Nestled in the province of Alberta, Calgary is often overshadowed by its beautiful siblings, Vancouver and Toronto. It’s known as the laid-back ‘Cowtown,’ the Heart of the New West, and Stampede City.
No Canadian city has as many nicknames as the Blue Sky City (that’s one more). Now you must be wondering why? As big as this city is, there are several places of interest in Calgary, hence more names.
If they are not spreading the red carpet for the Olympics, then they are hosting a major rodeo festival that has evolved from the city’s agricultural roots. You name it, and they have it all.
If you’re looking to do things as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, then Calgary is filled with great fun activities and games, with a variety of heritage and outdoor attractions to keep your whole gang busy.
There are several pros and cons of moving to Calgary, and if you’re looking for a getaway, then city could be the perfect choice. In this blog, we will cover the 10 best things to do in Calgary so that you can make a perfect itinerary for your trip.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Calgary
1. Visit The Calgary Stampede
Calgary, often referred to as Cowtown, lives up to its nickname with the world’s largest outdoor event. It attracts millions of cowboys, cowgirls, and general visitors every year. It is an integral part of Calgary’s cultural identity.
The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day festival that occurs in July. Here, you’ll mainly get to see rodeos, but there are also parades, country music concerts, racing performances, and barrel racing.
Every morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and waffles served at stands across the city. And don’t miss the Midway Fair, where you can enjoy the Ferris Wheel.
Near the Bow River, you can also explore First Nations history, adding depth to your Stampede experience.
2. Experience The Beauty of Banff National Park
If you’re visiting Calgary, there is no way you’d want to miss experiencing the beauty of Banff National Park.
Banff National Park is known for its natural landscape, astonishingly beautiful scenery, and colored lakes. It’s the best place to go for scenic nature hikes.
Calgary is just an hour’s drive from the start of Banff National Park, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Next, you can take the Glacier Highway to visit Jasper National Park, which is as stunning as Banff.
3. Say Hi To The Animals at Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is approximately spread over 127 acres of land and is one of the largest zoos in Canada. It is home to over 1000 animals worldwide, including pandas, hippos, giraffes, gorillas, lemurs, etc. A part of the zoo is also dedicated to Canadian animals, including wolves and bears.
The Calgary Zoo is a great attraction, especially if you’re visiting Calgary with your family. It offers a great educational experience for kids and adults alike.
You’ll also witness a botanical garden and a dinosaur-themed prehistoric park, which is not something you’d want to miss.
Not only that, the zoo also has a beautiful ZooLights event, which usually takes place from late November to early January each year. Over 150,000 lights transform the zoo grounds into a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
Located near downtown, Calgary Zoo is easily accessible by car, public transport, or bike, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for families and animal lovers.
4. Visit The WinSport Canada Olympic Park
WinSport Canada Olympic Park (COP) is a major tourist attraction in Calgary, Alberta. This place played host to the 1988 Winter Olympics, where a record of 57 nations competed for the win. Although athletes still use these facilities for training.
The park, which is located 15 minutes away from the Downtown core of the city, has many activities to do throughout the year. It is the second-largest skiing school in Canada, seeing up to 30,000 skiers and snowboarders every year.
While it’s a winter hotspot, WinSport is a year-round destination with plenty of summer activities too.
During summer, you can go ziplining, mountain biking, mini-golfing, and camping. For winter, skiing and snowboarding, along with winter bobsleigh rides, and cross-country skiing are worth a try.
5. Witness The History of Heritage Park
Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living museum and a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of the city.
The park showcases several memorials, monuments, and sculptures that pay tribute to the local and national history.
You’ll witness a typical Canadian town from the last century. From a blacksmith’s forge to a coffee shop, a school, a church, and many other shops brought to life by some actors representing life back then.
Surprisingly, some of these buildings are real and were brought there to be preserved. So these aren’t just any old replicas.
It also includes classic cars and horse-drawn carts, all arranged across numerous rail and amusement rides.
6. Take a Stroll on St Patrick’s Island
St Patrick’s Island is situated in the heart of Calgary and nestled in the centre of the Bow River.
The island is the oldest city park. It went through a complete transformation in 2015, making it a top tourist destination in Calgary. It’s also the locals’ favorite spot.
On the island, you’ll find plenty of things to do, from bike trails to walking trails, a playground for kids, a picnic spot, and a beach for a refreshing dip.
This island also includes an amphitheater and a man-made 9-metre high hill, which is especially built to enjoy the view over Calgary.
It’s the best spot for taking a stroll in Calgary when all you want is to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
St. Patrick’s Island hosts a lot of events and festivals throughout the year. They also host outdoor film screenings.
7. Experience Stunning Views From Calgary Tower
Experience the breathtaking views from Calgary Tower. It stands tall at 191m and offers 360-degree views of the skyline, foothills, plains, and rocky mountains.
Built in the late sixties and having a 3.5 million price tag, the Calgary Tower is located downtown and has a glass floor that lets you see the streets below.
The Calgary Tower also has some beautiful dining options, including a Sky 360, which completes a full rotation during the time of lunch and dinner.
The tower remains open year-round. It is popular during the evenings when you can watch the city lights come on in the twilight hours.
8. Visit StudioBell- The National Music Centre
Visit Studio Bell– The National Music Centre. It is a one-of-a-kind heritage building in the East Village of Calgary.
It is home to thousands of exhibits, and a place that any music lover would love.
Studio Bell can be easily accessed through public transportation and is just four blocks from Calgary’s Downtown core. Admission fees in the studio vary depending on the type of visit.
It has become popular in recent years, with hundreds of visitors from all around the world.
9. Witness The Beautiful Art at The Glenbow Museum
With 33,000 art pieces, the Glenbow Museum displays the largest art collection in Western Canada.
Art pieces made by Canadian artists make up two-thirds of the collection, and the rest are by international artists.
It also includes rare cultural artefacts, military art, photographs, historical documents, and artworks of all kinds, which might have shaped Calgary into the beautiful city it is today.
Currently, the Glenbow Museum is shut for renovations. It will reopen at the Jr Shaw Centre of Arts and Culture in 2026. However, it’s wise to check their website for an up-to-date schedule.
10. Wander Around Kensington Village
Kensington Village has the coolest vibe in Calgary. If you’re someone who loves taking peaceful strolls, this is your place to be.
While taking strolls, you can find a variety of unique boutiques for shopping, as well as tons of cafes and restaurants. If you’re a coffee lover, you can visit Higher Ground; the roast here is so good.
Final Thoughts
Calgary offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences for visitors to enjoy. From exploring Downtown Calgary to wandering around Kensington Village, the city offers something for everyone.
But if you are planning to move to Calgary permanently, there are certain things you’d need to keep in mind. Moving costs are a huge factor, so enlisting experienced Calgary movers to handle every detail of your relocation efficiently is essential.
Moving costs can add up quickly, so enlisting experienced Calgary movers to handle every detail of your relocation efficiently is essential.
Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or planning a long-distance move, professional movers help you pack all your valuables safely.
If you feel your new home isn’t ready yet, then you can temporarily store your belongings in 24/7 climate-controlled storage units.
Calgary is a beautiful place to live. Make some informed decisions, like a proper moving budget and a room-by-room moving checklist, before you plan to move, and you’re good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the tourist places in Calgary, Canada?
As one of the largest cities in Canada, Calgary has plenty of touristy places. From stunning views from the Calgary Tower to a trip back in time at the Heritage Park Historical Village, from strolling around Patrick’s Island and experiencing the beautiful artefacts at the Glenbow Museum, there is something for everyone in this city.
2. What food is Calgary famous for?
Calgary is known for its diverse culinary scene. Some popular dishes include Alberta beef, Calgary-style pizza, and prairie oysters. If you are looking for some good restaurants, then you can visit Ten Foot Henry, Porch, The Palomino Smoke House, and The Lake House.
3. Is it better to stay in Banff or Calgary?
This totally depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, then staying in Banff would be a better option, but if you want to do touristy stuff by visiting top attractions in Calgary, then the latter would be a good choice.
4. What is the cost of living in Calgary?
Calgary offers a more affordable cost of living than any other major Canadian city. For instance, Calgary is 3.5% less expensive than Toronto.
The city is particularly interesting for people who are looking for affordable housing options. However, some expenses, like utilities and groceries, can be higher than the national average.
5. What are the best months to go to Calgary?
If you are planning to visit Calgary, then the best months would be between July and August. There are beautiful sites and top tourist attractions to witness in Calgary during these months.
6. What is the moving cost between Calgary and Vancouver?
Moving costs from Calgary to Vancouver average between $1,668 and $8,950 and are usually the same when migrating in reverse. However, the cost varies depending on several factors, such as hiring an additional mover, the complexity of the move, home size, storage, and packing services.
