Top 8 Best Things to do in Calgary in 2024
There are some related attractions in Calgary, including the Calgary Stampede and the Pioneer Park. The place is particularly stunning if you like to see scenic vistas. On the western horizon, the Rocky Mountains rise like an unsurmountable barrier. With easy access to these mountains and well-known national parks, Calgary is a popular place for skiing, hiking, and sightseeing. Be sure to read our detailed list of the top attractions and best things to do in Calgary, Alberta, to plan your trip to Calgary as efficiently as possible.
1-The Calgary Stampede:
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com/
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada
As Calgary’s annual summer highlight, the Calgary Stampede holds its roots in the 1880s and is named “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” due to its extensive cowboy-and-rodeo-style entertainment and displays. This show combines the glory of the Wild West with the modernity of the 21st century. Both visitors and residents dress accordingly, and blue jeans and bright-colored Stetsons become the norm.
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In addition to the parade and rodeo contests, the festival will feature thrilling chuckwagon races, concerts, stage shows, and pancake breakfasts. Public transit or parking is available at Stampede Park, the festival’s permanent home. Even if you are here in the off-season, a tour or concert remains among Calgary’s top things to do.
2-Trip to Banff & Lake Louise:
Website: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
One of Canada’s most scenic settings, Banff National Park and Banff, are perfect day trips from Calgary. If you enjoy taking your time and stopping at the sites whenever the urge strikes, a car may be the best way to get from Calgary to Banff. It is a breathtaking route that can be travelled in less than an two hour; it takes in incredible mountain views shortly after leaving the city and doesn’t relent along the way. You will reach Banff, the only community within stunning Banff National Park, after passing Canmore.
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A visit to Lake Louise is one of the highlights of your trip. It is the ultimate selfie spot, especially with the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background, a beautiful lake framed by snow-capped mountains reaching 3,000 meters. In addition, you can take a stroll along the lakeshore trail or take a canoe ride to enjoy some relaxing views of the lake from the Lake Louise Gondola.
3-Visit Calgary Zoo:
Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, Canada
As one of Calgary’s most popular family attractions and Canada’s largest and most visited zoo, Calgary Zoo has roots dating back to 1929. It sits on 125 acres on St. George’s Island in Bow River. Over 1,000 species of animals live at the zoo, some of which are endangered or rare. Furthermore, the zoo has many botanical gardens.
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It’s always a fun time to visit the zoo in spring since newborn animals arrive. In the Calgary Zoo, you will see Hippos, Mountain Gorillas, and more animals that live on the Serengeti. During the winter, you can go later in the evening and see the Zoo Lights. This is usually from 5 pm to 9 pm and has over 200 light figurines plus interactive and choreographed light displays around the zoo.
4-Visit the Calgary Tower to see the views:
Website: https://www.calgarytower.com/
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Calgary is no exception, as it too has the means to get a birds-eye view of all the action. The Calgary Tower features a glass floor and a revolving restaurant on top of a viewing platform, giving visitors the sensation of being 191 meters above the city. As the tallest structure in the city until 1984, the tower still commands excellent views of the city and beyond into the mountains.
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As a tribute to the Olympic spirit, the torch on top of the tower continues to be lit on special occasions. Throughout the building, a fun movie shows the construction of the tower. This tower is incredibly stunning at night when it is illuminated.
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5-A Walk Through Prince’s Island Park:
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/parks/locations/downtown-parks/princes-island-park.html
Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
In the northern part of downtown Calgary, there is a large park called Prince’s Island Park. In addition to being located next to the Bow River, the park is next to the Eau Claire Market, so many tourists visit both attractions together. This park, which is accessible by three pedestrian bridges, offers walking and biking areas, in addition to outdoor concerts and plays during the summer. The island also has a highly regarded restaurant.
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Aside from offering magnificent city views, Prince Island Park hosts several festivals and has an outdoor skating rink every season.
6-Take a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer:
Website: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
In the Rocky Mountains, on the historic Canadian Pacific line, the renowned Rocky Mountaineer rail tour cuts westward between Calgary and Vancouver, traversing the mountain wall of the Rockies on a luxury rail tour. At Canmore, if the weather is good, the snow-covered Three Sisters, a collection of mountain peaks, provide a stunning backdrop to the adventure.
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It is then only a short drive to Banff, a popular winter resort. This area includes a mountainous section with Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass, and Rogers Pass, among other hiking opportunities. Banff National Park is a popular place to stop for a few days of hiking for outdoor enthusiasts.
7-The Military Museum:
Website: https://themilitarymuseums.ca/
Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5J4, Canada
Visitors to the Canadian Forces Museum Collection have access to an in-depth exploration of Canada’s naval, military, and air force histories. The exhibits emphasize interactive experiences, such as walking through WWI trenches and navigating a ship from a wheelhouse. Its visitors can learn about trench life, flying bombers, and how everyone in the military worked together to bring about peace.
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Many military vehicles are located on-site, including several tanks. A public library is also available. Throughout the year, the museum hosts events and lectures, and it includes a gift shop.
8-Visit Fort Calgary:
Website: https://www.fortcalgary.com/
Address: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1, Canada
At the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, Fort Calgary is a living museum depicting the start of Calgary, dating back to 1875. The original fort remains, and the Fort Calgary Museum provides information about the city’s history. On the other side of the bridge, the fort commandant constructed Deane House in 1906.
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You’ll also find a gift shop on the property that offers souvenirs and RCMP collectibles, as well as a movie theatre that screens related movies. If you are visiting the facility on a Sunday, arrive early and partake in the facility’s brunch.
