Calgary Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Known locally as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, this city is the hub of cultural and artistic talent in the region, boasting one of the world’s largest rodeos.

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.

Where to stay in Calgary

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Downtown Calgary

4/5(28 area reviews)

Scotiabank Saddledome and TD Square 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.

Downtown Calgary
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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 Stampede Park.

Southwest Calgary
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Northwest Calgary

4/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like The Hamptons Golf Club or Market Mall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.

Northwest Calgary
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Southeast Calgary

3/5(1 area review)

While you're in Southeast Calgary, take in top sights like Deerfoot Casino or Eaglequest Golf Dome Driving Range, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.

Southeast Calgary
Calgary Tower featuring street scenes and a city as well as an individual male

Beltline

4/5(19 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Beltline for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Stampede Park and Scotiabank Saddledome. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Victoria Park - Stampede Station.

Beltline
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University District

4/5(5 area reviews)

Visitors often come to University District for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Olympic Oval and Trans Canada Pipeline Arch. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Banff Trail Station.

University District
Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE
Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE
4 out of 5
123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB
The price is AU$180 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
AU$180
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8,245 reviews)
Great Stay
"Staff were very friendly. Great facility and having the Restaurant right there is fantastic. The rooftop hot tubs were great, although could be warmer."

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2025

Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport
3 out of 5
3515 - 26 Street NE, Calgary, AB
The price is AU$77 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$77
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,124 reviews)
"Pleasant"

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2025

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport
Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1250 Mckinnon Dr NE, Calgary, AB
Fully refundable
The price is AU$120 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$120
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,574 reviews)
"Good staff, clean and very convenient"

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY
New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY
4 out of 5
Cranbrook Square SE, Calgary, AB
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seton Cineplex Cinemas ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"Has all the conveniences of home They discourage having quests over Parking not convenient for visitors.the apartment was very clean and well supplied with everything.parking right in front of the apartment was great"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2025

New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY
Cozy Family Home/Downtown Calgary/Free Parking/Enclosed Garage/Pet Friendly
Cozy Family Home/Downtown Calgary/Free Parking/Enclosed Garage/Pet Friendly
Calgary
Stay at this vacation home in Calgary. Popular attractions Scotiabank Saddledome and Stampede Park are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
CGY getaway
"Great location, very clean.Host was very accommodating - thank you"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Cozy Family Home/Downtown Calgary/Free Parking/Enclosed Garage/Pet Friendly
3 Beds (Queen) Free Underground Parking, AC, Riverwalk, Saddledome, 2 bedrooms
3 Beds (Queen) Free Underground Parking, AC, Riverwalk, Saddledome, 2 bedrooms
Calgary
Stay at this condo in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Scotiabank Saddledome and Stampede Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Great place!"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

3 Beds (Queen) Free Underground Parking, AC, Riverwalk, Saddledome, 2 bedrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Calgary

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
17
5 - Excellent 22%
4 - Good
43
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very sparse landscape, no trees unlike Banff. Was interesting to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Verified traveller

Easy to walk around, plenty of dining options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Verified traveller

Didn’t have long in the city but loved walking around Princes Island. Great park right next to the city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Calgary