24 THINGS THAT MUST DO IN CALGARY
24 THINGS THAT MUST DO IN CALGARY, Calgary is the largest megacity in Alberta and has a unique mix of big- megacity energy and western hospitality. From wining and dining or going to the ballet to roughing it at a Rocky Mountains estate, there’s a huge variety of effects to do in Calgary.
While there’s plenitude to do in the megacity itself, Calgary’s stylish asset is its position, with the spectacular Rocky Mountain range right on its doorstep( about a one- hour drive from the megacity centre).
As well as being at the crossroad of two gutters, the Bow and Elbow, Calgary is also at the crossroads of two major road systems – the TransCanada Highway and the CANAMEX Corridor.
From alfresco conditioning to shopping to having a wild time at the Calgary Stampede( that’s when Calgary turns into one of the stylish party metropolises in Canada!), spending time in Calgary is one of the delightful effects to do in Canada.
24 THINGS TO DO IN CALGARY
FUN THINGS TO DO IN CALGARY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
I love Calgary because it’s the doorway to the Rocky Mountains and it’s a happening city in its own right.
CALGARY
Whatever your interests, whether its history, art, shopping, Olympic-style sports, fine dining or outdoorsy activities, Calgary has it all and more.
Looking for some cool tours? Here are some different ways of experiencing Calgary: Calgary Night Tour, Calgary Sidecar Adventure and Calgary Public Art Cycling Tour.
1- CLIMB CALGARY TOWER
Although Calgary Tower might not be considered a top Canadian landmark when compared to CN Tower in Toronto, zipping up the tower is the best way to orient yourself.
It revolves turning one full 360-degree rotation every 45 minutes (at lunch) and 60 minutes (at dinner).
Dine at the Sky360, the up-aloft restaurant, and watch the sunset as the lights of the city start to twinkle.
From aloft you’ll be able to spy some of Calgary’s topographical features such as the Bow and Elbow rivers.
2- GO TO THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
If you can time your visit to coincide with this famous event, you’ll be able to explore your inner cowboy at the annual
As a keen horsewoman, I particularly enjoy the sights and sounds of working western horses.
The Stampede’s rodeo is thrilling, where cowboys rope cattle, ride bucking broncos and do barrel racing.
Since 1961, a herd of now-600 stock horses have been bred specifically to be “professional” bucking broncos. The Stampede delivers lots of action.
There’s a nightly grandstand show, a display of animals and agricultural techniques showcasing life in Canada’s West, while the Bell adrenaline ranch presents such shows as the Evolution of Extreme.
Want to look like a “Stampeder”?
Visit Smithbilt Hats and buy a handmade cowboy hat (a Stetson).
Want cowboy boots?
Discover a variety of shapes, colours, and tooling patterns on genuine leather boots at The Alberta Boot Company.
Want to learn about the Stampede?
3- VISIT THE GLENBOW MUSEUM
Don’t miss the Glenbow Museum, one of my favourite museums in Canada because of its varied collection which so well describes the 30 different First Nations Great Plains People.
Don’t miss the Niitsitapi exhibit highlighting the Blackfoot peoples, where I think the pictograph robes (paintings depicting yearly events recorded on bison hides – a type of journal) are perhaps the most fascinating artefacts.
Also discover some of Alberta’s most quirky, tenacious characters.
The Mavericks: an incorrigible history of Alberta exhibition profiles many independently-minded individuals who made this province hum.
Whether it’s learning about rancher George Lane or Henrietta Muir Edwards who fought for Canadian women’s rights to vote, here you’ll meet politicians, settlers, oil and ranch characters who, through dogged determination and smarts fashioned the Alberta of today.
Dive deeper and visit the Glenbow Archives.
For example, I’m interested in horse regalia of the Niitsitapi First Nations, so I phoned ahead, asked if I could come in and so some research.
The accommodating archivists welcomed me and I spent several contented hours investigating my topic.
You can, too.
4- VISIT HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Learn about Calgary’s history at Canada’s largest living history museum.
Heritage Park Historical Village has all sorts of demonstrations, exhibit collections, rides, and more.
For instance, workshops such as a beer-making workshop, wool-spinning, and cooking classes teach various artisanal crafts.
Exhibitions include a fur-trading post recalling the times of the 1860s, an 1880’s pre-railway settlement, and the 1930’s to 1950’s Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square.
The latter’s great fun, where you can wander inside, protected from the elements, and visit Calgary as it used to be.
There are restaurants on-site so, budget a day for a stay!
5- SHOP IN INGLEWOOD
Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a shopper, however, when my Calgarian girlfriend and I decided to explore her fave ’hood, she introduced me to historic Inglewood.
In 2014 it was voted Canada’s greatest neighbourhood (Great Places annual competition) so it’s worth exploring and besides, it’s one of the principal filming locations of Fargo, the TV miniseries.
Here, the Bow River winds past old homes which have been transformed into funky shops, cafés and galleries, so what’s not to like?
Check out eco-friendly items at Rivas “a clean-living eco store” where you’ll find ideas for eco-living in your homes through to skincare, cosmetics and fashions.
Visit The Uncommons, an aptly named shop where you can find designer items that aren’t too easily found elsewhere.
The Festival Hall houses a performance space where live concerts are held, and the Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery holds several shows yearly.
There are tons more things to do such as strolling the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre.
So grab a pair of comfy shoes and spend the day exploring or join a walking tour of Inglewood here.
6- EAT IN A CALGARY RESTAURANT
From a thriving Chinatown to stellar Alberta steak houses, foodies find Calgary irresistible. Here are some places where Calgarians love to eat.
- Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus – My Calgarian brother introduced me to the modestly priced Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus. It’s a personal fave where absolutely fresh savoury or sweet Dutch pancakes await.
- Model Milk – Calgarians love this place for their Sunday Supper served family-style.
- MARKET – The 2014 Gold Medal Plates winner (Canadian Culinary Championships) and home to the Urban Cultivator, where 16 heirloom varieties of plants are grown and incorporated into the menu.
- River Café – River Cafe resonates with Canadiana because snowshoes and canoes adorn the walls and its Bow River setting on Prince’s Island Park further accentuates the outdoorsy atmosphere. On the menu is seasonal Canadian cuisine where farm-to-table freshness is de rigeur.
- Holy Grill – The spot for a quick bite of panini and burgers.
- Shiki Menya – Looking for some delicious Japanese food? Shiki Menya is a great spot for ramen, rice bowls, noodles and soups.
- Without Papers – This restaurant features yummy pizza in Inglewood, a trendy Calgary neighbourhood.
- Rouge Restaurant – Housed on a corner lot in a gracious 1891 mansion, Rouge offers locally grown foods paired with a select wine menu.
7- SHOP AT CROSSIRON MILLS SHOPPING CENTER
The largest single-level shopping mall in Alberta is located just outside the northern city limits.
The shopping centre is filled with retail stores, entertainment opportunities and restaurants, making it Alberta’s premium outlet shopping destination.
During both the summer and holiday season the mall offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from various locations in Calgary.
The mall also provides a variety of family and kid-friendly activities such as the Little Fossil Fun Zone for kids, an arcade and movie theatre.
8- SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT PRINCE’S ISLAND PARK
This urban park in the heart of downtown Calgary offers ample green space, a pathway and hiking trail system and riverside views.
The park hosts various events throughout the summer including the Canada Day Celebration and Calgary Folk Festival.
Prince’s Island Park is a top spot to hunker down for an afternoon with the family.
Kids can enjoy the splash park at Eau Claire plaza, playgrounds and grab an ice cream afterwards.
Bring your blankets, picnic and frisbee and spend the day enjoying the park’s relaxed atmosphere and nearby restaurants.
9- HAVE FUN AT CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK & CASINO
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino is a casino and horse racing track just outside Calgary.
It’s one of two ”A-level” horse racing venues in Alberta where you can watch live horse racing.
Century Downs offers 100 days of racing throughout the year and they even hosted a chuckwagon world final in 2019.
The casino boasts 550 slot machines, table games, VLTs and an off-track betting area.
There is an assortment of dining opportunities including lounges and restaurants making it a fun place to spend an exciting time with good company.
THINGS TO DO IN CALGARY FOR ACTIVE PEOPLE
10- EXPLORE EDWORTHY PARK
Located in the northwest section of Calgary right along the south shore of the Bow River, Edworthy Park offers plenty of green space and over 5 km of hiking and biking trails.
The park features epic hills that provide the perfect natural playground for those looking for a great workout either on foot or bike.
The park also has an off-leash area for dogs to run free and get their exercise.
11- SKATING AT THE OLYMPIC OVAL
Calgary’s Olympic Oval was built for the 1988 Winter Games and is North America’s first covered skating oval.
The oval is open year-round, but it is an especially great way to get some exercise during Calgary’s winter season when outdoor activities are limited due to cold temperatures.
Bring your own gear or rent speed and hockey skates at the skate shop.
Not comfortable flying around on the ice?
No problem, the Oval features a running track that circles around the ice.
Whether you’re looking for an intense workout, a casual skate or something to do for the whole family, the Olympic Oval is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
12- MOUNTAIN BIKING AT WINSPORT
During the summer months, Winsport offers a fantastic network of lift-assisted downhill biking trails.
The park has over 20 km of professionally groomed trails which are rideable by all skill levels and a mix of flat and rolling terrain.
Looking to practice your skills or tricks before you head up the chair lift?
The Mountain Bike Skills Centre features freeride trails, skills loops and cross-country trails.
A full stocked rental shop is on-site, which can outfit both adults and youth for a full or half-day of riding.
Head over to Winsport if you are looking for an adrenaline-rushing activity.
13- GET ACTIVE ON THE RIVERS
Flowing through Calgary, the Bow and Elbow rivers are a playground for outdoorsy and health-conscious Calgarians.
Jogging and biking are popular along the riverine pathways, which offer lovely views and nice picnic spots.
Rent a raft and head downstream, rent a canoe or kayak and go paddling or rent a paddleboard and go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Bike the Bow River Pathway on rentals, or if you prefer terra firma, bring your own gear and jog along.
If you rent any type of river conveyance you’ll need to make arrangements to be picked up or, if you have two cars in your group, leave one car at the out-take.
What’s very cool?
Paddlers won’t want to miss at least knowing about the University of Calgary’s Outdoor Centre where outings, courses and workshops are offered.
Looking for free bikes? Two boutique hotels – Hotel Arts and Kensington Riverside Inn – offer free bikes to guests.
14- HIKE NOSE HILL PARK
Have a nose for the outdoors?
Visit Nose Hill Park, an extraordinary 11 square kilometre ecosystem in the northwest of the city.
The fescue grassland, exposed ecosystem boasts fabulous views of the city, while as you hike perhaps you’ll find wild roses (Alberta’s provincial flower), shooting stars, flax, lupin and other wildflowers.
Wildlife such as cedar waxwings, great blue herons, deer and coyotes may be found here.
Take binoculars, a sunhat, and windbreaker – Calgarians rightly say “wait five minutes and the weather will change,” so it’s always good to have something warm to wear, even on a summer’s day.
15- EXPLORE FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
Fish Creek Provincial Park and North Glenmore Park are gems, offering many seasonal activities.
Go swimming, kayaking, tennis and hiking in the summertime or go cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing in the season of ice and snow.
These and other parks often have fire pits and barbeque stands, children’s playgrounds, and stretches of paved trails.
They cater to youngsters in strollers through to people needing wheelchairs can participate.
If you’re a keen birder, this is the place for you as there are free nature walks with naturalists from Nature Calgary.
At Birds Calgary, investigate free Saturday field trips, for instance, or birding courses (fees apply).
16- RIDE A BOBSLED AT CANADA OLYMPIC PARK
Unleash your inner Olympian at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1998 Olympic Winter Games.
Nowadays people like you and me who want to try out some Olympian sports can do so, while performance athletes also train here.
In winter roughly 300,000 skiers and ’boarders come here for lessons or to play on such venues as the only half-pipe in a North American city.
Want a total rush?
In winter, ride the bobsled track with a bobsled athlete as your driver.
In summer?
Thrill to the mountain bike park or take North America’s fastest zipline, descending 500 metres at a speed of 120 to 140 km/h.
Insider’s tip? Olympic Park is also home to the Sports Hall of Fame where you can “meet” Canada’s 540 sports heroes.
There are over100,000 artifacts on display. and fun interactive exhibits such as shadow boxing, 3D hockey and wheelchair racing for all ages.
THINGS TO DO IN CALGARY WITH KIDS
Calgary is a family-friendly city with a number of things to do in Calgary with kids.
From exploring cool museums to having a fun day out at an amusement park, there are enough family activities in Calgary to keep everyone happy.
So, if you’re wondering what to do in Calgary with kids, here are a few suggestions.
17- VISIT STUDIO BELL
A one-of-a-kind music museum, Studio Bell is a National Music Centre with five floors of exhibitions about music in Canada.
There are interactive displays where you can free your inner musician by singing along in a sound booth or bashing out a melody on an interactive instrument installation.
Music fans will be in heaven wandering among the displays of rare instruments, manuscripts and sound equipment.
If you’re keen on Canadian memorabilia, this is the place to visit.
One of the National Music Centre’s treasures is the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, which was built initially for the Rolling Stones and was the first professional mobile recording studio in the world.
It has been restored and is parked next to the historic live music venue, the King Eddy stage, and is still in use.
18- SLEEPOVER AT CALGARY ZOO
See the lions, tigers, giraffes and elephants at Calgary Zoo. From Giant Pandas to Canadian grizzlies, the massive zoo has over 1000 animals from around the world.
The zoo has a focus on conservation and runs educational programmes to raise awareness of plights of critically endangered species, such as the gorillas.
Watching the king penguins waddle through the zoo on the daily Penguin Walk is a cool activity in winter.
There are kids camps for children of all ages and kids birthday parties.
One of the fun Calgary kids activities is to visit the zoo at night for a sleepover at the zoo.
19- HAVE FUN AT CALAWAY PARK
Soak up views of the Rocky Mountains while riding a roller coaster at Calaway Park.
With 32 rides, lots of games, a 3D theatre and live entertainment, Calaway Park is just the spot for family fun.
If you’re looking for things to do in Calgary with kids, Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park is not far away.
10 kilometres west of Calgary at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a fun spot for a family day out.
Calaway Park’s new ride, the Bumble Blast is a spinning coaster on a figure-eight track.
The Calaway RV Park and Campground is the place to stay.
20- GET ENERGETIC AT SHAKERS FUN CENTRE
What to do when it’s raining, or the weather is too cold to be outdoors?
With a range of fun attractions, both indoors and outdoors, Shakers Fun Centre is a top spot if you’re looking for family activities in Calgary.
From go-karting to playing mini-golf or laser tag, to scaling the climbing tower and bowling, there are plenty of attractions for families here.
21- EXPLORE TELUS SPARK
TELUS Spark is an impressive Science Centre with exhibits, programs and demonstrations.
It has an HD Digital Dome Theatre, an outdoor park and galleries with amazing displays of science and technology.
The kids will love it but take a tip and check out the trendy adults-only nights when you can have a drink and get nerdy.
22- BOWNESS PARK
This 30-hectare park in northwest Calgary is a popular family-friendly attraction year-round.
In the summer, it’s packed with people having picnics and enjoying the lagoon by paddle boat.
The park features a boathouse where you can rent a paddleboat or canoe, playgrounds, washrooms, picnic areas, fire pits and BBQ stands, a wading pool, tea house and train ride – in other words, your family won’t get bored here!
In the winter you can enjoy ice skating on both the lagoon and the canal.
Gather around the fire pits after your skate to warm up and enjoy some hot chocolate.
No matter what season you visit, Bowness Park is a lovely spot to bring your family any time of the year.
23- INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY & NATURE CENTER
This excellent facility is just minutes from downtown Calgary and has been providing migratory birds with a place to visit for more than 80 years.
To date, 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants have been recorded at the sanctuary.
The Nature Center has interpretive exhibits, walking trails and offers lots of information about the park and local wildlife.
The park has picnic tables and washrooms, so feel free to bring your lunch to enjoy after exploring trails.
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a natural environment, so no dogs or bikes are permitted in the park.
24- SOUTHLAND LEISURE CENTER
Located in southwest Calgary, this spectacular facility offers an indoor waterpark, wave pool, splash zone, tot pool, hot tub and water slides.
There is even an aqua play structure which offers spray features and small waterslides for kids aged 4 to 10.
Your admission grants you access to the entire facility for the whole day.
Along with the waterpark, the recreation centre offers various drop-in programs including public skating, a climbing wall, gymnastics, badminton, basketball, pickleball and more.