Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry. However, it’s still steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname “Cowtown,” evident in the Calgary Stampede, its massive July rodeo and festival that grew out of the farming exhibitions once presented here.
Best Time to Visit Calgary, Alberta:
Spring (April to June): Spring in Calgary is a bit unpredictable with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). Snow can linger into April, but by May, the city experiences pleasant weather with blooming flowers. This is a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds and enjoy outdoor activities before peak summer.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the best time to visit Calgary (20°C to 30°C / 68°F to 86°F). The weather is warm, and it's the season for outdoor festivals, activities like hiking in Kananaskis or Banff, and exploring Calgary Stampede. Calgary also hosts numerous festivals, including Calgary Folk Music Festival and Calgary International Film Festival.
Fall (September to November): Fall in Calgary is mild (around 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F) with stunning autumn foliage in the city's parks. It’s a perfect time for hiking, and the crowds are thinner than summer, making it easier to visit local attractions and events.
Winter (December to February): Calgary winters are cold (ranging from -10°C to -15°C / 14°F to 5°F), and snow is common. While it’s a great time for winter sports, such as skiing at Banff or Kananaskis, and attending winter festivals, be prepared for chilly conditions.
How to Get There:
By Air: Calgary is served by the Calgary International Airport (YYC), located about 20 minutes from downtown. Major international airlines and domestic carriers provide flights to and from Calgary.
By Train: VIA Rail operates train services connecting Calgary to other parts of Canada, though Calgary does not have a major train station. The train routes can be a slower but scenic way to travel to Calgary.
By Bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound and Ebus, operate routes to Calgary from various cities in Alberta and British Columbia.
By Car: Calgary is well-connected by highways, including Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Banff National Park and a 4-hour drive from Edmonton.
Top Attractions in Calgary, Alberta:
Calgary Tower: One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city and the Canadian Rockies. You can also dine at the rotating restaurant at the top.
Calgary Stampede: Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event in July, celebrating Western culture with rodeos, chuckwagon races, parades, concerts, and much more.
Calgary Zoo: One of the top zoos in Canada, the Calgary Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including pandas, giraffes, and elephants. It's a great family-friendly activity.
Heritage Park Historical Village: A living history museum showcasing the early days of Calgary and Western Canada. It features historical buildings, antique trains, and costumed interpreters.
Banff National Park: Located just 1.5 hours from Calgary, Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning mountain views, lakes, hiking trails, and world-class skiing during the winter months.
Glenbow Museum: This museum offers a great collection of Western Canadian art, cultural exhibits, and historical artifacts. It’s perfect for those interested in the history and culture of Alberta.
Canada Olympic Park (WinSport): Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this site offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, and even a summer luge.
Calgary's Public Art: Calgary is known for its modern public art installations. Be sure to check out The Bow, the giant public art installation Wonderland by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, and The Giant Blue Ring on the northeast ring road.
Prince Island Park: A serene park located on the Bow River in downtown Calgary, perfect for picnics, biking, or walking along the river. The park is also home to The Calgary Folk Music Festival in the summer.
Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of the largest urban parks in North America, this park offers hiking, biking, and wildlife watching within city limits, making it a beautiful escape from the urban hustle.
Activities to Do in Calgary, Alberta:
Visit the Calgary Stampede: Attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede in July. Enjoy rodeo events, live music, a parade, and experience the city’s cowboy culture.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Kananaskis and Banff: Calgary is close to some of the best ski resorts in Canada, including Canada Olympic Park, Banff, and Kananaskis Country. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities.
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: From easy hikes to challenging mountain treks, Calgary provides easy access to numerous trailheads leading into the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Kananaskis, and Yoho National Park.
Explore Calgary's Craft Beer Scene: Calgary has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Visit local breweries like Trolley 5, Brewsters, and Wild Rose Brewery to sample some locally made brews.
Biking Along the Bow River Pathway: Calgary is known for its extensive network of bike paths, and the Bow River Pathway is a scenic route that takes you along the river with views of the city and mountains.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Louise: Just a short drive from Calgary, Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Enjoy hiking, canoeing, or simply admiring the stunning views of the glacier-fed lake.
Explore the Calgary Zoo: See animals from around the world, including the iconic giant pandas, and take part in educational programs and special events held throughout the year.
Stroll Through Calgary's Farmers' Markets: Check out the Calgary Farmers' Market for locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and unique food vendors, making it a great stop for foodies.
Take a Helicopter Tour: For a unique perspective of the city, book a helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views of Calgary’s skyline and the surrounding mountains.
Attend Calgary's Festivals: From Calgary Folk Music Festival to Calgary International Film Festival and Taste of Calgary, there’s always a cultural or food festival happening.
Accommodation in Calgary, Alberta:
Fairmont Palliser: A historic, luxury hotel located in downtown Calgary, offering elegant rooms, a luxurious spa, and proximity to major attractions like the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue Walk.
The Westin Calgary: A centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to Calgary’s downtown area, including Prince Island Park and Glenbow Museum.
Hotel Arts: This trendy, modern hotel in Calgary’s Beltline district offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to top restaurants and bars.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown: Located near Stephen Avenue Walk, this hotel is a great option for those wanting to explore Calgary’s shopping and dining scene.
HI Calgary City Centre Hostel: Budget-conscious travelers can stay at this clean and friendly hostel located near the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, offering a social atmosphere and a kitchen for guest use.
Airbnb: Calgary offers various Airbnb options, from cozy apartments in the Beltline to luxurious homes in suburban neighborhoods, offering something for every budget.
Food and Restaurants in Calgary, Alberta:
River Café: Located on Prince Island Park, this is a local favorite serving up seasonal, sustainable dishes with a focus on Canadian ingredients. The restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor patio in the summer.
The Nash: A trendy, upscale restaurant located in the Inglewood neighborhood, offering contemporary Canadian cuisine with a focus on local produce and meats.
Charcut Roast House: Known for its delectable roasted meats, including Alberta beef, Charcut is a modern Canadian restaurant offering a rustic yet elegant dining experience.
Cucina Market Bistro: An Italian-inspired restaurant serving fresh pasta, local meats, and a wide selection of wines. Located in Calgary’s Beltline area, it’s a favorite spot for lunch and dinner.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar: An iconic Canadian chain known for its tender steaks, seafood, and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
Blowers & Grafton: A trendy East Coast-inspired restaurant known for its Atlantic lobster rolls and other seafood delights, located near Stephen Avenue Walk.
The Calgary Farmers' Market: An excellent stop for those looking for fresh, local, and delicious food, ranging from local cheeses to artisanal breads and fresh produce.
OEB Breakfast Co.: A popular breakfast spot offering gourmet versions of classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict, waffles, and avocado toast.
Anju: A contemporary Korean-inspired restaurant known for its creative fusion dishes, including kimchi fries, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ.
Model Milk: Located in a stylish heritage building, Model Milk offers a seasonal, farm-to-table menu with unique cocktails and innovative dishes.
Local Culture in Calgary, Alberta:
Cowboy Culture: As home to the Calgary Stampede, Calgary is deeply rooted in cowboy culture. The city embraces its Western heritage, with rodeos, cowboy hats, and boots being part of the local identity.
Outdoor Lifestyle: With the Canadian Rockies just a short drive away, outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling are integral to Calgary’s culture.
Cultural Diversity: Calgary is a multicultural city, with a strong immigrant community. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food scene, festivals, and cultural events.
Festival City: Calgary is home to numerous cultural and arts festivals, including the Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival, and Sled Island music festival.
Indigenous Culture: Calgary is located on Treaty 7 land, and there is a growing effort to celebrate and acknowledge the culture, art, and history of local Indigenous communities.
Craft Beer Culture: Calgary has a rapidly growing craft beer scene with numerous local breweries producing innovative beers that reflect the city's culture and love for locally sourced ingredients.