The 20 Greatest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta
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 Metropolis.
Stuffed with pioneering historical past and flanked by the Canadian Rockies, the gorgeous metropolis of Calgary is the place to 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 outside adventures galore. Minimize by the Bow River, it’s a metropolis of parks and recreation. Calgary can be a fantastic launch level for a visit to Banff.
Issues to do in Calgary
When visiting Calgary, one of the best ways to see it’s to lease a automobile. We normally choose up our automobile rental on the Calgary Worldwide Airport and use it to discover the encircling areas comparable to Canmore, Banff, and Drumheller. However earlier than you begin doing day journeys from Calgary, let’s take a look at 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 recognizable constructions within the metropolis’s skyline, the Calgary Tower helps newcomers and vacationers preserve their bearings as they roam the streets. Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing within the metropolis. Though it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless gives guests a few of the greatest views in Calgary.
From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you possibly can see nicely into the encircling mountains. Top-of-the-line issues to do in Calgary at night time is to move to the second statement deck within the Tower. Sip on a cocktail at Sky 360 and benefit from the metropolis lights up from above.
2. Canada Olympic Park (WINSPORT)
House to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park is likely one of the prime Calgary sights and remains 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 wish to do some snowboarding near town centre, or to take pleasure in one in all its many outside adventures in the summertime.
Past 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 gives rides on one of many quickest zip-lines in North America. There are mountain bike trails or you possibly can put your climbing boots to work. Learn extra about it at Canada Olympic Park – Enjoyable in Calgary Alberta
3. Canada’s Sports activities Corridor of Fame
Conveniently positioned within the Olympic Park, the museum is hallowed floor for the sports activities of hockey, baseball, soccer, and the Olympics. Together with studying concerning the a whole lot of Canadians which were inducted, you may as well see the torch that was used to start the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later take a look at 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 by way of 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 recommend renting a bicycle to discover the waterfront. Our lodge The Resort Arts Kensington had complimentary bikes to make use of to discover town.
Take a Strolling Tour
Top-of-the-line methods to discover a brand new metropolis is to hitch a strolling tour. This 2-hour strolling tour helps 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. Locations to see in Calgary embrace the Municipal Plaza, Calgary’s East Village and Previous Metropolis Corridor. You’ll additionally stroll essentially the most intensive pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.
5. Stephen Avenue
Arguably essentially the most lovely avenue in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Stroll is a must-do. Positioned within the metropolis heart, the avenue is straightforward to get to and gives historic buildings, stylish outlets, and comfortable eating places.
The sweetness goes up a notch in the summertime when the road turns into a hub of exercise. Upon getting accomplished the stroll, additionally, you will be near most of the prime sights on this checklist. From the Calgary Tower to Glenbow Museum.
6. Studio Bell & the Nationwide Music Centre
House to the Canadian Music Corridor of Fame, the Studio Bell & Nationwide 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 comparable to Neil Younger, 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 by way 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 bushes. Or you possibly can eat on the River Cafe, a advantageous eating restaurant situated inside the park
Related to downtown Calgary by way of three pedestrian bridges, you’ll uncover ample strolling and biking tracks to stretch out your legs. Should you didn’t deliver a picnic, there’s a great restaurant to dine at, and you may additionally come upon stay music as you stroll the paths. Prince’s Island Park is close to the Eau Claire Market. Mix your park day by exploring the market’s number of one-of-a-kind finds and specialty treats.
8. Calgary People Music Pageant
Over 4 days, Prince’s Island goes to a different degree with unbelievable solo acts and bands lighting up the house. Boogie beneath the balmy Calgary solar and hearken to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the stay performances, you will see that a number of workshops, arts and crafts, together with scrumptious meals distributors. When the music stops, that doesn’t imply the enjoyable ends. You might be inside strolling distance of the downtown core, with loads of choices to maintain the night time rolling.
9. Expo Latino
Top-of-the-line 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 bounce, and wonderful Latin delicacies, you possibly can’t miss Expo Latino.
10. Fort Calgary
On 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 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 Historic Village
If Fort Calgary offers a glimpse into Western Canada’s historical past on the Heritage Park Historic Village offers the total image. The park is house to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters that will help you journey again in time. Enjoyable Reality: That 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. Bounce on for a journey across the village. Different actions embrace a paddlewheel tour on the scenic Glenmore Reservoir and a go to to Gasoline Alley Museum. A spot filled with classic automobiles and interactive displays.
12. The Army Museums
Displaying the necessary efforts of Canada’s military in the course of the First and Second World Wars, the Army Museums supply 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. Right here you possibly can be taught what it was wish to be within the trenches on the Western Entrance, or flying a bomber throughout WWII. Your go to will even include the prospect to view numerous army 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. Inside downtown Calgary, the museum focuses on artwork and tradition in Western Canada. With over 1,000,000 artifacts, artwork items, and pictures on show, put together to take a deep dive into up to date life and tradition on 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
Questioning what enjoyable issues to do in Calgary as a household? Effectively, you possibly can’t go mistaken 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. Higher 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 way of forests and alongside the famend creek. The designated pure space is house 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. Top-of-the-line 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 skin. From October to April, the world sells out a number of instances per week. Should you’re on a price range, tickets to see the Flames might be low cost, particularly in comparison with a Maple Leaf’s sport in Toronto. Tickets to video games towards the Edmonton Oilers might be aggressive. However watching the 2 bitter rivals face-off is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Calgary.
17. Theatre Calgary
If you’re in search of one other exercise at night time in Calgary, why not go to the Theater? Theatre Calgary is an expert theatre firm and performing arts theatre that hosts Broadway productions.
18. Calgary Zoo
Zoos will not be 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. If you’re in search of issues to do in Calgary for the entire household, you might need 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 as much as 1,000,000 vacationers descend on the occasion.
Referred to as the ‘best outside present on earth, friends are enthralled by rodeo occasions and exhibitions to stage exhibits and pancakes breakfasts. The historical past of the Calgary Stampede might be traced again to the late nineteenth century and its fame grows by the 12 months.
The place to Eat in Calgary
Calgary has a superb foodie scene and there are many locations to have a scrumptious meal. These are just a few of our favourite eating places.
Charcut Roasthouse was voted as one in all Canada’s prime 10 greatest new eating places by enRoute Journal. It’s a carnivore lovers delight at Charcut, a positive wager is to order the particular of the day from their customized constructed rotisserie. When visiting Alberta, you have to have Alberta Beef, and that is the place to strive it.
Mannequin Milk is and open idea kitchen overlooking the restaurant the place patrons can sit on the bar and watch the workers at work. The menu has a really European flare and modifications commonly following what’s in season.
Day Journeys from Calgary
Calgary is conveniently situated on the Trans Canada Freeway linking, Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. No go to to Alberta could be full with out seeing these lovely locations.
20. Banff Nationwide Park
Top-of-the-line day journeys from Calgary is Banff Nationwide Park, house to towering mountains and the storybook Lake Louise. You’ll be able to attain the park in 90 minutes however the surroundings is prone to have you ever stopping at common intervals.
After arriving within 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 the direction of the heavens, Banff Nationwide Park is the definition of unforgettable. Within the winter there may be world class snowboarding and snowboarding and in the summertime you possibly can go mountain biking, or climbing. Learn extra: The Greatest Issues to do in Banff, Alberta
21. Canmore
Canmore is situated 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 climbing trails in the summertime to snowshoeing and cross nation snowboarding within the winter. Top-of-the-line issues to do is to take a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies to see the spectacular surroundings of Banff and Lake Louise. Learn extra: The Greatest Issues to do in Canmore, Alberta
22. Drumheller
One in every of our favourite day journeys from Banff is the unbelievable city of Drumheller. Take a street 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. Learn extra: 17 Superior Issues to do in Drumheller, Alberta
23. Take The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
One of many world’s greatest prepare journeys leaves from Calgary on its method to Vancouver. When you 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 prepare travels alongside the historic Canada Pacific Line, venturing deep into the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Alongside the way in which, you should have the prospect to cease at Canmore, Banff Nationwide Park, or Jasper for quite a lot of spectacular day journeys.
Easy methods to get to Calgary
The primary level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You’ll have quite a lot of transport choices to select from.
There may be 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 journey from the airport to downtown prices roughly $35 USD.
Greatest 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 supply nice native snowboarding and decrease room charges. Within the fall, you’ll take pleasure in reasonable temperatures and exquisite surroundings because the leaves flip to auburn.
Nonetheless, 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. Guide as far upfront as doable to save cash on lodging.
The place to remain in Calgary
Whilst town continues to develop, the most effective place to base your self is inside Calgary’s downtown. You may be near the overwhelming majority of sights from the Bow River to Stephen Avenue.
Resort Arts Kensington – Calgary
We have now stayed at this boutique lodge in Calgary just a few instances and it’s excellent. The Resort Artis is a luxurious boutique lodge that goes the additional mile. Situated within the coronary heart of Kensington Village, it has a cool and funky vibe that’s nice for nightlife. They provide free bike loans on the lodge and it’s situated alongside the pedestrian path operating alongside the river. Try costs on TripAdvisor
Extra Calgary Inns
- Luxurious – Fairmont Palliser – You’ll be able to’t go mistaken with this historic lodge. Working for greater than 100 yeras, this luxurious lodge within the central enterprise district is close to a lot of Calgary’s prime sights. It’s near the CORE purchasing Centre, cultural sights and leisure.
- Price range – Greatest Western Plus Downtown gives friends spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Providing studios together with one and two-bedroom suites take pleasure in free breakfast and WiFi whereas being mere steps from the downtown enjoyable.
- Mid-Vary – Within the coronary heart of Calgary, you will see that a number of mid-range lodges, together with Worldwide Resort & Spa. The lodge gives beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a health club, and a heated pool.
So, there you’ve it. These are the most effective issues to do in Calgary for the entire household. Whether or not 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.