Originally a charming farming and ranching town, the city has seen a staggering growth over the last century, largely due to its rich resources in and commerce in oil trade. Situated on the Bow River in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the third largest municipality in the region. The city is an eclectic mix of modern and urban culture and is proud of its traditional pioneering roots. The trusted grid system and highly efficient public transport network makes navigating Calgary easy. Visitors can look down at the sprawling grid network beneath their feet and get a bird’s eye view of the stunning skyline from the Calgary Tower.
One of the city’s most celebrated events is the Calgary Stampede, attracting over a million visitors each year. For a period of 10 days, visitors are treated to a line-up of rodeos, live music and agricultural displays. You’ll be overwhelmed by the extraordinary horsemanship on display in the chuck wagon derby. Join the crowds in the nail-biting bareback bull riding
If you don’t make it to the Stampede, there is plenty to see and do in and around the city. Step back to prehistoric times at the Calgary Zoo which features life size replicas of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures from a bygone era. Many of the replicas on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum are based on the fossil finds in the Drumheller Valley, or ‘Dinosaur Valley’ as it is known locally.
For those visiting in winter, the city is renowned for its range of winter sports and activities at the Canada Olympic Park. From skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and ice skating, there is an activity to suit all ages and levels of expertise. For indoor types and culture buffs, the Glenbow Museum on Stephen Avenue in downtown offers a diverse range of art galleries and exhibits to enjoy.
The numerous restaurants and eateries just across the Bow River offer diverse flavours from around the world. Food lovers will greatly enjoy what Calgary has to offer.
Calgary is situated close to the Alberta Badlands, a region decorated with unusual rock formations and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Calgary Travel Guide
Visit Calgary
Where to stay in Calgary
Downtown Calgary
TD Square and CORE Shopping Centre are top sights in Downtown Calgary, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at 3rd Street SW Station or 4th Street SW Station to see more sights in the area.
Southwest Calgary
Southwest Calgary is a destination travellers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Southland Station or Anderson Station to explore sights like Heritage Park Historical Village.
Northwest Calgary
If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like Crowchild Twin Arena or Market Mall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.
Southeast Calgary
While you're in Southeast Calgary, take in top sights like Deerfoot Casino or Eaglequest Douglasdale Golf Course, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.
Beltline
Visitors often come to Beltline for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Elbow River Casino and Cowboys Casino. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Victoria Park - Stampede Station.
Banff Trail
You might enjoy the live music while you're in Banff Trail, and if you want to see some more of the larger Calgary area, you can take a ride on the metro at Banff Trail Station.
Reviewed on 30 Jan. 2025
Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2025
Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2025
Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025
Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2025
Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2025
Popular places to visit
Scotiabank Saddledome
Catch an event at Scotiabank Saddledome during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Calgary Zoo
Explore the botanical gardens to see a diverse array of exotic animals and view re-creations of interesting habitats from Africa to South America.
Canada Olympic Park
Originally opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this fantastic attraction is now open to the public and boasts an impressive range of winter sport activities.
Chinook Centre
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Chinook Centre during your trip to Calgary. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Calgary Tower
With an outstanding view over the city landscape, this iconic landmark is a great way to view all of the sites from the comfort of one observation point.
BMO Centre
Learn about the events happening in BMO Centre during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its entertainment choices.
Activities
Banff: Gondola, Upper Hot Springs, Johnston Canyon Bus Tour
Lake Louise Moraine Emerald Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town
Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Hot Springs, Minnewanka
Banff: 2-Day Banff Lake Louise & Yoho N.P. Tour
Banff: Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Bow & Peyto Lakes
Reviews of Calgary
3/5 - Okay
Very sparse landscape, no trees unlike Banff. Was interesting to visit.
4/5 - Good
Best hockey team but crazy homeless people that could attack at any minute (big drug problem) good beer and food. A few days is all you need.
4/5 - Good
Easy to walk around, plenty of dining options.
5/5 - Excellent
Calgary is a nice city and easy to get around. Enjoyed it very much -especially how it snowed the past couple of days
5/5 - Excellent
Didn’t have long in the city but loved walking around Princes Island. Great park right next to the city
4/5 - Good
Great base to get to Lake Louise for a day. Then the other direction for the Badlands trail. Happily walked around exploring Calgary. Exciting sculptures and architecture. Musically, a bit to country'n'western for my liking. Wonderful friendly people
