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Planning a trip to Calgary? You’re in the right place!
Calgary is a vibrant city where Western heritage meets a buzzing downtown and one of Canada’s best food scenes. But planning a trip here can be tricky if you don’t know the area—should you spend your time in the city, head for the mountains, or explore the Badlands?
As locals who know Calgary inside and out, we’ve created this 3-day itinerary to take the guesswork out of your trip. It mixes culture, food, and outdoor adventures so you can experience the very best of our city and the iconic landscapes just beyond it.
Ready to kick off your Calgary adventure? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Calgary was this Canadian Rockies day tour! From turquoise Lake Louise to the iconic Moraine Lake Rockpile, every stop amazed us—without the hassle of driving or parking!
Itinerary Overview
One of the best things about staying in Calgary is how easy it is to get around, especially if you base yourself downtown. The city center is walkable, with most highlights clustered close together, and if you need to go a little further, Uber is quick and reliable. For the full-day tours outside the city, pickup points are right in the downtown core, so you won’t need a car for this itinerary.
This three-day plan balances the best of both worlds: a first day spent exploring Calgary itself, a second day discovering the beauty of Banff and the Rockies, and a third day heading east to the Badlands for hoodoos and dinosaur fossils. It’s the perfect mix of city vibes, mountain grandeur, and unique prairie landscapes, all without the hassle of organizing transport yourself.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll experience on this three-day Calgary itinerary:
Day 1: Start with breakfast downtown before joining a guided bike tour, then spend the afternoon exploring Stephen Ave, enjoy a drink, and end the night with dinner at one of Calgary’s trendiest restaurants.
Day 2: Take a full-day tour into the Rockies to see Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, then return to Calgary for a memorable dinner featuring Alberta beef.
Day 3: Head east on a day trip to the Badlands to see hoodoos and dinosaur fossils, then return for a relaxed dinner and sunset views from the Calgary Tower.
Day 1
Breakfast – Namo Cafe Bistro
Kick off your first morning in Calgary with a relaxed breakfast at Namo Cafe Bistro, a cozy spot that’s just a 10-minute walk from the starting point of your bike tour. The café opens at 7 am on weekdays (8 am on weekends), so you’ll have plenty of time to fuel up before the tour begins.
Namo is known for its creative brunch plates, fresh ingredients, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you go for something hearty like shakshuka or keep it light with avocado toast and a latte, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home right away.
We found it to be the perfect balance of comforting and energizing, exactly what you need before a morning spent exploring Calgary on two wheels!
Morning – Explore Calgary on a bicycle
After breakfast, take a quick ten-minute stroll to the meeting point and hop on this small-group bike tour. Starting at 9:30 am and running until 12:30 pm, it’s the perfect way to see the city from two wheels. This ride gave us the perfect mix of Calgary’s big-name sights and tucked-away gems—all without breaking a sweat!
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.
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!
Read their overwhelmingly positive reviews and book this experience here!
Lunch – The Cactus Club
By the time the bike tour wraps up at 12:30 pm, you’ll be ready to refuel, and luckily, The Cactus Club is just a five-minute walk away! This trendy spot on Stephen Ave has a relaxed but stylish vibe, making it the perfect place to pause before an afternoon of exploring the street itself.
The menu has a bit of everything, from hearty burgers to lighter salads and bowls, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too. We loved how fresh and flavorful everything tasted, and the service was quick, which meant we didn’t lose any time before heading back out. It’s a convenient, tasty stop right in the heart of downtown Calgary.
Afternoon – Stephen Ave.
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Stephen Ave, a lively pedestrian street in the heart of downtown Calgary. This stretch is packed with restaurants, cafés, shops, and entertainment, all set against a backdrop of historic sandstone buildings.
Here are a few highlights to check out along the way:
- ArtWalk: Stephen Ave is surrounded by murals, sculptures, and public art. Don’t miss the Wonderland Sculpture, a giant wire mesh head outside The Bow building. If you’re keen to see more, use the Calgary Public Art Map to guide you.
- Historic buildings: Architecture lovers will enjoy the sandstone heritage buildings that line the avenue. Many date back to the late 1800s and give the street its unique historic character.
- Devonian Gardens: This indoor botanical garden is tucked inside a shopping center and is a peaceful oasis in the middle of downtown. It’s especially nice in winter when you want a warm break from the cold streets.
- Rosso Coffee Roasters: If you need a caffeine boost, pop into Rosso Coffee Roasters. Their locally roasted coffee is a Calgary favorite and makes a great mid-afternoon stop.
- Local shops: Stephen Ave is filled with boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and souvenir shops. Whether you’re window shopping or hunting for something special, you’ll find plenty to browse here.
Evening – Grab drinks at Last Best Brewing & Distilling
Calgary has an impressive craft scene, and we think Last Best Brewing & Distilling is one of the best places to experience it. Just a 10-minute walk from Stephen Ave, this spot has a laid-back but lively atmosphere that makes it great for winding down after an afternoon of exploring.
The brewery offers a wide variety of in-house brews, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, and they also distill their own gin if you’re in the mood for a cocktail instead. We loved grabbing a flight to sample a bit of everything, and the friendly staff were more than happy to share their recommendations. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a while and soak up the local vibe before heading to dinner.
Dinner – Ten Foot Henry
To end your first day in Calgary, head to Ten Foot Henry, just a 10-minute walk from Last Best Brewing & Distilling. This trendy yet relaxed spot is one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, known for its vegetable-forward menu that still manages to win over even the most dedicated meat eaters.
Plates are designed for sharing, and the mix of fresh, seasonal flavors makes it easy to order a little bit of everything. We loved the balance of hearty and light dishes, which felt perfect after a full day of cycling, strolling, and sampling local brews. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, and the kitchen stays open until 11 pm, giving you plenty of time to linger over your last bites.
Day 2
Full day – Visit Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake
If you only have one day to see the Canadian Rockies, this is the tour to book. Trying to drive yourself can be stressful with crowded roads and limited parking at Moraine Lake, but with this award-winning small-group tour, you don’t have to worry about logistics. You’ll simply meet in downtown Calgary at 7:30 am for a 7:45 am departure, explore for the day, and be back between 4 and 6 pm after seeing some of the Rockies’ most iconic landscapes!
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 has more than 2,000 glowing reviews. If you’re looking for a day trip from Calgary that hits all the high notes, this is the one to book!
Reserve this award-winning Banff tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
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.
Dinner – Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
After a long day exploring the Rockies, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Vintage Chophouse and Tavern, one of Calgary’s most acclaimed steakhouses. This upscale spot is all about Alberta beef, served in a classic chophouse setting with rich wood interiors and a warm, lively atmosphere.
The steaks here are exceptional, perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the drink list is just as impressive. It’s on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for the quality and experience. We recommend making a reservation online in advance, as this place is popular with both locals and visitors looking for one of the best steak dinners in Calgary.
Related Read: Looking for more options to explore the Rockies? Don’t miss our guide to the best Banff tours from Calgary here to help you choose the right one!
Day 3
Full day – See the Badlands, dinosaur fossils, and hoodoos
On your final day, trade the Rockies for Alberta’s Badlands with this small-group tour—a journey into a landscape that feels like another world. Instead of alpine lakes and mountain towns, you’ll uncover prehistoric fossils, ghost towns, and the bizarre sandstone Hoodoos that make this region so unique.
With the logistics handled, we met downtown at 8:30 am, explored all day, and made it back to Calgary by 5:30 pm to end our trip on a high note.
After meeting our guide and driving to Drumheller, we started at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world’s best dinosaur fossil collections. Wandering through the 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 have been 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 most fun had to be climbing the World’s Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller for panoramic views over this incredible landscape.
We loved how this tour packed in so many sights in one day, from the mind-blowing fossil exhibits to the surreal scenery 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!
Dinner – Milestones
Back in Calgary after your Badlands adventure, head to Milestones, a casual but stylish spot just a two-minute walk from the Calgary Tower. It’s the perfect place to relax after a full day out, with a menu that covers everything from juicy burgers and pasta to lighter bowls and salads.
We found the atmosphere lively without being too loud, making it great for both groups and couples looking for a laid-back evening. The portions are generous, the drinks are fun, and it’s open until 11 pm, so you don’t have to rush. For us, it was exactly the kind of easy, satisfying dinner we craved after a day of exploring.
Evening – Catch the sunset at Calgary Tower
After dinner, take a short walk over to the Calgary Tower for one last view to cap off your trip. The tower’s observation deck sits 191 meters (626 feet) above the city and offers sweeping views of the skyline, the Bow River, and on a clear day, even the distant Rockies.
If you’re visiting in summer, sunset is usually around 8 to 8:15 pm, giving you the perfect chance to watch the sky light up in shades of gold and pink before the city glows after dark.
Tickets are $23 CAD, and it’s a good idea to book in advance since this is one of Calgary’s most popular attractions. The tower stays open until 9 pm (10 pm during the summer), so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the view, snap a few photos, and reflect on three unforgettable days in Calgary!
Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Calgary here for extra activities and hidden gems to add to your itinerary!
Where to Stay in Calgary
Since most of the activities in this 3-day itinerary start downtown, that’s the best area to base yourself in Calgary. The city has no shortage of hotels, but the good ones in prime locations fill quickly—especially in peak season. If any of these are still available for your dates, grab them right away because they’re some of the best options for making the most of your trip.
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!
We hope this 3-day Calgary itinerary helps you plan an amazing trip! Whether you’re here for a quick city break, adding on a Rockies adventure, or exploring the Badlands, following this guide will make sure you see the very best of Calgary and beyond.
Before you go, be sure to check out all our Alberta blogs here. From Banff and Jasper to Edmonton and the Icefields Parkway, we’ve written detailed guides and itineraries to help you get the most out of your travels. And if you’re looking for even more great ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our top blogs below to spark your next adventure!
10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Lake Louise, Alberta
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Jasper, Alberta: The Best 3-Day Summer Itinerary