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 get pleasure from all through your time in Stampede Metropolis.
Stuffed with pioneering historical past and flanked by the Canadian Rockies, the attractive 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 points of interest, and outside adventures galore. Reduce 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 automotive. We often decide up our automotive rental on the Calgary Worldwide Airport and use it to discover the encircling areas similar to Canmore, Banff, and Drumheller. However 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 recognizable buildings within the metropolis’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 within the metropolis. Though it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless affords guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you’ll be able to see nicely into the encircling mountains. Probably the greatest issues to do in Calgary at night time is to go 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)
Residence to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park is without doubt one of the prime Calgary points of interest 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 fans to go if you wish to do some snowboarding near town centre, or to get pleasure from one in all its many outside adventures in the summertime.
Past snowboarding and snowboarding, guests can get pleasure from tubing down the hills and even strive bobsledding on the unique Olympic bobsleigh observe. Is there a greater solution to head down the mountain at 100km per hour? WinSport additionally affords rides on one of many quickest zip-lines in North America. There are mountain bike trails or you’ll be able to 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 in regards to the lots of 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 expertise 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 an effective way to discover Calgary. The river cuts by town and the 6.1 km pathway supplies welcoming entry to numerous spots. Examples embody 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
Probably the greatest methods to discover a brand new metropolis is to affix a strolling tour. This 2-hour strolling tour allows 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 embody the Municipal Plaza, Calgary’s East Village and Outdated Metropolis Corridor. You’ll additionally stroll probably the most in depth pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.
5. Stephen Avenue
Arguably probably the most lovely road in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Stroll is a must-do. Positioned within the metropolis middle, the avenue is simple to get to and affords historic buildings, fashionable 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 lots of the prime points of interest on this checklist. From the Calgary Tower to Glenbow Museum.
6. Studio Bell & the Nationwide Music Centre
Residence 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 similar to Neil Younger, Bryan Adams and Oscar Peterson.
By becoming a member of the backstage tour, you’ll be able to discover centuries of historic devices and find out about native music icons. The spotlight of the tour, nonetheless, is the journey by 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 underneath the shady timber. Or you’ll be able to eat on the River Cafe, a high quality eating restaurant positioned throughout the park
Linked to downtown Calgary by way of three pedestrian bridges, you’ll uncover ample strolling and biking tracks to stretch out your legs. For those who didn’t carry a picnic, there’s a great restaurant to dine at, and you might also come upon dwell 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 Folks Music Competition
Over 4 days, Prince’s Island goes to a different degree with unbelievable solo acts and bands lighting up the house. Boogie underneath the balmy Calgary solar and take heed to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the dwell 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 might be inside strolling distance of the downtown core, with loads of choices to maintain the night time rolling.
9. Expo Latino
Probably the greatest festivals in Calgary is Expo Latino. Held yearly in August, Expo Latino is the biggest Latin pageant in Canada. With ample dwell music, room to bounce, and superb Latin delicacies, you’ll be able to’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’ll be able to 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 study 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 Historic Village
If Fort Calgary offers a glimpse into Western Canada’s historical past on the Heritage Park Historic Village supplies the complete image. The park is residence to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters that can assist you journey again in time. Enjoyable Truth: That is Canada’s largest dwelling 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 outdated steam engine. Leap on for a experience across the village. Different actions embody 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 Navy Museums
Displaying the vital efforts of Canada’s military throughout the First and Second World Wars, the Navy Museums provide superb perception into this era of human historical past.
The museums go into nice element, masking tales of the courageous women and men who put their lives on the road. Right here you’ll be able to study what it was prefer to be within the trenches on the Western Entrance, or flying a bomber throughout WWII. Your go to can 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 images on show, put together to take a deep dive into modern life and tradition on this nook of the world.
The Museum additionally presents a tremendous 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’ll be able to’t go incorrect 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 guts pumping. For some extra relaxed enjoyable, you’ll be able to play virtually two dozen carnival-style video games. Higher but, get pleasure from 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 forests and alongside the famend creek. The designated pure space is residence to some 200 species and is a good place to get pleasure from bird-watching.
16. Watch the Calgary Flames
Hockey is Canada’s hottest sport and by an enormous margin. Probably the greatest 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 sector sells out a number of occasions per week. For those who’re on a price range, tickets to see the Flames will be low cost, particularly in comparison with a Maple Leaf’s recreation in Toronto. Tickets to video games in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers will be aggressive. However watching the 2 bitter rivals face-off is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Calgary.
17. Theatre Calgary
If you’re on the lookout for 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 aren’t 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.
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.
Generally known as the ‘best outside present on earth, company are enthralled by rodeo occasions and exhibitions to stage reveals and pancakes breakfasts. The historical past of the Calgary Stampede will be traced again to the late nineteenth century and its repute grows by the 12 months. There was loads of controversy over the occasion in recent times, however one can’t deny that this is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Calgary.
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 finest new eating places by enRoute Journal. 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 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 adjustments often following what’s in season.
Day Journeys from Calgary
Calgary is conveniently positioned on the Trans Canada Freeway linking, Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. No go to to Alberta can be full with out seeing these lovely locations.
20. Banff Nationwide Park
Probably the greatest day journeys from Calgary is Banff Nationwide Park, residence to towering mountains and the storybook Lake Louise. You’ll be able to attain the park in 90 minutes however the surroundings is more likely 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 sluggish 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’s world class snowboarding and snowboarding and in the summertime you’ll be able to go mountain biking, or climbing. Learn extra: The Finest Issues to do in Banff, Alberta
21. Canmore
Canmore is positioned between Calgary and Banff and is a superb cease for a day. In reality, 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. Probably the greatest 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 Finest Issues to do in Canmore, Alberta
22. Drumheller
One in all 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. Learn extra: 17 Superior Issues to do in Drumheller, Alberta
23. Take The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
One of many world’s finest practice journeys leaves from Calgary on its solution to Vancouver. You probably 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 practice travels alongside the historic Canada Pacific Line, venturing deep into the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Alongside the best way, you should have the prospect to cease at Canmore, Banff Nationwide Park, or Jasper for a wide range of spectacular day journeys.
The best way to get to Calgary
The primary level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You should have a wide range of transport choices to select from.
There’s 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 resorts. A taxi experience from the airport to downtown prices roughly $35 USD.
Finest time to go to Calgary
With a stability of city and mountain adventures to embark on, there’s by no means a nasty time to go to Calgary. The winter months provide nice native snowboarding and decrease room charges. Within the fall, you’ll get pleasure from reasonable temperatures and exquisite surroundings because the leaves flip to auburn.
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to’t go previous summer season as one of the best time to go to Calgary. With all of the festivals and dwell occasions plus the Calgary Stampede, it’s a magical time of 12 months. Guide as far upfront as doable to economize on lodging.
The place to remain in Calgary
At the same time as town continues to develop, one of the best place to base your self is inside Calgary’s downtown. You may be near the overwhelming majority of points of interest from the Bow River to Stephen Avenue.
Resort Arts Kensington – Calgary
Now we have stayed at this boutique lodge in Calgary just a few occasions and it’s excellent. The Resort Artis is a luxurious boutique lodge that goes the additional mile. Positioned 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 positioned alongside the pedestrian path working alongside the river. Take a look at costs on TripAdvisor
Extra Calgary Lodges
- Luxurious – Fairmont Palliser – You’ll be able to’t go incorrect 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 points of interest. It’s near the CORE purchasing Centre, cultural points of interest and leisure.
- Price range – Finest Western Plus Downtown affords company spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Providing studios together with one and two-bedroom suites get pleasure from free breakfast and WiFi whereas being mere steps from the downtown enjoyable.
- Mid-Vary – Within the coronary heart of Calgary, you can find a number of mid-range resorts, together with Worldwide Resort & Spa. The lodge affords beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a health club, and a heated pool.
So, there you’ve gotten it. These are one of the best issues to do in Calgary for the entire household. Whether or not you’re utilizing town as a leaping off level to discover the Rocky Mountains or for a metropolis break, Calgary is a superb selection as one of many finest cities in Canada to go to it doesn’t matter what the season.
