Looking for the best attractions in Calgary?
Calgary is much more than just the gateway to Banff and the Rocky Mountains. Spend a day or two in the city, and you’ll quickly discover why Calgary is worth a visit. Bike along the Bow River, stroll through the colorful Inglewood neighborhood, savor the vibrant food scene, and learn about the history of cowboys and the oil industry. Calgary offers a surprising mix of nature, culture, and modern urban experiences.
Whether you’re planning a city trip to Calgary or combining the city with a visit to the Rocky Mountains, there are plenty of attractions worth exploring. Moreover, you can easily discover Calgary with a local guide. Opt for a walking tour or a bike tour and experience the city from a unique perspective.
At a glance: what to do in Calgary?
- Walk or bike along the Bow River Pathway network
- Learn about history at the Glenbow Museum
- Explore the Inglewood neighborhood for art, coffee, and vintage shops
- Climb the Calgary Tower for views over the city and the Rockies
- Experience the Calgary Stampede in July
- Visit Prince’s Island Park in the heart of the city
- Eat and drink on the lively 17th Avenue SW
Why Calgary attractions are worth a visit
Calgary is situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. On clear days, you can see the mountain peaks from the city, giving Calgary an impressive backdrop. The city is also known for its dry and sunny climate. In fact, Calgary enjoys more sunshine hours per year than Miami. In winter, the famous chinook winds can cause temperatures to rise significantly within hours.
Although Calgary is a relatively young city, it has a rich history. What started as a fort grew into a major center for cattle trade and later for the Canadian oil industry. This blend of cowboy culture and modern urban energy makes Calgary so unique today.
The best attractions in Calgary
Calgary is best explored on foot or by bike. This way, you can easily combine multiple attractions in one day. Most attractions are close to the city center or along the Bow River, allowing you to visit several highlights in a single day.
| Attraction | Why visit? |
|---|---|
| Prince’s Island Park | A green city park on the Bow River. Perfect for a walk, picnic, or one of the many summer festivals. |
| Calgary Tower | Enjoy panoramic views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. Do you dare to walk on the glass floor? |
| Glenbow Museum | Discover the history of Alberta, the First Nations, and the development of Calgary. |
| Inglewood | Calgary’s oldest neighborhood with cozy cafés, galleries, vintage shops, and a relaxed atmosphere. |
Cycling in Calgary with Baja Bikes
Want to discover Calgary in an active and relaxed way? Then a bike tour with Baja Bikes is the ideal choice. Calgary boasts over 1,000 kilometers of bike paths, many of which run along the beautiful Bow River. This allows you to cycle safely and comfortably past the city’s main attractions. During the Calgary Highlights Bike Tour, a local guide will take you to well-known highlights and hidden gems. Thanks to the small groups, there’s plenty of room for personal stories and questions.
What you’ll see during the Calgary bike tour:
🚲 The Bow River
🚲 The iconic Peace Bridge
🚲 Prince’s Island Park
🚲 The Chinese Cultural Centre
🚲 St. Patrick’s Island Park
🚲 The historic Inglewood neighborhood
🚲 The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
🚲 The famous Calgary Stampede grounds
🚲 17th Avenue
🚲 The vibrant Beltline district
🚲 …and much more!
Prefer a little extra support? Opt for an e-bike and effortlessly enjoy everything Calgary has to offer.
Food and drink in Calgary
After a day of sightseeing, it’s time to explore the culinary side of Calgary. The city is also home to numerous cozy cafés and local breweries. From Alberta steaks to coffee and local craft beers, there’s something for every taste in the city.
| Location | Why visit? |
|---|---|
| 17th Avenue SW | The street for restaurants, cafés, and bars. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun night out. |
| Caesar’s Steakhouse | A classic steakhouse where you can taste the famous Alberta beef. |
| Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters | Popular coffee bar with house-roasted coffee and fresh bread from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. |
| Analog Coffee (Inglewood) | Cozy specialty coffee bar in Calgary’s oldest neighborhood. |
| Trolley 5 Brewpub | Local brewery with craft beers and delicious pub fare on 17th Avenue. |
💡 Tip: Many of these restaurants and cafés are close to each other. This way, you can easily explore multiple culinary hotspots during your visit.
Best time to visit Calgary
Calgary experiences extremes. The winter is cold yet sunny, while the summer is warm and dry. Here’s what you can expect each season:
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | 5–15 °C | Unpredictable, chance of snow in April | Hiking, biking, fewer tourists |
| Summer (June–August) | 20–28 °C | Sunny and dry, chance of thunderstorms | Calgary Stampede (July), bike tours, patios |
| Autumn (September–October) | 5–18 °C | Pleasant, colorful parks | Hiking, dining, relaxed tourism |
| Winter (November–March) | -15–0 °C | Cold, dry, lots of sun, possible chinooks | Skiing nearby, winter festivals, indoor culture |
Generally, the months from June to September are the busiest. July is peak season due to the Calgary Stampede, the largest rodeo event in the world. Book early as accommodations fill up quickly and prices are noticeably higher.
Practical tips for Calgary attractions
With good preparation, you’ll get even more out of your city trip to Calgary. Use the tips below to make the most of your visit.
| Topic | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| Currency | In Canada, you pay with the Canadian dollar (CAD). Debit and credit cards are widely accepted. |
| Language | The official language is English. |
| Best travel time | The most popular period is from June to September, with pleasant temperatures and many festivals. |
| Transport | The city center is compact and easily explored on foot or by bike. For longer distances, you can use the CTrain or the bus. |
| Airport | Calgary International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. |
| Time difference | Calgary is in the Mountain Time Zone. In summer, it is 8 hours earlier than in the Netherlands and Belgium. |
| Tipping | In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% is customary if it’s not already included in the bill. |
Frequently asked questions about Calgary attractions
How many days do you need for Calgary?
Two to three days are enough to see the main attractions and sample the dining scene. If you combine it with a day trip to Banff, you’ll need at least four days.
Is Calgary expensive for tourists?
Calgary is not a cheap city. Dining at a good restaurant can quickly cost 40 to 60 Canadian dollars per person, excluding drinks. A hotel room in the city center averages 150 to 250 CAD per night, depending on the season.
When is the Calgary Stampede?
The Calgary Stampede takes place every year in the first or second week of July. The event lasts ten days and attracts over a million visitors. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend.
How do I get from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains?
Banff is about 90 kilometers west of Calgary. By car, it takes just over an hour. There are also day trips by bus or organized tours from the city.
What is the best way to explore Calgary attractions?
Baja Bikes offers bike tours along the Bow River Pathway and through downtown Calgary. The tours are suitable for various skill levels, and e-bikes are available for an additional fee. Groups consist of up to twelve people. Reservations can be made at www.bajabikes.eu.