Looking for the best things to do in Calgary? If yes, you are on the right blog. We also explored Calgary and its surrounding attractions, from awesome glass-floor views to Stampede chuckwagons to dinosaur country badlands. In this guide, you will know the top Calgary attractions and the things you can do on a Calgary trip.
What are the best things to do in Calgary?
Calgary is a city worth spending more than just a night in. It is an awesome place for you to enjoy your trip. Let’s talk about some of the best things to do in Calgary!
1. Race Down the Luge Track
Canada Olympic Park is a must for adrenaline junkies. You can go down a luge track on a kart that needs your own steering. Confirm an easy take on the first run and save your speed for the last runs.
2. Ride Up the Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower is a 190.8-meter (626 ft) free-standing observation tower that provides you with attractive views of the city and is one of the more famous tourist attractions in Calgary.
Get on the glass floor, if you dare, and make a dinner reservation at the Sky 360 restaurant for even better views. If time is not on your side, take our Calgary city tour for a bird’s-eye view of the city and zoo in just a few hours.
3. Order an Alberta Steak
Next best thing is the Alberta steak. If beef is your thing, you’re in the right place. Dry-aged steak at the numerous steakhouses is a must for your first visit. Ask your server where the beef comes from to talk about about some locals’ favorite topics.
4. Spend the Day at the Calgary Zoo
The Wilder Institute is home to Canada’s second-largest zoo and is home to over 1,000 different species. During winter, the zoo transforms into ZOOLIGHTS, one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the city.
5. Time Your Visit Around Calgary Events
The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day festival in July that features a rodeo, concerts, a fair, parades, and a breaking of the Guinness World Record for the most pancakes flipped. Confirm to make hotel reservations well in advance.
6. Walk or Bike the River Pathways
The Bow River pathway runs through many of Calgary’s attractions. Start at Prince’s Island Park, cross the Peace Bridge, and just keep going. It’s free, and during the fall it’s beautiful with all the colorful leaves.
7. Step Back in Time at Heritage Park
Heritage Park is home to steam trains and a paddlewheeler. The Historical Village and Gasoline Alley Museum are both worth visiting.
8. Scream a Little at Calaway Park
Located just outside of Calgary, Calaway Park has many rides and attractions for the whole family.
9. Take a Day Trip to Banff
About an hour and a half away from Calgary, Banff is home to many beautiful lakes and hiking trails. A Banff tour is the easiest way to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
10. Cheer at a Flames or Stampeders Game
Stampeder football games are very famous during the summer and fall. While you can buy hockey game tickets to see the Flames at the Saddledome, ticket prices skyrocket for games against Edmonton.
- What to do while you’re here:
You can select the things that you have to do based on your interests.
- Well, if you like big views, you should prefer to visit the Calgary Tower. On a clear day (around sunset), you can’t beat the views.
- If you have an interest in history (with kids), you should go to Heritage Park. It is the best place for fun and to explore the history (mid-May to mid-Oct).
- If you are an animal lover, the Wilder Institute or the Calgary Zoo (all year round, with ZOOLIGHTS in the winter)
- If you want a short, easy walk, Prince’s Island Park is the perfect option for you, especially in the spring or summer season.
- Do you want to enjoy any festival? If yes, then Calgary Stampede (July) is the ideal option for you. Here you can fully enjoy the festival.
- If you feel happy to see the mountains, you should visit Banff (all year)
Best attractions in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
1. Calgary Tower
190.8 meters tall and part of the Calgary skyline since 1968, it’s a little touristy but still worth the trip. Fun fact: the glass floor on the observation deck was added in 2005.
2. Stephen Ave and Central Library
Stephen Ave (8th Avenue SW) is where the touristy shopping and restaurants are, with old sandstone buildings and patios. Perfect for an evening stroll.
3. Prince’s Island and the Peace Bridge
Prince’s Island is where Calgarians flock to on a nice day. Fun fact: it’s an island in the Bow River. You can tell it used to be an old railway because of how straight the river bends. During the summer, there are a ton of street performers, food stands, and festivals.
Take the Peace Bridge (designed by Santiago Calatrava) to Sunnyside and stroll across McHugh Bluff to explore Kensington. The area has some incredible restaurants and cafes and bustles with funky shops. Rent a bike to cover more of the extensive river pathway system to the north and south.
4. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
The Zoo and the Wilder Institute for the Advancement of Zoology are on St. George’s Island. A short C-train ride gets you there from Downtown. Many families spend a half day here without trying.
Visiting in November or December? ZOOLIGHTS turns the zoo into a winter light display, and it’s been a Calgary tradition for 30 years. Our post covers timing if you want to do the Calgary Tower and Zoo in one day.
5. Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is closed in winter, but Gasoline Alley Museum is open year-round. This is where the vintage cars and gas pumps are. If we had to choose, this would be our top pick of things to do with kids in Calgary.
6. Studio Bell and the Glenbow
Studio Bell and Glenbow are both worth a visit. Studio Bell is home of the National Music Centre. Glenbow features Canadian and Indigenous art. There are temporary exhibitions as well as the permanent collection.
The Glenbow is in the process of redeveloping its facility and will reopen in 2027 as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture. In the meantime, it will offer free general admission.
7. Inglewood and Kensington
Want to know what else to do in Calgary outside of the big main attractions? Just pick a neighborhood!
Inglewood is home to many antique shops, record shops, and pubs. Across the river, in Kensington, you will find more record shops and bookstores. Both neighborhoods are perfect for just walking around, taking your time and enjoying the scenery.
8. Fish Creek Provincial Park
If you need a break from the big city, head on over to Fish Creek Park, where you can enjoy deer roaming free among the aspen trees and take nature trails that are just a stone’s throw from the big city.
9. Canada Olympic Park (WinSport)
The old ski jumps located on the west side of town are no longer in use but host events and activities during the summer, like mountain biking, and in the winter, like skiing and skating.
10. The Calgary Stampede
For 10 days in July, the whole city puts on cowboy boots and enjoys activities and events like the rodeo, chuckwagon racing, and a huge fair with rides and games. There is also the option for a free pancake breakfast that you can enjoy without any hesitation.
Calgary Canada Events Worth Planning Around
Now it’s time to discuss Calgary, Canada, events worth planning around. Let’s start!
- Month of July: Stampede event
- Month of November: Zoolights and Holiday Markets
- Fall and Winter: Flames hockey
- Other Activities
Easy Day Trips and Calgary Tours
Calgary is only a 130 km/90-minute drive from Banff and the lakes. Keep in mind, there are no shuttles or parking at Lake Louise. However, you can join us on our Calgary to Banff day tour.
Northeast of Calgary is Drumheller and the badlands. Surprises await in Drumheller. No shuttle or parking at Lake Louise. Book our Calgary to Drumheller day tour.
Downtown tours include the Calgary Tower and Zoo.
Tips to Visit Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Getting Around: You can get a free pass on the CTrain in and around downtown Calgary. The CTrain is a great form of transportation to use for free in and around downtown Calgary. This transportation extends long distances, so you can visit more places.
- Weather: Layering up is essential. Chinooks can occur and make a subzero day feel warmer.
- Arriving by plane: Want to arrive in Calgary by plane. It is also a good option.
- Photography: Are you a photographer? Well, Calgary is an amazing place to take photos of the Calgary skyline from Crescent Heights during the golden hour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary
Is Calgary Worth Visiting?
We think so! There is a lot of green space, good food, and a lot of festivals in the summer. The western heritage is also there, as well as the best and easiest way to access Banff.
What is the best time of year to go to Calgary?
We think the best time is in July because that is when the famous Calgary Stampede and a lot of other festivals occur. August and September are also a great time to visit to see fall colors. December is also a great month if you want to see holiday lights and possibly snow.
What’s the prettiest city in Canada?
It depends on who you ask. Many like Vancouver, Victoria, and Quebec City. With Calgary, it’s the mix of a river running through the downtown core, our modern skyline, and the Rockies on the horizon.
Which is better, Vancouver or Calgary?
Really, it depends on your preference. Vancouver is better if you want mild winters, an ocean, and beaches. Calgary is sunnier and cheaper and is closer to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. For a Rockies holiday, planning from Calgary is better.
What are the top 5 things to do in Calgary?
1. Calgary Tower
2. Heritage Park
3. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
4. Prince’s Island Park/Peace Bridge
5. The Calgary Stampede (in July)
With extra time, most tourists add a trip to Banff.
