Calgary Travel Guide

I’ve written this Calgary travel guide with the intention of sharing everything you need to know about your first time visiting this beautiful city. Alberta is a place where the Canadian prairie skies meet the majestic Rocky Mountains, and Calgary is such a hidden gem city. I’ve gotten to know the city well in these past 2 years living here, so it’s time I shared this complete Calgary travel guide – curated from a locals’ perspective of course!

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Calgary Travel Guide

There are endless things to do in Calgary and in this Calgary travel guide, I’ll be breaking down everything from what to know before you visit, how to get around the city and sharing my best recommendations for your trip to Calgary.

1. What to Know Before Visiting Calgary

About Calgary

Nestled in the heart of Alberta, Canada, Calgary is the home to the traditional territory of the Indigenous peoples who have lived and thrived on this land for thousands of years. The city of Calgary is situated on the ancestral lands of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani), the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley), and the Tsuut’ina First Nation.

The Calgary area, where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, tells us stories of a sacred gathering place and ceremonies of the Indigenous peoples of the land. Learn more about Calgary by visiting the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland.

Spend at least 3 days in Calgary

It really depends on what you want to do, but I would plan to stay for at least 3 days to get to know the city. This would provide you with the perfect amount of time to explore the favourite neighbourhoods, local shops and sights. Of course, you could also plan it shorter if you’re prioritizing a trip out into the Rocky Mountains. And then longer if you’re visiting during special events such as the Calgary Stampede in July.

Curate your trip with the things that interest you the most, whether that’s exploring Calgary’s local boutique stores, finding the best coffee shops in the city or going for an evening fine dining experience at Major Tom for sunset.

Local’s Tip: If you have visiting local shops on your itinerary, consider planning that day later in the week, as some of the local shops and restaurants may be closed Mondays. Weekends in Calgary are definitely busier and more lively, but I’d say you shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting a restaurant reservation or booking activities to do. As long as you pre-plan ahead of time, you should be fine!

Alberta bucket list: take a road trip to the rocky mountains

On the topic of how many days you should stay in Calgary, make sure you plan out time to road trip out to the Rocky Mountains if you can. Alberta is well-known for its rocky ranges, where two of the world’s most iconic destinations, Banff and Canmore are easily accessible by car.

Calgary is a great place to visit for both the city lover and outdoor enthusiast:

I’d describe Calgary as the perfect blend of city and nature. For the city lover, you can explore local cafes like Alforno Bakery + Cafe, shop around trendy neighbourhoods like Inglewood and lounge around the 17th Avenue summer patios.

For the outdoor enthusiast, you can easily find beautiful parks along your bike ride like Prince’s Island Park or Scotsman Hill. I would highly recommend walking or biking along the Bow River for the prettiest views of Calgary.

Plan your average travel cost to Calgary

How to budget for a trip and plan for an approximate cost is an important step to take during the trip planning process. Firstly, you’ll want to consider your length of stay, accommodations, meals, activities and transportation costs. Secondly, who you’re travelling with will make a difference as well. For example, if you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a group of friends. And lastly, consider whether you are travelling on a budget, seeking a luxury experience or something in-between.

The best month to visit Calgary

Calgary experiences all 4 seasons and there are unique things to do during each time of the year. With that being said, there are better months to visit than others. And in my opinion, the best months to visit Calgary are between June to September.

Best months to visit

Summer (June to August): As the sun meets Calgary with its radiant warmth, you will get the best golden hour sunrise and sunset light this season. Calgary is known to be the sunniest city in Canada, and what I love about summer are the long daylight hours. In June, there’s still some daylight even at 10:30 pm!

Fall (September to November): September is another great time to visit, as Calgary takes on a breathtaking transformation during the autumn months. The trees turn a gorgeous orange and red hue, perfect for a fall photoshoot.

Just expect to be greeted by a crisp, cooler air, with October often bringing in the first snowfall. Make sure to bring layers, as the early mornings and later evenings can get a bit cooler, especially closer into October. You can definitely expect snow in November.

Still good, but you’ll need extra planning

Winter (December to February): What sets Calgary apart is its vibrant energy throughout the winter season, as the cold temperatures don’t really stop locals from enjoying winter sports.

If you also enjoy ice skating, skiing and snow boarding, this would be the season for you. I’d suggest spending about 1-2 days in Calgary during this time and then prioritize the rest of your visit in the mountains.

Spring (March to May): I would avoid coming in the spring, as the weather can still be a bit unpredictable with either snow, hail or rain. Since Calgary will be transitioning from winter to spring, the streets are often a bit wet and slushy.

However, late May is also a consideration, as the pretty lilacs that bloom throughout the city give beautiful photo opportunities. Just be prepared for an increased chance of rain.

What to wear for the weather in Calgary

In the summertime, you can expect lots of hot (and dry) sunny days, temperatures ranging from +20 up to +30 degrees C. Be sure to pack your favourite summer dresses, sun hat and sandals. The temperatures definitely drop during the fall season, so bring layers incase the early mornings and evenings get a bit chilly.

And of course, winter jackets, mittens, boots, warm ear muffs and gloves are a must when visiting during the winter season. If you get caught in the cold snap (which I hope you don’t), you could see temperatures up to -40 degrees C!

Is Calgary a safe city to visit?

Calgary is a safe city to visit. This city would be a great spot for female travellers and solo travellers as well. When I first moved here, I also noticed just how clean the city was. Calgarians are extremely friendly, and it’s really quite easy to make new friends here! That said, just like being in any city, be aware of your surroundings and walk down well lit areas if you’re out alone at night.

2. The Best Way to Get Around Calgary

Before you arrive, you’ll want to think about how you’ll be getting from point A to point B when you’re in a new city. This will allow you to have a piece of mind when trying to navigate a city you’ve never been to before. The questions you should ask yourself are, how will I get from the airport to my hotel? What is my daily commute going to be? How much am I willing to spend on transportation? How can I minimize travel time by stacking all the points of interest together, rather than wasting time travelling all over the map?

There are many ways to commute around Calgary and I’ve listed them based on most budget friendly to more costly options.

Ways to get around Calgary

Walking: Immersing yourself in the city’s unique neighbourhoods such as Kensington, Inglewood and the Downtown Core is best achieved by exploring on foot. Calgary is an extremely walkable city thanks to the abundance of pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Calgary Transit: Utilizing Calgary Transit is a budget-friendly and convenient way to navigate the city. A single ticket costs $3.70 and is valid for 90 minutes to allow you to transfer between buses.

Bike or e-scooter: Calgary is filled with numerous scenic bike paths that connect many of the popular sights you’ll likely want to visit. Joe’s Garage has hourly bike rentals for a fair price. Or you can also easily rent an e-scooter (which I highly recommend you do), as it’s a really fun way to explore the city! You can download the app Neuron Mobility or Bird to find an e-scooter near you.

Driving: I’d suggest only considering renting a car if you plan on road tripping out to the mountains. Parking can be challenging to find downtown, especially during the weekends. Make sure you always check the parking signs, as typically you cannot park during the peak rush hour times.

Take an Uber: Uber is a ride sharing service in Calgary. This can be a costly option it is your primary way to get around. However, it is handy to have if you need a ride somewhere quickly. Lyft is also another ride share app where the rides are bit cheaper, but at times may not be as available as Uber.

3. Calgary Travel Guide – How to Plan your Trip to Calgary

Book your flights

I always start my trip planning by booking my flight after I’ve figured out which dates I’d like to travel. I always use Google Flights to help me compare prices between the different airlines and then I will purchase the flight directly from the airlines’ website.

Where to stay in Calgary

Now that you have the dates of when you are visiting Calgary, you’ll need to find some accommodations. When looking for hotels, I always use Expedia to find the best rates for hotels in the city. If I’m going to stay with a group of friends, I like more of a home vibe, so I tend to look for vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO.

Connect to a data plan

For those of you travelling from an international destination to Canada, you’ll need a SIM card in order to not accrue additional fees by your current service provider. Most data plans will have their own international roaming plans, but they are often pricey – sometimes up to $12.00 per day. That would come up to an additional $60 + tax if you are staying for 5 days.

I use Airalo eSIM, which makes it so easy to download the app and install a digital SIM, saving you time and the hassle of find a shop to purchase a physical SIM. I’ve used Airalo when travelling to destinations such as the US, South East Asia and I’ve had no troubles with staying connected. The most frustrating thing is when you run out of data trying to find your way in a new city.

If you’re staying in Calgary for 3-5 days, you likely will only need about 5 GB of data.

What’s the best way to pay for things in Canada?

You can make purchases via Debit, credit card and cash in Canada. Most places take Applepay, Debit and credit card (most common are Visa and Mastercard). But if you have a foreign card, check with your banking provider, as there may be associated fees for using your card internationally. Consider looking into a travel card that can be used in Canada with low conversation rates and no hidden fees.

I’d also suggest always having at least some cash on hand, incase your card is not working or if the shop you’re in just happens to accept cash only. Some places may take USD, however, it’s best to have Canadian dollars when making purchases in Canada.

Book your tours & activities

Once you’ve booked your flight and know what your travel dates are, the fun part begins where you get to plan out your itinerary! I love finding deals on Viator or KLOOK, because they often have some of the best deals and packages for activities, sightseeing tours and more.

Whether you’re into exploring historical landmarks, wanting an adventurous trip, or simply soaking in the local Calgary culture, these platforms have something to cater to every traveler’s interests.

Grab a coffee, settle into your favourite planning spot, and make a list of things to do in Calgary. I’ve also curated the perfect one day Calgary Itinerary for you below to help you with your Calgary travel plans.

Protect your trip with travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip planning process, offering peace of mind and protection against unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, or lost luggage, having the right insurance can save you from unexpected expenses and stress.

Pack your travel essentials

My rule of thumb has always been – as long as you have your phone, boarding pass and passport then anything else you forget could just be purchased in your destination city. But it does help to be prepared so you’re not stuck wishing you had a warm sweater when it unexpectedly gets cool in the evenings.

I’ve written the Ultimate Packing Guide on everything that I could think of to consider for your trip. These are items I’ve brought along with me on one trip or another.

4. Calgary Travel Guide – One Day Itinerary

Morning

8:30 am – On your first day in Calgary, take it easy and soak in the city starting by walking around the River Walk near the Bow River. Kick off the morning with a cozy coffee and breakfast at Sidewalk Citizen and Phil & Sebastian at the Simmons Building. The salmon toast is a must have!

10:00 am – After fuelling up, take a stroll through Inglewood’s cool shops, snagging a few unique finds along the way. I especially love Worn Studio, Adorn Boutique, The Next Page and Recess.

Afternoon

12:00 pm – Stop by Ari Sushi for lunch. Ari Sushi my favourite spot for sushi in Calgary. The ingredients are so fresh and you can tell each piece of sushi is prepared with care and is just beautifully presented. A highlight on the menu are the lunch and dinner specials. They are usually very busy, as it’s a small restaurant, so be sure to book a reservation.

3:00 pm – Reserve a BowYak with Lazy Day Raft Rentals and experience a float down the Bow River enjoying the serene water and stunning city views.

Evening

7:30 pm – As the evening approaches, head to Bridgette Bar for a cozy dinner, enjoying small dishes and entrees at one of Calgary’s most loved restaurants. The Eggplant Fries are a must try.

10:00 pm – If you’re not quite ready to wind down for the night, check out Betty Lou’s Library an intimate and laid back cocktail bar (reservation required as you’ll need a password to enter this speakeasy!).

Calgary Travel Guide – 100 Things to Do

I hope you enjoyed this Calgary travel guide and that it helps you with navigating the city, planning your accommodations and gives you lots of ideas for what to do in Calgary. If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at my other Calgary blogs here.