Looking for a dynamic city with mountain views, cowboy spirit, and cultural flair? Head to Calgary! Located in southern Alberta at the edge of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary offers a blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. From skyscrapers to rodeos, and river trails to world-class cuisine, this vibrant city delivers something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Calgary is during the summer months (June through August), especially during the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Fall and spring are also beautiful with mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter is ideal for those heading to nearby ski resorts or enjoying holiday events.
How to Get There
- By Air: Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a major hub with direct flights from North America, Europe, and Asia. It’s about 20 minutes from downtown.
- By Car: Calgary is accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and is a great launching point for trips to Banff and the Rockies.
- By Train: While Calgary does not have regular passenger rail, luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer include Calgary in select itineraries.
Where to Stay
- Fairmont Palliser – Historic luxury hotel in the heart of downtown, perfect for upscale stays with classic charm.
- Alt Hotel Calgary East Village – Modern boutique hotel with sleek design near the riverwalk and cultural district.
- Hotel Arts – Trendy, art-forward hotel with an outdoor pool and on-site dining, popular with couples and creatives.
Top Attractions
1. Discover Canada’s Soundtrack at the National Music Centre
Rating: ★★★★★
The National Music Centre is a 160,000 square-foot facility in Calgary’s East Village that is dedicated to sharing the love and understanding of music. Designed by Portland architect Brad Cloepfil and located in the historic Customs House building, the Center features a collection of over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, including one of Elton John’s pianos, as well as selections from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
It also boasts a variety of interactive and engaging exhibits, displays, and daily performances and offers guided docent-led tours for visitors to enjoy. The National Music Centre is one of the top Calgary attractions. The historic King Edward Hotel is part of the National Music Centre facility and operates as a live music venue seven nights of the week.
850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1, Canada, Phone: 403-543-5115
2. Step Into the Past at Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living history museum, featuring more than 200 exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of beautifully maintained, natural parklands.
History buffs and leisure seekers alike will delight in the array of things to see and do in the park, which include a 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment, a 1880s Pre-Railway Settlement, the Heritage Town Square, and the Heritage Park Historical Village. The Heritage Park Historical Village is a living historic village from the early 1900s featuring an array of exhibits showcasing the lifestyle during that time.
Explore an authentic steam train, an antique midway, and some businesses and shops, such as a working printing press and blacksmith shop, an ice cream parlor, and a bakery. If you are wondering what to do in Calgary today, this is a great place to visit. Costumed interpreters are on hand to share information and answer questions.
3. Bike or Stroll Scenic Routes on the Calgary Pathway System
The Calgary Pathway System is an extensive network of pedestrian pathways and cycling trails that connect the city’s natural parks and communities and offer a fun and healthy option of getting around and enjoying the outdoors by walking, jogging, running and cycling.
The system is made up of a combination of regional and local pathways, which provide access to various facilities throughout the community, and non-paved trails, which offer recreational routes through the city’s parks. The paths and trails wind along the Bow and Elbow Rivers, pass by the Nose Creek and West Nose Creek, wind through the Fish Creek Provincial Park and visit the Western Irrigation District Canal and Glenmore Reservoir.
If you are traveling with kids:
4. Honor Heroes and History at The Military Museums
The Military Museums are dedicated to Canada's military forces and educating the public about the honorable role the navy, army, and air force have played in world history. The Museum features eight distinct museums and galleries which visitors can explore and gain a better understanding of the victories, tragedies, and sacrifices of the Canadian Forces.
Experience life at the helm in a Second World War wheelhouse in the Naval, Army and Air Force Museums of Alberta or walk through a First World War trench in the four regimental army museums. In-depth tours of the museums are offered, including through the Naval Museum and Tank Park, as well as a close-up tour of the world-renowned Mural of Honour.
4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, Canada, Phone: 403-410-2340
5. Walk Through Calgary’s Roots at Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is an historic site and museum dedicated to presenting and preserving the history and heritage of Calgary. Located on 40 acres of parkland at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Fort Calgary was established in 1975 as Fort Brisebois and was the birthplace of the city known as Calgary today.
A modern interpretive center features several exhibits showcasing the history of the city and guided tours take visitors through the beautiful landscape surrounding the fort and the historic Deane House, Home of the Superintendent of Fort Calgary, Captain Richard Deane. Interactive displays allow visitors to try on an authentic RCMP uniform and pay a visit to the fort’s jail, offering a truly hands-on experience.
750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Canada, Phone: 403-290-1875
6. See Wildlife and Wonders at Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park
Located on St. George's Island in the middle of Bow River, the Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park is one of Canada's largest animal parks with more than 1,400 animals living in a variety of natural and diverse habitats.
The zoo features several ecosystems in which visitors can experience the animals as they would exist in the wild, including a unique nocturnal exhibit called Creatures of the Night; a Mesozoic landscape featuring 22 life-size dinosaur replicas known as Prehistoric Park; and the endangered ecosystems of Canada in the exclusive Canadian Wilds section.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Calgary with kids, this is a great place to visit. Explore the plains of Africa in the Destination Africa area, which showcases two African ecosystems, namely the African Savannah and TransAlta Rainforest, and is home to the largest indoor hippo habitat in North America.
1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Canada, Phone: 1-800-588-9993
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
7. Race Down the Track at Skyline Luge Calgary
Fast-paced and exhilarating, Skyline Luge Calgary is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located at Winsport Olympic Park, the luge covers a distance of over 5,905 feet (1,800 meters) on a continuous downhill trajectory making it one of the longest in the world. More than 50 twists and turns excite even the toughest adrenalin junkie and visitors of all ages can join in the fun.
The custom-built luge carts are gravity-fueled and a unique braking and steering system allows the rider full control over speed, direction and braking and safety helmets are provided for every rider.
Winsport Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road, SW, Calgary, Canada, Phone: 403-776-0617
8. Unwind in Nature at Prince’s Island Park
Prince's Island Park is a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of Calgary that provides the residents with a beautiful green space in which to enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
Established in the 1950s, Prince's Island Park features several picnic areas, water fountains and playgrounds for children, winding pathways and hiking trails, flowers gardens and canoe access to the river in the summer months. Winter provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and outdoor skating on the lagoon and the River Café is the perfect spot to relax over a coffee.
Snaking along the East end of the Park is the Chevron Learning Pathway, which is an environmental educational pathway and recreational resource constructed around a protected wetland area. The Park also hosts several large events throughout the year, including the Calgary Folk Festival and Canada Day celebrations.
9. Explore Art and Culture at the Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging people to experience art and culture. Established by well-known philanthropist Eric Lafferty Harvie, the Glenbow Museum features a variety of world-renowned traveling and permanent exhibitions, showcasing the largest art collection in Western Canada.
Home to more than 33,000 works dating from the 19th century to the present, the Museum’s collections focus on works pertaining to the northwest of North America and several permanent exhibitions on the third floor of the museum tell the story of Southern Alberta and the West.
Glenbow's Library and Archives is an important research center for historians and students and alike, and the Museum offers a range of art-based educational programs to children of all ages, including the School Programs and Chevron Museum School. The Glenbow Museum can be hired for corporate and private functions: it offers a 210-seat theater, meeting rooms and three gallery floors as event space.
130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Canada, Phone: 403-268-4100
10. Shop, Dine, and Mingle on 4th Street Calgary
4th Street Calgary is one of Calgary's premiere business and event districts, located at the junction of the city's Beltline, Cliff Bungalow, and Mission communities. The recently-revitalized district is home to a plethora of public art sculptures and works, installed under the supervision of the Fourth Street Public Art Society. A wide variety of retail stores line the district, including designer boutiques and consignment stores, health food stores, independent bookstores, and art galleries. Visitors can dine at casual and formal restaurants serving up an eclectic selection of international fare, from cafes and sandwich shops to full-service chef-driven restaurants. Each year, the district hosts the city's annual LilacFest, which kicks off the spring season with live music performances, children's activities, and more than 500 artisan vendors.
201 501 18th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0C7, Phone: 403-229-0902
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