Calgary, Alberta, is a vibrant city combining a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and multicultural environment, Calgary offers visitors a wide array of attractions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the places to visit in Calgary, Alberta.
1. The Military Museums
The Military Museums is the largest tri-service museum in Western Canada, featuring four distinct museums dedicated to various branches of the Canadian military. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, it includes the Lord Strathcona Horse Regiment Museum, the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Museum, the Canadian Forces Art Gallery, and the Shearwater Aviation Museum. Visitors can explore military history and artifacts across its four buildings. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with admission fees varying by age and membership type.
2. Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a serene urban oasis in downtown Calgary along the Bow River. It has over 20 acres and features walking trails, wetlands, and woodlands. The park is free to enter and is open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM. It’s an excellent spot for picnics, leisurely walks, or enjoying nature amidst the cityscape.
3. Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is one of Canada’s largest zoos, covering 127 acres and home to over 1,000 animals. It offers educational programs for all ages and features diverse habitats. Located near downtown at 210 St. George’s Drive NE, the zoo operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with admission fees of CAD 29.95 for adults and CAD 27.95 for seniors.
4. WinSport Canada Olympic Park
A legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, WinSport Canada Olympic Park is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding during winter months. The park offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and has no entry fee; however, various activities may incur costs.
5. Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is Canada’s largest living history museum, showcasing life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. This National Historic Landmark features historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits that bring history to life. The park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers free admission on certain days.
6. Spruce Meadows
Just outside Calgary lies Spruce Meadows, an internationally recognized equestrian competition venue. Open from late May to early September, this venue hosts major equestrian events and competitions throughout the summer months. Admission is free during open hours.
7. The Calgary Stampede
Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede takes place every July and celebrates Western culture with rodeos, concerts, exhibitions, and more. This ten-day event attracts over a million visitors annually, showcasing everything from bull riding to pancake breakfasts.
8. Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Studio Bell is a unique architectural gem that houses Canada’s music history through exhibits and artifacts. It features five state-of-the-art recording studios and hosts various yearly musical events. The center is open seven days a week with varying admission fees depending on events.
9. Calgary Tower
Standing at 191 meters tall, the Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it charges CAD 21 for adult admission and CAD 10 for children aged 6-11 years old.
10. TELUS Spark Science Centre
This interactive science museum provides hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages, with over 250 exhibits related to science and technology. Located near Stampede Park, TELUS Spark is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM with admission fees of CAD 19.95 for adults.
Seasonal Attractions in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, is a city that embraces the changing seasons with various attractions and activities catering to locals and visitors. Here’s a detailed look at some of the seasonal attractions in Calgary:
Winter Attractions
1. WinSport Canada Olympic Park
WinSport is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on the same grounds that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. The park features a range of facilities for athletes and visitors alike. In addition to winter sports, WinSport offers activities such as bobsleigh experiences and ice skating. The park is open daily during winter, providing a perfect destination for families and adventure seekers.
2. Calgary Zoo – Zoo Lights
During the winter season, the Calgary Zoo hosts its annual “Zoo Lights” festival, transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. This event typically runs from late November through early January and includes themed activities for families, making it a magical experience for all ages.
3. Ice Skating at Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park features an outdoor skating rink on its lagoon during the winter months. This scenic park, located in downtown Calgary, has become a popular spot for ice skating, offering beautiful views of the city skyline and the Bow River. Skating is free, and rentals are available nearby.
4. Cross-Country Skiing at Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, is transformed into a cross-country skiing haven during winter. With extensive trails winding through its natural landscapes, it offers a peaceful escape from the city while enjoying the beauty of snow-covered terrain.
5. Festival of Lights in Airdrie
Located just outside Calgary, this festival runs throughout December at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie. It features stunning light displays that create a festive atmosphere perfect for family outings during the holiday season.
Summer Attractions
1. Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is an iconic annual event held every July, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” This ten-day festival features rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live music performances, and cultural exhibitions celebrating Western heritage. Visitors can enjoy pancake breakfasts and various entertainment options throughout the city during this vibrant event.
2. Prince’s Island Park Festivals
Prince’s Island Park hosts numerous summer festivals, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Shakespeare in the Park. The park’s lush green spaces provide a picturesque backdrop for these events, which attract thousands of attendees each year.
3. Floating Down the Bow River
During hot summer days, floating down the Bow River is popular among locals and visitors. Various rental companies offer tubes and rafts for a leisurely float that allows participants to enjoy stunning views of Calgary’s skyline while cooling off in the water.
4. Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is Canada’s largest living history museum and comes alive in summer with interactive exhibits showcasing life from the 1860s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore historic buildings, ride antique vehicles, and engage with costumed interpreters who bring history to life through demonstrations and storytelling.
5. Outdoor Concerts at Shaw Millennium Park
Shaw Millennium Park hosts various outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer months. Its expansive green spaces and modern amenities make it an excellent venue for music lovers to enjoy performances while soaking up the sun.
Year-Round Attractions
1. Calgary Tower
Open year-round, the Calgary Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can enjoy dining options at its revolving restaurant while taking in stunning vistas of downtown Calgary and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
2. Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum features art and historical exhibits relevant to Western Canada’s culture and history. Open throughout the year, it hosts rotating exhibitions that attract art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
3. Stephen Avenue Walk
This lively pedestrian street is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural events all year long. Stephen Avenue is particularly vibrant during summer when outdoor patios are in full swing, making it ideal for dining or shopping.
4. Calgary Farmers’ Market
Open year-round but especially lively in warmer months, this market features local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a great place to experience local flavours and support Alberta farmers.
Calgary’s seasonal attractions reflect its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination regardless of when you visit. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures in summer or cozy winter festivities, Calgary has something to offer everyone throughout the year.
Best Ways to Go Around:
Calgary offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors navigate the city and reach its many attractions. Here are some of the best ways to get around Calgary:
1. Calgary Transit
Light Rail Transit (CTrain)
The CTrain is Calgary’s light rail system, providing efficient and affordable transportation throughout the city. It operates two main lines—the Red Line and the Blue Line—connecting key areas, including downtown, the University of Calgary, and major shopping districts. Notably, travel within the downtown area is free, making it easy to explore local attractions without incurring transit costs.
- Frequency: Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours.
- Stations: There are 45 stations across the network, with connections to bus routes for extended travel.
Bus Services
Calgary Transit also operates an extensive bus network that covers all corners of the city. With over 160 bus routes, including express services (MAX routes), buses are a convenient way to reach destinations not directly served by the CTrain.
- Accessibility: Most buses are equipped with low floors and bicycle racks.
- On-Demand Services: Calgary Transit offers on-demand bus services in certain areas, allowing flexible travel options.
2. Biking
Calgary is increasingly bike-friendly, with numerous cycling paths and lanes throughout the city. The Bow River Pathway and Elbow River Pathway offer scenic routes for cyclists exploring parks and waterfront areas.
- Bike Rentals: Various bike rental services are available in downtown Calgary, making it easy for visitors to rent bikes for a day.
- Bike Share Programs: Look for bike-sharing programs that allow you to pick up and drop off bikes at designated locations throughout the city.
3. Walking
Many of Calgary’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly in the downtown area. Walking is a great way to soak in the local culture and discover hidden gems.
- Stephen Avenue Walk: This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a vibrant place to explore on foot.
- Parks and Green Spaces: Parks like Prince’s Island Park and Nose Hill Park offer beautiful walking trails amidst nature.
4. Rideshare Services
Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Calgary, providing a convenient option for getting around the city. Rideshare apps can be particularly useful for late-night travel or when visiting attractions that may be less accessible by public transit.
- Cost-Effective: Rideshare fares can be competitive with taxi services, especially for groups or longer distances.
- Convenience: Easily book rides through mobile apps for quick transportation.
5. Taxis
Traditional taxi services throughout Calgary can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Taxis are a reliable option for those who prefer not to use rideshare services.
- Availability: Taxis can be found at designated taxi stands or called directly.
- Metered Fares: Fares are metered based on distance travelled.
6. Car Rentals
Car rental services are widely available at the airport and throughout the city for visitors who wish to explore beyond Calgary or prefer driving themselves.
- Convenience: Renting a car provides flexibility for visiting attractions outside of Calgary, such as Banff National Park.
- Parking: Be aware of parking regulations and fees in downtown areas.
With its extensive public transit system, bike-friendly infrastructure, walkable neighbourhoods, and convenient rideshare options, it is easy to get around Calgary. Whether you choose to take advantage of public transportation or prefer biking or walking, you’ll find that navigating the city’s attractions can be a pleasant experience.
