Looking for the best things to do in Calgary? Calgary is a western city famous for the Calgary Stampede, modern architecture and quick access to Banff and Kananaskis. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Calgary
1. Calgary Stampede
July rodeo and festival. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Calgary Tower
Views. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
3. Heritage Park
Living history. It is great value for families.
4. Studio Bell
National Music Centre. It is great value for families.
5. Prince’s Island Park
River park. Sunset is a particularly good time.
6. Calgary Zoo
Large zoo. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
Tech that makes the trip easier
- Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Outdoor gear we recommend VerdictFox
Honest reviews of the camping and outdoor kit worth packing.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
7. Peace Bridge
Red bridge. Bring a refillable water bottle.
8. 17th Avenue
Restaurants. Sunset is a particularly good time.
9. Stampede
One of the most popular ways to experience Calgary; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
10. Museums
One of the most popular ways to experience Calgary; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Book tickets online to skip the line.
11. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to experience Calgary; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
12. Take a day trip to Banff
Banff is Canada’s first national park (1885) and its most famous mountain town, surrounded by turquoise lakes, hot springs, wildlife and the peaks of the Rockies. Read our Banff travel guide. It is great value for families.
13. Take a day trip to Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is a quieter alternative to Banff, with lakes, peaks and wildlife, an hour from Calgary. Read our Kananaskis Country travel guide. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
14. Take a day trip to Drumheller
Drumheller, in Alberta’s Badlands, is the dinosaur capital of the world, home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Read our Drumheller travel guide. Sunset is a particularly good time.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try Alberta beef, ginger beef and Caesars. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to September.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Lakes still frozen until late May or June; quiet and cheaper. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm days of 20–25°C, turquoise lakes, peak crowds. |
| Fall | September–October | Golden larches in mid-to-late September; cooler and calmer. |
| Winter | November–March | Snowy and cold (-15°C is common); world-class skiing. |
Where to stay
- Downtown: Central.
- Beltline: Nightlife.
- Inglewood: Historic.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Calgary travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Stampede prices soar.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Calgary
- Layers: a base layer, fleece and waterproof shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- A daypack with water and snacks
- Sun protection (UV is stronger at altitude)
- A warm hat for cool evenings
- Bear spray in bear country (buy locally)
For cold-weather trips, see our Canada winter packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Pack smarter
- Premium backpacks for stylish travel Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Calgary?
For most first-time visitors it is Calgary Stampede: July rodeo and festival.
How many days do you need in Calgary?
Plan 2 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Calgary?
June to September.
Is Calgary good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Calgary is popular with families and western-culture fans.
What should I eat in Calgary?
Try Alberta beef, ginger beef and Caesars.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Calgary Travel Guide: Stampede, Sights and Day Trips
- Banff Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Where to Stay
- Kananaskis Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Spa Days
- Drumheller Travel Guide: Dinosaurs and the Badlands