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Heading to Calgary? Let us show you around!
As Alberta locals, we’ve spent countless weekends exploring Calgary’s vibrant neighborhoods, natural escapes, and buzzing craft beer scene. From quiet riverside parks to urban murals splashed across brick walls, this city has so many ways to surprise and delight.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in Calgary, from bike rides along the Bow River to art mural stops and epic day trips into the Rockies. So whether you’re a first-timer or returning for more, these ideas will help you see Calgary like a local and make the most of every moment.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE activity was this day trip to Banff from Calgary! An organized tour made it easy to escape the city and enjoy Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Town, and the vast Rocky Mountains.
Check out the 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Calgary
- 1. Explore Calgary on a bike tour
- 2. See Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Banff in one day
- 3. Take a day trip to the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk
- 4. See Calgary’s best sights on a scooter
- 5. Go rafting on the Bow River
- 6. Take a day trip to the Badlands and see dinosaur fossils and hoodoos
- 7. Cruise around Calgary in a vintage sidecar motorcycle
- 8. Enjoy a private tour to Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake
- 9. Discover Calgary’s street art and craft beer scene
- Where to Stay in Calgary, Alberta
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Alberta
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Calgary
1. Explore Calgary on a bike tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Small-group bike ride through Calgary and along the Bow River, see landmarks, learn the city’s history and culture
- Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide, use of bicycle and helmet, upgraded to e-bikes by prior arrangement, easy and direct route, local recommendations
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’ve always found that getting to know a city on foot or by bike is the way to really feel it, but let’s be honest, wandering without a plan can leave you missing out on the good stuff. That’s why we signed up for this small-group bike tour and cruised our way through the very best of Calgary’s highlights and hidden corners.
We breezed along the Bow River, taking in the city’s natural beauty and lively neighborhoods, with our excellent guide, Darrell, leading the charge. Darrell didn’t just share facts—he painted a living, breathing portrait of Calgary, weaving together the stories of First Nations people, local legends, and the electric energy of 17th Ave.
We cycled past the Peace Bridge, paused to admire the soaring dragons and phoenixes at the Chinese Cultural Centre, and took in green spaces like Prince’s Island Park and St. Patrick’s Island Park. Even better, there was no risk of getting lost or missing the best views. The best part is that pedal bikes can even be upgraded to e-bikes if arranged in advance, so you can tailor the tour to your energy level.
Three hours zipped by in what felt like minutes, thanks to Darrell’s personable style and the lively company of our small group. We left with a new appreciation for the city, and judging by all the five-star reviews here, we’re not the only ones. If you want to see Calgary up close, hop on this ride and let the city roll out in front of you!
Book this small-group bike tour here and see Calgary like never before!
2. See Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Banff in one day
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Time: 7:45 am, 9 am, 9:15 am, 9:20 am (depending on pick up location)
- Highlights: Small-group tour exploring Banff National Park, stroll the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shores, explore Banff Avenue, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, and more
- Inclusions: Pick-up and drop-off service from Calgary, Banff, Canmore, expert local guide, special access entrance fees to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trying to see the best of Banff in one day can feel impossible, especially when spots like Moraine Lake are a nightmare to park at and the roads get jammed with traffic. We knew we wanted to experience these iconic sights without the headache of planning it ourselves, so we joined this small-group tour, and it turned out to be one of our favorite experiences from Calgary!
The day was a perfect blend of must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path stops. We wandered along Lake Louise’s shimmering turquoise shores and climbed the Rockpile for that famous Moraine Lake postcard shot—two iconic stops that never disappoint. Even though we’d seen them in countless photos, standing there in person made us feel like we were part of the scene ourselves.
Our guide, Roger, kept the vibe fun and relaxed, sharing stories about Castle Mountain and Banff’s legendary hospitality along the way. Lunch on Banff Avenue (at our own expense) was the perfect chance to soak in the mountain-town charm before heading to scenic spots like Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
We’ve done our fair share of tours, but this one took the cake—no wonder it’s an award-winner. So if you’re looking for a day trip from Calgary that hits all the high notes, this is the one to book!
Reserve this Banff tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Take a day trip to the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk
- Duration: 14.5 hours
- Time: 6:15 am
- Highlights: Full-day tour to the Columbia Icefield, enjoy scenery along the Icefields Parkway, ride the Ice Explorer, stroll around Lake Louise, explore Banff
- Inclusions: Hot buffet lunch, Ice Explorer ride, pick-up and/or drop-off at multiple locations, local taxes, Columbia Icefield Skywalk admission
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Driving the Icefields Parkway in a day is no easy feat, especially when those jaw-dropping views and tricky mountain roads can make even the most confident driver sweat. We didn’t want to worry about navigating the twists and turns or finding parking at every scenic stop, so we booked this small-group tour, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions yet.
The day started early, but as soon as the mountains came into view, the fatigue disappeared. Our driver, Reeve, was an absolute gem—friendly, funny, and full of helpful tips that kept us all smiling throughout the trip. After a quick photo stop at Lake Louise’s turquoise waters, we wound our way along the Icefields Parkway, taking in Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake’s brilliant blues.
The highlight, though, was boarding the Ice Explorer and rolling out onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier itself. There’s nothing like stepping onto that thick, creaking ice and feeling the chill of thousands of years under your feet!
Just keep in mind that this is a seasonal tour that only runs from May through October, so plan accordingly. We wrapped it all up with lunch at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and a visit to the Skywalk, perched high above the valley.
For anyone dreaming of glacier views and epic mountain landscapes without the hassle of driving, this is the day trip to book!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
4. See Calgary’s best sights on a scooter
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm
- Highlights: Explore Calgary on a guided electric scooter tour, see landmarks such as the Bow, Stephen Avenue Walk, and Central Memorial Park, learn about the city’s history
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, use of an Apollo Air 2022 and helmet, local recommendations, and tips
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Walking Calgary’s streets can leave you worn out and still missing the best spots, so we hopped on this small-group scooter tour and let the city unfold right in front of us.
Our guide, Tobie, knew all the historical nuggets and local tips that made the tour feel like hanging out with a friend who just happens to know everything about Calgary. We zipped along the Bow River Pathway and took in the views from the Peace Bridge, then breezed down Stephen Avenue Walk and marveled at the sleek lines of the Central Library.
We even paused at Central Memorial Park, a spot that’s more than just green space. It’s home to Calgary’s oldest library and statues that hold a century’s worth of stories.
The best part is that the scooters were super easy to handle, and Tobie was always there to make sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. We stopped to snap photos at Prince’s Island Park, caught glimpses of Olympic Plaza, and learned about the history of the Bow skyscraper.
This was a fun, effortless way to explore Calgary’s highlights and hidden gems, and honestly, it left us feeling like we’d uncovered a whole new side of the city we thought we already knew. If you’re short on time or just want to see more than you could on foot, this is the tour to book.
Check availability and book this scooter adventure here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go rafting on the Bow River
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 10 am to 4 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a leisurely self-guided float through Calgary golf courses, residential areas, nature, and parks
- Inclusions: PFDs, paddles, safety kit, free parking
- Rating: 5 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes the best way to experience Calgary isn’t by foot or by bike—it’s by water! We wanted to see the city from a whole new angle, and this private rafting tour on the Bow River was pure bliss.
The crew at Lazy Day Raft Rentals had everything dialed in. Our boat was sanitized, inflated, and waiting for us at the launch point in West Baker Park. The staff were super friendly and helpful, making sure we were geared up with personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, and safety kits before sending us off.
We loved the slow, meandering pace of the Bow River—no need to rush when the scenery is this good!
Floating past Bowmont Natural Park, Shouldice Park, and Edworthy Park, we felt completely immersed in nature while still catching glimpses of Calgary’s skyline. We even spotted a few deer along the riverbanks, a reminder that you’re never far from nature out here.
There were stretches where we paddled through golf courses and quiet neighborhoods, soaking up the calm of the river and the sounds of birdsong all around us. It was the kind of trip that makes you want to go back every summer!
We absolutely loved this chill day out on the water, and it’s clear we’re not the only ones. Just check out the five-star reviews here to see why travelers call this the highlight of their trip!
This private tour is likely to sell out – secure your spot here!
6. Take a day trip to the Badlands and see dinosaur fossils and hoodoos
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 9 am (depending on pick-up location)
- Highlights: Explore the Alberta Badlands, see one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils, visit the ghost town of Wayne, witness the ancient wind-sculpted Hoodoos, and more
- Inclusions: Tour guide, bottled water, transportation, Royal Tyrrell Museum entrance fee, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When you think of Alberta, you might picture the Rockies, but the Badlands are just as captivating, especially if you’re into fossils, ancient landscapes, and ghost towns. To soak up every bit of this unique region without the stress of driving ourselves, we joined this small-group tour from Calgary, and it turned out to be one of the most fascinating days of our trip!
After meeting our guide and taking the drive to Drumheller, we started at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world’s best dinosaur fossil collections. Wandering through the museum’s exhibits felt like stepping into a prehistoric world, and our guide, Habib, was full of fun facts that brought it all to life.
From there, we took in the sweeping views of Horseshoe Canyon and explored the otherworldly Hoodoos. These towering sandstone pillars were sculpted by thousands of years of wind and water into shapes that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Habib kept the day running smoothly and shared stories at every stop, whether it was the eerie ghost town of Wayne or the historic Rosedale Suspension Bridge that sways above the Red Deer River. But the best part was climbing the World’s Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller for a panoramic view of this jaw-dropping landscape.
We loved how this tour packed in so many incredible sights in one day, from the mind-blowing fossil exhibits to the surreal landscapes of the Hoodoos and canyons. It was a day that brought Alberta’s ancient past to life and left us with memories we’ll never forget!
Check availability and reserve this Badlands adventure here for FREE cancellation options!
7. Cruise around Calgary in a vintage sidecar motorcycle
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Time: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 7 pm
- Highlights: Ride through downtown Calgary in a vintage sidecar motorcycle, see iconic landmarks, snap photos at Scotsman’s Hill or Crescent Heights Park
- Inclusions: Driver/guide, headsets, hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary on board, use of helmet, taxes
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Seeing Calgary on foot is great, but nothing beats the rush of riding in a vintage sidecar motorcycle, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the city vibes. We wanted something totally unique, so we hopped in for this sightseeing tour, and it turned out to be one of the best ways to explore the city!
Nicole, our driver and guide, was an absolute delight. Her historical knowledge was excellent, and she brought every stop to life with fun facts and local legends. With the headset, we could hear her crystal clear as we zipped through downtown, catching glimpses of landmarks that we’d only seen from afar.
Our favorite part was stopping for photos at Scotsman’s Hill, where we had a panoramic view of the city skyline, the Bow River, and the endless prairie beyond. The way the city glowed in the afternoon light was something we’ll never forget. And if you prefer, you can choose to stop at Crescent Ridge instead—either way, you’re in for a view that will blow you away!
The Ural motorcycle sidecar was surprisingly comfy, and Nicole made sure we felt safe and at ease the entire time. Plus, we got some of the best photos along the way! This was hands-down one of the most innovative and fun ways we’ve ever explored a city!
Book this unforgettable ride here and see Calgary like never before!
8. Enjoy a private tour to Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8 am to 9 am
- Highlights: Private and personalized guided tour exploring Banff National Park, see Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and more
- Inclusions: Private transportation, taxes, park entrance fee, and bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We never want to rush our time in Banff, and booking this private comprehensive tour from Calgary was the perfect way to see it all without missing out. We loved that it was fully customized to our interests and pace, giving us a one-of-a-kind day we couldn’t have planned on our own.
Our guide, Manny, was everything you’d want in a leader—personable, fun, and so knowledgeable about the area. He tailored the day to exactly what we wanted to see, from the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to the serene shores of Lake Minnewanka. Every stop had its own story, and Manny made sure we had time to really soak in the views, grab photos, and take it all in.
One of our favorite parts was the stop at Surprise Corner, where the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel seemed to rise straight out of a storybook. And driving along Tunnel Mountain Drive, we got the chance to see the Hoodoos up close and even spot some local wildlife.
Those little moments really made us feel like we were discovering the Rockies for the very first time, even though we’ve been to this area many times before.
What we loved most was how relaxed the day felt—no big crowds, no strict timelines, just a personalized adventure through Canada’s first national park. It’s the kind of experience you just can’t get on a big tour bus!
Secure your private Banff escape here and see the Rockies your way!
9. Discover Calgary’s street art and craft beer scene
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: Small-group tour exploring Calgary’s craft beer scene and street art at the Beltline Urban Mural Project, learn exclusive stories about the art and artists
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, eight 4-ounce beer tastings at two favorite breweries, passionately researched art tour, local recommendations
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood has a creative pulse that’s impossible to miss, and what better way to experience it than by combining street art with local brews? We joined this small-group walking tour, and it was the perfect way to dive into Calgary’s underground scene without feeling overwhelmed.
Our guide, Jamie, was insightful, friendly, and full of local tips. We started out sampling a few craft beers at a cozy local spot, then hit the streets to explore the vibrant murals of the Beltline Urban Mural Project.
Jamie had the kind of exclusive stories that you just don’t get wandering around alone, including tidbits about the artists, the neighborhood’s evolution, and the stories behind these colorful works of art. We loved how he shared personal favorites and gave us a glimpse into the artists’ worlds. It felt like we were getting the inside scoop!
The vibe was relaxed and social, with plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and grab a few photos of our favorite murals. We even got ideas for where to continue the night on 17th Ave! Jamie had great local tips for cool bars and hidden gems we would have never found on our own.
We loved how this tour mixed art, stories, and craft beer into one fantastic experience. So if you’re after something tasty and different in Calgary, this is it!
Don’t miss out – book your spot on this iconic Calgary tour here!
Where to Stay in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is a large city, so there are plenty of places to stay. The trick is to pick a hotel with a great location, depending on the activities you plan on doing. Most of these activities are in the downtown area, and if these hotels are still available, they will be your best options!
Fairmont Palliser – $$$
For the most luxurious stay in Calgary, check into the Fairmont Palliser! Part of the iconic Fairmont franchise, this upscale hotel is situated in the heart of downtown. You can enjoy the on-site restaurants, spa, and indoor pool and hot tub – perfect for those cold winter days!
The rooms are modern and fit with high-end furnishings, whether you book a double room or a king suite. They also offer city or courtyard views, so you can relax and take in the views from the comfort of your room.
Prices start around $400 CAD per night and can be booked here on Booking.com.
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire – $$
For luxury travelers, check out the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. This hotel overlooks the river valley and comes with an indoor pool (with waterslide), hot tub, fitness center, hair salon, and gift shop. Obviously, the rooms are extremely beautiful and the views are spectacular, plus it’s located very close to downtown!
Rooms start around $260 CAD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites – $
A fantastic mid-range budget option is the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites. The suites have a full kitchen, perfect for homemade meals, which can save you a lot of money. The rooms are beautiful, breakfast is included, and they even have a fitness center. On top of that, the hotel’s location is ideal, in the middle of downtown.
A night’s stay here starts at $175 CAD and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Calgary’s hotels here!
Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary is an underrated city, in my opinion! There is so much to do here, whether you’re exploring the city, enjoying a tasty restaurant, or taking one of the many day trips that are so convenient from here. We always love visiting Calgary, and I know you will too!
Before you go, check out our other Canada blogs! As a Canadian myself, we’ve traveled all over this beautiful country and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few more blogs that can help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
8 BEST Alberta Road Trip Itineraries (From 1 Day to 14 Days)
5 BEST Moraine Lake Tours from Calgary to See All the Highlights!
Juan Martin
Sunday 15th of June 2025
Muy bonito gracias por las sugerencias Saludos cordiales
Destinationless Travel
Tuesday 17th of June 2025
Thank you!