When you think of Calgary, you may think of cowboys and the Calgary Stampede, but there is so much more to this bustling metropolis. As Alberta’s largest city, Calgary is full of diverse cultures and endless opportunities for things to see and do.
As an Albertan myself, I have spent my fair share of time in Calgary and can attest to its vibrant and fun dynamic. Based in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, many people fly into Calgary and use it as a gateway to the mountains. There are many great tours here that take people from Calgary to Banff and beyond. But with so much to do in the city, we always urge people to spend some time exploring Calgary as well!
We’ve used our Calgary expertise to create the various guides below. I hope they help you get started planning and provide ample ideas of how to spend your time in this lively city!
Planning Essentials
Whether you’re in Calgary for a few days, are just passing through, or are staying in Calgary and taking a day trip to the mountains, these articles will help you get the most out of your trip!
Calgary Itineraries
We know how important it is to make the most out of your time here. To help, we’ve created Calgary itineraries with our recommendations for places to eat, spots to visit, and everything in between!
Things to do in Calgary
Calgary is a large city with over 1.3 million people. This means there are endless adventures to be found between those skyscrapers! Have a look at our guides below on all of the fun things you can do here throughout the year!
Best Calgary Tours
If you’re hoping to experience more of the city or want to head out and explore the nearby mountains, there is a tour here for you! We love staying in Calgary and taking tours out to the mountains. It’s the perfect mix of urban and outdoor adventure (plus it’s much more affordable to stay in Calgary than in Banff!). Check out some of our favorite tours in and around Calgary below!
Shuttles and Transportation from Calgary to the Rockies
Calgary Road Trips
As the “Gateway to the Canadian Rockies”, Calgary is the perfect starting or ending point for any Western Canada road trip. Driving through the scenic Rocky Mountains is a bucket-list experience, so we’ve gone ahead and outlined our favorite routes below, along with all of the best stops to make along the way! Note that these can all be done in reverse as well!
Where to Next?
Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing places you can visit from Calgary. There are multiple National and Provincial Parks in the vicinity just waiting to be explored. We highly encourage you to check out some of the amazing nearby attractions and places below to make your trip even more epic!
Top Nearby Attractions
Kananaskis & Canmore
Only an hour outside of Calgary lies the beautiful Kananaskis region. This area is made up of 5 Provincial Parks, making it a nature lover’s paradise! Nestled within you’ll find the picturesque town of Canmore, a place we definitely recommend you visit or spend a couple of nights. Check out our top guides on this magical area!
Banff
This popular resort town and National Park is about 1.5 hours from Calgary, making it easy to visit on a day trip. It is full of great shopping, restaurants, and scenery. Have a look at these top blog posts to help plan your time there!
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a charming area of Banff National Park, located just 40 minutes from Banff town. It is home to one of the world’s most stunning lakes and we think it is a must-visit location while you’re in the Rockies!
Moraine Lake
Just past Lake Louise, you’ll find our favorite Canadian lake – Moraine Lake! The bright turquoise water is something you can’t miss seeing while on your trip through the Rockies. But, getting to Moraine Lake can be quite difficult, so make sure to read our top guides below for everything you need to know about visiting!
