The 20 Greatest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta

This complete information to the perfect issues to do in Calgary, Alberta will present you the highest points of interest, festivals, and out of doors actions to get pleasure from all through your time in Stampede Metropolis.

Filled with pioneering historical past and flanked by the Canadian Rockies, the attractive metropolis of Calgary is the place in 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 out of doors adventures galore. Reduce by the Bow River, it’s a metropolis of parks and recreation. Calgary can also be an incredible 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 often decide up our automobile rental on the Calgary Worldwide Airport and use it to discover the encompassing areas reminiscent of Canmore, Banff, and Drumheller. However earlier than you begin doing day journeys from Calgary, let’s take a look at the perfect 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 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 presents guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.

From 626ft (191m) above the bottom, you’ll be able to see properly into the encompassing mountains. The most effective issues to do in Calgary at evening 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)

Residence to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park is likely 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 fanatics to go if you wish to do some snowboarding near the town centre, or to get pleasure from one in all its many out of doors adventures in the summertime.

Past snowboarding and snowboarding, guests can get pleasure from tubing down the hills and even attempt bobsledding on the unique Olympic bobsleigh monitor. Is there a greater strategy 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’ll be able to put your mountain climbing boots to work. Learn extra about it at Canada Olympic Park – Fun 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 bunch of Canadians which have been inducted, you can even see the torch that was used to start the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later take a look at your expertise by shadowboxing towards 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 way of the town and the 6.1 km pathway offers welcoming entry to varied spots. Examples embody Prince’s Island Park and the beloved Peace Bridge.

The Peace Bridge connects Memorial Drive with Eau Claire Park. We advise renting a bicycle to discover the waterfront. Our lodge The Hotel Arts Kensington had complimentary bikes to make use of to discover the town.

Take a Strolling Tour

The most effective 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 embody the Municipal Plaza, Calgary’s East Village and Outdated Metropolis Corridor. You’ll additionally stroll essentially the most in depth pathway system in North America, and Chinatown.

5. Stephen Avenue

Arguably essentially the most stunning road in Calgary, finishing the Stephen Avenue Stroll is a must-do. Positioned within the metropolis heart, the avenue is simple to get to and presents historic buildings, stylish retailers, and comfortable eating places.

The wonder goes up a notch in the summertime when the road turns into a hub of exercise. After getting accomplished the stroll, additionally, you will be near lots of the prime points of interest on this record. 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 reminiscent of 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 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 area to discover. On a sunny day in Calgary, seize a picnic and calm down beneath the shady timber. Or you’ll be able to eat on the River Cafe, a high quality eating restaurant positioned throughout 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. When you didn’t carry 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. 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 stage with incredible solo acts and bands lighting up the area. Boogie beneath the balmy Calgary solar and take heed to your favourite tunes or uncover new musicians to fall in love with. Alongside the stay performances, you’ll 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’re inside strolling distance of the downtown core, with loads of choices to maintain the evening rolling.

9. Expo Latino

The most effective festivals in Calgary is Expo Latino. Held yearly in August, Expo Latino is the most important Latin pageant in Canada. With ample stay music, room to bounce, and wonderful 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 the town from its basis to fashionable occasions. 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 Historic Village

If Fort Calgary offers a glimpse into Western Canada’s historical past on the Heritage Park Historic Village offers the complete image. The park is dwelling to a sequence of historic buildings from the pioneer period with ample costumed interpreters that will help you journey again in time. Enjoyable Truth: 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 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 essential efforts of Canada’s military through the First and Second World Wars, the Navy Museums provide wonderful 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 be taught what it was wish to be within the trenches on the Western Entrance, or flying a bomber throughout WWII. Your go to may even include the possibility 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 one million 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 unsuitable 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’ll be able to play nearly 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 way of forests and alongside the famend creek. The designated pure space is dwelling 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 a giant margin. 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 seems like a saddle from the skin. From October to April, the sector sells out a number of occasions every week. When you’re on a finances, 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 finest issues to do in Calgary.

17. Theatre Calgary

In case you are searching for one other exercise at evening in Calgary, why not go to the Theater? Theatre Calgary is knowledgeable theatre firm and performing arts theatre that hosts Broadway productions.

18. Calgary Zoo

Zoos aren’t usually listed on our to do record, 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. In case you are searching for issues to do in Calgary for the entire household, chances are you’ll wish to think about 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 one million vacationers descend on the occasion.

Often called the ‘biggest out of doors present on earth, company are enthralled by rodeo occasions and exhibitions to stage reveals and pancakes breakfasts. The historical past of the Calgary Stampede might be traced again to the late nineteenth century and its popularity grows by the yr.

The place to Eat in Calgary

Calgary has a superb foodie scene and there are many locations to have a scrumptious meal. These are a number of 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 wager is to order the particular of the day from their customized constructed rotisserie. When visiting Alberta, you could have Alberta Beef, and that is the place to attempt it.

Mannequin Milk is and open idea kitchen overlooking the restaurant the place patrons can sit on the bar and watch the employees at work. The menu has a really European flare and modifications repeatedly 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 stunning locations.

20. Banff Nationwide Park

The most effective day journeys from Calgary is Banff National Park, dwelling 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 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 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’ll be able to go mountain biking, or mountain climbing. Learn extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

21. Canmore

Canmore is positioned between Calgary and Banff and is a superb cease for a day. In actual fact, we’ve spent a number of days in Canmore from exploring its many mountain climbing trails in the summertime to snowshoeing and cross nation snowboarding within the winter. 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. Learn extra: The Best Things 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 highway 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. Learn extra: 17 Awesome Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta

23. Take The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

One of many world’s finest prepare journeys leaves from Calgary on its strategy to Vancouver. When you’ve got a number of days to fill in your Calgary itinerary, think about 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’ll have the possibility to cease at Canmore, Banff National Park, or Jasper for quite a lot of spectacular day journeys.

The right way to get to Calgary

The primary level of entry to Alberta’s largest metropolis is from Calgary Airport. You should 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 accommodations. A taxi experience 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 foul 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 time as the perfect time to go to Calgary. With all of the festivals and stay occasions plus the Calgary Stampede, it’s a magical time of yr. Ebook as far prematurely as doable to economize on lodging.

The place to remain in Calgary

At the same time as the town continues to develop, the perfect place to base your self is inside Calgary’s downtown. You can be near the overwhelming majority of points of interest from the Bow River to Stephen Avenue.

Resort Arts Kensington – Calgary

We now have stayed at this boutique lodge in Calgary a number of occasions 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 positioned alongside the pedestrian path operating alongside the river. Take a look at costs on TripAdvisor

Extra Calgary Resorts

• Luxurious – Fairmont Palliser – You’ll be able to’t go unsuitable 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 procuring Centre, cultural points of interest and leisure.
• Finances – Best Western Plus Downtown presents 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’ll discover a number of mid-range accommodations, together with International Hotel & Spa. The lodge presents beneficiant room sizes, complimentary continental breakfast, a health club, and a heated pool.

So, there you’ve got it. These are the perfect issues to do in Calgary for the entire household. Whether or not you’re utilizing the town as a leaping off level to discover the Rocky Mountains or for a metropolis break, Calgary is a superb alternative as one of many best cities in Canada to go to it doesn’t matter what the season.