Things to Do in Calgary
Calgary, the energetic heart of Alberta, pulsates with a unique blend of western charm, cosmopolitan flair, and outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker craving mountain excursions, a culture vulture drawn to museums and art galleries, or a family seeking entertainment options for all ages,
Calgary has something special to offer you.
But with so many exciting possibilities, planning your itinerary for things to do in Calgary can feel like a challenge.
Fear not! This comprehensive guide is here to be your compass.
Get ready to explore a city that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern innovation.
From strolling through historic Stephen Avenue
Walk to scaling the iconic Calgary Tower for breathtaking panoramic views, Calgary promises an unforgettable experience.
So, delve into this curated list of the top things to do in Calgary and discover the perfect activities to ignite your passions and create lasting memories in this dynamic city!
Things to Do in Calgary
Regardless of being Alberta ‘s biggest city-it ‘s Canada ‘s oil funding, and among The United States and Canada ‘s crucial service as well as economic centers-Calgary has never trembled off its ” Cowtown ” nickname.
A recommendation to the region ‘s long background as the facility of a huge cattle-rearing area, it ‘s a name that has actually in truth been of tremendous value to tourist online marketers, summoning charming suggestions of cowboys, cattle drives, as well as an untamed Wild West.
Which is why, when you visit this dynamic city, you ‘ll discover several relevant points to do, from catching the well-known Calgary Stampede each July to discovering the city ‘s pioneer-era Heritage Park (particularly fun for family members).
It ‘s an especially magnificent place for those who enjoy stunning vistas, also. The Rocky Hills on the western perspective show up like an overwhelming obstacle climbing up from the level.
The closeness of these hills, with their well-known nationwide parks, makes Calgary an exceptional selection for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing vacations.
Yet for those looking for enjoyment right in the city itself, thereare also lots of vacationer destinations.
Particularly enjoyable at night is strolling the city ‘s big Royal prince ‘s Island Park and across the famous Peace Bridge, either prior to or after appreciating a great restaurant in the midtown core.
To aid you pack as much as feasible into your Calgary itinerary, make certain to read our in-depth listing of the top things to do in Calgary, Alberta.
The Best Things to Do and See in Calgary
Calgary has too many things you can do and see enjoying a wonderful experience in this wonderful city.
Here are the 30 best things to do in Calgary:
1- Things to do in Calgary – Calgary Tower
Although it ‘s no longer the tallest building in Calgary, this concrete and also steel needle still makes the city ‘s skies line quickly recognizable– also by form.
Readily available to the general public in 1968, it was initially called the Husky Tower, yet was relabelled after the city itself a simple three years in the future.
Site visitors still team to Calgary Tower for its excellent 360-degree panoramic view of the city, as well as likewise the verdant fields, foothills and Rocky Hills extending much past.
Take the free of charge picturesque trip for vital understanding right into Calgary ‘s history as well as sites, as well as top it off with dinner at the rotating SKIES 360 dining establishment.
2- Calgary Stampede
There’s a reason the Calgary Charge is referred to as “The Best Outside Program on Planet.”
As a matter of fact, the 10-day yearly occasion is so inextricably connected with its host city that the simple reference of “Calgary” can’t stop working to invoke up photos of a stunning rodeo, first-rate grandstand programs and also sentimental fairground adventure rides.
More than a million people each year join this party, as well as whether they exist to admire the enchanting lasso job of the competitive calf bone wranglers, or just to people-watch the groups dressed up in cowboy hats, boots as well as jeans, the environment they generate is nothing short of electric.
How well do you understand the best Exterior Show in the world? Have a look at this interesting Calgary Stampede trivia!
3- Heritage Park Historical Village
Every marvel what it resembled to live back in the late 1800s?
As Canada’s largest living history gallery, Heritage Park Historic Village is the closest you’ll obtain without your extremely own time equipment.
Below, you can shed on your own in leisures of life in Western Canada circa 1860 (a fur trading fort as well as Very first Countries settlement), 1880 (a pre-railway settlement) and also 1910 (a Pasture train town).
Live entertainers help to obscure the line between past and also present, and make this tourist attraction one that makes sure to thrill not simply youngsters, but kids-at-heart, as well.
4- Le Germain Hotel Calgary
For a little deluxe in the heart of the city, book a suite at Le Germain– located just steps away from the renowned Calgary Tower.
The resort provides free of charge auto service around the city, free of charge continental morning meal, as well as several of the biggest (and most lavish) rainfall showerheads we’ve ever before found in our travels. (As well as it’s dog-friendly, too!).
5- The Paddle Station
For those desiring to obtain up close and also individual with the Bow River, nothing beats renting a kayak or plethora from The Paddle Station.
You can book your craft online, pick it up at the launch factor and paddle your way through the heart of Calgary.
When you’re done, merely leave your craft at the final paddle terminal and, if wanted, take the shuttle service back to your starting factor.
6- Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Calgary’s National Music Centre, located in Studio Bell, is an area where musical artefacts, interactive exhibitions as well as halls of popularity clash.
(Discover even more terrific Canadian halls of fame.) 5 floorings commemorate music in Canada and showcase everything from the phase outfits of renowned Canadian artists to a singing cubicle where you can blend your very own track.
There are likewise 3 videotaping workshops for an artist residency program, plus a 300-seat performance hall.
7- Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Hope you remembered to load your binoculars!
The Inglewood Bird Shelter has been a sanctuary for migratory birds given that 1929, and also is a must-see for any type of budding ornithologist.
So far, 270 species of birds have been recorded on website. Possibly you can identify the 271st?
8- Rooftop Bar @ Simmons
You’ll be hard-pressed to choose which of the outside Rooftop Bar’s attracts is extra excellent: the scenic sight of the legendary Bow River, or the mouthwatering alternatives on the menu.
Although the Napa cabbage salad and fior di cappucino cheese pizza are very advised, our primary pick would need to be the charred corn slathered in aioli, cheese, cilantro as well as chilies.
In brief? Droolworthy.
9- Ten Foot Henry
Idea Calgary’s food scene focused on the ribeye? Believe again! Vegan choices are plentiful, but couple of can boast meals as flavourful as Ten Foot Henry.
Make certain to order the tomatoes with whipped feta and sourdough toast and the Caesar salad with kale, cashew and fried egg. Need to nosh on the run?
Pop into the takeaway coffee shop, Little Henry, following door.
Venturing beyond Calgary’s city limitations? Right here are the very best points to do in Alberta.
10- Calgary Folk Music Festival
If folk songs is extra your thing, schedule a check out to Royal prince ‘s Island Park in July for the Calgary Individual Music Festival.
The annual occasion attracts artists from around for online efficiencies and likewise competent workshops, with included destinations in the kind of a beer garden, craft market as well as file outside camping tents-.
The superb area to escalate your collection of classic plastic as well as the greatest Canadian cds of all time.
11- Hotel Arts Kensington
Supplying all the features of a grand hotel on an intimate range, the 19-room Resort Arts Kensington is just one of your best options for lodging in Calgary’s Kensington Town.
For a truly decadent keep, demand a river-view room with a fire place.
While you’re at it, make use of the soaker bathtub as well as after that treat on your own to dinner at the Oxbow dining establishment on-site.
12- Freak Lunchbox
Got a craving for sweets? There’s no far better location in Calgary to please your sweet food cravings than Fanatic Lunchbox.
You’ll discover whatever weird and also terrific on the planet of desserts, with decoration that’s equally as unusual– the vibrant signs populated throughout the shop was hand-painted by artists from the chain’s Halifax HQ.
13- Shelf Life Books
Yes, independent book shops still exist– and also, if Life Span Books is any kind of indication, they’re growing.
Even when it’s not hosting a publication launch or book club conference, this regional literature center is always humming with devoted readers– and their puppies (the store is pet-friendly).
14- Glow Downtown Winter Light Festival
Got an instance of the February blues?
Attempt a shot of light treatment. The Radiance Downtown Winter months Light Festival gives adequate reason to embrace the chilly, changing Calgary into an open-air gallery of illuminated art.
The cost-free, family-friendly occasion includes a mobile play area, a routine of online efficiencies as well as heaps of Instagrammable minutes.
15- Calgary Farmers’ Market
Open Thursday via Sunday year-round (don’t stress– it’s all indoors!), the Calgary Farmers’ Market attracts greater than 20, 000 visitors weekly.
Here you’ll discover 80 suppliers marketing whatever from fresh neighborhood produce as well as protects to baked items. Swing by on an empty stomach as well as chew your way through the aisles.
These farmers’ market pointers should come in convenient.
16- Calgary Flames
The Scotiabank Saddledome has actually played host to lots of events given that it opened in 1983, including the 1988 Calgary Winter Months Olympics. (Right here’s just how the Olympics changed Canada.)
Since the first day, nevertheless, it’s additionally served as residence the city’s NHL team, the Calgary Flames.
To experience a home video game is to tick a quintessentially Canadian product off of your pail listing– specifically if you manage to catch the Fires tackle their Albertan opponents, the Edmonton Oilers.
17- Juice Because
Not one to be left behind when it concerns food trends, Calgary provides a lot of healthy and balanced juice shops including Juice Due to the fact that.
The brand, which has loads of locations around the city, makes cold-pressed juices, nut milks, cleanses as well as treats.
Dressmaker your juice order to your current problem– they’ll give recommendations to treat every little thing from a hangover to fatigue. (If doesn’t function, look into the ideal hangover treatments from every Canadian province.).
18- Liz & Lottie
Seeking an elegant souvenir for a woman in your life? Drop in Liz & Lottie in Calgary’s East Village.
The store’s impossibly charming collection consists of jewellery, handbags, pet devices, residence design as well as child equipment.
19- GlobalFest
Each August, Calgarians as well as visitors alike gather in Elliston Park to “ooh” as well as “ahh” at GlobalFest’s stunning fireworks display screens.
(For the very best views, scout a place near the lake– the water catches the representation for a light show that’s twice as impressive.)
The celebration is known for its “pyromusicals” (fireworks set to songs), social structures as well as food stands.
20- Glenbow Museum
A should for culture marauders, the Glenbow Museum is Calgary ‘s a lot of exceptional database of art job and artefacts.
Founded by obvious Alberta oilman Eric Harvie in 1966, the museum ‘s permanent collections tell the story of western Canada, containing fantastic events devoted to Indigenous background and society.
Don ‘t miss this summary of the globe ‘s most noticeable museums.
21- Betty Lou’s Library
Exhausted with your hotel bar? Betty Lou ‘s Collection, among Calgary ‘s most recent and most distinct blended drink bars, transports visitors back in time to a 1920s-style speakeasy.
Make a visit ahead of time, however use yourself sufficient time to find the entranceway. Like all excellent speakeasies, the area of the front door is a secret!
22- Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
For 5 days in June, Sled Island takes over 35 places throughout Calgary to host bands, comedians and also film-screenings in an all-out event of music and also arts.
The vibe is youthful, indie and imaginative– as well as various whenever thanks to an unique guest manager who establishes the tone for that year’s event. (In 2017, that curator was manufacturer, rap artist and digital musician Flying Lotus.).
Heading to La Belle Province? Do not miss the leading 10 points to do in Montreal this summer.
23- Rath Bicycle
Also if your hotel does not use free of charge bike loans, you can still explore the thrills of Calgary on 2 wheels. Rent a vintage bike from Rath Bicycle by the hr or the day as well as take a spin via the captivating East Village area.
The store likewise markets and also repair services new and also vintage bikes.
Locate out exactly how the least bike-friendly city in Canada is swiftly coming to be a bicyclist’s dream.
24- Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo
While travelling to the zoo might not be your initial impulse on a chilly winter months’s day, in Calgary, it’s a practice.
Each year, from late November to very early January, the Calgary Zoo organizes a substantial occasion called Zoolights.
Drink hot delicious chocolate as well as roam through a wintertime paradise of two-million beautiful lights, warm yourself at a crackling firepit, then get a picture with Santa himself.
Once you have actually browsed the Enchanted Woodland– total with Snow White and evil queen– have a look at even more of the most effective places to invest Christmas in Canada.– Tim Johnson
25- Native Tongues Taqueria
Calgary may not be the top place you think of when food craving Mexican cuisine, however Native Tongues provides the real offer– as well as does it well.
The menu includes authentic tacos (soft corn tortillas layered with braised meats), tostadas (crunchy fried tortillas topped with beans, chipotle poultry or ahi tuna) as well as donas (polished donuts made daily).
If you can, appear on a Tuesday for $2.50 tacos.
(Tell them Visitor’s Digest sent you.).
These locations are worth seeing for the food alone.
26- Theatre Calgary
Although Theatre Calgary has a normal play program throughout the year, points warm up in summer season with its prominent Shakespeare by the Bow collection.
The real-time exterior efficiencies at Royal prince’s Island Park produce a really remarkable experience. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and also pay what you can.
Check out even more breathtakingly gorgeous places in Alberta.
27- Village Ice Cream
For a scoop or three of hand-made, small-batch, creamy goodness, drop in among Village Gelato’s three Calgary locations.
You’ll be sure to find something you like in their artisanal twists on classic ice cream flavours, from Guide’s Mint to Melted Delicious Chocolate.
(Psst– this is what your preferred gelato flavour claims concerning you!).
28- Hotel Arts Calgary
Fed up with common, cookie-cutter accommodations? The modern collections at Hotel Arts have character to spare.
Amenities at this midtown Calgary hotspot include an exterior pool and also outdoor patio, 2 dining establishments (Yellow Door Diner, which is perfect for brunch, and Raw Bar, which features modern-day Vietnamese food), in-room day spa solutions and also complimentary bike leasings.
Look into even more of the world’s most outstanding hotel pools.
29- Annex Ale Project
The most recent player in Calgary’s burgeoning craft beer scene, Annex Ale Job intends to make unusual, speculative beers that obtain individuals talking.
Mentioning which, this microbrewery’s tap room is the best area to overtake pals over a flight deck.
There’s even more to Calgary than its downtown core. Look into these excellent excursion from Calgary on one storage tank of gas.
30- St. Patrick’s Island
Need a quick respite from Calgary’s hustle and bustle? Take the George C. King Bridge over to St. Patrick’s Island. The 31-acre outdoor space has public art installations, a play space for kids, a fishing area, an amphitheatre and plenty of pathways to stroll.
Explore 50 more gorgeous parks across Canada.
Unveiling Calgary’s Hidden Gems: Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail
For those seeking experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions, Calgary offers a treasure trove of hidden gems. Here are some resources to spark your curiosity:
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The Broke Backpacker – 17 UNIQUE Things To Do in Calgary (in 2024): Discover unique experiences like exploring the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory for a night of stargazing, or visiting Studio Bell, home of Canada’s National Music Centre, for a journey through Canadian music history. https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/sitemap/
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Daily Hive Calgary – 11 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Calgary: This list from Daily Hive Calgary features intriguing options like visiting the Calgary Police Museum for a glimpse into law enforcement history or exploring the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, a historic working ranch on the city’s outskirts. https://dailyhive.com/calgary/calgary-bucket-list-things-to-do
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Atlas Obscura – The Atlas Obscura Guide To Calgary: For the truly off-the-beaten-path adventurer, Atlas Obscura offers a curated list of unusual attractions like the Peculiar Provisions store, a haven for curious collections, or the Eau Claire Market, a vibrant spot brimming with local artisans and independent shops. https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/calgary-alberta
Video – Things to Do in Calgary
Visit Calgary
Calgary’s vibrant energy, diverse attractions, and breathtaking natural beauty have undoubtedly captured your imagination.
This guide has merely skimmed the surface of the countless things to do in Calgary.
As you delve deeper into the city’s cultural tapestry, historical sites, and exciting adventures, you’ll discover a place that ignites your passions and leaves you with memories to cherish.
Ready to embark on your Calgary adventure? Here are some helpful resources:
- Visit Calgary: The official tourism website provides comprehensive information on attractions, events, transportation, and accommodation: https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do
- Calgary Events Calendar: Stay updated on upcoming festivals, concerts, and events happening throughout the year: https://www.visitcalgary.com/events
- Calgary Transit: Plan your city explorations with ease using Calgary’s efficient public transportation system: https://hastinfo.calgarytransit.com/HastinfoMVCWeb/RouteSchedules
We hope this guide has equipped you to explore the wonders of Calgary.
Share your experiences, hidden gems you discover, and favorite things to do in the comments section below.
Happy exploring, and until next time, “Howdy” from Calgary!
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