Calgary is a vibrant, modern metropolis nestled at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, known for its western heritage, the world-famous Stampede, and a booming culinary scene. It is best visited during the summer months for outdoor festivals or in winter for proximity to world-class mountain resorts.
Top Things to Do in Calgary
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Getting Around Calgary
From the Airport
Bus. The Route 300 BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) runs directly from the airport to downtown Calgary, taking about 30-40 minutes and costing a standard transit fare. Rideshare. Uber and Lyft operate extensively at the airport with designated pickup zones located at the Arrivals level of the terminal.
Once You're There
CTrain. The CTrain is Calgary's light rail system, which is free to ride within the downtown core along 7th Avenue. Walking. The downtown core and neighborhoods like Inglewood and Mission are very walkable, though the city is quite sprawling overall. Rideshare. Uber is the primary rideshare service used throughout the city for reaching destinations outside the downtown core.
Where to Stay in Calgary
Hotel picks for Calgary are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly, pre-filled with your dates:
Where to Eat in Calgary
Ten Foot Henry★ 4.7 (4,103)1209 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3, CanadaCelebrated for its vegetable-forward small plates and the iconic butterscotch pudding.
Anju★ 4.6 (674)1721 Centre St NW, Calgary, AB T2E 2S3, CanadaModern Korean tapas that reimagines traditional flavors into bold, shareable plates.
Native Tongues Taqueria★ 4.5 (5,220)235 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7, CanadaAuthentic, street-style Mexican tacos served in a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
Una Pizza + Wine★ 4.5 (2,412)618 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B4, CanadaThe go-to destination for thin-crust, California-style pizza and an excellent selection of wines.
Shokunin★ 4.5 (2,214)2016 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3, CanadaAn award-winning izakaya specializing in Japanese charcoal-grilled yakitori and craft cocktails.
Model Milk★ 4.5 (1,238)308 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2V1, CanadaA trendy spot known for creative, elevated comfort food and a constantly evolving, inventive menu.
Alloy★ 4.5 (1,023)220 42 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1Y4, CanadaA unique fusion restaurant blending Mediterranean and Latin flavors with refined technique.
Major Tom Bar★ 4.4 (2,689)700 2 St SW #4000, Calgary, AB T2P 2W2, CanadaOffers an upscale dining experience on the 40th floor with panoramic city views and classic steakhouse fare.
River Café★ 4.3 (2,241)25 Prince's Island Park, SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1, CanadaRenowned for its commitment to seasonal, locally sourced Canadian ingredients served in a stunning park setting.
Charbar★ 4.1 (2,029)618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1, CanadaFamous for its wood-fired grill and dry-aged Alberta beef served in the historic Simmons Building.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Calgary
Downtown Icons & Urban Parks
Morning. Start your trip at the Calgary Tower to gain a bird's-eye perspective of the city grid and the distant Rocky Mountains. From there, walk a few blocks to the Central Library, an architectural masterpiece that is as impressive inside as its crystalline exterior suggests. Spend an hour wandering the stacks and soaking in the light-filled atrium before heading toward the Bow River. Walk along the riverfront pathway until you reach the striking red Peace Bridge, a favorite spot for photographers. It's best to visit early on a weekday to avoid the morning commuter rush.
Afternoon. Cross the bridge into Prince's Island Park, a lush urban oasis in the middle of the river that feels miles away from the concrete jungle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the flower gardens and wetlands before walking toward the historic Eau Claire district. Stop for a coffee or a light snack at a local cafe while watching the river rafters drift by. If you have time, head back toward the downtown core to explore the indoor greenery of the Devonian Gardens, a massive botanical park located on the top floor of The CORE Shopping Centre. This is the perfect way to stay warm if the weather turns brisk.
Evening. Conclude your first day by walking down Stephen Avenue Walk, the city's historic pedestrian mall lined with sandstone buildings and bustling pubs. The atmosphere here is electric as the sun sets and the streetlights flicker on. Grab a table at a nearby restaurant to enjoy the city's famous Alberta beef. Afterward, cap off your evening with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the downtown skyline. It is the ideal way to soak in the energy of Calgary's central business district.
Heritage & Riverfront Dining
Morning. Dedicate your morning to Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada's largest living history museum. You will need at least three to four hours to fully explore the vintage steam train, the paddlewheel boat, and the collection of over 180 historic buildings that showcase life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Arrive right at opening time to beat the school groups and catch the morning demonstrations at the bakery and blacksmith shop. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and hilly. It is a nostalgic trip through time that provides essential context for Calgary's roots.
Afternoon. Head back toward the city center to explore the revitalized East Village neighborhood. This area has transformed into a hip hub of culture and design, anchored by the impressive Studio Bell, which houses the National Music Centre. Spend your afternoon exploring the interactive exhibits and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Afterward, take a short walk to the historic Simmons Building, a former mattress factory turned culinary destination. It is the perfect place to grab a late lunch while overlooking the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
Evening. Spend your final evening in the nearby neighborhood of Inglewood, Calgary's oldest and most eclectic district. Wander down 9th Avenue SE to browse independent boutiques, antique shops, and local art galleries. As the evening sets in, the neighborhood comes alive with live music venues and cozy pubs. Enjoy a dinner that highlights local ingredients before taking a quiet walk toward the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to listen for owls and other wildlife. It is the perfect, relaxed end to a busy day of exploration.
Wildlife & Mountain Views
Morning. Begin your day at the Calgary Zoo, one of the most respected animal conservation centers in North America. Located on St. George's Island, the zoo offers massive enclosures for everything from Canadian grizzly bears to exotic penguins. Spend your morning walking through the Canadian Wilds section to get a sense of the local fauna. It is best to arrive right when the gates open to see the animals at their most active. The pathways are well-marked and offer beautiful views of the river valley surrounding the island.
Afternoon. After leaving the zoo, head toward the trendy neighborhood of Mission for a relaxing afternoon. This area is known for its high concentration of independent cafes and boutiques along 4th Street SW. Grab a casual lunch at a local spot and then take a walk through the nearby Lindsay Park. If you have a car, this is the perfect time to drive west toward the city limits for a sunset view of the Rockies from the edge of the urban sprawl. It is a great way to see how the city meets the foothills.
Evening. For your final evening, experience the culinary creativity that Calgary is becoming famous for. Choose a restaurant in the Beltline district, which is home to some of the city's best izakayas and modern fusion spots. The area is highly walkable and packed with energy after dark. Finish your trip with a visit to a local craft brewery, as Calgary has one of the fastest-growing craft beer scenes in the country. Toast to your successful trip before heading back to your hotel.
