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Calgary, Canada

Destination Guide

Calgary

Canada

Best things to do in Calgary

34 curated attractions in Calgary, Canada. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

5°C/41°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Calgary

Calgary, home to the Calgary Stampede, was shaped by its cowboy roots and the nearby Rocky Mountains. The city’s blend of historical and cultural attractions reflects this dual identity: Heritage Park showcases the early days of the Canadian West while the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra caters to contemporary tastes. Meanwhile, the downtown skyline, with its shiny towers, tells a different story of modern growth fueled by the energy sector. The juxtaposition of the old and new can be seen in places like Fort Calgary and the Calgary Tower. Visitors mostly come for the Stampede in July, which draws crowds eager for rodeos, music, and everything deep-fried on a stick.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of Western culture and urban life. Ideal for families, festival-goers, and anyone who appreciates a good rodeo. Not the best choice for those seeking a quiet retreat or a laid-back atmosphere; the Stampede crowds can be overwhelming.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city is walkable, with the downtown core covered in about thirty minutes on foot
  • The CTrain light rail system is efficient and connects most tourist areas
  • Calgary International Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown by taxi
  • Fish Creek Provincial Park is accessible by public transit but requires a bit of walking once you get there
Calgary Public Library

Calgary Public Library

Historic libraries & universities
Calgary Farmyard

Calgary Farmyard

Family & kids' attractions
Calgary Flames NHL games

Calgary Flames NHL games

Stadiums & sports venues
Calgary Hitmen WHL games

Calgary Hitmen WHL games

Stadiums & sports venues
4th Street

4th Street

Urban Attractions
Pedal Pub Calgary

Pedal Pub Calgary

Adventure
Mountain View Helicopters

Mountain View Helicopters

Adventure
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuaries
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Concert halls
Bow River Pathway

Bow River Pathway

Hiking trails
Clear Spa

Clear Spa

Wellness
Prince's Island Park

Prince's Island Park

City parks
Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park

City parks
Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village

Old towns & historic quarters
Out Fly Fishing

Out Fly Fishing

Sports and Recreation Venues
Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park

City parks
Calgary Folk Music Festival

Calgary Folk Music Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Calgary Farmers' Market

Calgary Farmers' Market

Food markets & food halls
Sam Centre

Sam Centre

Urban Attractions
Devonian Gardens

Devonian Gardens

Botanical gardens
Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo

Zoos
Calgary's Peace Bridge

Calgary's Peace Bridge

Urban Attractions
Calgary International Film Festival

Calgary International Film Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Stephen Avenue Walk

Stephen Avenue Walk

Streets & neighbourhoods
Calgary Tower

Calgary Tower

Observation decks & city views
Contemporary Calgary

Contemporary Calgary

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Glenbow Museum

Glenbow Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Canada Olympic Park

Canada Olympic Park

Ski resorts
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Theatres & opera houses
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Specialty & quirky museums
Olympic Plaza

Olympic Plaza

Squares & plazas
Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede

Festivals & celebrations
Fort Calgary

Fort Calgary

Forts & citadels
Telus Spark Science Centre

Telus Spark Science Centre

Science & natural history museums

Where to eat in Calgary

The places worth planning a meal around.

Class Clown Hamburgers

Class Clown Hamburgers

American Burgers · $15–$25

★ 4.5 · 2,722 reviews

Caesar's Steak House

Caesar's Steak House

Canadian

★ 4.5 · 2,524 reviews

Calgary Tower Sky 360 Restaurant

Calgary Tower Sky 360 Restaurant

$$$

★ 4.0 · 2,450 reviews

UNA Pizza + Wine

UNA Pizza + Wine

★ 4.5 · 2,413 reviews

Greedy Donut

Greedy Donut

Bakery/Dessert · $5–$10

★ 4.8 · 2,343 reviews

High Ground Cafe

High Ground Cafe

Canadian

★ 4.5 · 2,310 reviews

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