58 Best Things to Do in Calgary, Canada

Things to Do in Calgary Last Updated: March 26th, 2024

Although known for the world-famous Calgary Stampede and its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, there’s so much more to this beautiful city.

With beautiful outdoor attractions and neighbourhoods, cultural hot spots, food tours, winter sports and festivals, Calgary is a hidden gem quickly gaining in popularity. Nestled in the Alberta Foothills, Calgary is one of Canada’s most multicultural and fastest-growing cities. Known for its laid-back Western atmosphere, it’s also a bustling tech town with one of Canada’s youngest populations.

Although we travel and write about the best of Canada, Calgary is our home city and we’ve lived here for 20 years. People are always asking us about the best things to do in Calgary, so we’ve created an extensive guide to help you explore the city. Whether you’re a local looking for the best restaurants in Calgary or a first-time visitor looking for the best Calgary tours, this is your guide to the best things to do in Calgary year-round.

1. The Calgary Tower

Although it’s no longer the tallest building in Calgary, the Calgary Tower remains an icon of the city and offers beautiful 360-degree views of the downtown core and the Rocky Mountains on a clear day. It also features a glass floor for those who want to test their fears and look down 191 metres at the streets below. There’s also Sky360, the Calgary Tower restaurant for those who want fine dining paired with incredible views.

Fun Calgary Fact: If you’re exploring downtown Calgary, check out the +15 Pathway Network. This is one of the world’s most extensive pedestrian skywalk systems, comprised of 62 bridges for a total length of more than 18 kilometres (11 miles). In the winter, locals who work downtown make extensive use of the network, travelling between buildings without having to go outside. The Pathway Network is called “+15” because the skywalks are approximately 15 feet (roughly 4.5 metres) above street level. Download the map here.

(Want more fun facts? Check out our article about fun, cool, and strange Calgary Facts)

2. Calgary Stampede

Also known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede is indeed the biggest event in Calgary and the largest rodeo on Earth! Taking place in early July for 10 days, the Calgary Stampede is the best time to see the city come to life. Not only is the weather generally good in July, but the Stampede brings amazing concerts, a world-class rodeo, incredible performances, a massive mid-way, lots of interesting food, and all sorts of parties, some of which start before breakfast. Accommodation does become substantially more expensive at this time but if you’re looking for a party, this is the time to come.

3. Heritage Park Historical Village

During the warmer months, Heritage Park Historical Village is a wonderful place to spend the day. Not only is it a good chance to learn about some of Western Canada’s history but it’s also quite interactive with a beautiful fully operating steam train, a paddle-wheeler that takes visitors out on the Glenmore Reservoir, an active historical village with shops and bakeries, and a functioning old-fashioned amusement park. There’s also a beautiful museum with vintage cars, dining and concessions, and so much more. This is such a great Calgary attraction for the whole family.

4. Studio Bell National Music Centre

Not only is the National Music Centre home to Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, but it’s also an interactive treasure trove of musical instruments and memorabilia. Here you’ll learn about Canada’s musical icons and get the chance to play some instruments yourself. You can even take a “backstage tour”, which takes you through centuries of musical instruments and a visit to the famous Rolling Stones mobile recording studio. This is easily one of Calgary’s top attractions and to add some icing to the cake, it’s housed in one of the most beautiful architecturally-designed buildings in the province. This can be a great couples activity, a great family activity, or something to do with friends as well. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Calgary for adults, the National Music Centre also hosts adult-only nights, which include live music and pop-up bars.

5. Calgary Central Public Library

While visiting a library is not typically a “must-do”, the Calgary Central Public Library is a bit different. While you certainly don’t need to browse the books, this building is certainly worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture. After all, it has been featured in publications around the world, including recognition from TIME magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Places of 2019.

It’s also located near City Hall, which makes it a very convenient place to explore. Other nearby attractions include Downtown East Village, Studio Bell National Music Centre, Olympic Plaza, and Stephen Avenue. The four-story building cost $245 million to construct and features an elevated floor above street level to accommodate the C-Train.

6. Take a Calgary Tour

For those visiting the city, you might want to enjoy one of the many Calgary tours. Join a knowledgeable local who can show you the sights, teach you some history, and give you insider tips. From food and brewery tours to rafting, there’s something for everyone.

7. The Calgary Zoo (Wilder Institute)

Not only is the Calgary Zoo one of the most visited zoos in the country, but it’s also one of the most internationally recognized zoos in the world thanks to their conservation efforts. The Calgary Zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including Africa, Asia, North America, and the tropics. It’s a beautiful place to walk around and is easily accessed via Memorial Drive or the C-train. If you’re looking for things to do in Calgary with kids, this is it. Plus, the Calgary Zoo just received two beautiful polar bears!

8. Watch an NHL Calgary Flames Game

As many know, when it comes to sports, ice hockey is what Canada is most known for. Luckily for you, Calgary is home to one of the seven NHL teams in Canada. The Calgary Flames play regularly between the months of October and April, and if you’re not picky about where you sit, you can attend a game for as low as $25. For the best seats, however, you can expect to pay upwards of $300. Either way, it’s a great way to spend an evening, so grab a seat, drink some of the infamous draft beer, and enjoy watching Canada’s national winter sport!

9. Float or Raft Down the Bow River

If you’re looking for a relaxing local activity in the summer, there’s nothing quite like a slow float down the Bow River. The Bow River is very popular due to its size and the fact that it goes through downtown and is easily accessible. When we first moved here, you had to buy your own tube, but now some companies rent rafts as well, making it easy for anyone to experience. You’ll notice many tubes going down the river during warm summer days. If you don’t have a raft, you can rent a raft or join up with a guided tour.

10. Explore the Bow River Pathway System

Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America, with the city maintaining approximately 1000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails, all of which are available for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy, whether for walking, running, in-line skating or cycling.

For those visiting the city, we highly recommend exploring the Bow River Pathway System. It’s home to a variety of sculptures and art pieces, as well as the iconic bright red Peace Bridge, which takes you across the Bow River. There’s also Prince’s Island Park and the Bow River itself, which takes you all over the city. On a nice hot summer day or in the fall with colourful leaves, this is really one of Calgary’s highlights.

11. Visit Prince’s Island Park

If you’re already exploring the Bow River Pathway System as mentioned above, you really shouldn’t miss Prince’s Island Park. This is truly a beautiful slice of nature right in the middle of the city and right next to the Eau Claire Market area, which is home to a number of great restaurants. In the summer, there’s a variety of festivals that take place here including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Expo Latino. There’s also a fine dining restaurant called the River Cafe, which is ranked as one of the top restaurants in Canada. Aside from that though, it’s just a pretty park where locals go to hang out, play frisbee, go for a jog, and admire the Canadian geese and ducks that also call this place home.

12. Walk Across Peace Bridge

While visiting Prince’s Island Park, don’t forget to visit one of the most iconic sights in Calgary. Peace Bridge is a beautiful red pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Bow River between Memorial Drive and Eau Claire Park. It has become one of the iconic images of Calgary over the last decade and makes for a great way to explore other nearby neighbourhoods such as Kensington. It’s also a great place to take some photos.

13. The Glenbow Museum

Those looking for a beautiful museum in the heart of downtown Calgary should head to the Glenbow Museum. However, please note that the museum is currently closed as it received extensive renovations. Once complete, it will be called the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture and will be free to explore.

This museum represents Western Canadian art and culture, both as a repository of important cultural history but also as a living record of contemporary life in this part of the world.  Their collection includes over one million objects, documents, photographs, and artworks, which make it one of the largest museums in Western Canada. In addition to art, however, the Glenbow Museum also features the history of Calgary and Alberta, as well as a great exhibit on the traditions, values, and history of the indigenous people who have lived in the Northwestern plains of Alberta and Montana for thousands of years.

During the renovation, visitors can go to the Glenow satellite gallery at the Edison on the second floor at 150 9 Ave SW.

14. WinSport (Canada Olympic Park)

Formerly known as Canada Olympic Park (it was home to the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics), WinSport is Calgary’s top outdoor activity centre. Not only is it home to the Canada Sports Hall of Fame, but it’s also a great place to try a variety of activities and sports. In the summer, you’ll find the fastest zip line in North America, downhill mountain biking, and more. In the winter, you’ll find skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and even an Olympic bobsleigh track! However, the Winsport Bobsled Track is currently under repairs with no set date of when or if it will reopen.

15. TELUS Spark Science Centre

If you’re looking for a great place to bring kids, It’s hard to find a better indoor attraction than TELUS Spark. It’s not just for kids though. This science centre has Calgary’s only Dome Theatre, which features incredible nature movies and live planetarium shows. There are also travelling exhibitions, an outdoor adventure space for play and risk-taking, a plethora of fun and interactive educational exhibits, and so much more.

16. Explore Stephen Avenue

Quite possibly Calgary’s prettiest street, Stephen Avenue is also the most historic. Right in the heart of downtown, running parallel to the C-Train and mostly closed off to vehicles, Stephen Avenue is the perfect place to go for a walk, especially in the summer months when there are more people out and about. You’ll see some of Calgary’s most beautiful historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. It’s also close to most of downtown Calgary’s top attractions such as City Hall, Olympic Park, the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Public Library, and the Bell Studio National Music Centre.

17. Devonian Gardens

Devonian Gardens is an indoor urban oasis located in the CORE Shopping Centre just off of Stephen Avenue. With over 500 trees, 50 plant varieties, a koi pond, and a dedicated children’s play area, it’s a haven for families and nature lovers. There’s even a vertical 900-square-foot living wall, which is a popular spot to snap photos.

These beautiful botanical gardens are open year-round, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. During the winter, you can visit Devonian Gardens to escape the cold temperatures outside.

18. Explore the 17th Ave Entertainment District

Known to some as the Red Mile, 17th Ave SW is one of the most popular places in Calgary. It basically starts right in front of the Saddledome (Stampede Park) and stretches all the way down to 14th street SW. This is where you’ll find lots of trendy shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a lively place during the summer months and is a great place to go for a walk, find a bite to eat or enjoy a night out at the bars.

19. Explore Kensington

With over 250 businesses, Kensington is one of Calgary’s most vibrant communities and one of the top neighbourhoods we recommend visiting. Located just across the Bow River from downtown, walkable from the famous Peace Bridge, this beautiful spot is home to trendy brunch spots, eye-catching public art, and specialty stores.

Those taking the LRT can simply get off at Sunnyside Station, which is practically in the heart of Kensington, making it a very easy place to explore.

20. Calgary’s East Village

One of the newest exciting neighbourhoods in Calgary is East Village, which was created to be “a catalyst of urban culture, a future-facing hub of optimism, ideas and energy that is helping the city live its next chapter.” Located right next to the Bow River, within walking distance from Inglewood, Studio Bell, and many other attractions, It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family checking out the cool shops, pubs, restaurants, and public art.

21. Olympic Plaza

Located right in front of City Hall and next to Stephen Avenue, Olympic Plaza was opened in 1988 to commemorate the 15th Winter Olympic Games that were held in Calgary. The plaza features a reflecting pool, an amphitheatre, and the Olympic Flame bronze statue. It’s right next to the LRT line and hosts a variety of events, including concerts. During the winter months, it’s also one of the best places to go skating as the rink is one of only two in Calgary with refrigeration, keeping the ice close to perfect on many days.

22. Inglewood

Another one of our favourite neighbourhoods is Inglewood. Not only is this Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, it’s also one of its coolest. Located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, not far from East Village, Inglewood is full of charming local restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. Despite being next to Calgary’s downtown core, Inglewood has retained a small-town vibe and is very walkable and bike-friendly. Those who enjoy live music will also love The Ironwood Stage & Grill and The Blues Can, which is the unofficial house of blues.

23. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre

Also located in Inglewood is the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre, which has been providing a safe haven for migratory birds since 1929. Despite being located near downtown Calgary, this is a wonderful spot to surround yourself with so nature and forget you’re even in a city. More than 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants have been recorded at various times within the nature centre! Open from 10 am until 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre is free.

24. Explore Nosehill Park

If you’re looking to go hiking in Calgary, few places match Nosehill Park. This park is one of North America’s biggest urban parks with more than 11 square kilometres of nature. It also offers stunning views of downtown Calgary and is home to an ancient First Nations artifact: The Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel. There are not many trees in the park, so make sure you bring a hat during hot summer days.

25. Explore Fish Creek Park

As if one massive urban park wasn’t enough, Calgary went ahead and made another. Actually, Fish Creek Park is a provincial park that happens to be located in Calgary and is the second-largest urban park in Canada! This park is much more extensive than Nosehill Park, taking up a big portion of Calgary’s southside, crossing over rivers and connecting to the beautiful Glenmore Reservoir. There are a variety of places to start from and you can walk, run, bike, or even rollerblade.

26. Bowness Park

Next to the Bow River and not far from downtown, Bowness Park is a beautiful outdoor space that offers something for everyone. In the summer, visitors can take a paddleboat out onto the lagoon, enjoy picnics by the water, or stroll along the scenic pathways. It’s also a great place to launch a tube or a paddleboard for a rafting trip down the Bow River. When winter arrives, the lagoon freezes and becomes an enchanting ice-skating rink which is free to use. It’s also possible to go cross-country skiing during winter when the city gets good snowfall.

27. Find Your Groove at the Calgary Folk Music Festival

One of our favourite weekends during the summer in Calgary is the Calgary Folk Music Festival, which takes place over four days in the beautiful area of Prince’s Island Park in downtown Calgary. With multiple stages and an incredible lineup of musicians and bands, this is a great place to get introduced to new music, dance under the hot sun, or just lay back and let the music soothe your soul. You’ll also find workshops, incredible food, an array of handicrafts, and cool stuff to buy.

28. Go Fly-Fishing

Did you know that Calgary’s Bow River is one of the top three trout streams in the world? That’s right! Alberta is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world and that attracts anglers from all over. Whether you bring your own gear or join a tour, there’s no better place to go fly-fishing than in and around Calgary. In terms of timing, the Bow River can technically be fished throughout the year. However, Calgary can get some harsh winters, which means the most comfortable time to fish would be between May and October.

29. The Military Museums

While Canada’s military is a fraction of the size of our neighbours down south, we did have one of the most important victories in both the First and Second World Wars. It was a crazy time in history and resulted in an unbelievable amount of casualties. During your visit to the Military Museum, you’ll learn about the stories of bravery during this troubling time in history. You’ll get insight into what life was like in the trenches, what it was like flying a bomber, and how everyone came together as a team to bring down the enemy.

The museum houses eight separate museums and is currently under renovation. However, it remains open to the public.

30. Downhill Karting

If you love excitement, then Downhill Karting is a must-do when you visit Calgary. Located at WinSport, you get to the top of the track via a chair-lift before racing downhill, descending more than 100 metres down a 1.8 km track with over 50 twists and turns. It’s a fun thing to do with friends, family, and kids.

31. Visit the “The Last of Us” Filming Locations

For fans of the show and video game, The Last of Us Part 1 was filmed entirely in Calgary and other parts of Alberta, becoming the largest series to be shot in Canada. Many of the spots are open to the public, such as SAIT Polytechnic, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and many parts of downtown Calgary.

32. Explore the Public Art

People often say that Calgary lacks culture, but the city was named the cultural capital of Canada back in 2012. Since then, the number of art installations across the city has multiplied, making it a great city to explore public art. As locals, this is really something we’ve come to appreciate over the years. Art plays a crucial role in the development of modern, vibrant cities, bringing awareness of the spaces we move through while transforming landscapes with added texture and interest. From beautiful statues to stunning murals, there are so many art pieces to enjoy in Calgary.

33. Wonderland at the Bow

Speaking of public art, this one is one of the most famous. The Bow is a 158,000-square-metre office building that stands 236 metres (774 ft) tall. It is the third tallest building outside of Toronto and when it was built in 2012, it was ranked among the top 10 architectural projects in the world. That’s why we recommend visiting. Since it’s an office building for both Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy, you won’t be able to go inside. However, it’s one of Calgary’s most iconic buildings and is truly beautiful to see. It’s also home to one of Calgary’s most iconic images. Wonderland is a 12-metre-high metal sculpture that resembles a girl’s head and is a great place to get that sought-after Instagram shot.

34. Eat at Award-Winning Restaurants

Those into food will have a great time in Calgary. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, as well as a thriving multicultural scene, there’s no shortage of options. We’ll list a few favourites below but don’t miss our guide to the 40 best Calgary restaurants, which features many award-winning restaurants for all budgets. We’ve also created a guide to the best breakfast in Calgary.

Peter’s Drive-Thru: When it comes to fast-food-style burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Peter’s drive-thru is the place to go. This is one of Calgary’s most famous dining establishments and if you go during the evenings or weekends, lineups will be huge. There’s no seating so everything is done like a drive-thru. You can either park and line up outside or sit in your car and go through the drive-thru. Either way, the food is delicious and fairly cheap, and they have the best burgers and shakes in the city.

River Cafe: Now for something polar opposite, let’s head down to the beautiful Prince’s Island Park area for one of Calgary’s top upscale dining options. Uniquely located next to the Bow River surrounded by trees, the River Cafe is perhaps the best setting for a romantic restaurant in Calgary. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly restaurants, serving up a wide range of Canadian cuisine with local ingredients.

Bridgette Bar: Another fancy restaurant located near downtown Calgary is Bridgette Bar. It’s been a while since we ate here but I’ll never forget having mashed potatoes with smoked butter and a delicious smoked Rainbow trout.

CRAFT Beer Market: Home to one of the coolest rooftop patios in the city, CRAFT is a great place to eat everything from fried pickles to pizza, tacos, and their popular bowls. Karla’s favourite is the Ahi Poke Bowl. As you may have guessed from the name, they also have more than 100 beers on tap.

Native Tongues: While there aren’t loads of amazing Mexican restaurants in Calgary, one of the favourites is Native Tongues, which features an array of popular tacos and tequila.

35. Visit a Brewery

If you love sampling delicious local beer, you’ve come to the right spot. There are lots of breweries in Calgary to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a creative sour, stout, or face-imploding IPA, there are more than 40 great Calgary breweries to choose from. If you want to combine award-winning food with award-winning beer, Last Best Brewing should be high on your list.

36. Take the Kids to Calaway Park

While Calaway Park is certainly more geared toward kids, it is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. With 32 rides, 23 carnival games, lots of food vendors, and even a 3D theatre, Calaway Park is a very popular attraction with the young and the young at heart.

37. Fort Calgary Historic Site

Fort Calgary Historic Site Is the city of Calgary’s birthplace. It was built in 1875 as an outpost for the North West Mounted Police and later became the trading hub. The park consists of restored barracks buildings, historical displays, and a replica North-West Mounted Police detachment. During the summer months, many events are held here, including outdoor movies, ghost walks, concerts, and more.

There is no fee to visit the park but the museum has a small fee.

38. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Whether you’re into hockey, baseball, football, or even track & field, sports buffs will love Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, which is conveniently located at WinSport Canada Olympic Park and is Canada’s largest and only national museum for sports. You’ll find a 40,000-square-foot museum, as well as the torch that was used to light the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. More than 700 Canadians have been inducted into the Hall of Fame making it’s a great opportunity to learn about sports in Canada.

39. The Hangar Flight Museum

Aviation enthusiasts will love the Hangar Flight Museum. Located near the Calgary International Airport, this museum has a range of vintage aircraft and artifacts on display, including military planes. Visitors can explore the evolution of aviation technology and learn about Western Canada’s aviation history.

40. Go Horseback Riding

With a deep heritage of cowboys and rodeos, it should come as no surprise that Calgary and the surrounding area is a great place to go horseback riding. There are a variety of companies offering horseback riding tours, with some of the most popular ones being out towards the mountains and Kananaskis.

41. Get Cultured at Expo Latino

If you love the multiculturalism of Canada, then you probably love all the vibrant festivals that occur across Canada. One of Calgary’s most popular ethnic festivals is Expo Latino, which is held in August, and just so happens to be Canada’s largest outdoor Latin Festival. On a hot summer day surrounded by Calgary’s city landscape, Expo Latino is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Latin culture, including live music, dance workshops, beautiful handicrafts, amazing food, and more.

42. Science is Fun at Beakerhead

Beakerhead is a fun and interesting Calgary festival that brings together science, engineering, and art. Visitors can be entertained and educated and the event is fun for all ages. It’s also located within the downtown core, with the biggest setups typically taking place around Fort Calgary or Prince’s Island Park.

43. GlobalFest Cultural & Fireworks Festival

Whether you’re into mind-blowing fireworks or experiencing new cultures, GlobalFest is a must-do festival in Calgary. This annual festival celebrates Calgary’s multicultural communities, featuring pavilions, performances, and international fireworks, illuminating the sky with a colliding orchestra of light and sound. The fireworks are a competition between a variety of countries, such as China, India, Austria, France, and Germany, creating some of the best displays you’ll ever see.

44. Chinook Blast

Despite being a winter city, there are not a lot of winter festivals in Calgary. However, a new festival that arrived in 2021 is called Chinook Blast, which brings in other festivals, such as the Calgary Folk Fest, into a wintery scene in downtown Calgary. Some of the features include the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater, the Glow Festival, the Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture, the High-Performance Rodeo, and more.

45. Spruce Meadows

Located at the far southern end of Calgary, Spruce Meadows is home to internationally renowned horse-jumping competitions and has earned a reputation as one of the most important equestrian competition venues in the world. Numerous tournaments and competitions are held throughout the year here, with the Masters being the most prestigious. This is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, a four-competition season where riders can win up to 1 million Euros. The Masters is held every September for four exciting days on the grounds. Even celebrities, such as Alec Baldwin, have been seen here.

46. Stagewest Calgary

Stage West Theatre is a great place to see live musical theatre while eating one of the biggest buffets in the city. We’ve seen all sorts of shows there, including Red Rock Diner, And The World Goes Round, and my absolute favourite – Jersey Boys! It starts with a 120-item buffet, which includes all sorts of things, such as crab legs, salmon, roast beef, perogies, sushi, dessert, and so much more. The menu changes slightly each time. Once dinner ends, the lights go out and the show begins. It’s a really great time and if you’re looking for a dinner theatre in Calgary, this is one of the best places to go.

47. Jubilations Dinner Theatre

If you’re looking for more of a traditional dinner theatre experience, where the actors serve you the food for example, you’ll want to buy tickets for the Jubilations Dinner Theatre. They have been a staple of the Alberta theatre scene for over 20 years, showcasing the best in pop culture and crafting hilarious parodies of the biggest names in movies, music, and TV. Take in the excitement (and the stunning live vocals) while you enjoy a delicious multi-course dinner served by our character servers.

48. Aussie Rules Piano Bar

Located in the same building as Jubilations Dinner Theatre, Aussie Rules is a popular piano bar where people come to request songs and sing-a-long with very talented pianists. It’s so fun that before you know it, you might be standing on chairs chugging beer to the chants of “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oy Oy Oy”.

49. The Rec Room

If you’re looking for a super fun place to go with friends, check out the Rec Room, which combines a bar and restaurant with an entire suite of gaming opportunities such as redemption games, video games, shuffleboard, pool, arcades, and more.

50. Play a Round of Mini Golf

If you love mini golf as much as we do, Calgary is a great place to be. Whether it’s a challenging championship-style course or a course filled with fun obstacles, there are many places to enjoy a round of mini golf in Calgary.

51. Shakespeare by the Bow

Shakespeare by the Bow is an annual summer tradition (July and August) that brings free outdoor theatre productions to Calgary. Typically held in Prince’s Island Park, but occasionally elsewhere in the city, this is a great attraction for theatre lovers. Past productions have included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Merry Wives of Windsor, and The Comedy of Errors.

52. Calgary Farmers’ Market

If you’re looking for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a wide variety of delicious food, there is no better place to visit than a farmers’ market. The Calgary Farmers’ Market has two locations that are worth checking out. CFM South is in the Fairview East Industrial area, while CFM West is in the Greenwich area, very close to WinSport.

With over 75 vendors at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, you can find everything from handmade gifts to baked goods while enjoying live music on certain days.

53. Get a Massage

Whether you’re a local or someone exploring the city for a few days, who doesn’t want a good massage or a day at a spa? Calgary has many places, ranging from luxury to basic, giving options for almost any budget. So whether you’re looking for a full package with pools, hot tubs, and rose pedals, or just looking for a deep-tissue massage, Calgary has a plethora of options.

54. Enjoy an Escape Room

Over the last few years, escape rooms have taken cities by storm. People love them! So if you and some friends feel the need to solve clues and feel like James Bond, Calgary has many escape rooms to try. Escape rooms can be a fun way for your friends and family to bond and work together, not to mention a great way for employers to bond with employees.

55. Enjoy High Tea

No longer just for royalty, High Tea (also known as Afternoon Tea) can be enjoyed by everyone in Calgary. From luxury experiences at the Fairmont to unique experiences just outside the city, check out our guide to the best High Tea in Calgary.

56. Eat Some Ice Cream

Winter or summer, Calgary has some excellent places for ice cream and gelato. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to more creative options like Salted Caramel Pretzel and London Fog, check out our guide to find the best ice cream in Calgary.

57. Spend a Few Nights (Where to Stay in Calgary)

As one of Canada’s biggest cities, there’s no shortage of hotels and other accommodations. There really is no “best place to stay in Calgary”. It just depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want to be downtown? Do you want to be close to a certain attraction? Do you want to be close to the airport? Do you want cheap, mid-range, or luxury? There are so many options and there’s something for everyone.

However, although we’ve listed some great options below, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best hotels in Calgary for even more information on where to stay.

Calgary Hotels Downtown

For those who want to stay in downtown Calgary, there are lots of accommodation options, including the Fairmont for those who want luxury, and a plethora of other options for everything in-between. There’s also a variety of hotels that are not downtown. There are also a number of Calgary hotels with pools all over the city for those with kids or simply wanting to take a dip. Some popular options for where to stay in Calgary include:

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village: Once known as a rather sketchy neighbourhood, Calgary’s East Village has been completely transformed into one of the coolest and trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. Not only is it home to attractions such as the Calgary Library and the National Music Centre, but it’s also home to the new Alt Hotel. This Canadian hotel company provides trendy hotels for a great value. We stayed at the Alt Hotel in Ottawa and loved it. There’s a reason it has such high reviews from hundreds of guests.

Hotel Arts Kensington: If you’re looking for a smaller beautiful hotel just outside the city centre in the trendy neighbourhood of Kensington, this is it. Not only do they offer delicious food, underground heated parking, and beautiful rooms, but they also offer free bicycle rentals, which make for a perfect day considering the hotel is right in front of the Bow River Pathway.

Le Germain Hotel Calgary: If you’re looking to be right downtown in the middle of both the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, then this is a great option. Consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in Calgary, this upscale hotel offers everything from typical hotel rooms to apartment-style suites. You’ll also find a 24-hour fitness centre, a lounge bar, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Motel Village Calgary

One of the most popular places to stay in the city is Motel Village Calgary, which is a small area with a high concentration of mid-range hotels, such as the Best Western and the Holiday Inn. Although Motel Village is not downtown (and is certainly not all motels), it is in an awesome location, right across the street from McMahon Stadium (home of the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders), the University of Calgary, and the Banff Trail C-Train station, which is only three stops away from the downtown core and two stops from Kensington. If you’re looking for Calgary hotels Northwest, Motel Village is one option. Other options include Hotel Arts Kensington, and Westmount River Inn, as well as hotels around Bowness and Winsport Olympic Park.

Hotels in South West Calgary

Southwest Calgary is a big area that includes downtown Calgary and Macleod Trail. Popular options downtown include Marriott, Sheraton, Fairmont, and Delta. Popular options on Macleod Trail include Best Western Plus, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, and many others.

Hotels in North East Calgary

The most popular area for Northeast hotels would be around the airport. There are many hotels in this area including Best Western, Sheraton, Comfort Inn, and many others. Many of these Calgary airport hotels include a free shuttle.

Bed and Breakfast Calgary

We love a good Bed & Breakfast and Calgary has a few options. Options include Along River Ridge, Calgary Westways, Tending Gardens, Cozy Nest, and many others.

Cheap Motels in Calgary

We’re big fans of spending less on a place to sleep and more on fun activities. Calgary has many options for cheap motels including the Super 8, Econo Lodge, Olympia Motel, and many others.

58. Enjoy a World-Class Road Trip

As you can see, there are lots of fun things to do in Calgary. However, when you’re done with the city, there are loads of cool things to do and places to see just around the corner. This is what we recommend.

The Foothills

Just outside Calgary are the beautiful Alberta foothills. They make a great day trip or you can even extend your visit and stay in one of the small communities. Popular areas include Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, Nanton, and High River. You’ll find charming restaurants, little museums, and cool activities such as learning how to blacksmith, visiting local producers, and so much more.

Drumheller

One of the most popular places to visit near Calgary is Drumheller, which is known as the dinosaur capital of the world. Not only will you find the world-famous Royal Tyrell Museum, but you’ll also see dramatically different scenery. Instead of foothills and mountains, you’ll find the stunning Alberta Badlands.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

If you’re into indigenous culture and history, one of the coolest places to visit is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Located just south of Calgary, near Lethbridge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features an incredible museum and a beautiful place to learn about one of the biggest buffalo jumps ever found.

Banff and Canmore

Banff, Canmore, and the Rocky Mountains need no introduction. They’re one of the most famous tourist destinations in Canada and for good reason. Very few places in the world offer the stunning scenery found in Banff National Park, and it’s all less than 1.5 hours from Calgary. Enjoy world-class outdoor attractions, spas, a thriving restaurant scene, and so much more. For more, check out our guide for the best things to do in Banff.

The Kananaskis

Another popular Rocky Mountain area is the Kananaskis, which is a little closer than Banff and Canmore and can also be found southwest of Calgary when visiting the Alberta Foothills. This area is a provincial park and while there are very few accommodation options, it is a very popular place to enjoy one of the many famous Kananaskis hikes.

Getting to Calgary

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Calgary, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Calgary by Car

Calgary to Edmonton: The drive from Calgary to Edmonton is approximately 300 km and takes roughly 3 hours. The highway is basically straight the entire way and the halfway point is the city of Red Deer. If you’re hungry, stop off in “Gasoline Alley”, which has a huge variety of restaurants, fast food, and gas stations. Our recommendation? Try a burger from Peter’s Drive-In. This is a famous local Calgary burger joint, which recently opened a location in both Gasoline Alley and Edmonton. Grab a milkshake while you’re at it.

Calgary to Vancouver: This is one of the most beautiful drives you can do along the Trans-Canada Highway and takes anywhere from 10-12 hours to do the nearly 1000-km stretch. However, you could easily spend weeks doing this road trip if you stop off and explore the many beautiful regions along the way. Popular stops include Kelowna and Golden BC.

Calgary is also very close to the USA border, a roughly 3-hour drive from Montana.

Getting to Calgary by Plane

Calgary is home to the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is one of the biggest airports in Canada and just had a major renovation to make it even bigger and prettier. From the airport, there’s an array of options for renting cars, taking a shuttle, hopping in a private transfer, or taking a bus. There are also hotel courtesy shuttles that go to various hotels and the downtown shuttle leaves every 30 minutes at a cost of $15 one-way.

Other options include a taxi (25 minutes to downtown for roughly $40 – $50), Uber, and even public transportation at a cost of $8 per person. Once you arrive, there is plenty of staff around to help you navigate your way.

Getting to Calgary by Bus

There are a few buses that make their way to Calgary. Greyhound Bus is no longer an option but the Red Arrow is a good one. We haven’t taken many buses in Canada (we live here so we have a car) but the Red Arrow is one of the only ones we’ve experienced and it was great. It’s about $70 to travel between Calgary and Edmonton but their new less-fancy Ebus service will do it for $42. You can compare bus options using Busbud.

Getting Around Calgary

Calgary has a lot of options for getting around the city, including public buses, C-train, taxis, and Uber.

• Public Transportation: As with all major cities, Calgary has a robust Calgary transit system. The bus system, however, might be somewhat difficult to navigate BUT the C-train system is very easy. The C-train is Calgary’s metro system. Most of the track is above the ground and each station has a place to buy tickets, which go for $3.40 for 1.5 hours worth of travel. You can also buy a day pass if you plan on riding 3+ times. Most stations also have parking if you have a car and just want to get around the city easier. TIP: the downtown line of the C-train is actually free! So, if you’re jumping on the train between City Hall and 7th or 8th Street SW, you do not have to pay. You’ll notice that the intercom system will tell you that you are leaving the “free fare zone” when you are going out of the free area.
• Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in Calgary. Examples include Checker Cabs, Calgary Cab, Associated Cabs, Delta Cab, and a few others.
• Uber: This is also a great option in Calgary. Simply download the app and voila. The only downfall with Uber is that you need either WiFi or data to use it. This is sometimes tricky for travellers.
• Peddle Bike: Calgary is quickly growing its biking paths and there are many great places to peddle a bike around the city. You can easily rent a bike and peddle around the city in the warmer months, exploring all the beautiful parks.
• Scooters and Electric Bikes: Lime scooters are a new fun option for getting around the city is by scooters or electric bikes. These are the green scooters and bikes you’ll see in various parts of the downtown core. However, you’ll need to download the app and use data to really take advantage of it.

Weather in Calgary (Aka: Best Time to Visit)

Calgary is a year-round destination, but the most popular time to visit is between June and October. These are the warmer months with more festivals and more outdoor activities. However, Calgary is also beautiful in the winter and has loads of things to do in the colder months, not to mention being close to Banff for those looking for a winter wonderland experience or world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Another advantage of the summer is that the days are very long as the sun doesn’t set until after 10 PM. It’s also home to the famous Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth.

In the winter, the sun sets before 5 PM and can be very cold. However, Calgary’s proximity to the mountains brings a phenomenon known as the Chinook. These warm winds sweep into the city and dramatically change the temperatures. It can be -25 Celcius one day and +5 Celcius the next. This makes our winters partially mild. In addition, Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, so even if it’s cold outside, the sky will likely be blue, bright, and beautiful.

Want more? Enjoy these Canadian travel guides below:

• Driving from Calgary to Banff
• Driving from Banff to Jasper
• Best Breweries in Calgary
• Things To Do in Alberta
• Things to Do in Edmonton
• Camping in Alberta
• Drumheller Camping