Having spent several months living and working in Calgary, I can assure you it’s far from a “ghost town” — in fact, it’s brimming with unique attractions and vibrant experiences. You just need to know where to go!
Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, basking in over 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. This gives it a warm, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for exploring. The city is famous for the Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo and cultural event, and it’s also a key destination for Canadian hockey enthusiasts.
For something truly unforgettable, take a short trip outside the city to visit a museum housing the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. 😁 Read on for our guide to the best things to do, see, and where to stay in Calgary — whether you’re into outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or just soaking in the sunny cityscape!
Fun and fascinating Calgary trivia you’ll love
Calgary is often called “Cowtown” for its strong Wild West heritage. 😁 Every year, cowboy enthusiasts gather for the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day festival that draws nearly a million visitors. The city comes alive with people in cowboy boots, hats, and plaid shirts, ready for concerts, rodeos, and a variety of other lively events.
While Calgary’s size is comparable to New York City geographically, its population is only about 10% of New York’s, making it refreshingly quiet and uncrowded. It’s also incredibly clean—Forbes even named Calgary the cleanest city in the world in 2007.
And if you’re visiting in winter, here’s a fun fact: there’s actually a law in Calgary prohibiting snowball throwing unless you have permission from the mayor or city council! 😄
Where can you find Calgary?
Calgary is nestled in southwestern Alberta, Canada, where the prairies meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its stunning location, Calgary offers breathtaking views of both majestic mountains and wide-open plains.
The city is close to some of Canada’s most famous tourist destinations, including the beloved Banff National Park, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes. Beyond its natural beauty, Calgary is a major hub for trade and industry, especially in the oil and gas sectors.
Best Hotels in Calgary
Since most of Calgary’s top attractions are located downtown, I highly recommend staying in this vibrant area. Here are a few standout options:
- The Dorian, Autograph Collection – A beautifully designed hotel situated right in the heart of downtown.
- Award-Winning One-Bedroom Suite at Telus Sky – A more affordable option, offering a clean and stylish stay just a short walk from Calgary Tower.
- The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Chic design at a lower price point than The Dorian, although it’s often fully booked, so plan ahead!
History of Calgary
People have lived in what is now Calgary for over 11,000 years. Until the 18th century, the area was home to Indigenous groups, known today in Canada as “First Nations.”
The first European to explore the area was David Thompson of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1787. The first European settler, John Glenn, arrived in 1873, and over time, Calgary became a center for the fur trade.
In 1875, the Calgary North-West Mounted Police established Fort Calgary. By 1881, the government began issuing leases for cattle ranching in Alberta, attracting more settlers. However, it was the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 that truly transformed the area, connecting Calgary to the rest of Canada and driving significant growth.
23 Best Things to Do and See in Calgary
Unsure of what to do in Calgary? While many people head straight from Calgary to Banff National Park, they’re missing out! Calgary deserves at least a day to explore. Let’s dive into the must-see highlights.
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower is a must-visit landmark in Calgary, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the entire city and its surroundings.
Opened in 1968, this iconic tower stands 191 meters tall and is located in the heart of downtown, symbolizing Calgary’s skyline. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck that provides incredible 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
Along with its breathtaking views, the Calgary Tower features two excellent dining options. The first is Sky 360, a revolving restaurant where guests can enjoy a complete view of the city skyline during a 45-minute lunch or dinner rotation. The second is Ruth’s Chris Steak House, renowned for its prime steaks and exceptional service.
The Calgary Tower also hosts an interactive exhibit detailing the tower’s construction and history. For the best deal, purchase your tickets online — it’s cheaper than buying them at the door!
Walk down Stephen Avenue
One of our favorite streets in Calgary, this vibrant spot is home to the city’s best restaurants and bars. In summer, it comes alive with color, and during my first summer months here, it almost felt like being in Italy — though Calgary is impressively clean!
Wonderland Sculpture
I used to pass by the Wonderland sculpture every day on my way to work, but for a long time, I didn’t know its story. Located in front of The Bow shopping center (where I worked in a café), this impressive piece was created by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.
Wonderland is a sculpted portrait of a young girl from Barcelona, the artist’s hometown. Representing only her head, the sculpture embodies humanity and our vast potential, which takes shape through our dreams.
The transparent grid design creates a unique visual connection between Wonderland and The Bow, symbolizing Plensa’s aim to bridge art, architecture, and society. Though the sculpture is massive, its transparency conveys a delicate sense of fragility — a reflection and celebration of human vulnerability.
Peace Bridge
This iconic bridge appears in nearly every travel photo of Calgary — it’s also a popular spot for wedding party photos! Reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, no cars are allowed on the bridge.
Spanning the Bow River, the bridge connects the north and south parts of the city, offering stunning views of both the river and Calgary’s skyline.
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is where it all started! As the name suggests, it was originally a fort for the Mounted Police. If you’re looking for things to see in Calgary, Fort Calgary is a must-visit to dive into the city’s rich history.
Sculpture Family of Man
Standing at 6.4 meters tall, the Family of Man sculptures were originally created for the British Pavilion at Expo 67. Designed by Mario Armengol, these statues symbolize Britain’s approach to addressing global issues and challenges.
The sculptures portray a group of nude human figures—both men and women—reaching out their hands in gestures of goodwill and unity. After Expo 67, they were purchased by Robert Cummings on behalf of Maxwell Cummings and Sons and later gifted to the City of Calgary. Today, the Family of Man statues stand proudly in front of the Calgary Education Centre.
Women are Persons
When you pass by Olympic Plaza, be sure to check out the Women are Persons! memorial. This tribute honors the “Famous Five,” a group of women who championed the rights of all Canadian women.
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
For a shorter walk with stunning panoramic views, head to the Crescent Heights Lookout Point. From here, you can take in breathtaking sights of the city skyline, Prince’s Island Park, the Bow River, Peace Bridge, Memorial Drive, the Sunnyside neighborhood, and even the distant Rocky Mountains.
The gravel path along Crescent Road NW stretches about 1.2 miles and is well-maintained, making it easy for both children and seniors to enjoy.
Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and is thoughtfully divided into themed sections, each representing different regions and habitats. Here’s what you can explore:
- Prehistoric Park: Step into a world of dinosaurs with more than 20 life-like models, thrilling for both kids and adults.
- Africa: Experience the diversity of the African savannah and rainforest, where lions, hippos, and lemurs roam.
- Eurasia: Discover animals native to Asia and Europe, such as snow leopards, Malayan bears, and various species of ibex.
- Canadian Wilderness: While some Canadian wildlife can be spotted in nature, nocturnal animals like wolves are rarely seen. Here, you have a chance to observe them up close.
- Water World: Dive into the underwater world with fascinating creatures like sharks and rays.
Each area offers a unique glimpse into the habitats and animals from around the globe!
Heritage Park Historical Village
I visited Heritage Park in Calgary when I was in Calgary with my mom and I was thrilled. But it’s probably most appreciated by families with
When I visited Heritage Park in Calgary with my mom, I was absolutely delighted! It’s a wonderful experience, especially for families with kids. 😁
Set against the scenic Glenmore Reservoir, this historic village features over 180 exhibits from the 1860s to the 1950s. The park operates from May 20 through the day before Thanksgiving.
The highlight of Heritage Park is the steam train, which offers a charming ride around the entire area. The park also includes several themed areas, such as:
- Heritage Square with quaint shops and restaurants,
- Innovation Crossing featuring an interactive energy exhibit,
- The Settlement showcasing life from 1860 to 1880,
- The Ranch with a focus on rodeo culture, and
- The Village Centre, resembling a 1910 town with authentic buildings and services.
Tickets are CAD 29.95 for adults, CAD 19.95 for children, and CAD 22.95 for seniors.
The park also hosts special events like Stories from Early Chinatown and Day Out with Thomas, making it a great destination for both history and fun!
Calgary Stampede
As we mentioned earlier, the Calgary Stampede is one of the world’s largest and most renowned rodeo events. A major highlight of the Stampede is the rodeo itself, where, over the course of 10 days, competitors showcase their skills in bull riding, bronco riding, and other classic rodeo events. Contestants compete for various prizes and the honor of claiming the champion title. 😁
Another thrilling part of the Calgary Stampede is the chuckwagon races. These horse-drawn wagon races have deep roots in Western culture and are held throughout the event, culminating in a final race to crown the ultimate champion.
The Calgary Stampede also offers classic cowboy food, souvenir stands, and plenty of cowboy gear. Concerts and dance performances add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, and there’s no shortage of attractions like carousels and carnival rides. It feels like a grand Canadian Mother’s Day celebration! There are even arts and crafts workshops for kids, making it a fantastic event for all ages.
Go to a Calgary Flames game
Hockey fan or not, it’s hard not to catch hockey fever in Calgary — especially when the Calgary Flames are playing. On game days, the city transforms into a sea of red, with fans sporting jerseys, shirts, and even flags on their cars in the team’s colors.
As a visitor, you can easily join in the excitement. If you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to experience a Calgary Flames game at the Saddledome, their home arena!
Royal Tyrrell Museum – the largest collection of dinosaurs
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary near Drumheller, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts traveling to Canada.
As the only museum in Canada dedicated exclusively to paleontology, it’s nestled in the stunning southern Alberta badlands and boasts an impressive collection of over 130,000 fossils, including 40 complete dinosaur skeletons. Spanning over 500 million years, the exhibits cover everything from ancient dinosaurs to more recent mammals.
The museum’s origins go back to 1884 when geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell discovered extensive coal deposits in the Red Deer River Valley, along with the skull of a 70-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur, later named Albertosaurus sarcophagus. This discovery ultimately led to the founding of the museum, which opened in 1985 and was named in Tyrrell’s honor.
Exhibits range from enormous land dinosaurs to massive marine creatures and even tiny insects, offering an in-depth look at the 3.9 billion-year history of life on Earth.
Highlights include the Dinosaur Hall, showcasing one of the world’s largest dinosaur collections, mostly found in Alberta; the Cretaceous Garden, filled with prehistoric plants; and the newly opened Foundations exhibit, which explores paleontology and the museum’s critical role in fossil research.
Pro Tip: Book a tour from Calgary through GetYourGuide to explore not only the incredible Royal Tyrrell Museum but also the breathtaking Badlands landscape and other nearby attractions.
Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame
Founded in 1955, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame now resides in a state-of-the-art 4,100-square-foot facility at Canada Olympic Park, completed in 2011.
The museum features twelve galleries, a theater, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the achievements of over 668 Canadian athletes. While nominations are open to the public, final selections are made by the Hall of Fame’s selection committee.
The museum’s architecture, inspired by medal podiums, showcases a red-and-white design that reflects the Canadian flag. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building has earned LEED Silver certification.
Glenbow Museum
For art enthusiasts, the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, is a must-visit. This regional museum highlights the art, history, and culture of Western Canada, offering a unique insight into the region’s heritage.
Founded in 1955 by philanthropist Eric Lafferty Harvie, the Glenbow Museum has been free to the public since February 2022, thanks to a generous $25 million donation from the Shaw Family Foundation.
The museum’s archives hold one of Canada’s largest non-government collections, featuring extensive records that chronicle the social, political, and economic history of Western Canada, with a particular focus on Calgary and southern Alberta.
The Glenbow’s art collection includes 33,000 works spanning from the 19th century to today, featuring historical, modern, and contemporary pieces from Northwestern North America. The collection includes landscape paintings, Canadian prints, Indigenous and Inuit art, American illustrations, and wildlife art.
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
For music lovers and industry enthusiasts, a visit to the stunning Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), is a must. Located in Calgary’s Downtown East Village, this impressive museum showcases over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, including the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, the legendary TONTO synthesizer, one of Elton John’s pianos, and collections from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. The interior design is equally remarkable, featuring 226,000 hand-glazed terracotta tiles from Germany and Holland.
The Military Museums
The Calgary Military Museums complex commemorates and documents the history of the Canadian Armed Forces, offering a comprehensive look into Canada’s military heritage:
- The original Museum of the Regiments, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990
- Separate museums for the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force, with a particular focus on Alberta’s role
- Four galleries dedicated to individual regiments, plus an additional gallery covering the history of all military units in Alberta
- Outdoor exhibits featuring an eternal flame, sculptures, and an impressive collection of tanks, armored vehicles, and anti-tank guns
- Displayed aircraft, including the Canadair CF-5 and CF-104 Starfighter, housed in hangars
Together, these exhibits create a powerful tribute to the bravery and history of Canada’s military forces.
Calaway Park – the largest amusement park in Western Canada
Calaway Park in Calgary, Alberta, is Western Canada’s largest amusement park. Opened in 1982, it offers 32 attractions suited to all ages, making it a fun destination for both children and adults. Conveniently located just 5 minutes west of Calgary on Highway 1, it’s an easy outing from the city.
One of the park’s best features is its single admission fee, which includes unlimited access to all rides. For adrenaline seekers, thrilling attractions like the Vortex Roller Coaster, storm or Chaos are sure to impress. For younger kids or those who prefer a gentler experience, rides like the Bumble Blast roller coaster, Aeromax, and Dizzy Dragons provide excitement at a slower pace. Little ones can enjoy age-appropriate rides like Eggs, Tot Yachts, and Swirly Twirl, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family.
Walk to Prince’s Island Park
One of Calgary’s most popular parks, Prince’s Island Park, is located right in the heart of the city and hosts various summer events, including Canada Day celebrations and the Calgary Folk Festival.
Established in the 1950s, this serene urban oasis adds to the cultural and recreational life of Calgarians. In 1999, a major renovation included the creation of a wetland area and the restoration of native plants, enhancing its natural beauty and ecological function.
The park also features the Chevron Learning Pathway, an environmental education trail that loops around a man-made wetland designed to filter stormwater before it flows back into the Bow River. Informative signs along the pathway explain how the wetland system works, making it an engaging and educational experience for visitors.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park, located along Calgary’s southern edge, is a beloved urban provincial park bordered by the city on three sides and the Tsuu T’ina Nation on the west.
Much of the park remains in its natural, forested state, with Fish Creek winding through it and joining the Bow River on the park’s eastern side. With over 100 miles of paved and unpaved trails, Fish Creek Park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
These trails also connect with Calgary’s extensive trail system, and the Trans Canada Trail runs through the park alongside the Bow River, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winsport: Canada Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Park, the venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics, is a sprawling winter sports complex used for both public enjoyment and Olympic training.
Visitors can enjoy skiing, bobsledding, and sleigh rides, and explore the Olympic Museum located on-site. The park also offers courses for locals looking to improve their skiing, snowboarding, skating, or hockey skills, making it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Tips for trips from Calgary
Calgary makes an excellent base for exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains and Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Located at the southwestern tip of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. While smaller than Banff, Waterton’s compact size makes it perfect for a 2-3 day getaway, offering stunning scenery and a quieter atmosphere.
Banff National Park
While you’re in Calgary, a visit to the breathtaking Banff National Park is a must. Known for its iconic turquoise lakes, golden larches, and snow-capped mountains, Banff is one of the most picturesque places in the world. For more details, check out our article on exploring Banff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary or Vancouver better to live in?
Calgary is much cooler but sunnier, it is also quieter than Vancouver. Every city has its advantages and disadvantages. Calgary is also safer and cleaner.
What is Calgary famous for?
Calgary is famous for the Calgary Flames hockey team.
Is Calgary bigger than Toronto?
It’s bigger than Toronto in terms of size, but you’ll disagree in terms of feeling. 😁
How long to go to Calgary for?
Ideally, you want to spend 2-3 days in Calgary if you also want to go to the dinosaurs and go to a hockey game. Otherwise, even one full day will be enough.
How is life in Calgary?
Amazing. Calgary is a quiet yet relatively large city to live in. It’s clean, sunny, although quite cold in winter.
