How to Spend ONE DAY in Calgary

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Where the prairies of Alberta meet the mountains, you’ll find Calgary (or “Cowtown” as it’s affectionately called by the locals). From its bustling cultural scene to its abundant natural beauty, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here. And yet, the clock always seems to tick that much faster when you have so much to explore and so little time!

You might be on a quick business trip, passing through on your way from Calgary to Lake Louise, or maybe you’ve just found yourself with one day to spend in the area. When time is short, it’s so important to have a well-planned itinerary by your side.

Having been back to Calgary many times (definitely not just for Calgary beef alone – yum!), I thought it would be a fun challenge to craft the ultimate 1-day plan for anyone visiting this incredible metropolis. After a ton of brainstorming and remembering some of my absolute favorite moments here, I’m so happy to share it with you today.

Whether you’re visiting Calgary in winter or in summer, I’ve included plenty of seasonal activities to help you enjoy the best of what this awesome city has to offer. If you’re looking for a more hands-off experience, where you can leave all the organization to somebody else, I’ve also included some of my favorite tours in Calgary towards the end of this blog.

By the end of the day, I’m sure you’ll be left with tons of unforgettable memories and will be booking your next trip to Calgary in no time. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!

1-Day Calgary Itinerary

Breakfast at the Namo Cafe Bistro

There’s no better way to start off a bustling day in Calgary than with a filling and tasty breakfast! Our personal favorite spot is the Namo Cafe Bistro, which is tucked away like a hidden gem on Edmonton Trail, just north of the Bow River.

This charming and cozy café serves some of the most amazing breakfasts (or brunch if you’re a late riser), that we’ve ever tried in Calgary. What makes their breakfasts unique is that every traditional breakfast dish has its own special twist – I won’t spoil it for you, but I will say that it’s a really pleasant surprise.

The staff here are also some of the most attentive and friendly people out there, it’s like they have their own empty plate radar in their heads or something! What’s more, Namo is also committed to serving dishes using locally sourced ingredients of the best quality, and boy you can really taste the difference.

Plus, they’re always updating the menu with fun seasonal dishes, so you’re always guaranteed to have a unique experience every time you visit. When I dropped by for a weekend brunch, I was simply blown away by the Eggs Benedict. Of course, this had its own twist, but I promised I wouldn’t spoil anything! You can expect dishes here to cost around $20 CAD per person, and you can view their menu here.

Now, I’m not the only one who thinks this place is a real gem, it gets pretty popular (especially on weekends). Even on weekdays, I’d highly (highly) recommend making a reservation. The first bookable slot is at 8 am, which I think is a pretty good time to allow an hour or so for breakfast, before heading into our next activity. Speaking of which…

Spend the morning exploring Canada Olympic Park

After a tasty breakfast over at Namo Café, it’s time to embrace Calgary’s adventurous spirit over at Canada Olympic Park, which was originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics! Since then, it’s transformed into a park full of fun activities for all ages – yep we’re talking about big kids like you and me too.

No matter which season you’re traveling in, you’re in for a morning of fun activities and plenty of laughs. There’s the downhill go-karting in summer, as well as the chance to go skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In short, it’s impossible not to have fun here!

The Olympic Park is about a 20-minute drive from Namo to the western side of Calgary, or you can take a taxi. While buses and trains do operate from downtown Calgary to the park, this does take quite a bit longer, about an hour and a half.

Have a blast going downhill karting

When we first heard about Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, one of the activities that instantly caught our eye was the downhill go-karting! In fact, it’s not just any go-karting track, it actually boasts the title of the longest in the world, spanning an impressive 5,905 feet (1,800 meters) – and it’s all downhill.

The track officially opens at 10 am (although it’s best to check this online as it is subject to change), which gives you plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast and explore the park a little before hopping in your go-kart. One of the best parts is that you’re in full control of your speed at all times, so you can let loose with only minimal breaking, or take it a bit easier – it’s all up to you.

While the karting itself is tons of fun, the views are also another wonderful part of the journey down – just don’t take your eyes off the track for too long! One lap down takes roughly 20 minutes, so I’d allow 1 to 2 hours to get a few laps under your belt.

The ticket prices are also quite affordable, especially if you purchase online. You can purchase 2 rides down for $28 CAD, or grab 4 rides for $36, which we think is great value for such a cool and memorable experience!

Note: If you find yourself with some time to spare, there’s also North America’s fastest zipline as well as a really sweet 18-hole mini-golf course here too. Highly recommended!

Hone your skiing and snowboarding skills

If you’re traveling in winter, then you’ll get to see the Olympic Park in all its snow-dusted glory, where it transforms into a really fun playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

For families or beginner skiers, there’s a pretty good variety of slopes where you can test and work on your skills, and for the more seasoned skiers and snowboarders out there, there are also a few expert-only runs to conquer too! However, I will say that these slopes are a bit shorter than more traditional ski resorts, like the Lake Louise Ski Resort, for example.

If you fancy a little bit of freestyle skiing or snowboarding, the park also offers two terrain parks: the Progression Park and Winsport Terrain Park, as well as the Under Armour Super Pipe – a 22-feet tall (6.7 meter), 548 feet (167 meter) long pipe that’s the largest in western Canada!

The Progression Park is a safe space for beginners to start with smaller obstacles, like a mini pipe and a magic carpet. On the other hand, the Winsport Terrain Park is more for advanced riders and has more than 30 different features like jibs, jumps, and rails.

When it comes to tickets, a 4-hour pass for the ski lift costs $59 CAD for adults (18+) and $34 CAD for youths (6-17). If you haven’t brought your skis with you, I’d recommend stopping by Sports Rent in Calgary beforehand – where their ski rental packages start at $45 CAD for adults and $30 CAD for juniors.

Related Read: If you have the chance, we highly recommend also touring Lake Louise from Calgary during the winter! From skating to skiing, there are a ton of fun wintry activities here that are great for the whole family.

Stop by a brewery for lunch (or the farmer’s market!)

After an exciting morning spent over at Canada Olympic Park, it’s time to head back into downtown Calgary to explore the amazing food and drink scene. Some of my favorite places to stop by for lunch are breweries, which also serve great food and are popping up all across the city!

Of course, as it’s still pretty early in the day, it’s probably best to stick to one drink (or two), but if you pair that with a great meal, it makes for an amazing lunch. Below, I’ve included two of my favorite breweries in the city, as well as my favorite drink from each!

If breweries aren’t quite your thing, then the Calgary West Farmer’s Market might just be for you. With a ton of food stall options on offer as well as plenty of indoor seating, it’s a really fun place to explore and maybe buy some gifts for loved ones back home too.

The best part is that the Calgary West Farmer’s Market is located just across the road from Olympic Park, so it makes it an easy next stop.

Grab a tasty meal at a brewery…

Prairie Dog Brewing

As major craft beer fans, we had trouble narrowing it down to just two! But I’ll start with Prairie Dog Brewing as one of our favorites. It’s a spacious spot (seats 150 people!) with a fantastic selection of beers and delicious Southern-style barbeque eats. Plus, they have a dog-friendly patio in the summer!

For lunch, there’s everything from burgers and pulled pork sandwiches to fried cheese curds and nachos. Our pick is usually the lunch platter because it’s customizable to whatever we feel like on the day – the brisket or pork side ribs are usually what we go with!

Of course, a craft beer with lunch is a must. A safe bet if you’re new here is one of their core beers like Tail-Twitcher IPA or Crispy Gurl Cold IPA, which is one of my faves. If you’d rather try a larger variety, order a tasting flight to try out 4, 5, or 6 different beers.

They open at 11 am for lunch!

Last Best Brewing & Distilling

Another brewery worth considering is Last Best Brewing. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Olympic Park and opens just in time for lunch at 11:30 am! Plus, going here gets you closer to the stop we have planned for the afternoon (Zoo or Heritage Park), so it works well into this itinerary.

Last Best has a cozy atmosphere inside, but I highly recommend snagging a table on the patio if you can! For lunch, their pizza is a good option, or there are wings and poutine that are also good. We like to grab a couple of things we can share.

But of course, we came here to try the beer! The Tokyo Drift Hazy IPA is a fan favorite with pineapple and tangerine balancing out the bitterness perfectly. We also had to try the Kindred 1957 Porter because it has a malt flavor with elements of toffee, chocolate, and coffee – yum!

Related Read: If you have more time in Calgary, check out our 3-day Calgary itinerary for more ideas!

…Or stop by Calgary West Farmer’s Market!

If breweries aren’t quite your thing, or you’re simply looking for something a little different, then why not immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere over at the Calgary West Farmer’s Market? Open from 9 am to 7 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, this market is actually indoors, and has a ton of flexible lunchtime options too!

Rain or shine, the market has a really cozy and vibrant feel where you can enjoy lunch and enjoy yourself going for a browse. Home to over 75 local vendors, you can find all sorts of amazing gifts, clothes, fresh flowers, and more here! Make sure to drop by the donut stand too – they’re an absolute treat and a BIG favorite of ours.

Visiting this huge market is one of the best things to do indoors in Calgary – which means it’s also open in the cold winter months.

Although most vendors accept card payments, it wouldn’t hurt to have a bit of cash handy. On-site parking is also available, so it’s a breeze to drive here and take your time exploring. Be sure to also have a look at the events page on their website to find out about any upcoming special events too.

Visit Calgary Zoo or Heritage Park in the afternoon

Feeling full after a well-deserved lunch? Well, we’re halfway there and not slowing down just yet! We’ve got some family-friendly activities lined up that you’re sure to love, the chance to visit the Calgary Zoo or Heritage Park.

For the animal lovers out there, the zoo promises a day full of close encounters with amazing wildlife, and for those who love a bit of history, Heritage Park offers a very real journey back in time – it’s an interactive experience you’ll surely remember.

So, choose your adventure, and let’s dive straight into the afternoon!

Make some new friends at the Calgary Zoo

I mean, who doesn’t LOVE animals? Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, then I’m sure one mention of the word “zoo” will have them going crazy. Then again, one mention of the word “zoo” has me going crazy too!

Tucked away east of downtown Calgary, the zoo is easily accessible whether you’re heading over by car or using the city’s super-efficient C-Train. If you’re going for the latter, hop on Line 202 (Blue Line) and get off at the “Zoo” station – easy as that.

Sprawling over an impressive 125 acres, Calgary Zoo is the city’s own wildlife haven, one that’s recognized for its commitment to conservation and high-quality animal care. So, you know that as you walk past the exhibits and see the animals for yourself, that they’re receiving the best-quality care.

Go for a stroll through the beautiful butterfly conservatory, see the powerful gorillas up close, and watch as the Komodo dragons bask in the sun, you can do it all! Plus, the zoo runs tons of fun events every month of the year – you can check them out here.

The Calgary Zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, with last entries at 4 pm. Tickets are priced at $35 CAD for adults (16+) and $25 CAD for kids (3-15). You can grab your tickets online here.

Immerse yourself in history at Heritage Park

Another fun option for spending your afternoon is at Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village, also known as Canada’s largest “living history museum”! Intrigued yet?

This park is a fully immersive journey into the past where history isn’t just pictures on the wall, but lived by real people right in front of you. So, get ready to get stuck into a world that’s delightfully old-fashioned, full of antique buildings, staff with historic clothing, as well as horse-drawn carriages clattering on by.

One of Dan and I’s favorite attractions at the park is Gasoline Alley, which is full of perfectly preserved antique cars, which were at the top of the line one upon a team! While some of the other areas in the park have seasonal opening times, Gasoline Alley is open all year round.

Also available year-round is the Heritage Town Square, the town hub full of historic shops, including a sweet shop too. Harvey’s Confectionary is an old-fashioned candy store that also happens to serve some pretty incredible ice cream, perfect when it’s hot out.

You can either drive to Heritage Park or catch the C-Train line 201 (Red Line) to Heritage Station (then grab bus 306 to the gates of Heritage Park. Tickets for the park cost just $35 CAD for adults (16+), $23 CAD for kids (3-15), and you can buy them online to skip the queues. The Heritage Park also closes at 5 pm, so make sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time to explore!

Purchase your Heritage Park admission tickets in advance here to skip the lines!

Head downtown for dinner

As the afternoon winds to a close, and you’ve had your fill of getting to know some pretty incredible animals or immersing yourself in history, it’s time to head back downtown for the final meal of the day – dinner!

If you thought there were a ton of options to choose from for lunch, just wait until you find out what’s available for dinner – the city is practically brimming with amazing restaurants that specialize in pretty much every cuisine out there. That being said, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty steak or craving a delicious plant-based dish, we’ve got you covered with two of our personal favorites.

Note: A top tip from me – try to book in your dinner early if possible! We have a special treat for you coming up afterward, but it’s best enjoyed at sunset!

Caesar’s Steakhouse and Lounge

We’re here for the final meal of the day, so why not end in style with Caesar’s Steakhouse and Lounge, a first-class, high-end steakhouse that’s been operating in Calgary for over half a century! When it comes to enjoying Alberta’s all-star beef, this is the place to be to experience the best of the best.

But before we even get to the food menu, you’ll need to step inside the restaurant first. With its dark wood paneling, incredible chandeliers, and servers in smart suits, Caesar’s practically oozes class and paints a beautiful backdrop to the entire experience. And to accompany your meal, they also offer a varied wine and cocktail menu. Do note that the cocktails here are a full 3 ounces, so they definitely pack a punch!

I’d personally recommend the Rib Eye or the Barbequed Baby Pork Back Ribs, which are seriously out-of-this-world. Trust me, it’s the type of food that will have you savoring every. single. mouthful.

As for prices, steaks here start at around $54 CAD with starters ranging from $20-40 CAD per dish. Caesar’s is open from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays from 11:30 am to 10 pm, and on Saturdays from 5 pm to 10 pm. Keep in mind though that the restaurant is closed on Sundays!

Located in downtown Calgary, Caesar’s is easy to access, and the service staff and so friendly and do such an excellent job. Just make sure to book a reservation beforehand, as the restaurant can book up fast, especially on weekends.

The Coup

If steak sounds a little heavy for you, or you’re vegetarian or vegan, then definitely stop by The Coup instead! They serve a huge variety of fresh and organic local foods, including signature dishes like their Drunken Noodles and Beach Front Hot Pot. It really is incredible how the chef makes such flavorful meals without any animal products at all. As part of their menu, they even serve sushi!

With a casual and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal in comfort, while the staff do a fantastic job of recommending dishes and drink pairings. Large plates here average around $22 CAD, while sushi is about $6 CAD for two pieces.

The Coup also prides itself on supporting local farmers, brewers, and distillers, with its cocktail menu that features local ingredients and a ton of options! There are also non-alcoholic versions of all their cocktails, which is also great to see.

Open from 11:30 am every day of the week, The Coup closes at 9 pm from Sunday through to Thursday and 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Just like Caesar’s it’s a good idea to make a reservation if possible, as it can get pretty busy here!

Enjoy panoramic sights from the Calgary Tower as the sun sets

I promised a special end to your day, didn’t I? Well, here it is! As the sun sets, there’s no better place to enjoy than from the heights of the famous Calgary Tower, an iconic landmark that’s been around since 1961! At 191 meters (626 feet) high, it gives some of the best panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains (in the distance), which makes for an amazing sunset pic (or two!).

Make sure to get here a little bit before sunset to fully enjoy the experience without a crazy rush, and take it all in as you step on the glass floor section, with the city beneath your feet. The tower itself is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with extended hours to 10 pm in summer.

If you want to make your visit even more memorable, you could even book dinner here at Sky 360, the Tower’s revolving restaurant. It takes about an hour to complete a full circle, with the backdrop continuously changing as you enjoy your meal. Just be sure to book this in advance to secure your table!

As for the entrance to the tower, it costs $19 CAD for adults (13+) and $9 CAD for kids (4-12), with your tickets including access to the tower as well as the observation deck. You can book your tickets online here!

Such a great way to end an adventurous day here in beautiful Calgary!

Psst – if you have more time, check out our guide on how to spend a weekend in Calgary for more ideas!

Related Read: Going on a road trip? Check out this road trip itinerary for the drive from Calgary to Vancouver!

Our Favorite Calgary Guided Tours

Exploring new destinations on your own can be so much fun, but if you’re shorter on time, then all that choice of things to do can be a little overwhelming! This is one reason we think curated itineraries (like this one-day Lake Louise itinerary) are great for shorter trips, but if you’re looking for something even more hands-off, then we’d highly recommend considering going on a guided tour.

Not only are the best guided tours organized by locals who are passionate about what they do, but they’re also designed to maximize the time you spend exploring while cutting down on wasted time from things like organizing transport and missing connections. There really is something to be said for not having to worry about any of that, where you can simply enjoy yourself and learn some new things along the way.

Here are some of my personal favorite guided tours of Calgary! Feel free to mix and match with this itinerary, or organize your day solely around some of the tours – it’s all up to you.

Street art with craft beer tour

If you love the thought of exploring Calgary’s incredible craft beer scene while also seeing some vibrant street artwork, then this 3-hour small-group tour is a great choice!

Kicking off at Bottlescrew Bill’s and Buzzards craft beer pub, you’ll get to taste a variety of local brews while getting to know the rest of the group and, of course, meeting your knowledgeable guide too. From their crisp golden ales to their traditional-style Gose, there’s a huge range of beers on offer to choose from the menu – which is why having a guide with you is so handy!

Once you’ve enjoyed a drink or two at Bottlescrew Bill’s, you’ll then head across to probably my favorite part of the trip, seeing the Beltline Urban Mural Project (AKA BUMP), a whole district that’s been turned into its very own open-air art museum, absolutely brimming with incredible murals.

For me, what set this tour apart from others is the in-depth knowledge our guide had for both the beer and the art scene. We even got to meet several of the artists in person, which added a whole new dimension to the art and a deeper connection to Calgary’s thriving cultural scene.

The tour itself lasts around three hours, which I thought was a good amount of time to explore both parts of the tour without feeling rushed. Starting at 2 pm, it’s highly likely that you’ll make some new friends along the way too, making this great for solo travelers, as well as groups. Tickets for this tour cost just $88 CAD per person.

Book this tour in advance with FREE cancellation options, before it sells out!

Calgary city sightseeing tour (aboard a motorcycle sidecar!)

When you think of a city sightseeing tour, what sort of transport do you think of? Maybe a bus or minibus, or maybe even a private taxi? Well, for something really unique, what about a one-of-a-kind city tour aboard a sidecar of a vintage motorbike? Now that would make for a really cool memory!

This 70-minute tour is just that, where you’ll buckle up to hit some of the most famous spots in Calgary, including Scotsman’s Hill and Crescent Heights Park, with plenty of spots to take some great photos along the way too.

What’s more, you’ll also have an earpiece in your helmet where your guide can talk to you, so you can listen to all the interesting facts and stories they have about the areas you visit. Plus, it’s also a really safe ride, and the snazzy helmet you get to wear definitely adds to your cool factor!

If you’re shorter on time or are simply looking for something to do that won’t take up the entire day, then this sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, with multiple departure times throughout the day. With tickets at $219 CAD per person, this is a really unique experience that definitely doesn’t come around often.

Secure your spot on Calgary’s most unique sightseeing tour HERE!

Calgary bicycle tour

Now motorbikes are a whole lot of fun, but then again, so is cycling! This 3-hour scenic bike tour combines outdoor adventure with learning more about Calgary’s bustling culture, with plenty of photo-worthy sights along the way.

You’ll start off on an easy and scenic trail along the beautiful Bow River, seeing famous landmarks along the way like Prince’s Island Park and the vibrant neighborhood of Inglewood. This district is known for its vintage stores and unique places to stop and grab a bite to eat, so it’s a ton of fun to explore!

One of the most surprising stops (that turned out to be a favorite of mine), was the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum. Now I’m not usually one for museums, but I really enjoyed seeing the life-sized terracotta soldiers, which were a little spooky but definitely memorable.

Aside from the interesting places you get to visit along the way, the guides really do transform this tour from good to great, with so many captivating stories along the way about Calgary, it’s hard not to fall in love with the city after this! Plus, they are super accommodating and are happy to tailor the itinerary to what the group would like to do.

With a maximum of 10 people, this bicycle tour is priced at $95 CAD for adults (18+) and $83 CAD for teens (12-17). You can also add on options like infant buggies and pull-along bikes for an additional $20 CAD!

Check out the dozens of 5-star reviews and book this bike tour before you go here!

Related Read: If your next stop is the Rockies, check out our favorite tours from Calgary to Jasper or hop on one of our recommended shuttles from Calgary to Banff or shuttles from Calgary to Lake Louise!

Where to Stay in Calgary

Calgary is a pretty large city, so you can bet that there are a ton of options when it comes to places to stay! The trick here is to choose a hotel that’s as close as possible to the activities that you want to do. As for this itinerary, I’d suggest picking somewhere in the downtown area, but of course, if you have your own transport you can venture a little further out of central Calgary too.

Here are some of my top picks for accommodation in Calgary:

Wicked Hostels – $

Right in the center of the city is Wicked Hostels, which is a great choice for travelers on a budget. We’ve found this hostel to be super clean, comfortable, and located in a great area too (bonus points from us)! While there technically are cheaper places to stay in Calgary, the location and the reliability of clean dorms here puts Wicked Hostels at the top of our budget category in Calgary.

Dorms here start from $90 CAD per night and can be booked online on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites – $$

If your budget allows for a bit more, then I’d suggest taking a look at Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites, where all rooms come equipped with a full kitchen – great for homemade meals that can save a lot of money! With its very own on-site fitness center, this hotel is also located in the middle of downtown, which is ideal for this itinerary.

Rooms here start at $167 CAD per night, which we think is great value considering the location and breakfast being included too. You can secure your reservation online here.

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire – $$$

For a really luxurious stay, then you’ll want to check out the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, which must have one of the most amazing views of the Bow River we’ve seen in Calgary! The hotel also has its own indoor pool (with a waterslide), a hot tub, a fitness center, a hair salon, and so much more. With a wide range of suites on offer, this is also a great option if you’re spending your honeymoon in Calgary.

You can book a room here at the Sheraton for as low as $246 CAD; however, rooms usually average $300-400 CAD per night.

Thanks for reading!

I hope you have a fantastic time in Calgary and make many new memories along the way! If you happen to have an extra day on your hands (or maybe you’ve loved it so much you want to extend), then definitely try out some of our favorite indoor activities in Calgary too.

If you’d like to learn more about Calgary and the local area, here are three more blogs I’ve written that I think you’ll love!

15 BEST Day Trips from Calgary for an Epic Adventure

How to Get from the Calgary Airport to Banff: Transfer, Bus, or Rental Car

26 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Calgary – 2023 Road Trip!

9 BEST Banff Tours from Calgary