to the Simmons Building in East Village.
Rath provides great cruiser-style bikes and bike maps that can get you all over the city. The staff is also happy to suggest spots to stop along the way. And if you’re traveling with kids, they can help you plot out the safest routes with all the necessary safety gear.
Throughout the year, you will see plenty of people using the pathway and bikeway system around the city. In fact, Calgary maintains the longest urban pathway system in North America (60 miles or 96 km). Runners, people walking their dogs and bikers all take advantage of these car-free zones.
For us, the path along the Bow River is our favorite, though, because it connects so many of our favorite neighborhoods together. A prime example: the ride from East Village to Inglewood is easier and faster to travel by bike than fighting traffic in your car.
Bike to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre
Ride your bike about 4km (takes about 12 minutes if you don’t stop) from East Village along the Bow River Pathway to Inglewood to get a true sense of this neighborhood. Then head down 9th Ave. or less- trafficked 8th Ave. to wander the main street. If you have time, continue down the Pathway toward Harvie Passage to see if the kayakers are out paddling.
And you can’t miss the River Passage art installation by Lorna Jordan located right next to Harvie Passage in Pearce Estate Park. It’s pretty much a marker that tells you that you have arrived, so park your bike and take in the view with a picnic or a little snack before you continue.
Afterward, head toward the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre, a sanctuary that’s protected migratory birds for more than 80 years. You will need to park your bike before you enter the sanctuary and explore on foot, though.
There are several walking paths open to the public so you can get a peek at the 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants that have been recorded across the sanctuary. Not a bad way to spend your morning, eh?
Shelter Cocktail Class
Drinking cocktails is great (oh, how we love a well-balanced sip). But learning how to properly make your own in a class makes you appreciate your bartender all the more.
Step inside this chic fall-out shelter, where gas masks take on an elegant, blinged-out vibe, and pre-prohibition cocktails are brought to new heights. Similar to a speakeasy but without the code word, Shelter welcomes you into their self-described grunge-meets-glam environment.
A rotating cocktail menu highlights small-batch booze and sought-after distilleries, like the elusive Victoria Gin that not only tastes great, but changes colors as you add ingredients.
Public and private cocktail classes are offered at least once a month (about 90 minutes). One time, I even got to sit in on a private class to learn how to make the perfect sour (using egg white), smoke lavender, properly muddle mint for my mojitos, and why a martini should always be stirred, not shaken.
What’s included in a typical class?
- Three cocktails
- Complimentary bar snacks (on request)
- Cocktail and spirit theory and history
- Muddling, stirring, shaking and smoking techniques
- Glassware knowledge and education
- A cocktail contest with prizes
- Q&A time
And you can’t have a cocktail class without a few cocktails, right? We started off with the classic French 75 before moving into a smoked Old Fashion. Then we got fancy when we broke out the Victoria Gin to make a Northern Lights, which includes sage and smoked lavender.
The class ended with a borderline sweet Blood in the Water, a pink concoction reminiscent of pink lemonade with a few dabs of olive oil on top. It sounds weird, but it was heaven (yet dangerous) in a glass. A few of those drinks and we would be sleeping on the deep-purple velvet couches littering the floor under the 1000+ ceiling lightbulbs.
Other great Calgary cocktail bars
- Proof
- The Tea House
- Milk Tiger
- YARDARM
- Betty Lou’s Library (legit speakeasy)
Treat Yourself to a Boozy Mani/Pedi
You know you need your piggies to get pampered after all this walking and biking. And Calgary is bursting with speciality nail salons that combine wine with mani/pedis, especially along 17th Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended.
These two spots are worth checking out when in town for some extra hand and feet love.
- MetroPolish17 Nail Salon
- ESMÉ Beauty Boutique
Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is a conservation park parents can feel good about visiting with their kids because of its dedication to taking and inspiring action to sustain wildlife and wild places. Canada’s most-visited zoo and the third-top destination for visitors to Alberta, it cares for more than 4,000 animals from over 100 different species.
Exhibits include Destination Africa, Exploration Asia and Wild Canada. It’s also where you can see endangered species like the Malayan tapir and white-handed gibbon (in Asia exhibit).
Calgary Museums
Glenbow Museum, Calgary’s art musuem, and the National Music Centre, pull in the artists of Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond.
Regular rotating exhibits highlight different aspects of the art and music scene. While the Music Centre is reminiscent of the MoPOP in Seattle, with hands on instruments, musical guests and Canadian music hall of fame, it dives deeper into the the behind the scenes of Studio Bell. You can even see the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio.
I know more than one rock and roll fan who won’t want to miss that (ahem, my dad). True music lovers, and those interested in the arts will want to visit both though.
Check out more top museums in Calgary
- Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
- Gasoline Alley Museum
- Fort Calgary
- The Hangar Flight Museum
- The Military Museums
- Contemporary Calgary
- The New Gallery
Things to do in Calgary in Summer
Just like Edmonton, the locals come out to play in force when it heats up in Calgary Canada. Restaurants fling open the windows, and residents hit the pavement and river to find some fun.
There are endless festivals, but nothing like the Calgary Stampede that takes over the city for two weeks each July.
While we are sure you could find loads to do this summer in Calgary, here are a few of our favorites.
Ride the rapids at Harvie Passage Calgary
Pop down to Pearce Park to watch kayakers and rafters hit the class 3 rapids on the left and class 2 rapids on the right of the river passage. Even when no one is passing through, this part of the river is still a beautiful spot to explore.
If you are interested in tackling it on your own, call Paddle Station to rent kayaks or rafts, but check in with the guides first to make sure you are up for the challenge.
Be warned: these rapids look small, but they are not for the faint of heart. More than one experienced kayaker has died at Harvie Passage.The city shut down the rapids for a number of years after a flood in 2013. It was rebuilt with more safety in mind for rapid lovers, but with all rivers, there is still risk involved.
Float Down the River with Paddle Station
While you may want rapids, we prefer more of a float. When it is hot outside, the glacier fed waters of the Bow River are just cool enough to make your toes curl. Hop in a raft with the knowledgeable guides from Paddle Station.
Get to know the river, maybe see a beaver, the river surfers at 10th Street Bridge, and enjoy the city as it comes into view.
You will float under Peace Bridge and by Princess Island Park, taking about an hour and a half to make your way from the launch point. Because of the flow of water, you won’t even have to paddle.
If you do want a challenge, you can book a raft on your own, and even a kayak. We know some people like a workout on the river. Just remember- tandem kayaks are divorce boats. No matter how much you love your partner, get your own kayak for the sake of your relationship. Just sayin’.
Eat all of the Fried Food at Calgary Stampede
Just when you didn’t think you could eat any more fried food, another morsel is presented to you. This is what the food stalls at Calgary Stampede do to you.
Every year they add knew confections and creations, and we just can’t say no. Pickle dogs, pickle ice cream, pickle cotton candy (they have a thing for pickles up here), fried Twizzlers, Smokin’ Butterbeer Ice cream, baby octopus on a stick, bacon-wrapped onion rings- the list is literally three pages long.
So, pull on your stretchy pants and leave the belt at home. It’s time to start eating. The post-Calgary Stampede diet can start in August. You will walk a ton at this rodeo anyway. It’s huge!
Prince’s Island Park
When you really want to veg out on a summer afternoon, you go to Prince’s Island Park. Enjoy a leisurely brunch or lunch at River Café. Mimosas are encouraged, as is the cheese board and season fruit platter. In true Alberta tradition, Canola oil crackers will be served with your cheese, so make sure you take a bite.
As you wander through the park, you may catch theatre: Calgary’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream or another Shakespeare production performed at the annual Shakespeare by the Bow. Pull up a patch of grass to enjoy free performances late June to mid-August, six days a week. Ticket prices are Pay By Donations, meaning you can pay what you can afford, or not at all. Proceeds go back into Shakespeare by the Bow to mentor and support emerging theater artists. Concessions are available at the top of the hill, along with restrooms.
If the kids are with you, pop over to the wading area for a little swim on a hot day. A small tributary of the Bow River curves around Princes’s Island creating a perfect little calm spot for kids to play. You will also find families biking, running and tossing a frisbee around pretty much every weekend when the weather is nice.
More things to do in Summer
- Calgary Stampede: Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is a must-visit in July. Enjoy rodeo events, concerts, parades, and delicious food.
- Heritage Park Historical Village: Explore this living history museum, where you can experience Calgary’s history through interactive exhibits, historical buildings, and costumed interpreters.
- Calgary Zoo: Spend a day at the Calgary Zoo, where you can see animals from around the world and enjoy the outdoor Dinosaur Park.
- Biking and Hiking: Take advantage of Calgary’s extensive network of bike paths and hiking trails. Popular routes include the Bow River Pathway and Nose Hill Park.
- Outdoor Festivals: Enjoy various outdoor festivals and events throughout the summer, including music festivals, Shakespeare in the Park, and more.
- Rafting and Kayaking: Try whitewater rafting or kayaking on the nearby Kananaskis River for an adventurous day on the water.
- Outdoor Dining: Many restaurants in Calgary have outdoor patios where you can dine while enjoying the pleasant summer weather.
- Glenbow Museum: Explore the cultural history of Alberta through exhibits at the Glenbow Museum. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day.
- Fort Calgary: Discover Calgary’s history at Fort Calgary, where you can visit the museum and explore the beautiful riverside grounds.
- Canada Olympic Park: Try activities like zip-lining, mini golf, and mountain biking at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Outdoor Concerts: Enjoy live music at various outdoor venues and parks, such as Shaw Millennium Park and Central Memorial Park.
- Calgary Tower: Take an elevator ride to the top of the Calgary Tower, the tallest building in Calgary, for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes fro the observation deck.
- Spruce Meadows: Attend equestrian events and horse shows at Spruce Meadows, a world-renowned facility.
- Lougheed House: Visit this historic mansion and gardens to learn about Calgary’s history and enjoy its beautiful Victorian architecture.
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Look for outdoor movie screenings in parks and public spaces throughout the summer.
- Farmers’ Markets: Sample local produce and artisanal goods at one of Calgary’s farmers’ markets, such as the Calgary Farmers’ Market or Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market.
A Quick Guide to Things to do in Calgary in Winter
Not everyone thinks that one of the best things to do in Calgary is to visit in the winter months, but trust me, this is a great place to get your snow fix. While it may be the coldest time of year, and the botanical gardens are covered in snow, you are still just a short drive to the natural parks surrounding the city.
As a former host of the winter Olympics, I can think of no better place to learn a new sport too.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Take advantage of the nearby Rocky Mountains with excellent ski resorts like Banff, Nakiska, and Lake Louise.
- Winter Festivals: Embrace the winter spirit by attending winter festivals, such as Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo or Winterpalooza at the Olympic Park.
- Calgary Flames Hockey Game: Catch an NHL game at the Scotiabank Saddledome and cheer for the Calgary Flames. Canadians are VERY passionate about their hockey, so don’t tell anyone in Calgary you are an Edmonton Oilers fan.
- Christmas Markets: Explore festive Christmas markets for a great time doing you holiday shopping and seasonal treats.
- Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and glide across outdoor rinks like Olympic Plaza or Bowness Park Lagoon.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Explore groomed cross-country skiing trails in nearby Kananaskis Country or Fish Creek Provincial Park.
- Ice Fishing: Try ice fishing on frozen lakes and reservoirs in the region. You can rent equipment and enjoy the serene winter landscapes.
- Snowshoeing: Strap on some snowshoes and explore the beautiful winter scenery in places like Nose Hill Park or Bragg Creek.
- Winter Hiking: Don’t let the cold deter you; winter hikes can be stunning. Try the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk or the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk.
- Calgary Winter Night Lights: Some parks, like Confederation Park, feature dazzling light displays during the winter evenings.
- Indoor Attractions: Warm up indoors at places like the Telus Spark Science Centre or the Glenbow Museum.
- Hot Springs: Soak in the natural hot springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs or take a scenic drive to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
- Winter Photography: Calgary’s winter landscapes offer excellent opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty of the season.
- Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding in nearby Canmore or Kananaskis.
- Winter Picnics: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy a winter picnic in one of Calgary’s parks or green spaces.
- Winter Wildlife Viewing: Take a wildlife tour to spot animals like elk, bighorn sheep, and deer that are more visible against the snowy backdrop.
- Indoor Play Centers: For families with children, consider indoor play centers like TommyKPlay for active fun.
- Snow Tubing: Experience the thrill of snow tubing at venues like WinSport or Canada Olympic Park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calgary (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Calgary?
Calgary is lovely year-round, but summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit thanks to its great weather and world-class events.
What’s the currency used in Calgary?
The currency in Calgary is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
How do I get from Calgary International Airport to downtown Calgary?
You can take a taxi, shuttle, or use Calgary Transit’s Airport Route 300 bus service.
Are there any must-visit attractions in Calgary?
Yes, don’t miss the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Zoo, and the Calgary Tower for starters.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Calgary?
Yes, you can, especially during the winter months when the skies are clearer, however, you will have much better luck up in Jasper National Park, which is a Dark Sky Preserve.
What’s the best way to explore the city?
Calgary has an excellent public transportation system, but renting a car or using rideshare services are also convenient options.
Are there any hiking trails near Calgary?
Yes, Calgary is home to more than1000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails. You can also explore nearby trails in Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country, and Fish Creek Provincial Park.
What’s the legal drinking age in Calgary?
The legal drinking age in Alberta, including Calgary, is 18 years old.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Calgary?
Yes, tap water in Calgary is safe to drink, high quality and really good.
How far is Calgary from Banff?
Calgary is approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Banff, making it an easy day trip.
What’s the local cuisine in Calgary?
Alberta beef is famous, but you can also try bison, elk, and traditional Canadian dishes like poutine. And vegetarians you will be ok. The Vegetarian and vegan food scene has grown quite a bit in recent years.
Are there any free or low-cost activities in Calgary?
Yes, you can visit the Glenbow Museum, enjoy the Prince’s Island Park, or explore the historic Inglewood neighborhood for free or at a low cost.
What’s the weather like in Calgary during the winter?
Winters in Calgary can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so dress warmly.
Are there any music festivals in Calgary?
Yes, you can enjoy music festivals like the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Sled Island.
Can I see wildlife near Calgary?
Yes, you might spot wildlife such as deer, elk, and birds in the nearby natural areas.
Is it necessary to tip in restaurants in Calgary?
Tipping is customary in Canada, with 15-20% of the bill as a standard tip in restaurants.
What’s the official language spoken in Calgary?
The official languages are English, but you may also hear French.
Are there any shopping districts in Calgary?
Yes, visit places like the Core Shopping Centre, Chinook Centre, and 17th Avenue for shopping.
Can I visit the Calgary Olympic Park?
Yes, you can explore the Calgary Olympic Park and even try activities like skiing or bobsledding.
Are there any cultural festivals in Calgary?
Yes, you can enjoy cultural events like the Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Fringe Festival.
