Once a farming and ranching town, Calgary has experienced expansive growth thanks to the escalating price of its richest resource: oil. Now Calgary is Canada’s third largest municipality, offering a modern urban culture that embraces its pioneer past. It’s easy to discover Calgary’s attractions: The well-planned city is laid out in a grid and has an excellent public transportation system. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the Calgary Tower.
The Calgary Stampede is the city’s most well-known event, attracting over a million visitors with its 10-day line-up of rodeos, music and agricultural displays. Cheer with the crowd for the displays of horsemanship in the chuck wagon derby and hold your breath at the competitive bareback bull riding.
When the stampede’s not in town, you can still see animal life at the Calgary Zoo where you’ll be immersed in habitats from Canada and beyond, as well as from the past! The zoo features a Prehistoric Park, where life-size replicas of dinosaurs roam through ancient landscapes. In the Drumheller Valley, around 85 miles (135 kilometers) from Calgary, you’ll find the fossils these replicas are based on at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
If you’re visiting in winter, there’s plenty of skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and ice skating on offer at Canada Olympic Park. If you’re an indoor type, check out the art galleries south of downtown on Stephen Avenue and the Glenbow Museum downtown.
In the evening, head to downtown Jubilee Auditorium for a Broadway musical, an opera or a ballet. Or, try one of the multicultural restaurants across the Bow River at 17th Avenue Southeast, also known as International Avenue. Here you’ll find diverse flavors from Ethiopia, Portugal, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong and more. Foodies will love the gourmet tours of this area!
Calgary is also the gateway to ski villages such as Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis. It’s also close to the Alberta Badlands, a photogenic wonderland of strange rock formations, paleontological finds and ghost towns.
Calgary
Travel Guide
Visit Calgary
Where to stay in Calgary
Downtown Calgary
Dense urban district with a mix of residential, commercial, and corporate areas, Downtown Calgary offers shopping and dining along the pedestrian-friendly Stephen Avenue Walk. Explore attractions like the Devonian Gardens, Calgary Tower, and Glenbow Museum, or take advantage of the free CTrain light rail along 7th Avenue S.
Southwest Calgary
Southwest Calgary is a destination travelers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Southland Station or Anderson Station to explore sights like Stampede Park.
Northwest Calgary
If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like Market Mall or Olympic Oval and hop on the metro to see more the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.
Southeast Calgary
If you're spending time in Southeast Calgary, check out sights like Calgary Zoo or Deerfoot Casino and hop on the metro to see more the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.
Banff Trail
If you're passing through Banff Trail, you may want to check out its live music. From there, jump on the metro at Banff Trail Station to see more of the area.
Beltline
Take time in Beltline to visit attractions like Stampede Park and Cowboys Casino. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Victoria Park - Stampede Station to see more of the city.
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Popular places to visit
Calgary Zoo
See exotic animals and even dinosaurs as you wander through botanic gardens and re-creations of diverse habitats ranging from Africa to South America.
Scotiabank Saddledome
Catch an event at Scotiabank Saddledome during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its entertainment choices.
Canada Olympic Park
Ski the slopes, take a bobsled ride, catch an ice hockey game and tackle mountain biking trails at this park that was opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Chinook Centre
You can do some window-shopping at Chinook Centre during your trip to Calgary. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.
Calgary Tower
With a tourist information center and views over the zoo, Olympic Plaza, Old City Hall and Chinatown, this downtown landmark is the ideal place to get your bearings.
BMO Centre
Learn about the events happening at BMO Centre during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theater scene.
Things to do
Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake Yoho Banff National Park
Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Parkway, Bow & Peyto Lake
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff
Banff: Gondola Hot Spring, Johnston Canyon & Lake Minnewanka
Lake Louise Moraine Lake Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls
Banff: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Yoho Trip
Reviews of Calgary
1/5 - Terrible
There’s nothing to do here
4/5 - Good
We enjoyed Banff & Lake Louis more than Calgary, but it was winter. The Zoo was Awesome! The hockey game would have been walkable from apartment had Covid-19 not shut it down. Can’t wait to visit again.
4/5 - Good
Just passing through.
5/5 - Excellent
beats Detroit!
4/5 - Good
Clean and small city with much attractions except going to Banff.
5/5 - Excellent
Great. Winter sports lover will enjoy during the season. Summer time also great for outdoor activity. Banff is nearby.
