Top 20 amazing things to do in City of Calgary
Canada is a great many things. It’s British Columbia’s rugged wilderness; Saskatchewan’s endless fields of sunburnt wheat; It’s the rich traditions of the Arctic north, it’s the quirky communities of the Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and of course, it’s a unique selection of multicultural city centers, each with their own sense of identity. Calgary, located in the Province of Alberta, is one of Canada’s most understated cities, one that is often overshadowed by its more dazzling sister Vancouver on the west coast, or it’s big brother, Toronto, in the far east. But Calgary is one of those quintessentially Canadian cities that provides its visitors with experiences they won’t have elsewhere.
Nestled alongside the Bow River, about 50 miles east of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Calgary is fifth largest city. Even more interesting is that Calgary’s population of 1.2 are among some of the youngest in Canada! That’s right, the average age in this city is 35.7, which means one thing; You are guaranteed to have a great night out in this town. But don’t be fooled, Calgary isn’t merely a party town, there are plenty of family friendly activities. Calgary is as multicultural as Canada’s larger cities, with some 120 different languages spoken here! The city’s wide open spaces, and laid back atmosphere give it the nickname “Cow Town”, couple that with the juxtaposition of a booming tech industry and a younger, multicultural demographic, there is an endless number of activities to keep you entertained. Here are the top things to do in Calgary:
1. The Calgary Tower
Every major Canadian city has an impressive means to get a birds eye view of all the action and Calgary is no different. One of the best ways to orient yourself around any city is to get above it all and the Calgary Tower, some 1228 meters above sea level gives you a 360 view of the city. The 62 second trip from the bottom takes you to the first observation deck where you and 249 of your closes friends can enjoy sweeping, uninterrupted views. And once your breath has been completely stolen, head to the second observation deck and enjoy a cocktail, some appetizers and the best view in town.
2. The Calgary Zoo
Canada is home to a number of highly respected zoos, and the Calgary Zoo has not only joined the ranks, it leads the charge in terms of successful breeding programs, diversity of animals, research dollars and educational programs. The Calgary Zoo will take you on a journey through the heart of Africa with Hippos, Mountain Gorillas, Giraffes and anything else you might find on the Serengeti. Come get a feel for Canada’s wilderness and watch playful grizzlies and mischievous mountain goats. There are more than 1000 animals, along with botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and Centre for Conservation and Research. If you have little ones along, this is one of the most entertaining things to do in Calgary.
3. Visit Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
Anyone here in Calgary on a longer stay should consider some of the epic day trips a short drive away, especially if they’re history or archaeology buffs! Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site renown around the world for its exquisite preservation of Plains People culture. The Plains People, an aboriginal people who first peopled the lands in and around Calgary, were skillful hunters, who cleverly chased these giant beasts over cliffs and later set up highly complex butchering and process stations. This is an incredibly essential component of Canada’s archaeological past, and has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
4. Heritage Park Historical Village
This award winning attraction is one of Western Canada’s most beloved and holds the esteemed title of being Canada’s largest living museum. Family friendly and a feast for the eyes and ears, the Heritage Park Historical Village boasts more than 200 exhibits, spread out over 127 acres of pristine land. Living museums take history from behind the glass and place it out in the open so visitors can experience it first hand. Exhibits include a First Nations Encampment from the 1880’s, and a peek into the lives of pre-railway settlers.
5. The Calgary Stampede
Most people think of south for a good rodeo. Perhaps the rolling hills of Montana or Wyoming, or better yet, the ten gallon hat capital of the world, Texas. But the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ happens right here in the modest city of Calgary. This century old show collides with the modernity of the 21st century to create one of the most entertaining displays of Wild West heritage. While good old fashion rodeo takes the main stage nightly, there are also chuck wagon races, cattle auctions, midway rides and games, an incredible array of southern inspired and not-so-southern cuisine, and of course, lot’s of cowboys! The Calgary Stampede happens every July and is well worth planning your visit around this time.
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6. Shop 17th Ave & The Entertainment District
Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are generally more renown for their calibre of shopping, however, with Calgary’s young demographic, just about anything you would find in the larger cities you’ll find on Calgary’s famed 17th Ave, plus a few quirky shops you won’t find elsewhere. From mainstream favorites like Gravity Pope, West Elm and Frank & Oak, to cool record shops, chic knitting boutiques and glitzy jewelry shops fit for any Manhattanite. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, punctuated with cocktails at the hottest wine bar in town, this are over 400 shops, restaurants and services at your beck and call.
7. Go on a Public Art Safari
Despite it’s rough and tumble cowboy reputation, Calgary was named the cultural capital of Canada in 2012. After receiving this designation, the number of outdoor art installations has exploded, with artists from around the country (and the globe) flocking to Calgary to experiment with their own unique mediums. Grab your camera, hit reset on your imagination, and stroll along somewhere like the Stephen Avenue Walk. Here you’ll find 10 metal tree sculptures, white in color, standing between 21-26 meters high, lit up at night. The trees are both an art installation, and a funky way to reduce sudden wind gusts that pick up along 8th Avenue S.W. If you’re interested in murals, Calgary artists Ivan Ostapenko, Daniel J. Kirk, and Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher have fantastic temporary installations up in the East Village area.
8. Catch a Flames Game
Canada is hockey country, with 7 NHL teams and millions of fans across the country. The province of Alberta is home to two Stanley Cup champion teams, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, home of the ‘Great One’, Wayne Gretzky. If you have the opportunity to visit Calgary between the months of October – April, treat yourself to some of the most exciting, fast-paced hockey in the league by seeing either team play.
9. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Alberta is a haven for paleontology enthusiasts. If you want to travel back in time 65 million years, and check out the richest dinosaur deposits on earth, take a quick 1.5 hour drive from Calgary, and you get to experience it all first hand. Plug ‘Drumheller’ into the ‘ol GPS, load up the kids and head straight for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Here you will find 30 of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world, various interactive exhibits and plenty of experts on hand to walk you through a truly prehistoric journey. The museum also features a brand new exhibit, a marine specifies dating back 75 million years!
10. Day at Calaway Park
Because of Calgary’s unusually young demographic, it also attracts young families which means the city is absolutely teeming with family friendly activities. Consistently rated as one of the best things to do in Calgary, Calaway is Western Canada’s largest outdoor Amusement park. Home to 32 rides, 23 carnival games, a 3D theatre and plenty of food vendors to keep the family fed, this park also offers up sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.
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11. Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame
Like our neighbours to the South, Canadians are huge sports fanatics. From baseball, football and track & field, to our most beloved sport of all, hockey. Any sports buff will appreciate this 40,000 square foot museum, conveniently located in the WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. Try your hand at some shadow boxing against legend Lennox Lewis, and check out the torch used to light the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. More than 600 Canadians have been inducted, many of which you probably know, but had no idea were Canadian!
12. Explore Hidden Music Venues
Calgary country and western roots definitely attracts star power with the likes of Faith Hill, Garth Brooks and Keri Underwood coming to town, but you can’t get your trip to align with tour dates. Instead, check out some of Calgary’s vibrant live music scene in some of the smaller, less known venues around town. Clubs like the Blues Can attract local and national artists to play their best blues every Sunday night.
13. Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Did you know Calgary was home to 6 of Canada’s top 50 restaurants last year? Who would have thought this land-locked province could compete with its seemingly more populated big brothers to the West and East. Calgary’s multicultural demographic and strategic location (surrounded by farm lands) makes it a hotbed for fusion restaurants, farm-to-table trends, the evolution of mixology and a burgeoning food truck presence. The restaurant and dining options here are endless, and every month it seems, there is some hot, new eatery making national headlines.
14. Expo Latino
If you think of yourself as a xenophile of sorts (individual obsessed with other cultures), Calgary summer calendars are bursting with fun, colorful festivals, parades, and picnics. Calgarians look forward to Expo Latino every August, Canada’s largest outdoor Latin Festival. Come celebrate Latin Culture alongside proud Canadians, take a dance workshop, shop for beautiful handicrafts, eat great food, and enjoy spectacular live performances put on by local and national members of the Hispanic community.
15. Visit Fort Calgary
Despite it’s cosmopolitan facade, Calgary is a city that provides you with ample opportunity to experience and explore the past (even the prehistoric past!) Fort Calgary is a living museum that shows the beginnings of Calgary from 1875, at the convergence of the Bow and Elbow River. Here you can learn about the rich history of our Mounted Police, take a virtual tour of Calgary from a streetcar and get a feel for what it was like when the first train arrived. Calgary is incredibly proud of its humble beginnings and the long journey to get to where it is today.
16. Kick up Your Heels at the Cowboys Dance Hall
You’ll have to leave the youngin’s at home for this saucy night out, but you’ll be glad you did, because this establishment is not only the official World’s Stampede Headquarters, it’s been voted as one of the “Top 3 Mega Bars in North America” by USA Today! There is no better place to be during Stampede than here for the biggest party, and if you’re here during the off-season, it’s still one of the most happening bars in the city, with raucous music, beautiful women, and wealthy, well-do-to oil barons flashing their cash. So throw on your Stetson, oil up the boots and head to Cowboys for a night you won’t forget.
17. Take a Horseback Riding Tour
You know what they say, when in Rome! Alberta is cattle and ranch country, and Calgarians are all cowboys and cowgirls at heart. Why not spend the day feeling like the real deal and head to explore wide open spaces on a horseback riding tour. There are plenty of companies a short drive from the city, and with the Rocky Mountains to the East and West, and nothing but rolling hills in front of you, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
18. A Fishing Expedition on the Bow River
If trout fishing is your aim, the Bow River is your game. Alberta is home to some of the best trout fishing on earth, and attracts competitive anglers from all corners of the world. The Bow River is one of the world’s top three trout streams, boasting the most consistent trout run. The official season runs from November to the end of March, but May to the end of September is prime time. Not only are the waters here pristine and clear, the scenery is serene, and awe-inspiring. Expert fishing outfits are a stone’s throw from the city centre, and you’ll always come home with a great catch.
19. Picnic in Prince Island Park
Canadians adore their urban space, and especially when its green. You won’t find any Canadian city without a significant urban park, and Calgary is no different. Sometimes you need a break from manic sightseeing, a day to throw a blanket down, have some lunch, and experience a city from a local’s perspective. Prince Island Park is not only a great place to enjoy beautiful city views, it also plays host to a number of festivals and features a seasonal outdoor skating rink.
20. Bottoms Up at the Big Rock Brewery
Craft brews are the fastest growing sector of the liquor industry in the world and Calgary saw the trend from a mile away. Back in 1985, barley farmer and visionary Ed McNally, represented a small contingent of barley growers who wanted to do more with their crop than feed cattle. Ed opened Big Rock, Alberta’s first craft brewery and grew it into the 54 million dollar operation it is today. The Big Rock Brewery Tour is now rated one of the most popular things to do in Calgary by Trip Advisor.
