This complete information to the most effective issues to do in Calgary, Alberta will present you the highest sights, festivals, and out of doors 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 situation of an iconic stampede, it has an distinctive foodie scene, enjoyable vacationer sights, and out of doors adventures galore. Cut by the Bow River, it’s a metropolis of parks and recreation. Calgary can be a fantastic 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 automobile. We often decide up our automobile rental on the Calgary International Airport and use it to discover the encompassing areas akin 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 one of the vital 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 presents guests a number of the finest views in Calgary. From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you possibly can see properly into the encompassing mountains. One of the most effective issues to do in Calgary at night time is to head to the second remark deck in the Tower. Sip on a cocktail and benefit from the metropolis mild up from above.
2. Canada Olympic Park (WINSPORT)
Home to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park is among the prime 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 if you would like to do some snowboarding shut to town centre, or to take pleasure in one in every of its many out of doors adventures in the summer time.
Beyond snowboarding and snowboarding, guests can take pleasure in tubing down the hills and even strive bobsledding on the unique Olympic bobsleigh observe. Is there a greater method to head down the mountain at 100km per hour? WinSport additionally presents 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 concerning the tons of of Canadians which have been inducted, it’s also possible to see the torch that was used to start the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later take a look at your abilities by shadowboxing in opposition to 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 by way 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 counsel renting a bicycle to discover the waterfront. Our resort The Hotel Arts Kensington had complimentary bikes to use to discover town.
As the river flows out of downtown Calgary, it turns into a wonderful place to fish. The province of Alberta has world-class trout fishing, motivating amateurs and execs from internationally to come to Calgary. Grab a reel and see in the event you can land the catch of the day.
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 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 intensive pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.
5. Stephen Avenue
Arguably essentially the most stunning avenue in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Walk is a must-do. Placed in town middle, the avenue is straightforward to get to and presents historic buildings, stylish outlets, and comfortable eating places.
The magnificence goes up a notch in the summer time when the road turns into a hub of exercise. Once you may have accomplished the stroll, additionally, you will be shut to most of the prime 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 akin 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 study native music icons. The spotlight of the tour, nonetheless, is the journey by way of the long-lasting 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 underneath the shady bushes. Or you possibly can eat on the River Cafe, a advantageous eating restaurant positioned 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 convey a picnic, there’s a fantastic restaurant to dine at, and you might also encounter 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 degree with unbelievable solo acts and bands lighting up the house. Boogie underneath the balmy Calgary solar and hear to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the stay performances, you will discover 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 most important Latin competition in Canada. With ample stay music, room to dance, and superb 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 at the present time, you possibly can nonetheless see the unique foundations of the fort whereas the Fort Calgary Museum tells the story of town from its basis to fashionable instances. 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 residence to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters to assist you 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 stuffed with classic automobiles and interactive displays.
12. The Military Museums
Displaying the essential efforts of Canada’s military through the First and Second World Wars, the Military Museums provide 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 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 possibility 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 1,000,000 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 1000’s 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 largest out of doors 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, Fish Creek Park, comes with pleasant strolling trails by way of 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.
Begin on the customer’s middle to plan your go to, with the possibility to discover heritage buildings, or take pleasure in some fishing alongside the waterways. You may spend hours roaming the expansive park with a number of trails linking up to paths that cross the whole metropolis.
16. Watch the Calgary Flames
Hockey is Canada’s hottest sport and by an enormous 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 appears to be like like a saddle from the surface. From October to April, the sector sells out a number of instances per week. If you’re on a finances, tickets to see the Flames will be low-cost, particularly in contrast to a Maple Leaf’s recreation in Toronto. Tickets to video games in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers will be aggressive. But watching the 2 bitter rivals face-off is among the finest issues to do in Calgary.
17. Calgary Zoo
Zoos aren’t usually listed on our to do checklist, however they do have a spot in conservation and schooling. 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.
18. Calgary Stampede
Over ten days in July the world-famous Calgary Stampede takes place at Stampede Park. Locals and up to 1,000,000 vacationers descend on the occasion.
Known because the ‘biggest out of doors present on earth, company are enthralled by rodeo occasions and exhibitions to stage exhibits and pancakes breakfasts. The historical past of the Calgary Stampede will be traced again to the late nineteenth century and its popularity grows by the 12 months. There has been lots of controversy over the occasion in latest years, however one can’t deny that this is among the prime issues to do in Calgary.
Day Trips from Calgary
Calgary is conveniently positioned 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.
19. 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 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 over 10,000 ft in the 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 time you possibly can go mountain biking, or mountaineering. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
20. Canmore
Canmore is positioned between Calgary and Banff and is a wonderful cease for a day. In truth, we’ve spent a number of days in Canmore from exploring its many mountaineering trails in the summer time 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
21. 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
22. Take The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
One of the world’s finest practice journeys leaves from Calgary on its method to Vancouver. If you may have a couple of days to fill in your Calgary itinerary, contemplate 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 should have the possibility to cease at Canmore, Banff National Park, or Jasper for quite a lot of spectacular day journeys.
How to get to Calgary
The important level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You can have quite a lot 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 stability of city and mountain adventures to embark on, there may be by no means a nasty time to go to Calgary. The winter months provide nice native snowboarding and decrease room charges. In the autumn, you’ll take pleasure in reasonable temperatures and delightful surroundings because the leaves flip to auburn.
However, you possibly can’t go previous summer time 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 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 a couple of 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 positioned alongside the pedestrian path operating 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 a lot of Calgary’s prime sights. It’s shut to the CORE procuring Centre, cultural sights and leisure.
Budget – Best Western Plus Downtown presents company 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 will discover a number of mid-range lodges, together with International Hotel & Spa. The resort presents beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a fitness center, and a heated pool.
