Explore the Best Tourist Attractions and Activities in Calgary, Canada (2024)

Calgary is a vibrant Canadian city nestled in the Alberta province. Also the third largest city in Canada, Calgary is known for being the nation’s oil industry center. It is also known for housing some of the finest skyscrapers in North America. Calgary’s stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and rich cultural heritage draw a range of visitors to the city. It sits at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and thus offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape. The city boasts a range of world-class tourist attractions that allow travelers to experience diverse offerings in one place.

Calgary is known for its great outdoors, which brings along plenty of recreational opportunities. This metropolitan in Canada also boasts a vibrant culinary scene that can be tried in its cafes’, restaurants, and local eateries. In addition to that, the city also boasts cultural attractions like museums, galleries, and theaters. Another biggest draw here is the city’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies.

Explore the Best Tourist Attractions and Activities in Calgary, Canada

Calgary has a wealth of opportunities catering to travelers of different tastes and interests. Join us to learn more about The Most Popular Tourist Attractions And Activities In Calgary, Canada.

1. Attend Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede is by far the most happening event in Calgary and the most famous annual event in Canada. This 10-day-long celebration dates its origin back to a century when it started in the year 1912. Also known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the event organizes every year in July. It celebrates Western culture and heritage by boasting a range of events, from rodeo competitions and live music performances to carnival games. The event also includes agricultural shows, fun fairs, and a variety of food and drink options.

Calgary Stampede takes place at the Stampede Park right in downtown Calgary. It hosts one of the biggest parades in North America and is popularly known for the parade featuring marching bands, floats, and horse-drawn carriages. It isn’t just another public event, an integral part of Calgary’s culture and history.

2. Take Kids to Calgary Zoo

Known for its diverse range of animals and conservation efforts, Calgary Zoo is a top-rated tourist attraction in Calgary. The Zoo covers an area of nearly 80 to 100 acres housing over 1,000 animals of 272 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo allows individuals to observe animals in their natural habitat and enjoy a range of other exhibits. It is the largest and most visited zoological park and dates back its origin to the year 1917.

Calgary Zoo houses lions, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, penguins, and more such animals in their natural setting. Some must-see sections here are Canadian Wilds, Destination Africa, and Land of Lemurs. The former is known for its up-close view of grizzly bears and a pair of pandas. The Zoo is also home to a six-acre prehistoric park featuring full-size replica dinosaurs. Winter guests also get a chance to enjoy the Zoolights Christmas festival.

3. Drive Towards the Banff National Park

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is the most popular destination to visit in Canada. The National Park is just 80 miles from Calgary City and is easily accessible by 1.5 to 2 hours drive. Parkgoers can also take Calgary to Banff shuttle services for a more comfortable and accessible option. There are numerous shuttle services to choose from that provide numerous day trip options from Calgary.

Upon reaching the Banff National Park, there’s a lot to see and do in a day. The drive itself is nothing less than spectacular. As you arrive in the park, Lake Louise is the most famous place to check out. The dazzling turquoise waters, surrounded by stunning snowcapped mountains, allow visitors to reflect on one of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty. Other attractions in the park include Moraine Lake, Banff Gondola, and a range of snow-capped mountains. The park is also famous for its wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.

4. Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village is a living history museum and a must-visit outdoor landmark in Calgary. The landmark exhibits life in western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s.

Covering over 127 acres of land, it is home to over 180 historic buildings, exhibits, and attractions. All visitors can get a glimpse into Calgary’s rich and diverse history by exploring them. Parkgoers can enjoy a range of exhibits, including a recreated early 20th-century town, a First Nations encampment, a working farm, and an antique midway. Besides its permanent exhibits, it also hosts a number of events and activities annually. Some of the popular events here include the Halloween Ghost Tours, Once Upon an Event, Famous 5 Speaker Series, and more.

Heritage Park isn’t just a place to learn history but is also educational, informative, and interactive in many other ways. The park has a dedicated staff dressed in period costumes. They demonstrate traditional crafts and trades and offer visitors an immersive experience taking them back in time.

5. Climb Calgary Tower

Calgary Tower is one of the most iconic places in Calgary, and you cannot dare to miss it. This 190.8 m free-standing observation tower is at the city’s downtown core. The tower top offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Participants get to experience the 62 seconds high-speed elevator that takes them to the tower top in a matter of a minute. Further, as you step out on the glass floor, the entire Calgary world is under your feet. The experience isn’t for faint hearts, but for someone who is daring enough, it transforms into a lifetime memory.

Calgary Tower was built to celebrate Canada’s centennial year in 1968. Since its establishment, it has been a beloved symbol of Calgary’s growth and development. The tower also features a revolving restaurant, Sky 360, that allows dining with breathtaking views of Calgary and beyond. It isn’t just a tourist attraction but also a venue for weddings and corporate events.

6. Do Not Miss The Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey

If you are in or around Calgary, you cannot miss the Rocky Mountaineer Rail offering the most iconic rail journey in the world. A ride on this train allows passengers to go through the stunning Canadian Rockies. The train journey doesn’t start from Calgary, but from Banff or Lake Louise, one can access it. Typically the journey begins from Vancouver or Banff, but interested individuals can also take a short flight from Calgary.

Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey is an award-winning, luxurious, and premium experience that shouldn’t be missed. The comfortable seating and gourmet cuisine served onboard ensures passengers enjoy both the outdoor views and the indoor experience. With different routes and packages, this train journey takes in the stunning natural beauty of Banff and Lake Louise along with the rugged coastline of British Columbia. No matter how many train journeys you have experienced before, this one doesn’t deserve a miss.

7. Visit the Glenbow Museum

The Glenbow Museum sits in downtown Calgary. It is amongst the largest museums in western Canada. Anyone interested in the region’s art, culture, and history must add the museum to their Calgary itinerary. Its extensive collection is home to over a million artifacts, artworks, and historical documents boasting thousands of years of history and culture. Its permanent exhibits cover a wide range of topics from Canadian West history, Contemporary art and culture, and Indigenous cultures and traditions.

In addition that that, Glenbow Museum also boasts temporary exhibits and special events. You can find local artists, international art, and artifacts here. Or involved in a range of educational programs and workshops that are designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

8. Check Out The Hangar Flight Museum

Formerly known as the Aero Space Museum of Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum is another must-visit. This fascinating aviation museum in Calgary exhibits a collection of over 20 vintage aircraft. Enthusiasts can observe a range of aviation offerings, from military and civilian planes to helicopters and gliders, all of which date back to the early 1900s. Or check out the impressive collection of aircraft here and learn about the history of aviation in Canada.

One of the best parts about visiting the Hangar Flight Museum is that individuals can actually climb inside some of the aircraft. The WWII-era Harvard trainer plane and a Cold War-era CF-104 Starfighter are there to entertain guests with some exciting experiences. Or visitors can also opt for guided tours, flight simulators, and educational programs. The museum also boasts a research library and archives. It is home to a wealth of information about aviation history in Canada that aviation enthusiasts can check out.

9. Checkout Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre

Often overlooked by tourists, Studio Bell is a state-of-the-art facility in Calgary that celebrates and preserves the rich musical heritage of Canada. The facility sites in the East Village neighborhood cover five floors. It is home to exhibition space, recording studios, performance venues, and a vast collection of musical instruments and artifacts.

A visit to Studio Bell allows music enthusiasts to learn about the evolution of Canadian music from its early roots to the present day. Some of the highlights here are exhibits on iconic Canadian musicians and a timeline of Canadian music history. The facility also allows visitors to try out various musical instruments. Or visit the Studio Bell for its concerts, workshops, and other events that happen annually.

10. Spend Some Time at Bowness Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park

Calgary is known for its parks and gardens, and Bowness Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park are two must-visit amongst them. The Bowness Park is a charming urban park nestled on the banks of the Bow River. It offers a range of recreational opportunities, including picnicking, boating, skating, and hiking. Either rent paddleboats and canoes to explore the lagoon or take a stroll along the walking trails around; every experience here is worth it. The parkland also boasts a historic tea house where people gather for afternoon tea or lunch. During the winter, the park boasts a frozen lagoon that facilitates opportunities for ice skating enthusiasts.

Another is the Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The park covers more than 13 square kilometers of land in Calgary’s southern section. It is known for offering diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to grasslands, dense forests, and wetlands. The park is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. When here, explore the trails on foot, bike, or horseback. Or enjoy numerous picnic sites and or be a part of interpretive programs available throughout the year.

11. Checkout the Devonian Gardens

Devonian Gardens isn’t something you must be expecting in Calgary. This tourist attraction in Calgary sits on the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre and is an unexpected offering to tourists. This stunning indoor botanical garden spans over 2.5 acres and dates back its origin to the early 1970s. Over the years, it underwent major changes, including a major overhaul in 2010 that transformed it into the excellence it is today.

Devonian Gardens boasts a vast collection of plants and trees along with water features, fountains, and sculptures. Visitors here can stroll along winding paths, cross the streams, and enjoy a large koi pond. The entire garden thrives under a glass ceiling and is free for the public to wander around. There’s also a children’s play area and several food and beverage outlets around.

12. Stroll at the Stephen Avenue Walk

Last but not least on our list is Stephen Avenue Walk. This vibrant pedestrian street stretches for several blocks along 8th Avenue SW in downtown Calgary. The street got its name after George Stephen, a Canadian railway pioneer, and Canadian Pacific Railway’s founder. Stephen Avenue Walk is popular amongst locals and visitors for its shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. The entire street is so full of beautiful historic buildings and public art installations you can never let your eyes relax for a bit.

Stephen Avenue Walk is also known for hosting a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. The live music performances, outdoor markets, cultural celebrations, and Christmas events are the biggest draw here.