17 Wonderful Places to Visit and Top Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta

December 30, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2345 Views

Calgary is a city in the Alberta province of Canada. The city sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The city has the Rocky Mountains on one side and the Canadian Prairies on the other. Some of the best things to do in Calgary include exploring regional museums, entertainment venues, and national parks. The city was voted the most livable city in North America and the third most livable city in the world in 2022.

The museums are some of the best places to visit in Calgary downtown. The city has a wonderful array of museums dedicated to regional history, Canadian history, northwest mounted police, art, aviation, and more. Though the most interesting things to see in Calgary reside in the Heritage Park Living Museum. This place recreates the late 1800s era complete with costumed performers enacting chores. You can also enjoy a variety of fun stuff to do in Calgary at this place. This is also the largest living history museum in Canada and holds a special place among Calgary attractions.

Aside from history, there are also fun Calgary tourist attractions. The city has one of the most popular zoos in Canada. The place has more than 800 animals from different parts of the world and you get to enjoy animal interaction activities. The zoo is one of the best parts of Calgary sightseeing. The city also has nature parks, amusement parks, entertainment venues, shopping spots, and more. You will find plenty of outdoor activities to do in Calgary, Alberta.

Stepping out of the city, you can reach several conserved areas in a few hours. You can explore forests, lakes, valleys, mountains, wetlands, and more. These Calgary tourist spots are popular for hiking, trekking, wildlife safari, mountain biking, river rafting, horseback riding, and other adventure activities. You can also go to mountain resorts for the best things to do in Calgary in winter such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more.

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Table of Contents

Top 17 Tourist Places to Visit in Calgary in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. TELUS Spark Science Centre

This science museum has interactive exhibits concerning astronomy, geology, energy, metrology, and more. The museum has five galleries themed after different science disciplines. It is one of the best places to visit in Calgary, downtown for family tourists. Some of the most popular galleries at this museum include Being Human, Earth and Sky Exhibit, and Energy and Innovation. This place also has fun indoor activities to do in Calgary. You can create your own science project at the Open Studio Workshop. People can easily spend 2 hours or more at this museum.

2. Calgary Zoo

This zoo has more than 900 animals brought in from different parts of the world. You will see African Lions, Siberian Tigers, Hippopotamus, Gorillas, Giraffes, Penguins, Sharks, Pythons, Snow Leopards, and many more. The zoo also has fun things to do in Calgary, Canada for children including animal interactions. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this zoo when you visit Calgary.

3. Fort Calgary

This fort was built in 1875 and is linked to the origin of the North West Mounted Police. The fort no longer exists, but you will see an interpretive outline of the original fort. You will see interesting historical things to see in Calgary. The museum looks into the history of Calgary and noteworthy historical figures. You will see a reconstructed 1888 barracks, a 1932 newspaper writing room, an 1883 railway station, and more. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.

Day 2

1. The Hangar Flight Museum

This museum celebrates the evolution of human flight. It was established by former WWII pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It is one of the most interesting Calgary tourist attractions. You will see 24 aircraft and 58 engines. You will get to learn a lot of stories about flight and pilots from different eras. You will need about an hour or so from Calgary sightseeing to tour this museum.

2. Peace Bridge

This pedestrian bridge was built in 2012 and was designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is well known among Calgary attractions for its aesthetic appeal. It got the nickname “Finger Trap Bridge”, because it looks like a puzzle toy. The bridge is one of the best Calgary tourist spots to watch the sunset over the Bow River. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to explore this bridge.

3. Prince’s Island Park

This park has green space, hiking trails, forested areas, a wetlands area, picnic spots, cafes, restaurants, and sports facilities. People come here for leisure and outdoor activities to do in Calgary. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this park.

4. Glenbow Museum

This art and history museum is the largest one of its kind in Western Canada. It is popular among the top things to do in downtown Calgary. You will see exhibits like a Canadian print collection, aboriginal art, Asian sculptures, North American pop culture, Arctic artworks, a Blackfoot gallery, and so on. You will need about two hours from Calgary sightseeing to tour this museum.

5. Calgary Tower

This 158 meters tall tower is one of the most well-known places to see in Calgary. You can get a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings from this tower. You can see all the way to the Rocky Mountains from this vantage point. Aside from the view, the tower also has fun stuff to do in Calgary. You will come across an interactive map that tells you more about the view and the landmarks. You will need about an hour to experience this place.

Day 3

1. Fish Creek Provincial Park

This park is built around an artificial lake and is surrounded by a forest. It is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer, coyotes, beavers, owls, eagles, herons, and more. People come here for several outdoor things to do in Calgary, Alberta including hiking, trekking, camping, mountain biking, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying nature at this park.

2. Heritage Park Historical Village

This living museum focuses on Western Canada between 1860 and 1950. It is one of the most fun places to go in Calgary for its exhibits, activities, and experiences. This museum basically recreates the era. You will find people dressed in costumes and performing chores relevant to the time. The museum also has a bunch of cool things to do in Calgary, Alberta for people to experience life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to experience this place when you visit Calgary.

3. The Military Museums

This museum focuses on the military history of Canada and its various branches. You will see military artifacts, types of equipment, uniforms, vehicles, war machines, and more. It is also one of the best places to visit in Calgary, Canada to learn about stories of soldiers and their sacrifices. You will need about 2 hours to tour these 8 museums.

Day 4

1. Olympic Plaza

This urban park has several attractions and facilities. The outdoor ice skating rink in this park is one of the best things to do in Calgary in winter. It also hosts several music festivals, concerts, and events. The park also has Famous Five Installations. These are bronze sculptures of women who fought for women’s rights in the country in the 20th century. You will need an hour from Calgary sightseeing to explore this park.

2. Gasoline Alley Museum

This museum has the largest public collection of oil and gas-related artifacts from the 20th century. You will come across some of the most interesting things to see in Calgary at this museum including gas signs, antique vehicles, gas pumps, and more. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Calgary.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Gasoline Alley Museum in advance.

3. Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre

This museum is dedicated to the history of music in Canada. It is one of the top things to do in Calgary for music lovers. You will see a variety of instruments, and learn about genres and artists. This place is also famous for the wonderful events and performances held in the center. You will need an hour from Calgary travel to tour this center.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Studio Bell in advance.

Day 5

1. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

This sanctuary is situated just outside the city and is dedicated to saving wolves, wolfdogs, and their natural habitat. It is one of the top things to do in Calgary, Alberta. The sanctuary has a variety of tours where you will a variety of wolfdogs and learn about them. The best part about this place is the interactive tour where you get to touch, feed, and play with these majestic creatures. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this sanctuary.

I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in advance.

2. Banff National Park

This national park is home to the famous rocky mountains and is quite popular for outdoor activities to do in Calgary such as hiking, trekking, snowshoeing, zip-line, river rafting, horseback tours, camping, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, mountain biking, and more. The national park has mountains, river valleys, caves, lakes, waterfalls, forests, wetlands, grasslands, and so on. The park has a rich variety of wildlife including Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goats, Caribou, Wolves, Mountain Lions, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, and more. You will need at least a day from Calgary sightseeing to explore the wonders of this place.

I suggest you should go for a Day Trip to Banff National Park from Calgary.

3. Lake Louise Ski Resort

This resort has some of the best things to do in Calgary in winter. Although it is situated about 2 hours away from the city. But, it is one of the best places to visit in Calgary, Alberta if you want to go for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and so on. You can take a gondola ride to reach the resort. You will get wonderful views of the snow-clad mountains and the forests in the valleys during this trip. People usually make an overnight trip at this resort during Calgary travel.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Lake Loise Ski Resort with a visit to Johnston Canyon.

If you are looking for more Calgary attractions, check out the sections below. We have created an exhaustive list of all the wonderful places to visit and things to do in and around the city.

Things to do in Calgary

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Calgary

Heritage Park
Glenbow Museum
Fort Calgary
TELUS Park Science Center
Studio Bell
The Military Museums
The Hangar Flight Museum
Lougheed House National and Provincial Historic Site
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Esker Foundation
Gasoline Alley Museum
Wonderland Sculpture
Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
The New Gallery
Nickle Galleries
Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame
Baitun nur Mosque
Paul Kuhn Gallery

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Calgary

Fish Creek Provincial Park
Nose Hill Park
Banff National Park
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre
Carburn Park
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Glenmore Reservoir
Sikome Lake
Weaselhead Flats
Chestermere Lake
Griffith Woods Park
Ralph Klein Park
Harvie Passage
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Calgary

Calgary Zoo
WinSport
Prince’s Island Park
Calaway Park
Lake Lousie Ski Resort
Bowness Park
Devonian Gardens
Olympic Plaza
Edworthy Park
Skyline Luge
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Bowmont Park
Confederation Park
Reader Rock Garden
Granary Road
North Glenmore Park
Bow Habitat Station
Baker Park
Central Memorial Park
Cobb’s Adventure Park
Pearce Estate Park
South Glenmore Park
St. Patrick’s Island
Prairie Winds Park
Riley Park
Silver Springs Botanical Gardens
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino
Calgary Farmyard
Sandy Beach Park
Village Square Leisure Center
Sue Higgins Park
Shaw Millenium Park
Southland Leisure Centre
St. Patrick’s Island Park
Elbow River Casino
Olympic Oval Ice Skating Rink
Butterfield Acres Petting Farm
Stanley Park
Elliston Park
iFly Calgary Indoor Skydiving
Shouldice Park
Cowboys Casino
Ace Casino
Nose Creek Regional Park
Pure Casino
Chinook Winds Regional Park

Shopping in Calgary

Stephen Avenue
8 Avenue Southwest
17 Avenue Southwest
Granary Road Farmer’s Market
Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary Farmer’s Market
Crossroads Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Calgary

Hiking
Trekking
Wildlife Safari
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Snowboarding
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Tobogganing
River Rafting

Sightseeing in Calgary

Calgary Tower
Peace Bridge
Stephen Aveneue Walk
8 Avenue Southwest
The Bow
17 Avenue Southwest
Scotman’s Hill
Macleod Trail Southeast
Bow River Pathway
Mchugh Bluff
Centre Street Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Calgary

Calgary Momo House
Notable Restaurant
Silver Inn
Model Milk
Vendome
Big T’s BBQ
River Cafe
Saltlik
Vero Bistro Moderne
Santorini Greek Taverna
Winebar Kensington
Foreigh Concept
Jinbar
Bridgette Bar
Rogue
Paper Lantern
Pizzeria Gaga
Caesar’s Stake House
The Himalayan
Koji Katsu
Ten Foot Henry
Major Tom Bar
Minas Brazilian Steakhouse
Pure Kitchen & Bar
River Cafe
Con Mi Taco
Park by Sidewalk Citizen
Sukiyaki House
Eight
Deane House
Orchard

Where to Stay in Calgary?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Calgary. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Calgary.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Calgary

How to Reach Calgary?

By Air

The city is served by YYC Calgary International Airport. It is situated about 11 miles (17 km) outside the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Calgary from Frankfurt, Halifax, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Quebec City, Seattle, Dallas, Zurich, Amsterdam, Saskatoon, Hamilton, Denver, and several other cities from North America and Europe.

You can get buses and cabs to reach Calgary from the airport.

By Road

There are no direct train routes for Calgary travel. The closest train stations to visit Calgary are Jasper and Edmonton. Then you can take a bus to reach Calgary from either of these cities. You can also get buses to visit Calgary from several other cities in Canada and the USA.

If you are planning to reach Calgary by road, you can head for Trans Canada highway 1. You can also take highway routes 2, 9, or 22 to get to Calgary.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for Calgary travel.

Image Reference

TELUS Spark Science Centre – Mack Male / Flickr
Calgary Zoo – Jan Mosimann / Flickr
Fort Calgary – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
The Hangar Flight Museum – Eric Friedebach / Flickr
Peace Bridge – Wayne S. Grazio / Flickr
Prince’s Island Park – Jan Mosimann / Flickr
Glenbow Museum – Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Calgary Tower – Erwin Buncaras / PixaBay
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Dillan K / Flickr
Heritage Park Historical Village – Jasperdo / Flickr
The Military Museums – Tony Hisgett / Flickr
Olympic Plaza – abdallahh / Flickr
Gasoline Alley Museum – Jasperdo / Flickr
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – Clarissa Peterson / Flickr
Banff National Park – bernie_ / PixaBay
Lake Louise Ski Resort – Doug Zwick / Flickr