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The 40 Best Things To Do in Calgary (a Local's Guide)
Updated: 7 hours ago
Looking for the best things to do in Calgary?
We're a local family who have called Calgary home since 2012, and we've explored the city through every stage of life: first as newcomers, then as parents of young children, and now with two daughters who are always keen to weigh in on where we should go next.
That means this guide isn't based on a quick weekend visit. It's built on years of living here, exploring every corner of the city, and experiencing Calgary through different seasons, budgets and ages.
Calgary is best known for the Calgary Stampede, its western heritage, and its role as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, but there's far more to the city than that.
Some of our favourite experiences are the obvious ones, like Heritage Park and the Calgary Zoo. Others are the local gems that many visitors overlook. Think floating down the Bow River on a hot summer afternoon, watching the zoo's penguins shuffle through the snow in January, or enjoying brunch in the Calgary Tower's revolving restaurant while taking in the views across the city.
Here are our 40 favourite things to do in Calgary, based on more than a decade of calling this city home.
All prices and opening details last checked and updated in October 2026.
Planning a Calgary Trip?
We've created a few more local guides to help you make the most of your visit:
Two-Day Calgary Itinerary – Our step-by-step plan for the perfect Calgary weekend, including where to stay, eat, and explore.
Best Hotels in Calgary – Our recommendations for where to stay, from budget-friendly options to luxury downtown hotels.
Best Indoor Activities in Calgary – Don't let the weather spoil your plans. These are our favourite Calgary attractions and activities for rainy, snowy, or smoky days.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that we use and would recommend to friends.
Table of Contents
Use the drop-down menu to quickly navigate to different sections of the blog. They're grouped by type rather than ranked, so dip into whatever suits you. Simply click on a topic to jump directly to the information you’re interested in!
Map of Best Things to do in Calgary
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and plan your own itinerary.
To use this map, click the tab in the top left corner to toggle between layers and for more details about each attraction. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title. To access it later, open Google Maps, go to “Your Places,” and find it under “Maps.”
Museums & Attractions
The Calgary Tower
In the heart of downtown Calgary stands the iconic symbol of the city’s skyline: the Calgary Tower. On a clear day, going up the Calgary Tower is one of the best things to do in Calgary, as you can experience spectacular 360° views of the city below and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
The observation deck is about 160 metres up (the tower itself is 191 metres tall) and not only that, the deck has a glass floor, so you have very little choice but to look straight down to the downtown streets below!
It’s not exactly cheap, but a fun activity to do on a clear day. A more economical option (and what we typically do when we have visitors) is to go for brunch at the SKY 360 restaurant instead.
This restaurant is 155m high and revolves once every hour, so you get similar views of the city and mountains, but you don’t have to pay entry to the tower as you are eating in the restaurant. Don’t worry, it goes round slowly so you don’t feel like you are spinning.
Admission: Prices vary by day, from $25 + GST for adults, $23 for seniors and $13 for children (4–12), 3 and under: free
Calgary Tower: https://www.calgarytower.com/
Sky 360 restaurant: https://www.sky360.ca/
Heritage Park Historical Village
Are you curious to explore what Calgary looked like a century ago? If you are visiting during the summer months, Heritage Park Historic Village offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Alberta’s rich history.
You can wander through a replica 1910 pioneer town, complete with its main street lined with old stores such as a post office, school, police station and candy store.
Our kids' favourite activity is visiting the old-fashioned fairground that has turn of the century rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousel and dangler swings.
The park has a vintage steam train that you can ride, as well as the SS Moyie, the park’s paddlewheel ferry, which is a great way to enjoy views of the Glenmore Reservoir.
If you are visiting in the winter, the only part of the park that is open is Gasoline Alley. This small museum showcases an incredible array of vintage vehicles and petroleum memorabilia, so is a great option if it’s a rainy day or for an off season visit.
General Admission: Adult (16–64) $39.95, Senior $31.95, Child (3–15) $27.95, plus GST, Infant (0-2) free
Gasoline Alley Admission (only): Adult $14.95, Youth (3-15) $8.95, Infant (0-2) free
Website: https://heritagepark.ca/
The TELUS Spark Science Centre
The TELUS Spark is hands down one of the best indoor attractions for kids in Calgary. This excellent science center offers great interactive exhibits, and kids will find a hands-on approach to science throughout the center. Whether it’s gazing at the stars in the planetarium, experimenting with robotics, or experiencing virtual reality for the first time, there are so many different things to do!
One of the biggest draws though is the dome theatre, now called the Infinity Dome, which is a huge HD digital dome screen that covers the entire theatre’s circumference. It’s a completely different experience to a regular cinema so well worth giving it a go.
Dome shows are now included with general admission, so check the schedule when you arrive and fit in as many as you like.
General Admission: Adult $33.95, Senior $29.95, Child (3–17) $24.95, Family $117.95, Infant (0-2) free. Parking is $12.
Website: https://www.sparkscience.ca/
The Studio Bell National Music Centre
The Studio Bell is home to the National Music Centre and is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for music and its history. This relatively new museum, completed in 2016, has five floors to explore, filled with plenty of interactive displays.
You can even try your hand at playing a variety of instruments or record your own songs in the state-of-the-art recording studios.
However, the highlight for the kids was going to a ‘concert’ on the main stage, where the band played their way through the history of Canadian music, performing covers from the likes of Justin Bieber, Bryan Adams and Shawn Mendes!
General Admission: Adult $24.50, Youth (4-12) $16.50, Infant (0-3) free
Website: https://www.studiobell.ca/
The Military Museums
The Military Museums in Calgary is a large museum that is actually made up of eight separate museums: it includes the Naval, Army and Air Force Museums of Alberta, the Air Force Cold War Museum, and the four museums of the local founding regiments.
The museum has several life-like exhibits, including a great exhibition where you can walk through a WW1 trench. They have an impressive collection of fighter planes on display, and there is even an original German Enigma machine housed in the museum from WW2.
It’s moving to see how many Canadians lost their lives during the wars over the last century.
General Admission: Adult $17, Senior, Student or Youth (4–17) $7, Family $40, plus GST, Veterans free, Infant (0-3) free
Website: https://themilitarymuseums.ca/
The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary)
If you have an interest in history and want to learn about the birthplace of Calgary, then a visit to the Confluence (formerly called Fort Calgary until 2024) is a great way to spend a few hours.
We wrote a more detailed blog post about our day out here: Fort Calgary: Discovering the Birthplace of a City.
This historic site tells the story of the city’s early days, allowing visitors to explore the reconstructed fort, built on the site of the North-West Mounted Police post established in 1875. Inside the building, you’ll find exhibits that shed light on the region’s Indigenous history, the arrival of settlers, and the formation of present-day Calgary.
Also, the fort’s location right on the banks of the Bow River makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic and spending some leisurely time by the water, especially on a beautiful day.
General Admission: Adult $10.50, Youth (10–17) $7, Child (4–9) $3.50, Family $28, Indigenous peoples free, Infant (0-4) free
Website: https://www.theconfluence.ca/
The Hangar Flight Museum
The Hangar Flight Museum (formerly the Aero Space Museum of Calgary) is an ideal activity for families and aviation enthusiasts. The museum has a great collection of rare military and civilian aircraft. The museum is focused on aviation history, and showcasing the stories of those that flew these incredible planes.
If you are interested in airplanes, you might be interested in visiting the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, near Edmonton – it’s a 2 ½ hour drive from Calgary, but a worthwhile visit if you are in the area.
General Admission: Adult $15, Child (3-11) $8, Student (12-17) $10, Infant (0-2) free
Website: https://thehangarmuseum.ca/
The Calgary Police Discovery Centre
The Calgary Police Discovery Centre (formerly the Youthlink centre) is an interactive museum and learning space that offers a unique glimpse into the world of law enforcement and crime prevention. It's located at the Calgary Police Headquarters, and includes exhibits on forensic science, historical crime cases, and real-life policing tools.
Best of all, it’s a free thing to do in Calgary and perfect for families! We had a fantastic time at the discovery centre - read more about our visit here.
The Glenbow Museum (closed until 2027)
The Glenbow Museum is one of the largest museums in Western Canada and showcases over 33,000 works of art! The museum is currently being renovated, but once finished it will be an amazing space to visit, right in the heart of downtown – we can’t wait!
There is a smaller exhibition at the Edison which is free while the renovations are taking place.
Update: The Glenbow reopening has been delayed and is now targeting a 2027 reopening in its revitalized home, the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture.
Website: https://www.glenbow.org/
Nature & Wildlife
The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is one of our family's favourite places to visit during the winter in Calgary, but it’s great during the summer too.
The zoo has a great selection of animals to see! Some of our kids' favourites are the giraffes, hippos, red pandas, gorillas and the polar bears.
However the stars of the show are the penguins! From early January until mid March the penguins go for a daily walk around the zoo (it’s worth noting that they don’t have to go, they can choose to stay in the enclosure too).
In general, we have mixed feelings about zoos; but Calgary zoo really seems to care about the animals and has a real focus on conservation.
Over the Christmas period (mid-November until early January) the zoo puts on a famous Calgary winter tradition called the zoolights, where the zoo is lit up with thousands of lights. It's one of the best winter attractions and is a winter tradition for many families.
General Admission: Prices change daily. In summer, expect around $45.95 for adults (16–59), $43.45 for seniors and $32.95 for children, Infant (0-2) free
Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/
Prince’s Island Park
Nestled in the heart of Calgary lies the beautiful Prince’s Island Park, which is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being able to enjoy great views of downtown. In fall the leaves turn a gorgeous colour!
In the summer months it’s a wonderful place to stroll around, and in winter you can even skate on the lagoon! The park is home to the River Café which serves amazing locally sourced food and is one of our favourite restaurants in Calgary.
The park is right next to a beautifully designed bridge called the Peace Bridge. It’s an amazing design and is one of the most Instagram worthy photo spots in the city so well worth a visit.
The Bow Habitat Station
The Bow Habitat Station is located in Pearce Estate Park (close to Inglewood) along the banks of the Bow River, and is both a fish hatchery as well as a discovery centre and aquarium. As well as showcasing the large hatchery, it explains the important role that fish and fishing plays in Alberta’s culture.
The hatchery raises fish that are used to stock Alberta’s lakes and rivers. You can even feed the fish in the hatchery, which is a fun activity for kids. The discovery centre and hatchery are both priced separately, so you can choose to do either of them, or both.
Discovery Centre: Adult $10, Youth (4-17) $6, Family $30, plus GST, Infant (0-3) free
Admission to Feed Fish: All ages $2 + GST
Website: https://bowhabitat.alberta.ca/
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is home to around 270 species of birds, and is an excellent place to bird watch! Many other animals call the sanctuary home too though, and you will see plenty of others including butterflies, insects and even beavers!
The area is completely free to walk around, making this one of the best free activities to do in Calgary. The self-guided walking tour is particularly worthwhile.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Park is one of Calgary’s most beautiful parks, and boasts the title of Canada’s largest urban park, spanning 3,350 acres.
This beautiful park has lots of paved and unpaved pathways, ideal for short hikes, cycling or jogging, and it's one of our favourite places to hike in Calgary. There is even a manmade lake called Sikome Lake that has a beach where you can swim in the summer.
In winter, did you know you can visit frozen ice falls here too?
At the eastern end of the park, there is a restaurant called the Bow Valley Ranch restaurant. The restaurant is located inside an old ranch house that has been around since 1896. We’ve eaten there on multiple occasions and it serves up great food with some lovely views of the park.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is located slightly outside of Calgary (in Cochrane), but it's such an incredible experience I had to include it on this list.
This non-profit sanctuary offers three tour options, although it’s worth mentioning that you have to be at least 6 years old to enter the facility (no exceptions). Each of the tours have different minimum ages though so please check before you go.
You can take a self guided Sanctuary Walk, where you can stroll around the enclosures at your leisure and watch the wolfdogs from behind a fence.
The Intro Tour is a guided tour where you can view the wolfdogs from a viewing platform.
Then there is the Interactive Tour, where you can even go inside the enclosure with the wolfdogs for a one of kind experience!
Sanctuary Walk (6+ years only): Adult $37, Youth (6-11) $22
Intro Tour (10+ years only): All ages (10+) $52
Interactive Tour (15+ years only): All ages (15+) $99
Open Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm, year-round
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill Park is one of Calgary’s largest parks, and is perched on a hill just north of downtown Calgary. It’s no surprise that Nose Hill park offers some of the best views of our beautiful city.
It’s a great place to go hiking, take the dog for a walk, or just to take some great photos of downtown. Don’t miss the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel; a modern landmark that was built in 2015 as a tribute to the spiritual connection that the first nations people have with the land.
Looking for more great views of downtown Calgary?
Two more of our favourites are Scotsman's Hill, just east of downtown, which looks over the Stampede grounds and the skyline, and Rotary Park in Crescent Heights, just north of downtown.
Rotary Park is home to one of the original concrete lions from the Centre Street Bridge. It now sits on the bluff looking across at the replica lions on the bridge, and it was installed in 2018.
Art & Culture
The Calgary Central Library
The Calgary Central Library was built on the border of East Village in 2018 and is one of Calgary’s most architecturally impressive buildings.
We were told on our walking tour that the design from the inside is meant to represent a candle, honoring the strong links to the first nations people and Calgary’s heritage. If you enjoy photography, you could spend a few hours here crafting the perfect shot!
Just around the corner there is a wonderful chocolate shop called Cochu that has won multiple awards all over the country and is well worth a visit (they also sell a cup of melted chocolate from the chocolate fountain!)
Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP)
If you enjoy street art or are perhaps looking for some unique backdrops for your Instagram photos, then you should check out the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP). BUMP is a community led initiative that started back in 2017 and has grown so big that over 100 murals have been commissioned across the city, and they even have a festival each year.
They have a great website that showcases the murals, provides information about the artist and the inspiration behind the artwork, as well as an interactive map. You can even create your own self-guided tour on the website!
Website: https://yycbump.ca/
The Wonderland Sculpture
One of the most interesting pieces of modern art in Calgary is the Wonderland sculpture, that is located outside the Bow Building on 6th Avenue, in the heart of downtown.
It’s basically a huge 12 meter high sculpture in the shape of a face and makes for some great photos! It’s just a short walk from the Calgary Tower so easy to go and see at the same time.
Lougheed House
Lougheed House is a historic mansion located in Calgary, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. The mansion is one of Calgary's oldest buildings (built in 1891), and it now serves as a museum and cultural centre, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of an upper class Prairie family.
Lougheed House is an ideal destination if you’re in downtown Calgary and seeking a dose of history (which unfortunately is few and far between in Calgary compared to Eastern Canada). We wrote in more detail about our visit to Lougheed House here.
Admission: Adults $8.50, Youth (7-17) $6.50, 6 and under free
Website: https://lougheedhouse.com/
Downtown Walking Tour (Free)
A great way to really see downtown Calgary is to take a free walking tour from Toonie Tours. We recently took this tour and learnt so much about downtown Calgary that we didn’t know, despite living and working in this city for 14 years!
The tour took around 3 hours and there is around 5km of walking, but it was a pretty slow pace and suitable for most people. It is technically free for the tour, but it's recommended to tip your tour guide if you enjoy the tour.
Some of the highlights include:
The Calgary Tower
The Fairmont Hotel
Stephen Avenue
East Village
Calgary Central Library
The Bow & Suncor Buildings (Wonderland Sculpture)
The Devonian gardens
Website: https://www.toonietours.ca
Outdoor Activities
Cycle the Bow River Pathways
Cycling along the Bow River Pathway is one of our favourite activities in the fall when the leaves start to turn that gorgeous orange yellow colour.
We usually start our bike ride at Bowness Park on the western side of the city and take the path through the downtown area, past Prince’s Island Park and on to East Village. We often grab a coffee or ice cream in East Village and then cross over to St Patrick’s Island as they have a shallow cove for paddling in.
The path does go all the way down to Fish Creek Park in the South though if you are looking for a longer route.
If you need to hire bikes you can do so at Bow Cycle: https://www.bowcycle.com/
Float Down the Bow River
Don’t fancy cycling? Well how about floating down the Bow River in a rubber tube instead! If you happen to be visiting during the summer months, this is one of the activities that so many locals do, but most tourists don’t get around to trying….. and you definitely should!
One of the most popular starting points is from West Baker Park near Bowness, where you can leisurely float all the way to Prince’s Island park. The float usually takes around 2-3 hours.
We’ve used Lazy Day Raft Rental and highly recommend them as they make the whole experience hassle free. You can park at the end point and catch a shuttle to the start of the float, so that you don’t have to worry about getting back to your car at the end of the day!
Website: https://www.lazydayraftrentals.com/
Bowness Park
Bowness Park sits on the Bow River on the western edge of the city, and it's where we usually start our bike rides along the Bow River Pathway. It's one of Calgary's oldest parks, and it's still one of the city's favourite places to spend a day outside.
In summer, the shallow lagoon is the main draw. You can rent pedal boats, canoes and kayaks from the boathouse (from $20 for 30 minutes), and little ones can ride the vintage mini-train ($5 a ticket, or $10 for a family).
There's also a wading pool, plenty of picnic spots, and fire pits and BBQ stands you can book. If you'd rather someone else did the cooking, the tea house restaurant overlooks the lagoon.
In winter, the lagoon freezes over and becomes one of Calgary's best outdoor skating spots. Skating is free, and you can rent skates on site.
Good to know: boat and skate rentals are walk-up only, with no reservations, and card payment only. Skate rentals stay closed when it's forecast to be -20°C or colder.
Calgary Olympic Park (COP)
The Canada Olympic Park was built as part of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and since then it has turned into a training centre for future Olympians, as well as a year round activity centre.
In the summer you can fly down the hill on mountain bike or try the Skyline luge, where you can go-kart down the custom built track. It is around 1800 metres long and has 50 turns along the way so it’s lots of fun. It's fun for kids but it's also one of the best things to do in Calgary for adults that love adventure.
We've written a detailed post covering everything you need to know, including what to expect, how to get discounted tickets, and tips for making the most of your visit.
In the winter you can hone your skiing or snowboard skills before heading out to the mountains. You can either purchase a lift pass or get group or individual lessons. You can even give tubing a try under the lights!
Be sure to check out the famous Cool Runnings bobsled, inspired by the movie about the Jamaican bobsleigh team's unlikely journey to the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Pricing: various
Website: https://www.downhillkarting.ca/
Indoor Skydiving at iFly
This one sat on our "one day" list for a long time, and we finally gave it a go. It was great fun!
iFly is an indoor wind tunnel that lets you experience the feeling of skydiving without jumping out of a plane, so it's a great way to try it if you've never had the chance, or if you'd rather keep your feet a little closer to the ground.
It's a fun one for kids and adrenaline-loving adults alike.
Pricing: various
Website: https://iflyworld.ca/
Family Friendly
Calaway Park
Calaway Park in Calgary is a popular destination in the summer for families that want their kids to blow off some steam at a theme park!
Calaway Park has 32 rides suitable for all ages, including water ‘bumper’ boats, roller coasters, and a free falling ride that I will never go on! You can get single day or multi day passes, as well as annual memberships too.
Admission: Regular (3–49) $55.95, 50+ $45.95, after 2pm $39.95, plus GST, children 2 and under – free. Parking is now included.
Website: https://www.calawaypark.com/
The Regal Cat Café
If you like drinking coffee, eating cake and playing with cats then you might say that the Regal Cat Cafe is the purrfect place to go for a bite to eat and drink! (Apologies for the Dad joke)
If you haven’t visited one of these cafes before, it is essentially split into two parts; one where you eat and drink, and the other where you can go in and play / stroke cats or just watch them through the glass partition. It’s a really fun concept and our kids loved it (well, until we found out our youngest was allergic to cats!)
The café partners up with the MEOW Foundation, so all of the cats you see are available for adoption, and they have re-homed over 1,000 to date!
Website: https://www.regalcatcafe.com
Horsin’ Around
Horsin’ Around is a great facility in the south of Calgary, that offers pony rides, riding lessons and even has a petting farm. The facility is open all year round due to its large indoor (heated) facility, where the pony rides are held.
Inside the building there are also a number of large bouncy castles for the kids to play on (our daughters have been to birthday parties there and it’s lots of fun).
The petting farm has lots of animals including rabbits, goats, pigs and chickens, and there are of course horse stables that you can walk around to pet the horses too. In the winter they also offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, weather permitting.
Website: http://www.horsinaround.ca/
Granary Road
Granary Road is a relatively new attraction in Calgary, and was only built in 2017, but is already considered one of the best family friendly activities in Calgary.
Granary Road is made up of 3 kilometers of winding trails and 11 exhibits that are designed to teach kids about animals, insects and agriculture - while they’re having fun! The park features a giant spider web climber, in-ground lily pad trampolines, a huge 4-story ant farm, a working farm/petting zoo and much more.
As well as the activity centre, during the summer months Granary Road holds a farmers market in the main building on weekends, as well as putting on special events throughout the year.
Website: https://www.granaryroad.com/
Cobb's Adventure Park
Cobbs Adventure Park, located in the North East of Calgary, is a family-friendly activity park that is home to various farm animals as well as a large adventure playground. Younger children will love the petting zoo, where you can interact with kangaroos, alpacas and goats.
Older kids will love the giant hill slides, tractor rides and the ‘black light’ mini golf and archery tag!
Website: https://cobbsadventurepark.com/
B-Line Bike Park
B-Line Indoor Bike Park offers plenty of options for riders of all ages. The park features various pump tracks and jumps for beginners and younger riders, including a section tailored for kids with a seesaw track.
The larger section is more suited to advanced riders, and has more difficult pump tracks with jumps, wooden boardwalks, and even foam pit ramps for practicing jumps!
It’s a great choice for families when the weather is cold outside and as a ‘warm up’ before you can hit the trails in the spring/summer.
Website: https://www.blinebikepark.com/
Local Events
The Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is such a fun time to be in the City. If you happen to be visiting in early July, then you're in luck! The city holds the 'greatest outdoor show on earth' and there really is something for everyone, no matter what age.
Inside the stampede grounds, you can watch the chuck wagon races or rodeo shows, the kids can enjoy the huge midway, listen to live music, or attend the grand show finale with amazing fireworks!
For foodies there are some wacky and wonderful creations available in the grounds too, with all sorts of traditional and not so traditional options from food trucks (think poutine, Kool-Aid chicken burgers, or pigs’ ears on a stick!).
Outside of the grounds look for communities putting on their own stampede parties. There is usually a free pancake breakfast and kids activities available to anyone who stops by.
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com/
Watch the Calgary Flames
Hockey is life in Canada, and if you happen to visit during the NHL season then you should try to attend a game if the timing works out. Whether you follow hockey or not, it’s a great thing to experience, and is probably about as Canadian as you can get!
This season (2026–27) is also the Flames' last at the Scotiabank Saddledome, their home since 1983, before they move next door to the new Scotia Place arena in fall 2027. If you can catch a game this winter, you'll see the end of an era.
Ticket prices can range from around $30 for the cheap seats, right up to $300+ for the best seats in the house.
Buy Tickets Here: https://www.nhl.com/flames/tickets/
Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows is a large sports complex and grounds, originally built for equestrian show jumping, but is now also home to the Cavalry FC soccer team.
Throughout the year you can walk the grounds for free, check out the horse stables and sometimes even catch a dressage event in the large practice arenas. Our girls love horses so we go there quite regularly and there is always something going on. It's one of the less known free activities to do in Calgary with children.
Cavalry FC won the Canadian Premier League title in 2024 and reached the final again in 2025, so if you can snag a ticket, you've a good chance of seeing them win!
Spruce Meadows also puts on a Christmas Light show throughout December, which is completely free and a great alternative to the zoo lights (we go every year as a Christmas tradition).
You can drive through the park to view the lights or park and walk into the main area, where they sell snacks and mulled wine. Pets are allowed.
Website: https://www.sprucemeadows.com
Cavalry FC: https://cavalryfc.canpl.ca/
Check What’s on!
There are always plenty of local events going on – most of which you’ll have no idea about unless you are in the know. How do locals find out about these things? Well, usually we rely on the following websites for information, as well as local Calgary Facebook groups:
Shopping
Calgary's Shopping Malls
Located smack bang in the middle of Downtown Calgary, The CORE Shopping Centre is Calgary's premier downtown mall, with four floors and over 150 stores and places to eat. It's easy to reach by car as there is underground parking (free in the evenings and on weekends), and it sits right next to the CTrain.
The real reason to visit, though, is the fourth floor, which is almost entirely taken up by the Devonian Gardens. The gardens include over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, a 900 sq. ft. living wall, fountains and fish ponds. It's also free, which makes it one of the best places in downtown to warm up on a cold day.
If you're after the big global brands, head south to CF Chinook Centre, Calgary's largest shopping mall, on Macleod Trail. It has over 250 stores and restaurants, plus a cinema, and it's a short walk from Chinook CTrain station.
Depending on where you're staying, Market Mall in the northwest and Southcentre in the southeast are also good options.
Calgary's Best Shopping Streets: Stephen Avenue and 17th Avenue
Two streets do most of the work when it comes to shopping and eating out in central Calgary, and they suit different times of day.
17th Avenue SW, known as the "Red Mile," is where the action is, with independent shops, lively bars, and some of the city's best food spots. As the day turns into night, 17th Ave becomes Calgary's most popular nightlife destination, with bars and restaurants open well into the early hours. Many bars offer happy hour specials from 3–5pm.
Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW) is a pedestrian-only street in downtown Calgary, and it's proudly recognised as a National Historic District.
Many of its buildings are made from locally quarried sandstone, so don't forget to look up as you walk. It's a good mix of shops, restaurants and bars, and it's the place to pick up souvenirs.
If you want a 'the bear, the moose and the beaver' t-shirt, this is where you will find it. In summer there are often food trucks along the street, and it gets especially lively when festivals and concerts are in town. Look out for the white Galleria Tree sculptures outside Bankers Hall.
If you're into the outdoors, it's also worth a detour to 10th Avenue SW in the Beltline, where you'll find MEC's main Calgary store.
The Calgary Farmers' Market
The Calgary Farmers' Market is one of our regular weekend spots, and it's a great way to taste local food without having to pick a single restaurant. It's open year-round and indoors, so it works in any weather.
Inside you'll find dozens of small local vendors selling Alberta beef and bison, fresh produce, bakery treats and gifts, plus a food hall with everything from perogies and butter chicken to crêpes.
Our must-stop is the German food stall, whose schnitzels are so good. It's a relaxed, family-friendly place, and the South location has a kids' play area to burn off some energy. In summer there's a licensed patio too.
There are now two locations:
South: just up the hill from Deerfoot Meadows (510 77 Ave SE). Open Thursday to Sunday, 9am–5pm.
West: across from WinSport (25 Greenbriar Drive NW). Open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am–7pm, and Sunday, 9am–5pm.
Website: https://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/
Sample the Local Food
Calgary has a fantastic food and drink scene! Be sure to sample some of the local favourites, including an Alberta raised steak, ginger beef, poutine or a Caesar cocktail.
Related Content: 12 Foods to try when Visiting Calgary
Three Calgary Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring: Beltline, Inglewood and Kensington
If you're staying downtown, three neighbourhoods close by are well worth a wander. Each has its own character, and all three are full of independent restaurants, cafés and shops.
Beltline sits just south of downtown and is the city's busiest dining and nightlife area. It's home to 17th Avenue and most of the BUMP murals, so it's easy to combine a mural walk with dinner. One of our favourites here is Bridgette Bar on 10th Avenue SW. You can go for a fancy meal or keep it simple with pizza or pasta, so it works whether you're treating yourself or sticking to a budget.
Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and one of our favourites. We've been there more times than we can count, and it has an up-and-coming, quirky feel, with independent shops, restaurants and bars along 9th Avenue SE. It's also close to two other spots on this list, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and the Bow Habitat Station, so it's easy to make a day of it.
Kensington is across the river, a short walk from downtown over the Peace Bridge. It has some really nice restaurants and is a great place to go for food, and its streets are interesting to wander. That makes it an easy evening out if you're staying downtown.
The Best Places to Stay in Calgary
For a complete guide to the best places to stay including insider tips hotel deals and options for every budget check out our full post here The Best Hotels in Calgary
Luxury Hotels in Calgary
The Fairmont Palliser - For a luxurious experience in the heart of Calgary, look no further than the Fairmont Palliser. This historic hotel is located about 100 meters away from the Calgary Tower, so you are right in the thick of things!
Another high end option is Le Germain Hotel, which is across the road from the Palliser, and just steps away from many of the sights and attractions in the city. It's a modern hotel, so a different experience compared to the Palliser, so it really comes down to your personal preference.
Mid Range Hotels in Calgary
Hotel Arts is one of our favourite spots in downtown for a quick staycation! We’ve actually stayed here twice for weddings and have always enjoyed ourselves. The outdoor pool is a bit of a place to be seen with the younger crowd in the summer. Plus, it’s just around the corner from 10 Foot Henry, which is one of my go-to restaurants! Another great mid-range option is the Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown.
Budget Hotels in Calgary
A great budget (ish) option is the Alt Hotel which is located in East Village. This trendy neighborhood is just a short walk from St. Patrick's Island and the Confluence (Fort Calgary). While it's a bit further from attractions like the Calgary Tower, it’s still only a 20-minute walk. Plus, it’s close to the Simmons Building, home to Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, known for some of the best coffee in the city.
Hostels in Calgary
HI Calgary City Centre Hostel is a popular choice for budget travelers, and is also located in East Village. This hostel offers a variety of dormitory-style and private rooms, known for its friendly atmosphere and communal kitchen, making it a welcoming spot for those looking to connect with fellow travellers.
HOW TO GET AROUND
From the Airport
If you're arriving at Calgary International Airport (YYC), getting to downtown isn't as straightforward as in some other cities. There's no train to the airport, so you'll need to rent a car, take a bus, or use a taxi or rideshare.
While we typically don't use the bus, the Route 300 express bus runs straight from the airport to downtown and is the cheapest way in. Many hotels also offer an airport shuttle, so it's worth checking before you book a taxi.
A taxi to downtown costs around $40 to $50, or $70 to $80 for a sedan.
I've found Uber to be pretty reliable, quick, and almost always cheaper than the taxis as they don't have to pay the pickup fee that taxis do.
Getting Around Downtown
Downtown Calgary is compact, so you can walk between most of the central sights on this list. E-scooters and e-bikes are everywhere in summer, and you can rent them with a tap of your card.
You can also take advantage of the CTrain, which has several stops throughout downtown. It's worth noting that travel is free on the CTrain between the City Hall and 8th Street stations, making it a quick and cost-effective way to explore that part of the city.
Plus 15 Network
The Plus 15 is a network of enclosed walkways connecting downtown office towers, malls and CTrain stations.
They're 15ft off the ground, thus the +15 name. In the winter, I can assure you that this is a godsend! You can walk around almost all of downtown without ever having to venture outside into the -30°C weather!
Hiring a Car
If you plan on exploring outside of downtown or taking a road trip to the Canadian Rockies, you are probably going to want to rent a car. Calgary's attractions are spread out, and public transport to the mountains is limited.
In the past we've tended to stick with the big guys when it comes to car hire, however recently we've been finding we actually get a cheaper price through discovercars.com so tend to use them to find the best deals.
The Best Time to Visit
The short answer: summer, especially July, is the most popular time to visit, for the warm weather and the Stampede, but every season has something to offer. Here's how they compare.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Calgary is unpredictable. You can get a warm, sunny week in April followed by a snowstorm, and snow in May isn't unusual.
By late May, average highs reach around 15°C (59°F). It's a good time for Prince's Island Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park, as the trees come back into leaf and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. With highs of 20–25°C (68°F to 77°F) and long evenings, when it stays light until after 10pm in June, this is the best season from a weather standpoint.
It's also the busiest and most expensive time, so book hotels early, especially for Stampede week. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and Calgary is known for the odd summer hailstorm.
If you find yourself in Calgary in July, don't miss the Calgary Stampede. For ten days the whole city gets involved, with rodeos, concerts, free pancake breakfasts and half the office workers downtown in cowboy hats.
Fall (September to November)
Fall turns the trees along the Bow River gold, and it's when the city is at its quietest. Average highs range from 15°C (59°F) in September to around 5°C (41°F) in November.
It's my favorite time of year to get outdoors with much lower crowds; I love hiking in Kananaskis in late September and early October to see the golden larch trees. Just keep in mind that fall can be brief if an early snowfall strips the trees of their leaves.
Winter (December to February)
For most of the winter, temperatures hover between -10°C and -20°C. You can ski at WinSport inside the city, or at Nakiska in Kananaskis, about an hour's drive away. Calgary does get a lot of sun (one of the sunniest major cities in North America), so even -15°C often feels quite warm if you layer up properly.
Calgary also gets chinooks, warm winds off the mountains that can push the temperature above zero in a matter of hours. However, we do experience at least one week each year where temperatures can plummet to -30°C, which can make outdoor activities quite challenging to say the least!
Enjoy Your Visit to Calgary
That's our pick of the 40 best things to do in Calgary, the places we take friends and family when they visit, and the ones we keep going back to ourselves. Whether you're here for a weekend or settling in for longer, there's more than enough to fill your days.
If you're still planning, a few of our other guides pair well with this one: our two-day Calgary itinerary if you're tight on time, our pick of the best hotels in Calgary for where to stay, our round-up of indoor activities for a rainy or snowy day, and our guide to the best foods to eat in Calgary once you've worked up an appetite.
And if you're using Calgary as a base to explore further, head to our Calgary page for much more content.
Most visitors pair the city with the mountains, and our Canadian Rockies itinerary is the best place to start.
If you're road-tripping south to Waterton Lakes or out to the Badlands at Drumheller, each has its own page, and our Alberta and British Columbia pages cover everything further afield.
Have a brilliant trip, and if we've missed your favourite spot, let us know in the comments.
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