Calgary Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Canada's third largest city offers a colourful blend of pioneer history, contemporary culture and exciting winter sports.

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.

Where to stay in Calgary

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Downtown Calgary

4/5(28 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Calgary
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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.

Southwest Calgary
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Northwest Calgary

4/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like Market Mall or Olympic Oval and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.

Northwest Calgary
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Southeast Calgary

3/5(1 area review)

While you're in Southeast Calgary, take in top sights like Calgary Zoo or Deerfoot Casino, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.

Southeast Calgary
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Banff Trail

You might enjoy the live music while you're in Banff Trail, and if you want to see some more of the larger Calgary area, you can take a ride on the metro at Banff Trail Station.

Banff Trail
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University District

4/5(5 area reviews)

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.

University District
Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE

Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE

4 out of 5
123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$235 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$235
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (9,086 reviews)
"Nice hotel, good breakfast."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE
Hotel 11, MOD A Sonesta Collection

Hotel 11, MOD A Sonesta Collection

4 out of 5
11 Freeport Cres NE, Calgary, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$212 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$212
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,952 reviews)
"This was a very pleasant experience. I would recommend"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Hotel 11, MOD A Sonesta Collection
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport

3 out of 5
3515 - 26 Street NE, Calgary, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$222 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$222
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,063 reviews)
"The bath roow was not vleaned properly"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY

New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY

4 out of 5
Cranbrook Square SE, Calgary, AB
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seton Cineplex Cinemas ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (80 reviews)
"I had a wonderful stay! The place was clean, comfortable, and exactly as described. The location was convenient, and the hospitality was truly appreciated. Everything was well-organized, and I felt very welcomed throughout my visit. Thank you for a great experience—I would definitely recommend it ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

New Apartments in Cranston by GLOBALSTAY
GLOBALSTAY. Modern Downtown Condos. Free parking

GLOBALSTAY. Modern Downtown Condos. Free parking

4 out of 5
1320 1 St SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, AB
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly condo in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stampede Park and Calgary ...
7/10 Good! (173 reviews)
"Nice little condo with a full kitchen an washer dryer. Leaving was a bit of a pain because I had to leave the keys and parkade fob in the room but I needed the fob to access the parkade. Had to move my car out of the parkade, park on the street, and go back into the condo to leave the keys and fob. ..."

Reviewed on 27 Apr. 2025

GLOBALSTAY. Modern Downtown Condos. Free parking
Navii Estates - Vacations Elevated, Homes Perfected

Navii Estates - Vacations Elevated, Homes Perfected

4 out of 5
96 Belmont Villas SW, Calgary, AB
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Calgary. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Spruce Meadows and Shawnessy Shopping Centre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Nice get away!
"Ivan was very informative and easy to work with. The property was quaint, cozy, and comfortable. Wish we stayed longer! Its in a newer, still developing area ~35 minutes from downtown. That works well if your trying to get away from the hustle and bustle. Can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on 11 Nov. 2024

Navii Estates - Vacations Elevated, Homes Perfected
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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