Calgary is a city in the Alberta province of Canada. The city sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The city has the Rocky Mountains on one side and the Canadian Prairies on the other. Some of the best things to do in Calgary include exploring regional museums, entertainment venues, and national parks. The city was voted the most livable city in North America and the third most livable city in the world in 2022.
The museums are some of the best places to visit in Calgary downtown. The city has a wonderful array of museums dedicated to regional history, Canadian history, northwest mounted police, art, aviation, and more. Though the most interesting things to see in Calgary reside in the Heritage Park living museum. This place recreates the late 1800s era complete with costumed performers enacting chores. You can also enjoy a variety of fun stuff to do in Calgary at this place. This is also the largest living history museum in Canada and holds a special place among Calgary attractions.
Aside from history, there are also fun Calgary tourist attractions. The city has one of the most popular zoos in Canada. The place has more than 800 animals from different parts of the world and you get to enjoy animal interaction activities. The zoo is one of the best parts of Calgary sightseeing. The city also has nature parks, amusement parks, entertainment venues, shopping spots, and more. You will find plenty of outdoor activities to do in Calgary, Alberta.
Stepping out of the city, you can reach several conserved areas in a few hours. You can explore forests, lakes, valleys, mountains, wetlands, and more. These Calgary tourist spots are popular for hiking, trekking, wildlife safari, mountain biking, river rafting, horseback riding, and other adventure activities. You can also go to mountain resorts for the best things to do in Calgary in winters such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more.
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Top 17 Tourist Places to Visit in Calgary in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. TELUS Spark Science Centre
This science museum has interactive exhibits concerning astronomy, geology, energy, metrology, and more. The museum has five galleries themed after different science disciplines. It is one of the best places to visit in Calgary, downtown for family tourists. Some of the most popular galleries at this museum include Being Human, Earth and Sky Exhibit, and Energy and Innovation. This place also has fun indoor activities to do in Calgary. You can create your own science project at the Open Studio Workshop. People can easily spend 2 hours or more at this museum.
2. Calgary Zoo
This zoo has more than 900 animals brought in from different parts of the world. You will see African Lions, Siberian Tigers, Hippopotamus, Gorillas, Giraffes, Penguins, Sharks, Pythons, Snow Leopards, and many more. The zoo also has fun things to do in Calgary, Canada for children including animal interactions. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this zoo when you visit Calgary.
3. Fort Calgary
This fort was built in 1875 and is linked to the origin of the North West Mounted Police. The fort no longer exists, but you will see an interpretive outline of the original fort. You will see interesting historical things to see in Calgary. The museum looks into the history of Calgary and noteworthy historical figures. You will see a reconstructed 1888 barracks, a 1932 newspaper writing room, an 1883 railway station, and more. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.
Day 2
1. The Hangar Flight Museum
This museum celebrates the evolution of human flight. It was established by former WWII pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It is one of the most interesting Calgary tourist attractions. You will see 24 aircraft and 58 engines. You will get to learn a lot of stories about flight and pilots from different eras. You will need about an hour or so from Calgary sightseeing to tour this museum.
2. Peace Bridge
This pedestrian bridge was built in 2012 and was designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is well known among Calgary attractions for its aesthetic appeal. It got the nickname “Finger Trap Bridge”, because it looks like a puzzle toy. The bridge is one of the best Calgary tourist spots to watch the sunset over the Bow River. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to explore this bridge.
3. Prince’s Island Park
This park has green space, hiking trails, forested areas, a wetlands area, picnic spots, cafes, restaurants, and sports facilities. People come here for leisure and outdoor activities to do in Calgary. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this park.
4. Glenbow Museum
This art and history museum is the largest one of its kind in Western Canada. It is popular among the top things to do in downtown Calgary. You will see exhibits like a Canadian print collection, aboriginal art, Asian sculptures, North American pop culture, Arctic artworks, a Blackfoot gallery, and so on. You will need about two hours from Calgary sightseeing to tour this museum.
5. Calgary Tower
This 158 meters tall tower is one of the most well-known places to see in Calgary. You can get a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings from this tower. You can see all the way to the Rocky Mountains from this vantage point. Aside from the view, the tower also has fun stuff to do in Calgary. You will come across an interactive map that tells you more about the view and the landmarks. You will need about an hour to experience this place.
Day 3
1. Fish Creek Provincial Park
This park is built around an artificial lake and is surrounded by a forest. It is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer, coyotes, beavers, owls, eagles, herons, and more. People come here for several outdoor things to do in Calgary, Alberta including hiking, trekking, camping, mountain biking, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying nature at this park.
2. Heritage Park Historical Village
This living museum focuses on Western Canada between 1860 and 1950. It is one of the most fun places to go in Calgary for its exhibits, activities, and experiences. This museum basically recreates the era. You will find people dressed in costumes and performing chores relevant to the time. The museum also has a bunch of cool things to do in Calgary, Alberta for people to experience life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to experience this place when you visit Calgary.
3. The Military Museums
This museum focuses on the military history of Canada and its various branches. You will see military artifacts, types of equipment, uniforms, vehicles, war machines, and more. It is also one of the best places to visit in Calgary, Canada to learn about stories of soldiers and their sacrifices. You will need about 2 hours to tour these 8 museums.
Day 4
1. Olympic Plaza
This urban park has several attractions and facilities. The outdoor ice skating rink in this park is one of the best things to do in Calgary in winter. It also hosts several music festivals, concerts, and events. The park also has Famous Five Installations. These are bronze sculptures of women who fought for women’s rights in the country in the 20th century. You will need an hour from Calgary sightseeing to explore this park.
2. Gasoline Alley Museum
This museum has the largest public collection of oil and gas-related artifacts from the 20th century. You will come across some of the most interesting things to see in Calgary at this museum including gas signs, antique vehicles, gas pumps, and more. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Calgary.
I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Gasoline Alley Museum in advance.
3. Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
This museum is dedicated to the history of music in Canada. It is one of the top things to do in Calgary for music lovers. You will see a variety of instruments, and learn about genres and artists. This place is also famous for the wonderful events and performances held in the center. You will need an hour from Calgary travel to tour this center.
I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Studio Bell in advance.
Day 5
1. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
This sanctuary is situated just outside the city and is dedicated to saving wolves, wolfdogs, and their natural habitat. It is one of the top things to do in Calgary, Alberta. The sanctuary has a variety of tours where you will a variety of wolfdogs and learn about them. The best part about this place is the interactive tour where you get to touch, feed, and play with these majestic creatures. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this sanctuary.
I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in advance.
2. Banff National Park
This national park is home to the famous rocky mountains and is quite popular for outdoor activities to do in Calgary such as hiking, trekking, snowshoeing, zip-line, river rafting, horseback tours, camping, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, mountain biking, and more. The national park has mountains, river valleys, caves, lakes, waterfalls, forests, wetlands, grasslands, and so on. The park has a rich variety of wildlife including Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goats, Caribou, Wolves, Mountain Lions, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, and more. You will need at least a day from Calgary sightseeing to explore the wonders of this place.
I suggest you should go for a Day Trip to Banff National Park from Calgary.
3. Lake Louise Ski Resort
This resort has some of the best things to do in Calgary in winter. Although it is situated about 2 hours away from the city. But, it is one of the best places to visit in Calgary, Alberta if you want to go for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and so on. You can take a gondola ride to reach the resort. You will get wonderful views of the snow-clad mountains and the forests in the valleys during this trip. People usually make an overnight trip at this resort during Calgary travel.
I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Lake Loise Ski Resort with a visit to Johnston Canyon.
If you are looking for more Calgary attractions, check out the sections below. We have created an exhaustive list of all the wonderful places to visit and things to do in and around the city.
Things to do in Calgary
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Calgary
- Heritage Park
- Glenbow Museum
- Fort Calgary
- TELUS Park Science Center
- Studio Bell
- The Military Museums
- The Hangar Flight Museum
- Lougheed House National and Provincial Historic Site
- Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
- Esker Foundation
- Gasoline Alley Museum
- Wonderland Sculpture
- Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery
- Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
- The New Gallery
- Nickle Galleries
- Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame
- Baitun nur Mosque
- Paul Kuhn Gallery
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Calgary
- Fish Creek Provincial Park
- Nose Hill Park
- Banff National Park
- Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
- Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre
- Carburn Park
- Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
- Glenmore Reservoir
- Sikome Lake
- Weaselhead Flats
- Chestermere Lake
- Griffith Woods Park
- Ralph Klein Park
- Harvie Passage
- Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Calgary
- Calgary Zoo
- WinSport
- Prince’s Island Park
- Calaway Park
- Lake Lousie Ski Resort
- Bowness Park
- Devonian Gardens
- Olympic Plaza
- Edworthy Park
- Skyline Luge
- Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- Bowmont Park
- Confederation Park
- Reader Rock Garden
- Granary Road
- North Glenmore Park
- Bow Habitat Station
- Baker Park
- Central Memorial Park
- Cobb’s Adventure Park
- Pearce Estate Park
- South Glenmore Park
- St. Patrick’s Island
- Prairie Winds Park
- Riley Park
- Silver Springs Botanical Gardens
- Century Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Calgary Farmyard
- Sandy Beach Park
- Village Square Leisure Center
- Sue Higgins Park
- Shaw Millenium Park
- Southland Leisure Centre
- St. Patrick’s Island Park
- Elbow River Casino
- Olympic Oval Ice Skating Rink
- Butterfield Acres Petting Farm
- Stanley Park
- Elliston Park
- iFly Calgary Indoor Skydiving
- Shouldice Park
- Cowboys Casino
- Ace Casino
- Nose Creek Regional Park
- Pure Casino
- Chinook Winds Regional Park
Shopping in Calgary
- Stephen Avenue
- 8 Avenue Southwest
- 17 Avenue Southwest
- Granary Road Farmer’s Market
- Kensington Road Northwest
- Calgary Farmer’s Market
- Crossroads Market
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Calgary
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Wildlife Safari
- Mountain Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Kayaking
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Tobogganing
- River Rafting
Sightseeing in Calgary
- Calgary Tower
- Peace Bridge
- Stephen Aveneue Walk
- 8 Avenue Southwest
- The Bow
- 17 Avenue Southwest
- Scotman’s Hill
- Macleod Trail Southeast
- Bow River Pathway
- Mchugh Bluff
- Centre Street Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Calgary
- Calgary Momo House
- Notable Restaurant
- Silver Inn
- Model Milk
- Vendome
- Big T’s BBQ
- River Cafe
- Saltlik
- Vero Bistro Moderne
- Santorini Greek Taverna
- Winebar Kensington
- Foreigh Concept
- Jinbar
- Bridgette Bar
- Rogue
- Paper Lantern
- Pizzeria Gaga
- Caesar’s Stake House
- The Himalayan
- Koji Katsu
- Ten Foot Henry
- Major Tom Bar
- Minas Brazilian Steakhouse
- Pure Kitchen & Bar
- River Cafe
- Con Mi Taco
- Park by Sidewalk Citizen
- Sukiyaki House
- Eight
- Deane House
- Orchard
Where to Stay in Calgary?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Calgary. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Calgary.
Luxurious Hotels
- Fairmont Palliser
- Hyatt Regency Calgary
- The Westin Calgary
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown
- Le Germain Hotel Calgary
- Hotel Arts
- Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
- The Dorian, Autograph Collection
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown
- Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary South
Mid-Range Hotels
- Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre
- Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary, an IHG Hotel
- Applause Hotel by CLIQUE
- Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West
- Deerfoot Inn and Casino
- Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
- Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
- Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown
- Best Western Plus Port O’Call Hotel
Budget Hotels
- HI Calgary City Centre
- Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton Calgary- University Northwest
- Executive Residency by Best Western Calgary City View North
- Best Western Plus Suites Downtown
- Days Inn by Wyndham Calgary Northwest
- Aloft Calgary University
- Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn
- Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites By APA
- Royal Hotel Calgary, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Best Western Plus Village Park Inn
Custom Tours Package in Calgary
How to Reach Calgary?
By Air
The city is served by YYC Calgary International Airport. It is situated about 11 miles (17 km) outside the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Calgary from Frankfurt, Halifax, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Quebec City, Seattle, Dallas, Zurich, Amsterdam, Saskatoon, Hamilton, Denver, and several other cities from North America and Europe.
You can get buses and cabs to reach Calgary from the airport.
By Road
There are no direct train routes for Calgary travel. The closest train stations to visit Calgary are Jasper and Edmonton. Then you can take a bus to reach Calgary from either of these cities. You can also get buses to visit Calgary from several other cities in Canada and the USA.
If you are planning to reach Calgary by road, you can head for Trans Canada highway 1. You can also take highway routes 2, 9, or 22 to get to Calgary.
By Water
Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for Calgary travel.
Image Reference
- TELUS Spark Science Centre – Mack Male / Flickr
- Calgary Zoo – Jan Mosimann / Flickr
- Fort Calgary – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
- The Hangar Flight Museum – Eric Friedebach / Flickr
- Peace Bridge – Wayne S. Grazio / Flickr
- Prince’s Island Park – Jan Mosimann / Flickr
- Glenbow Museum – Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
- Calgary Tower – Erwin Buncaras / PixaBay
- Fish Creek Provincial Park – Dillan K / Flickr
- Heritage Park Historical Village – Jasperdo / Flickr
- The Military Museums – Tony Hisgett / Flickr
- Olympic Plaza – abdallahh / Flickr
- Gasoline Alley Museum – Jasperdo / Flickr
- Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
- Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – Clarissa Peterson / Flickr
- Banff National Park – bernie_ / PixaBay
- Lake Louise Ski Resort – Doug Zwick / Flickr
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