Once a ranching and farming area, Calgary has seen huge expansion in recent times thanks to its plentiful oil resources. It has grown to be the third largest metropolitan area in the country while still embracing its pioneer past.For first-time visitors, the city is surprisingly easy to navigate as it's arranged according to a grid system but, to get a literal overview of the city and how it's laid out, make Calgary Tower one of your first stops. This is the highest 360° observation tower in the world and will offer you a clear view of the city's structure.If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with the Calgary Stampede, the most popular event of the year. Attracting about a million visitors over its 10 days, the festival includes everything from concerts to rodeos, with a bit of bareback bull riding thrown in for good measure!If you're not in town for the Calgary Stampede, you can still meet the local animal life with a trip to Calgary Zoo. Here you'll find everything from contemporary Canadian wildlife to a recreated dinosaur park. And continuing in the dinosaur theme, Drumheller Valley is always worth a visit. Located around 135 kilometres from the city centre, this area is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which is where you'll find the fossils that the zoo's models are based on.During the winter, the Canada Olympic Park is an absolute must for active types. With everything from bobsledding to snowboarding, there's plenty here to keep everyone entertained. Alternatively, for those who prefer to stay warm and dry, there are a plethora of art galleries around the Stephen Avenue area, such as the Glenbow Museum, as well as the Jubilee Auditorium, where visitors can catch a Broadway musical or see a ballet.When dinner time comes around, there's nowhere better to be in Calgary than 17th Avenue S.E., better known as International Avenue. With a diversity of cuisine ranging from Ethiopian and Portuguese to Vietnamese, there's something for every palate imaginable along this street.As well as the many attractions scattered around the city itself, Calgary is also the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and ski resorts such as Banff and Canmore. The city is also adjacent to the Alberta Badlands, a treasure trove of unusual rock formations and eerie ghost towns.
Calgary Travel Guide
Where to stay in Calgary
Downtown Calgary
TD Square and CORE Shopping Centre are top sights in Downtown Calgary, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at 3rd Street SW Station or 4th Street SW Station to see more sights in the area.
Southwest Calgary
Southwest Calgary is a destination travellers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Southland Station or Anderson Station to explore sights like Stampede Park.
Southeast Calgary
While you're in Southeast Calgary, take in top sights like Deerfoot Casino or Eaglequest Douglasdale Golf Course, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.
Northwest Calgary
If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like Market Mall or Nose Hill Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.
University District
Visitors often come to University District for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Olympic Oval and Trans Canada Pipeline Arch. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Banff Trail Station.
Beltline
Visitors often come to Beltline for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Stampede Park and Cowboys Casino. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Victoria Park - Stampede Station.
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Popular places to visit
Calgary Zoo
Wander at your leisure from South America to Africa, passing botanic gardens and dinosaurs as you go.
Scotiabank Saddledome
Catch an event at Scotiabank Saddledome during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its entertainment choices.
Calgary Tower
Get a bird's eye view of Calgary and the surrounding landscape from the world's highest 360° observation tower.
Chinook Centre
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Chinook Centre during your trip to Calgary. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Canada Olympic Park
Hit the slopes or barrel down the bobsled track, follow exciting mountain bike trails or whizz along the fastest zip line in North America at this fabulous facility.
BMO Centre
Learn about the events happening in BMO Centre during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Activities
Private Tour Flights Amidst Nature's Grandeur in Calgary
Banff Deep 1 Day Tour in Banff National Park
3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary
Reviews of Calgary
3/5 - Okay
Very sparse landscape, no trees unlike Banff. Was interesting to visit.
4/5 - Good
Best hockey team but crazy homeless people that could attack at any minute (big drug problem) good beer and food. A few days is all you need.
4/5 - Good
Easy to walk around, plenty of dining options.
5/5 - Excellent
Calgary is a nice city and easy to get around. Enjoyed it very much -especially how it snowed the past couple of days
5/5 - Excellent
Didn’t have long in the city but loved walking around Princes Island. Great park right next to the city
4/5 - Good
Great base to get to Lake Louise for a day. Then the other direction for the Badlands trail. Happily walked around exploring Calgary. Exciting sculptures and architecture. Musically, a bit to country'n'western for my liking. Wonderful friendly people