Calgary Tourism Places offer a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Canada. SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the best attractions and activities, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable travel experience. Discover Calgary’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life with our expert travel tips and services.
1. Discover the Excitement of the Calgary Stampede
Cowboy at the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, rooted in the 1880s, is a 10-day festival that highlights Calgary’s summer. This famous rodeo has solidified Calgary’s place as Canada’s “Stampede City” and is considered one of Alberta’s top attractions. Held every July, the Stampede features cowboy and rodeo-style entertainment.
Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” it draws millions who dress in blue jeans and colorful Stetsons. The event includes a parade, rodeo competitions, chuck wagon races, and a First Nations village. It also hosts concerts, stage shows, a fun fair, pancake breakfasts, and agricultural shows.
Stampede Park is easily accessible by public transit or car, with ample parking. Even outside the Stampede season, visiting the park for a tour or concert is a great option.
According to the Calgary Stampede official website, the Stampede contributes over $282 million annually to Alberta’s economy, showcasing its significant impact on the region’s tourism sector.
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
2. Explore Banff National Park and Lake Louise on a Day Trip
Turquoise waters of Moraine Lake surrounded by mountains
Banff National Park and the town of Banff, known for their stunning mountain setting, are perfect for a day trip from Calgary.
Driving is a great way to get from Calgary to Banff, offering the flexibility to stop and see the sights. The drive takes under 90 minutes and offers spectacular mountain views. Passing Canmore, you’ll enter the park and arrive in Banff, the only town within Banff National Park.
Banff is perfect for exploring before or after touring the park, with shopping and dining options. You’ll also find excellent accommodations.
Lake Louise is a highlight, famous for its turquoise waters and snowcapped mountains, making it a great spot for photos, especially with the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background.
Other activities at Lake Louise include walking along the lakeshore trail or canoeing. You can also take the Lake Louise Gondola for views of the lake.
According to Parks Canada, Banff National Park attracts over four million visitors annually, highlighting its popularity as a premier tourist destination.
SIXT.VN Recommends:
Consider booking a guided tour with SIXT.VN to Banff and Lake Louise. Our experienced guides handle all the logistics, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery. We provide comfortable transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise reflecting on the lake
3. Visit Calgary Zoo with Your Kids
Various animals at the Calgary Zoo
Founded in 1917, the Calgary Zoo is a popular family attraction and Canada’s largest zoo. Located on St. George’s Island in the Bow River, it houses over 1,000 animals representing 272 species, including rare and endangered ones.
The zoo also features botanical gardens, which are great to visit in spring, when newborn animals arrive. Check the zoo’s website for details on animal residents.
Must-see sections include the Land of Lemurs, Destination Africa, and the Canadian Wilds, where you can see grizzly bears and pandas.
The six-acre prehistoric park with full-size replica dinosaurs is another highlight. In winter, visit the Zoolights Christmas festival.
According to the Calgary Zoo’s official figures, it welcomes over 1.3 million visitors each year, demonstrating its appeal as a top family destination.
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta
4. Experience Calgary’s Past at Heritage Park
Historical buildings at Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a typical pioneering village with reconstructed historical buildings and costumed interpreters from four time periods. It includes exhibits from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square. A highlight is the old steam engine that provides transport around the park.
A paddlewheel tour boat offers scenic cruises on the Glenmore Reservoir, providing great sightseeing and photo opportunities. The reservoir is also popular for sailing, canoeing, and rowing.
Visit the Gasoline Alley Museum, known for its interactive experiences and vintage vehicles.
Heritage Park Historical Village reports hosting over 600,000 visitors annually, making it a significant cultural and historical attraction in Calgary.
Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
5. Enjoy the Views from Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower overlooking the city
The Calgary Tower features a viewing platform with a glass floor and revolving restaurant, offering views 191 meters above the city.
Opened in 1968, it was the tallest structure in the city until 1984. It offers excellent views of the city and mountains, especially at night.
The tower’s torch was lit during the 1988 Olympics and is still lit on special occasions. A movie highlights the tower’s construction.
According to the Calgary Tower’s official website, the tower attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, highlighting its status as a must-see landmark.
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary
6. Explore WinSport: Canada Olympic Park
Ski jump towers at WinSport: Canada Olympic Park
WinSport is located in the foothills west of the city and was the primary site for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The hill is open for skiing and snowboarding, and there are opportunities for bobsledding, ziplining, tobogganing, snow tubing, and mountain biking. Indoor ice skating is also available.
Guided Ski Jump Tower Tours offer panoramic views of the Calgary skyline. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is also located in the park.
WinSport: Canada Olympic Park reports hosting over 1 million visitors annually, making it a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists.
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
7. Stroll Through Prince’s Island Park
Green space at Prince's Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a 50-acre green space north of downtown Calgary, located on an island in the Bow River. It is adjacent to Eau Claire Market, making it a popular joint visit.
Connected to the mainland by three pedestrian bridges, the park offers walking and biking areas, as well as outdoor concerts and plays in summer. A restaurant is located on the island.
According to Calgary Parks, Prince’s Island Park hosts over 2 million visitors each year, emphasizing its importance as a recreational and cultural hub.
Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
8. Take a Train Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer train traveling through the mountains
The Rocky Mountaineer rail tour runs between Calgary or Jasper and Vancouver, cutting westward through the Rockies. At Canmore, there is a view of the snow-capped Three Sisters.
The route passes through Banff, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass, and Rogers Pass. Day trip options are available, and you can stop over in Banff for hiking in Banff National Park.
Plan your excursion in advance, especially if you want to ride the first-class GoldLeaf dome car.
Rocky Mountaineer boasts a high customer satisfaction rate, with over 90% of guests rating their experience as “excellent,” according to their official website.
9. Explore the Glenbow Museum
Antique camera display at the Glenbow Museum
Established in 1966, the Glenbow Museum features exhibits illustrating the historical development of Western Canada, including the lives of early fur traders, the North West Mounted Police, Métis uprisings, and the oil industry.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world. Guided tours and educational programming are available.
Telus Spark is another good museum for families, featuring interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as lectures and educational workshops.
The Glenbow Museum showcases an extensive collection of over one million artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in Western Canada, according to its official data.
Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary
10. Visit Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Exterior of Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Located in Calgary’s East Village, Studio Bell opened in 2016. It houses music-related attractions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection.
These museums feature 2,000 music-related artifacts, including old instruments. Exhibits include a mobile recording studio once owned by the Rolling Stones and a piano once owned by Elton John.
The building features 226,000 terra-cotta tiles. Studio Bell offers educational events, workshops, daily performances, and concerts.
Guided tours are available, including a backstage pass tour where you can play some of the instruments.
Studio Bell attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, emphasizing its role as a major cultural landmark in Calgary, according to its official statistics.
Address: 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta
11. Hike in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Hiking trail in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is Canada’s second-largest urban park, covering nearly 14 square kilometers. Located in Calgary’s south, this green space is popular for walking and hiking trails through forest areas and along the creek.
Fish Creek Park is a natural area perfect for bird-watching, with 200 species identified.
Other activities include fishing, swimming, biking, and organized nature tours. There are heritage buildings, a visitor center, and a restaurant.
Alberta Parks reports that Fish Creek Provincial Park hosts over 3 million visitors annually, highlighting its importance as a natural recreational area.
Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
12. Enjoy the Seasons at Bowness Park
Fall colors in Bowness Park
Bowness Park is located in the city’s northwest corner and is popular for families, picnics, and barbecues, with fire pits provided.
There’s a paddleboat ride in summer and a train for kids.
In winter, activities include skating and ice biking. Other winter activities include hockey, curling, and cross-country skiing. It’s especially nice in the fall when the leaves change color.
Calgary Parks indicates that Bowness Park welcomes over 1.5 million visitors each year, making it a key recreational destination.
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary
13. See the Planes at the Hangar Flight Museum
Various aircraft at The Hangar Flight Museum
The Hangar Flight Museum focuses on the history of Canadian aviation and Western Canada in particular. Canadian pilots from WWII started the museum, which exhibits a variety of aircraft.
There are 24 planes and helicopters on display, along with simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history.
There’s also a display of artifacts and information related to Canada’s space programs. The museum is located near the Calgary Airport.
According to the Hangar Flight Museum’s official data, it showcases over 20 aircraft and attracts aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.
Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary
14. Visit the Home of the Mounties at Fort Calgary
Historical buildings at Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary was the first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The foundations of the original fort can still be seen, and the Fort Calgary Museum helps interpret the founding of the city.
Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant, is on the other side of the bridge.
There’s also a gift shop selling souvenirs and RCMP collectibles, and a theater showing related movies.
Fort Calgary reports hosting over 80,000 visitors annually, underlining its importance as a historical site in Calgary.
Address: 750 9th Ave SE, Calgary
15. Explore the Military Museums of Calgary
Military tanks on display at The Military Museums
The Military Museums of Calgary explore the history of Canada’s Navy, Army, and Air Force through interactive exhibits.
Exhibits include WWI trenches and a ship’s wheelhouse.
Military vehicles, including tanks, are located on-site, and there’s also a library available for public use. The museum hosts events and lectures throughout the year.
The Military Museums of Calgary feature an extensive collection of military artifacts and attract over 100,000 visitors annually, according to their official data.
Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary
16. Tour the Stables at Spruce Meadows
Equestrian show jumping at Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows is a world-renowned equestrian facility that welcomes visitors to tour the stables, watch show jumping and dressage champions in training, and stroll the grounds.
Outdoor tournaments take place in the spring, with indoor competitions in other seasons. There’s also a football stadium, retail vendors, and dining options.
Spruce Meadows hosts world-class equestrian events and welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, according to their official reports.
Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
17. Relax in the Devonian Gardens
Indoor tropical garden at Devonian Gardens
Located on the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, the Devonian Gardens feature 550 trees, including tropical palms, sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a 900-square-foot living wall.
About 10,000 plants make up the displays, thriving under a glass ceiling. A children’s play area is located on-site. The gardens are free for the public to wander.
The Devonian Gardens, located in the heart of downtown Calgary, attract over 1 million visitors annually, according to Calgary Parks.
Address: 400 – 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary
Maximize Your Calgary Adventure with SIXT.VN
Navigating a new city can be overwhelming, but SIXT.VN is here to make your Calgary experience seamless and enjoyable. We offer a range of services tailored to meet your travel needs, ensuring you can focus on exploring and creating lasting memories.
SIXT.VN Services in Calgary
| Service | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfers | Reliable and comfortable transportation from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to your hotel or any destination in the city. | Avoid long taxi lines, enjoy a private ride, and start your trip stress-free. Our professional drivers will greet you upon arrival and ensure a smooth journey. |
| Hotel Booking | Wide selection of hotels in Calgary to suit every budget and preference, from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options. | Access exclusive deals and discounts, read verified reviews, and find the perfect hotel in the ideal location for your itinerary. SIXT.VN simplifies the booking process, saving you time and effort. |
| Guided Tours | Expertly curated tours of Calgary’s top attractions, including the Calgary Stampede, Banff National Park, and Heritage Park. | Discover hidden gems, learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable guides, and experience the best of Calgary without the hassle of planning and navigating on your own. Choose from group tours or opt for a private, personalized experience. |
| Attraction Tickets | Convenient booking of tickets for Calgary’s popular attractions, such as the Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, and Studio Bell. | Skip the ticket lines, secure your spot in advance, and take advantage of special offers. SIXT.VN makes it easy to plan your itinerary and enjoy all that Calgary has to offer. |
| Car Rental | Flexible car rental options with a wide range of vehicles to choose from, allowing you to explore Calgary and its surroundings at your pace. | Enjoy the freedom to travel independently, visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, and create your own adventure. SIXT.VN offers competitive rates and convenient pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Calgary. |
| Customized Itineraries | Personalized travel plans tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule, ensuring you make the most of your time in Calgary. | Let our travel experts design the perfect itinerary for you, including must-see attractions, dining recommendations, and unique experiences. We handle all the details, so you can relax and enjoy your trip. |
| Multilingual Support | SIXT.VN provides support in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication and assistance for travelers from around the world. | Overcome language barriers and receive personalized assistance in your preferred language. Our multilingual team is available to answer your questions, provide recommendations, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. |
Why Choose SIXT.VN for Your Calgary Trip?
- Convenience: We offer a one-stop solution for all your travel needs, from transportation and accommodation to tours and activities.
- Reliability: Our services are backed by years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Expertise: Our team of travel experts has in-depth knowledge of Calgary and can provide personalized recommendations to enhance your trip.
- Value: We offer competitive prices and exclusive deals, ensuring you get the most for your money.
- Support: Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary Tourism Places
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What is Calgary best known for?
Calgary is best known for the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo and festival that celebrates the city’s western heritage. It’s also known for its proximity to the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park.
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When is the best time to visit Calgary?
The best time to visit Calgary is during the summer months (June to August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. However, winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and winter sports in the nearby mountains.
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How many days should I spend in Calgary?
A good amount of time to spend in Calgary is 3-4 days. This allows you to explore the city’s main attractions, take a day trip to Banff National Park, and experience local culture.
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What are some free things to do in Calgary?
Free activities in Calgary include visiting Prince’s Island Park, walking or biking along the Bow River pathway, exploring Fish Creek Provincial Park, and visiting the Devonian Gardens.
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Is Calgary a walkable city?
The downtown area of Calgary is walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy reach. However, for attractions further out, public transportation or a car is recommended.
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What is the local cuisine like in Calgary?
Calgary’s cuisine is influenced by its ranching heritage, with a focus on beef dishes. You can also find a diverse range of international cuisines and modern Canadian fare.
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How do I get around in Calgary?
Calgary has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail (CTrain), and taxis. Car rental is also a good option for exploring the surrounding areas.
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Are there any cultural events in Calgary?
Yes, Calgary hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival, the Calgary International Film Festival, and various theater and arts performances.
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What should I pack for a trip to Calgary?
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather in Calgary can be unpredictable. Include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If visiting in winter, pack warm clothing, including a winter coat, gloves, and a scarf.
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Is Calgary a family-friendly destination?
Yes, Calgary is a family-friendly destination with many attractions suitable for children, such as the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, and Telus Spark science center.
Plan Your Unforgettable Calgary Getaway Today
Calgary offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences, from its vibrant city life to its stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, SIXT.VN is your trusted partner for creating unforgettable memories.
Don’t let the stress of travel planning hold you back. Contact SIXT.VN today and let our experts help you design the perfect Calgary itinerary. Experience the best of Calgary with our reliable and convenient services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip from start to finish.
Contact Information:
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Let SIXT.VN be your guide to the best of Calgary. Start planning your adventure today
