Calgary City Guide
Things to do in CALGARY
Calgary’s most famous attraction is, of course, the Calgary Stampede – ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, which happens every July and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in cowboy culture and tradition. However, the city has a whole lot more to offer than that. Why not start getting acquainted with your surroundings by heading up Calgary Tower and enjoying the Rocky Mountains through a 360 degree panoramic window. Will you dare to walk on the glass floor?
You can really soak up some Canadian history is this part of the country. Visit Fort Calgary, the foundation of the city, and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Nation and the people of Treaty 7. They host exhibits, programming and special events, to help you learn the story of the city. Then perhaps head over to Glenbow Museum, one of the largest museums in Western Canada, where you’ll find 30,000 works of art, plus events throughout the year. If that isn’t enough to satisfy the historian in you, check out the Hangar Flight Museum and learn the story of Canada’s aviation journey. You’ll be able to view planes up close in the Second World War drill hall and outdoor hangar, while more modern craft zoom overhead.
If you feel like taking a trip, you could do far worse than head to Drumheller Valley. Here you’ll find extensive dinosaur information and fun, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum. You’ll also be able to learn about the mining history of the area by visiting a coal mine. There are also great opportunities for learning about the local first nations. If geocaching is your thing, this is a great spot for it. If you’re feeling more adventurous, maybe head to Horseshoe Canyon and take a helicopter tour of the badlands. You’ll see the remarkable, mushroom shaped Hoodoo geological formations, which are layers of gradually eroding clay and sandstone.
Alternatively, take a trip over to Banff National Park and Lake Louise, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. Here you can see some of Canada’s larger wildlife, take a look at the Victoria Glacier, try skiing, hiking, or mountain biking.
Dining & Entertainment in CALGARY
Calgary takes its dining seriously and you’ll find some astonishingly good restaurants around the city, with a multitude of cultural origins. Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, French, charcuterie, dim sum, Mexican, Italian, steak, brunch, whatever specialty you seek, you’ll find it here. With such a huge variety and with new restaurants opening all the time, there’s a good chance you’ll find a new place to eat out every time.
Once you’ve satisfied your palate, you can enjoy some of the magnificent theatre and live music that the city offers throughout the year. Once again, with something for everyone, you’re sure to find something interesting and enjoyable to entertain you.
What to do in Calgary with kids
Calgary offers some grand experiences for children, with two large-scale amusement parks. Calaway Park has 32 rides, a live stageshow and 3D theatre, along with a steam train and a roving theatre group. Granary Road is a 32 acre active learning park, with slides, swings, climbers and a public market. If you’re all feeling more adventurous, then the Skyline Luge might be the thing for you. The longest luge track in the world, at 1.8km, you can use gravity to descend and enjoy the views and the thrill at the same time.
Heritage Park Historical Village will help you step back in time and learn about the origins of today’s city. Alternatively, head to Bow Habitat Station to learn about all things fish. If you’re more into sports, then Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is a must. It has interactive, hands-on activities, plus the largest collection of Olympic artefacts in Canada.
Whatever your age, if you’re visiting Calgary, make sure you get to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. With 160,000 sq ft over 5 floors, it showcases artefacts, instruments and music memorabilia. They offer classes, workshops, recording booths, live performances, plus you can visit the Canadian Halls of Fame.
Dog-friendly activities to do in Calgary
If you’re visiting Calgary with your dog in tow, there are some places you won’t want to miss. Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall is one of them, as the first dog licensed patio in Canada. There are other dog-friendly patios, such as Vin Room’s ‘pawtio’, Caffe Beano, and the Cold Garden Beverage Company.
There are off-leash areas at River Park, Calaway Park, Spruce Meadows, Fort Calgary, and you can even have your dog with you for an on-leash game of golf at Woodside Golf Course. If it’s trails you’re after, then West Bragg Creek Trails in Kananaskis Country is a great option. Dogs are welcome at Latitude Art Gallery and they can even create their own paw print work of art at Colour Me Mine Paint-Your-Own Ceramic Studio.
Transportation in Calgary
Calgary Transit: Calgary Transit is the primary public transportation provider in the city, offering bus and train services throughout Calgary. The C-Train is a popular light rail transit system covering various city areas.
Cycling: Calgary has an extensive network of bike paths, lanes, and routes throughout the city. Biking is an environmentally friendly and healthy way to get around the city.
Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Calgary and can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Calgary, and you can usually hail them on the street or call for a pickup. Calgary Cabs is a popular choice.
Come to Calgary, the city with everything under the sun, and be part of the energy!
CALGARY
- (403) 299-9700
- (403) 299-9750
- trcalgary@tippetrichardson.com
2905-37th Avenue N.E. Calgary, Alberta T1Y 5Z9
