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Calgary is situated in the province of Alberta in Western Canada. It's just a few hours north of Glacier National Park in Montana and an hour east of Banff National Park.
As a prairie city nestled at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary boasts a rich cowboy culture. It's most famous for the Calgary Stampede, a century-old outdoor rodeo and horse riding extravaganza that attracts over a million cowboys clad in denim and spectators to the city every year.
Top Things to Do in Calgary, Canada
Downtown Calgary Center. (Source: Internet)
Calgary isn't just home to a few world-renowned events. From rich indigenous history to riverside biking trails to some of the best dining spots in Canada, there's plenty to do in Calgary. Whether it's your pitstop or your destination, we've curated some top suggestions to make the most of a day in Calgary.
Kickstart your day in downtown Calgary with breakfast at the Simmons Building, where you'll see remnants of the mattress manufacturing era still etched in the brick exterior.
Start your day in downtown Calgary. (Source: Internet)
Today, the historically repurposed building offers three unique culinary options: a full-service restaurant, a bakery, and a coffee roastery. Grab your coffee to go from Phil & Sebastian’s, pick up a breakfast sandwich with artisan bread from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, and head out to the backyard to admire the Bow River scenery. If you're an early riser or have some spare time after eating, take a stroll in either direction along the RiverWalk.
The RiverWalk. (Source: Internet)
Continue on foot or return to your car to head to the nearby Glenbow Museum, Calgary's premier museum featuring rich collections of art, history, and culture. Explore the “Niitsitapiisinni: Our Way of Life” exhibition to discover Blackfoot culture through interactive displays and over 40,000 artifacts from indigenous peoples around the world.
The Glenbow Museum serves as a preservation tool for indigenous history in Alberta, and this exhibit was curated by Blackfoot elders. According to elder Sheldon Firstrider, who leads tours at the museum, this collaboration has brought the museum “the blessing of the elders to talk about our way of life.”
After spending the entire morning indoors, head to the Heritage Park Historical Village to enjoy outdoor time and explore living history. Satisfy your cravings before getting back to afternoon activities with a refreshing lunch at Selkirk Grille when you enter the park.
While Heritage Park was once known for its simple “beef on a bun” fare, today you can expect something more innovative and modern at Selkirk Grille, opened in 2009.
The seasonal menu features organic, locally sourced dishes, some of which come from the park's seven on-site gardens. You could easily spend a few days at Heritage Park, but if you only have a few hours, hop on a horse-drawn wagon for an overview. Throughout the park, you'll see a mix of authentic historical buildings, replicas, and some buildings constructed to custom specifications.
History enthusiasts will share their passion for their city's history as you wander through the park. Step back in time as you delve deeper into the settlement area and imagine what Calgary was like before European settlers arrived.
At the First Nations campsite, slip into a traditionally painted tipi and relax on animal hides or woven chairs as you listen to stories about the Blackfoot from First Nations interpreters. Step back outside and try your hand at setting up a tipi or group fire with flint and steel.
Calgary's horse riding performance. (Source: Internet)
Next, indulge in a modern twist on indigenous traditional crafts at Moonstone Creation, a family-owned indigenous gallery. Browse through the shop showcasing authentic indigenous artworks and jewelry, including handmade crafts by artists Yvonne and her daughter Amy.
Gain deeper appreciation for their craftsmanship and artistry in their products by learning how to make beadwork or traditional fish scale art in the workshop.
Your adventure in Calgary wouldn't be complete without a stroll across the Bow River to Prince's Island Park. For dinner, head to River Café, one of Calgary's top-rated restaurants.
The menu focuses on sustainability and only includes ingredients that can be sourced in Alberta, many of which are grown in River Café's own gardens. Chef Matthias Fong brings creativity, artistry, and flavor to the dishes to the point where you'll crave items like celeriac tartare and venison—even if you're not sure how to pronounce all the components.
Enjoy your meal inside the elegant yet rustic dining room or sit on the patio overlooking the Bow River. After dinner, savor a tranquil sunset over the city. If you're visiting in the summer months and not accustomed to such northern latitudes, you might be surprised to find plenty of time for sunset-watching after 9 PM.
Scotsman’s Hill on SE Salisbury Street provides an excellent vantage point to admire the sunset along the skyline. As the last rays of sun dip below the cityscape, head to the Gray Eagle Resort to give your feet a rest after a day of activities. You may find it hard to leave the incredibly comfortable bed the next day, but there's still plenty to do and explore in Calgary.
Interesting Facts about Calgary
Fascinating Things about Calgary. (Source: Internet)
Calgary residents enjoy more sunny days than any other major city in Canada. Calgary was officially established as a city in 1894 with a population of 3,900 at the time. There are more volunteers per capita in Calgary than any other city in Canada. Calgary's weather has no rules. The Calgary Stampede, a 10-day annual event, claims to be the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Best Time to Visit Calgary
Ideal Time to Visit Calgary. (Source: Internet)
The best time of year to visit Calgary is from late May to late September. October and April are also good months to visit, with sometimes good weather but also the possibility of snow. Calgary is known for its unpredictable winter weather.
Weather in Calgary
Weather in Calgary. (Source: Internet)
Summer (May-August) is mostly mild and dry. Winter is cold and crisp, with Chinook winds occasionally raising the temperature. The first snowfall of fall in Calgary typically arrives in September or October. The last snowfall of the season usually occurs in April or May. However, in some years, the snow season doesn't start or end as Calgary can see snow in any month of the year. June, July, and August are the hottest months with average highs ranging from 70°F to 80°F.
Posted by: Thao Pham
Keywords: A perfect day and things to do in Calgary, Canada
