Top 10 Things to Do in Calgary
Calgary buzzes with life as a vibrant Canadian metropolis that once hosted the Winter Olympics. Famous for the Calgary Stampede—dubbed the “greatest outdoor show on Earth”—the city is a hub of excitement and culture. Nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies and surrounded by the expansive prairie lands, Calgary boasts a unique connection to the Scottish Isle of Mull.
Whether you're seeking a romantic outing, a fun family adventure, or a memorable time with friends, Calgary has it all. Explore its rich history, dive into thrilling outdoor activities, and immerse yourself in a wide array of cultural festivals. With so much to offer, Calgary promises unforgettable experiences around every corner!
In this blog, we are going to discover the 10 best things to do in Calgary that will leave you bursting with excitement, so head over to Calgary now for an exhilarating experience!
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower is a fantastic destination offering panoramic vistas of the city's landscape. It is a huge tower with an altitude of over 600 ft and even though it's not the highest tower in Calgary, it still offers impressive views from the summit. Constructed in the tail end of the 60s, this legendary building is the most camera-friendly spot as you ascend to the top. One of the main highlights of this tower is the lavish restaurant and a 360 rotating bar offering the best views of the surroundings. Calgary Tower is a great place to refresh after a long day!
Big Rock Brewery
Big Rock Brewery is situated near 76th Avenue in southeast Calgary. The name of this brewery is inspired by a huge piece of the glacier near Okotoks in south Calgary. Established in 1985 this local brewery offers consistent factory trips and tasting sessions. Good options for food and samples assist you in enjoying the experience, and the visits to the bottling facility show how everything gets done. The staff at Big Rock Brewery really knows what they are doing, and attending the exciting tour guides is the main highlight of the whole visit!
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is a must-visit destination, offering stunning panoramic views and a rich slice of history. Spanning over 40 acres to the east of downtown, this historic wooden fort features engaging interactive exhibitions that bring the past to life. A delightful, affordable restaurant adds to the charm, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring.
Friendly tour guides are on hand to transport you back to the days when the Northwest Mounted Police called this fort home, with barracks constructed from local pine and spruce. In addition to the restaurant, Fort Calgary hosts a variety of educational and seasonal exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to discover. It’s a fantastic spot for a memorable day of exploration!
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is located in southern Calgary and is one of the main natural parks of North America. Spanning over 12 miles it's definitely the largest one in Canada. Surrounded by the Bow River at the east, this is an ideal location to visit on a warm clear day in the city. There is an exceptional labyrinth of cycling tracks and footpaths; it also caters to all campers by providing them with facilities. Home to 200 distinct bird species, you might get lucky if you witness an owl or a blue heron. Sikome Lake is the ideal summer escape, perfect for relaxing and swimming. Don’t miss Annie's Bakery nearby, offering delicious sandwiches and tempting treats. Adjacent to the lake, Fish Creek Provincial Park is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. Whether you’re after an adventure or a chill day, this spot has it all!
WinSport at Canada Olympic Park
WinSport at Canada Olympic Park is an ideal location to enjoy some thrilling activities. Located towards the western side of Calgary, this national Park is publicly available for bobsleigh, ski jump, and many luge exhibits. Although these advantages are still for athletes and for their training, the rest district of the park is all about refreshing up through the exhilarating ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing; the mountain bike trails further add a hint of adventure. There are many tracking trails for mountain bikers, and the park also has lifts to make it easier for the bikers to reach the rooftop. Sports lovers can also go snowboarding in winter at this park.
Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddle Dome
Listening to that known theme of ice hockey, with lights dancing across, and getting prepared to witness an enthralling match is an incredible exploit for all sports lovers in Calgary. The Saddle Dome, as one of the ancient sports arenas is worth a visit, promising many guided tours, entertaining music, and fascinating events all around the year. It's definately a trip you should not miss.
Fairmont Palliser
Fairmont Palliser is an ancient hotel constructed in the 19th century and is one of the famous cultural spots in Calgary. Originally established by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was Alberta’s first hotel licensed to serve alcohol in 1924 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. Recently renovated, the lounge and restaurant provide a luxurious setting for both tourists and locals. Hawthorn, with its chic bar and inviting dining areas, offers delectable signature drinks that enhance the experience. A visit to this iconic hotel is a must when in the heart of Calgary!
Studio Bell
Studio Bell is a really impressive and fun museum located a brief walk away from Calgary Tower. The museum is home to many interactive exhibitions that give you knowledge about the history and science of musical equipment. You can make an online booking for a guided tour or just explore the amazing events taking place on all five floors of the museum on your own. Make sure to meander through the Canadian Halls of Fame that showcase many ancient musical items, it's also very exciting to test the impressive instrument setups; you can also record your own made-up sound in a sound box, how cool is that?
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a thrilling rodeo showcase that is 10 days long and features many interesting outdoor events. It captivates millions of visitors each year around the globe, giving Calgary-inspired nicknames like Cow Town and Stampede City. Here you will find many pancake stalls, with entertaining music and endless games and fun options. The event keeps every individual excited during the whole day offering amazing exploits to all.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is a massive cultural museum in Calgary, displaying Canada's rich heritage from the 18th to 19th century. Visitors can discover the historic buildings, chic cars, and old-fashioned thrilling rides, making their day packed with excitement and fun.
In a nutshell, there is an endless list of activities to do in Calgary, and each destination listed above promises a fantastic exploit to all visitors and tourists. So what are you waiting for? Visit Calgary now for an amazing venture!