Things To Do
in Calgary
Calgary is a vibrant city in the province of Alberta, Canada, known for its stunning skyline, proximity to the Canadian Rockies, and its annual Calgary Stampede, which celebrates the city's Western culture and heritage. It boasts a dynamic mix of modern and traditional, with a strong economy based in energy, financial services, film and television, transportation and logistics, technology, manufacturing, and aerospace.
Calgary is also recognized for its high quality of life, beautiful parks, and extensive network of urban pathways that make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Calgary Tower for stunning views of the city. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the nearby cafes.
Head to the Glenbow Museum to delve into local history and art. Afterward, stroll through the adjacent Stephen Avenue for shopping and local eateries.
Dine at a trendy restaurant in the downtown area for a taste of Calgary's culinary scene. End the night in a cozy bar with live music.
Visit Calgary Zoo to see a diverse range of animals and beautiful gardens. Enjoy breakfast at the zoo's café for a wholesome meal.
Spend the afternoon in Fish Creek Provincial Park, where you can hike or picnic. Make sure to explore the scenic pathways and wildlife.
Find a local spot to grab dinner, perhaps trying Alberta beef. Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Bow River.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life with clean and safe neighborhoods
- Strong economy with job opportunities, especially in the energy sector
- Access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities, including nearby national parks
- Cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene with numerous festivals and events
- Well-developed infrastructure, including public transportation and healthcare services
- High cost of living, particularly housing prices in desirable areas
- Cold winters with long periods of snow and low temperatures
- Traffic congestion during peak hours due to increasing population
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger Canadian cities
- Occasional economic fluctuations tied to the oil and gas industry
Best Activities in Calgary
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Calgary offers various hiking trails with beautiful scenery, such as Nose Hill Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and the Beaver Lodge Lands. These trails are great for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Cycling is popular in Calgary, with extensive pathways and bike lanes throughout the city. A popular route is the Bow River Pathway, offering scenic views of the river and downtown skyline.
Several rivers and lakes near Calgary, including the Bow River and Ghost Lake, offer excellent opportunities for fishing. Whether fly fishing or casting from the shore, anglers can enjoy serene surroundings and abundant fish species.
Calgary boasts numerous golf courses set against stunning backdrops, providing golfers with diverse challenges and picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes. Shaganappi Point Golf Course and Silver Springs Golf & Country Club are popular choices.
Tours
Uncover the best of Calgary with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Calgary
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, including the Rocky Mountains.
Offers beautiful natural landscapes and wide-open spaces with numerous spots for capturing scenic photos of the city skyline and the surrounding area.
Provides excellent vantage points for capturing views of downtown Calgary, as well as the Bow River and its picturesque surroundings.
Food in Calgary
Calgary Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savor a succulent Alberta beef steak, renowned for its quality and flavor. Try it at the Vintage Chophouse or Caesar's Steak House for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Indulge in a Canadian classic – poutine, featuring crispy fries, cheese curds, and drenched in rich gravy. Visit the Blue Star Diner or The Beltliner for delicious renditions.
Treat yourself to a bison burger, a local specialty with a unique, slightly sweet flavor. The Coup and Boogies Burgers offer delectable versions of this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Calgary better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the Calgary Farmers' Market for a wide array of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food offerings like gourmet hot dogs, fresh baked goods, and more.
Stroll down Stephen Avenue Walk to discover a vibrant street food scene with diverse offerings, from food trucks serving global cuisines to local vendors offering unique culinary creations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Calgary, it is important to greet people with a handshake and make eye contact. It is also customary to use titles and last names when addressing someone, unless given permission to use first names.
Canadians value their personal space, so it is important to maintain an appropriate physical distance when engaging in conversation unless invited to come closer.
Calgary is a multicultural city, so it is important to show respect for different cultures and traditions. Being open-minded and showing interest in learning about other cultures is appreciated.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Calgary with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Calgary
Ensure a smooth experience
In Calgary, Canada, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service providers. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
In Calgary, Canada, payment for goods and services is predominantly done using credit/debit cards, cash, and digital payment methods such as mobile payment apps. Contactless payment methods are widely accepted, and most businesses prefer card payments over cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Calgary.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Calgary, with milder temperatures and the city coming alive with blooming flowers and outdoor festivals.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Calgary, with warm weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and enjoying the famous Calgary Stampede.
Fall brings stunning foliage and a cozy atmosphere to Calgary, making it a great time for outdoor adventures and exploring the nearby national parks.
Winter in Calgary can be cold, but it's perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying festive events like the Calgary Christmas Market.
Calgary at Night
Hiking in Calgary
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast outdoor playground located just west of Calgary, offering a range of hiking trails from easy walks to challenging scrambles.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mountain scenery and numerous hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day backcountry hikes.
A popular spot for both hiking and biking, featuring a variety of trails with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
An excellent location for hiking amidst wildlife and offers several trails that lead to serene lakes and through beautiful forests.
A relatively short but steep hike near Canmore that rewards hikers with beautiful views of turquoise lakes at the summit.
Famous for its stunning lake views; offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
A beginner-friendly hiking trail located near Calgary, perfect for families and those looking to enjoy nature with less difficulty.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Calgary through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Calgary by plane.
The primary airport serving Calgary, located approximately 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 299 km northeast of Calgary, Edmonton International Airport is the second busiest airport in Alberta and offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Situated about 970 km west of Calgary, Vancouver International Airport is one of Canada's largest airports and serves as a major gateway for international travel, especially to Asia and the Pacific.
Located approximately 1,120 km west of Calgary on Vancouver Island, this airport provides international service and is a gateway for travel to and from the west coast.
About 627 km east of Calgary, this airport serves Saskatoon and offers a range of domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cultural groups with European origins, including British, Irish, German, French, and Italian.
Includes Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, and other Asian cultural communities.
Includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations.
Includes a range of communities from various African nations.
Communities from Central and South America, including Mexican, Colombian, and Brazilian.
Includes communities from various Middle Eastern countries, such as Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
Demographic groups that do not fall into the aforementioned categories, including smaller ethnic communities.
The Soul of Calgary
Discover the essence of Calgary through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Calgary, with the Calgary Flames being a key team in the NHL.
Canadian football enjoys a strong following in Calgary, especially with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL.
Lacrosse has a rich history in Calgary and is a popular sport, with the Calgary Roughnecks competing in the NLL.
Soccer is rapidly growing in popularity among the youth, with various clubs and leagues available.
Basketball is popular at both amateur and professional levels, with local schools and programs promoting the sport.
Calgary has many golf courses and a vibrant golfing community, with several tournaments held throughout the year.
Calgary hosts numerous running events and marathons, attracting participants from all over.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calgary.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Calgary's culinary scene is increasingly accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated menus and creative plant-based dishes. Check out places like The Coup and Veg-In YYC for fantastic vegetarian and vegan fare.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can explore numerous eateries in Calgary, such as Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market and Our Daily Brett, known for their extensive gluten-free options and mindful preparation.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Calgary with these cultural adventures.
