Besides some of the friendliest people you’ll meet and a favorable exchange rate for visitors from most countries. These are some great reasons to visit Calgary.
1. Tour The Canadian Rockies
One of the selling points of Calgary is its proximity to the Canadian Rockies. Not only do they provide a sensational view that’s ever present, but they’re also a ton of fun to explore.
There are plenty of tours that will take you through the heart of the Rockies and into Banff, where you’ll enjoy views of Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, and more. All that touring might tucker you out, so you’ll want to stop for a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs with their steamy outdoor pools that offer their own excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Banff Gondola is another excellent way to see the sights from a unique vantage point as it will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, an elevation of 7,486 feet at its peak terminal. Not only will you be seeing mountains along the way, but diverse wildlife such as marmots, bighorn sheep, and blue jays as well.
You won’t want to forget your camera!
2. See The Views From Calgary Tower
It’s not the CN Tower in Toronto, but Calgary Tower still belongs on the list of towers that you should visit. What makes it so unique is the fact that the view from 625 feet on the observation deck encompasses the Canadian Rockies, a sight that no other tower shares.
There are tours available that will fill you in on the history of all you can see from the tower, or you can simply use the binoculars and take it all in on your own. If you’re not height-phobic, you might want to stand on the glass-floor and take in the spine-tingling view of the streets hundreds of feet below.
Dining is an option in the tower, and given that it rotate, you’ll get a full view of the city while you eat. The Tower is located in a central area with lots of other restaurants and activities around it, so even if you only visit it for a few hours, you’ll have plenty to do without going far.
3. The World-Famous Calgary Stampede
Being in town for the Calgary Stampede requires some planning, as it only happens once a year, typically in July, but it’s worth it for what’s been dubbed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!”
With live music, delicious food, cowboys, games, and of course a classic rodeo, this is a party like you’ve never witnessed before.
In 2018, the Stampede goes from July 6 – 15 and will draw famous country musicians like Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley. There will also be a dog skills competition and a motocross show.
One thing is for sure: you won’t be lacking for entertainment at the Stampede!
4. Take A Craft Beer Tour
For most people, sampling the local drinks is one of the highlights of most trips. If you’re a fan of beer, Calgary has everything you’re looking for!
Whether you want to take an organized tour or go on your own, there are plenty of options for breweries and beer markets. Some of the most popular local spots are the Craft Beer Market, Village Brewery, and Dandy Brewing Company.
Almost all of these breweries offer tastings and tours of their facilities, so string them all together for one epic “brewery crawl”, or pick one or two to stop in at for a pint.
5. Picnic In Prince Island Park
If you haven’t noticed already, Calgary has an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy. While a frigid winter visit might make this option nearly impossible (or at least really cold), if you’re visiting in the winter months, take a stroll through Prince Island Park. Bring a blanket and some lunch and enjoy some good old fashioned R&R. You won’t be alone as this is a pretty standard thing for the locals!
There are some festivals held in the park throughout the year, so you might stumble upon one during your visit. If you do end up visiting Calgary through the winter, you can still check out the park, but bring a pair of skates and take advantage of the rink that gets installed every year.
Calgary has too many activities to put them all on a list, but these are the ones we’d recommend starting with. Some others that didn’t quite make the cut but are still worth checking out if you have time are the Gasoline Alley Museum for car fanatics and the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk for people who can’t get enough of being around the Rockies.
Whether it’s a nature hike or a fancy dinner downtown, you’ll be spoiled for options in Calgary. Try some of these activities out and let us know what you thought!
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