Travel Guide of Calgary in Canada by Influencers and Travelers

Calgary is a city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. It is situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, about 80 km east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, roughly 299 km south of the provincial capital of Edmonton and approximately 240 km north of the Canada–United States border.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Calgary

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower is a 190.8-meter free standing observation tower in Downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Originally called the Husky Tower, it was conceived as a joint venture between Marathon Realty Company Limited and Husky Oil as part of an urban renewal plan and to celebrate Canada's centennial of 1967.

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2 - Olympic Plaza

The Olympic Plaza is an urban park and gathering place in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Located around Macleod Trail and 7th Avenue S., it was created as the venue for the medal ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

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3 - Sightseeing Tours in Calgary

Explore the wonders of the Rockies: Guided tour of lakes Louise and Moraine from Calgary Discover Alberta's iconic lakes with Banff Tour! Accompanied by enthusiastic guides, embark on a half-day exploration by bus from Calgary to discover the natural...

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4 - Prince's Island Park

Prince's Island Park is an urban park in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is developed on an island on the Bow River, immediately north of downtown Calgary. It was named after Peter Anthony Prince, the founder of the Eau Claire Lumber Mill. The park was built on land donated in 1947 to the city by the Prince family. It is often incorrectly referred to as "Princess Island Park". The park is open from 5 a.m. until 11p.m. every regular day.

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5 - Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ten-day event, which bills itself as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", attracts over one million visitors per year and features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, and First Nations exhibitions.

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6 - Tours & Sightseeing | Day Trip From Calgary

Get set for a day of awe-inspiring sights and adventures in Banff National Park, featuring the crown jewels: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Starting from either Banff or Canmore, join a friendly local guide and hop on a refreshing air-conditioned van that'll take you to a world of unspoiled natural beauty. The first stop is Lake Louise, where the glacial water's shimmering surface offers a picture-perfect moment against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Then, continue the journey to Moraine Lake, a scenic oasis cradled by rugged peaks. From October 15-May 31, the tour swaps out Moraine Lake for Lake Minnewanka, offering equally stunning views. The adventure continues with a hike through Johnston Canyon, a hidden gem filled with picturesque waterfalls. The perfect way to end the day is a stroll down the enchanting Banff Avenue, before returning to the starting point, carrying memories of a day well spent in nature's lap.

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7 - Peace Bridge

Peace Bridge is a bridge that accommodates people walking and cycling across the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The bridge, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, opened for use on March 24, 2012.

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8 - Eau Claire Park

The neighbourhood of Eau Claire in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is located immediately north of Downtown, and south of the Bow River and north of 4th Avenue.

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9 - Centre Street Bridge

The Centre Street Bridge is a historic bridge in Calgary, Alberta, crossing the Bow River, along Centre Street. The lower deck connects Riverfront Avenue in Chinatown with Memorial Drive, while the upper elevated deck crosses Memorial Drive as well, reaching into the community of Crescent Heights.

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10 - CalgaryZoo

The Calgary Zoo is located in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, just east of the city's downtown and adjacent to the Inglewood and East Village neighborhoods.

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11 - Nose Hill Park

   9 km away

Nose Hill Park is a natural park in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta which covers over 11 km². It is the fourth-largest urban park in Canada, and one of the largest urban parks in North America.

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12 - The Bow

The Bow is a 158,000-square-metre skyscraper in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The 236 metre building is currently the second tallest office tower in Calgary, since construction of Cenovus' Brookfield Place; and the third tallest in Canada outside Toronto.

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13 - parc olympique

   11 km away

Canada Olympic Park, formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill, is a ski hill and multi-purpose training and competition facility located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, owned and operated by WinSport.

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14 - Fish Creek

   13 km away

Fish Creek Park is a provincial park that preserves the valley of Fish Creek in the southern part of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is bordered on three sides by the city, and on the west by the territory of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, a First Nation.

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15 - Fish Creek Provincial Park

   14 km away

Fish Creek Park is an urban provincial park that preserves the valley of Fish Creek in the southern part of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is bordered on three sides by the city, and on the west by the territory of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, a First Nation. Much of the park remains in a natural, forested state.

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16 - Cochrane

   32 km away

Cochrane is a town in the Canadian province of Alberta. The town is located 18 km west of the Calgary city limits along Highway 1A.

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17 - Foothills No. 31

   32 km away
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18 - Okotoks

   36 km away

Okotoks is a town in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is situated on the Sheep River, approximately 18 km south of the City of Calgary. The town is a member of the Calgary Regional Partnership, a cooperative of municipalities within the Calgary Region. Okotoks has emerged as a bedroom community of Calgary. According to the 2016 Census, the town has a population of 28,881, making it the largest town in Alberta.

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19 - Bragg Creek

   36 km away

Bragg Creek is a hamlet in southern Alberta under the jurisdiction of Rocky View County in Division No. 6. Bragg Creek is located 30 km west of Calgary at the confluence of the Elbow River and Bragg Creek north of the intersection of Highway 66 and Highway 22.

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Pictures and Stories of Calgary from Influencers

20 pictures of Calgary from Tandem X Visuals, Priscilla Du Preez, Anastase Maragos and other travelers

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Why should you visit Calgary ?

Travel to Calgary if you like:

  🗼 Landmark     ❄️ Glacial landform     🏖️ Shore     🐾 Wildlife     🌲 Forest     🏞️ River  

How to visit Calgary ?

Why travel to Calgary?

Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, Canada, is a must-visit destination for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant urban life. The city is surrounded by the majestic Canadian Rockies, offering countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors. Furthermore, Calgary is also known for its world-class attractions, such as the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower, and the National Music Centre.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Calgary is by flying into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). It is well connected to major cities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Alternatively, you can also travel by train or bus from other Canadian cities or by car from nearby US destinations.

What to book in advance?

To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended to book your accommodations and any guided tours in advance. Popular attractions, like the Calgary Zoo or Heritage Park, may require advance ticket purchases during peak seasons. If you're visiting during the Calgary Stampede, make sure to book tickets for popular events, such as the rodeo and concerts, as they sell out quickly.

What are the costs?

Calgary offers a range of accommodations and activities to suit various budgets. A mid-range hotel will cost around $100-150 CAD per night, while budget accommodations can be found for around $50 CAD per night. Dining out can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 CAD per person, depending on the restaurant. Admission fees for attractions vary, but expect to pay around $20-30 CAD per person for most attractions.

What are the best things to do?

1. Explore the Canadian Rockies by visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks.
2. Attend the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous annual rodeo and festival.
3. Visit the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
4. Explore the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals and various themed exhibits.
5. Visit the National Music Centre and learn about the history and evolution of music in Canada.

Where to eat?

1. Charbar - Located in the historic Simmons Building, Charbar offers a diverse menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.
2. Ten Foot Henry - This trendy, plant-forward restaurant offers unique and flavorful dishes in a casual setting.
3. The Coup - Offering vegetarian and vegan cuisine, The Coup is perfect for those looking for healthy and delicious food options.

Where to stay?

1. Hotel Arts - A stylish boutique hotel located close to downtown attractions.
2. The Fairmont Palliser - A historic luxury hotel, offering top-notch amenities and an elegant atmosphere.
3. HI Calgary City Centre - A budget-friendly option, this hostel offers private rooms and dorms.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, visit the nearby town of Drumheller to explore the unique landscape of the Canadian Badlands. This area is known for its fascinating geological formations, such as the hoodoos, and the rich history of dinosaur fossils found here. Be sure to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, as well as the World's Largest Dinosaur, a towering T-Rex replica that you can climb for a stunning view of the surrounding Badlands.

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Welcome to the great Canadian west

Alberta and the Olympics Welcome to Calgary 

Calgary is Alberta's most famous city, having hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. Like many North American metropolises, Calgary is a mix of skyscrapers, historic buildings, and vast green spaces. Along the banks of the Bow River, park trails crisscross the city. The Calgary Tower offers a magnificent view of the city or the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the west. For a better view, you can take a hot air balloon ride, a city classic; the view is fabulous. More leisurely but equally exciting is a visit to the Glenbow Museum, which traces the history of the country's pioneers.

The Stampede is a well-known rodeo that livens up the city the first two weeks of July.

Despite the tall buildings of its downtown and its status as an oil capital, Calgary is a city turned towards nature and its traditions. Built at the confluence of two rivers (Bow and Elbow Rivers) and surrounded by hills, this city is at the gateway to the Canadian Rockies to the west and the Badlands to the east. In July, the annual rodeo festival, the Stampede, reminds everyone of their cowboy past and gives this quiet town a special atmosphere and excitement. It has earned the town the nickname "Cowtown". If you plan to visit the region in the summer, don't hesitate to plan your stay around this event, which is well worth the trip.

Calgary, a cosmopolitan and eclectic city,

is a symbol of modernity and enjoys a very particular effervescence. A must-see destination for cowboys, Calgary hosts the famous Stampede rodeo festival every year. Although it has been elected the oil capital of the world, the city is particularly keen to preserve the nature that surrounds it, from the hills to the Rocky Mountains, via the Bow and Elbow Rivers on which it has settled. This duality makes Calgary a great place to live.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Calgary

Why visit Calgary?

Calgary is a city of surprises. A cosmopolitan and eclectic city, it symbolizes modernity and enjoys a very particular effervescence.

Calgary hosts the famous "Stampede" rodeo festival and its a tradition for years now 

If it was elected oil capital, the city is particularly keen on preserving the nature that surrounds it, from the hills to the Rockies, passing by the Bow and Elbow Rivers on which it is settled.

How to get to Calgary

Calgary international airport is YYC

here you can find some information :

• You can also take a national flight from Vancouver or Montreal 
• By car, distance can be a little bit long from 10H until 30 hours depending on your location 

How many days to visit Calgary?

• 2 days are enough to see the main places of interest in Calgary.
• On the third day, you can drive to the most famous national parks in Western Canada.

   Where to Stay in Calgary

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   More Travel spots to explore around Calgary

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Calgary

  🗼 Landmark spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🏞️ River spots     🌉 Bridge spots     🌲 Forest spots     🏘️ Town spots     Parachute spots     🌲 Plain spots     ❄️ Glacial landform spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🌲 Ecoregion spots     Driving spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     Panorama spots  

  Travel map of Calgary

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