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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 3-day plan combines the best of Calgary and the surrounding area—a perfect blend of city, nature, and prairie landscapes without the transport hassle. If you don’t have three full days, we’ve also created a 2-day Calgary itinerary here that focuses on the top highlights without feeling rushed. And for an even quicker visit, don’t miss our 1-day Calgary itinerary here to help you make the most of a short stopover.
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, have dinner at a revolving restaurant with panoramic views, and end your day watching the sunset from the top of the Calgary Tower.
Day 2: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at OEB before heading to the legendary Calgary Zoo, where you can spend a few hours exploring exhibits. Later, head to the trendy 17th Avenue (the Red Mile) to shop, grab a sweet treat, indulge in happy hour drinks, and enjoy a tasty dinner.
Day 3: Venture outside the city on a full-day adventure, choosing between two incredible destinations. Head west to the Canadian Rockies for stunning mountain scenery or east to Drumheller to explore the dramatic badlands and dinosaur-filled landscapes before returning downtown for a delicious final dinner in Calgary.
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.
Dinner – Sky 360 Restaurant
After exploring downtown, make your way to Sky 360 Restaurant, located inside the Calgary Tower and just a 5-minute walk from Stephen Avenue. The restaurant opens at 5 pm, but I recommend making a reservation for around 6:30 pm, so you have plenty of time to enjoy dinner before heading up to the observation deck afterward. It’s a popular spot, so booking ahead is definitely a good idea!
What makes this restaurant so special is that the entire dining room slowly revolves, giving you constantly changing 360-degree views of Calgary while you eat. One minute you’ll be looking out over the downtown skyline, and the next you’ll be gazing toward the Bow River and the distant Rocky Mountains. Sitting 155 meters (about 510 feet) above the city, it’s easily one of the most unique dining experiences in Calgary.
The menu focuses on elevated Canadian cuisine, with dishes featuring local ingredients and Alberta specialties. Whether you go for steak, seafood, or one of their seasonal creations, it’s a memorable meal—and the views alone make it worth it.
Evening – Catch sunset from the Calgary Tower
Since you’re already in the Calgary Tower, the perfect way to finish the day is by heading up to the observation deck after dinner. Sitting 191 meters (626 feet) above the city, the tower offers sweeping views over downtown Calgary, the Bow River, and—on clear days—even the distant peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the highlights up here is the glass floor, where you can stand directly above the streets below for a slightly thrilling perspective of the city! It’s definitely one of those fun photo spots you won’t want to miss.
Tickets for the observation deck normally cost $23 CAD, but if you dine at Sky 360, you’ll receive a 55% discount on admission. Just ask your server during dinner to purchase the discounted tickets, then take the elevator up afterward.
The tower stays open until 9 pm from September to May (last ride up at 8:30 pm) and 10 pm from June to August (last ride at 9:30 pm, except Sundays, which close at 9 pm year-round). Depending on the time of year, you may catch golden hour or even sunset from the top—which is easily one of the most epic ways to end a day in Calgary!
Day 2
Breakfast – OEB Breakfast Co.
Start your day at OEB Breakfast Co., one of Calgary’s most popular breakfast spots, located right downtown. It opens early at 6:30 am, which makes it perfect if you want to get a jump on the day before the brunch crowds arrive (but sleeping in is totally acceptable, too!).
OEB is a Canadian chain, known for creative dishes that take classic breakfast favorites and level them up. If you want to try something a little different, order one of their famous breakfast poutines—a decadent combo of crispy herb potatoes fried in beef tallow, poached eggs, brown butter hollandaise, and creative toppings like duck confit. It’s delicious!
Morning/Afternoon – Visit the Calgary Zoo
After breakfast, head to the Calgary Zoo, one of the city’s most beloved attractions and one of the best zoos in Canada.
Getting there from downtown is easy. From OEB, walk about 5 minutes to the 3 Street SW Station, then hop on the Blue Line (Route 202) CTrain toward Saddletowne. In about 9 minutes, you’ll arrive at Zoo Station, which drops you right at the entrance.
Located on St. George’s Island in the Bow River, the zoo feels surprisingly peaceful despite being so close to downtown. It’s home to more than 1,000 animals from around the world, with highlights like the Canadian Wilds exhibit, where you can see bears, bison, and wolves. Also, don’t miss the Penguin Plunge exhibit, which is always a crowd favorite. If you can, try to catch one of the penguin feeding times.
Plan to spend 2–5 hours exploring, depending on your pace. I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the summer, to bypass the busy ticket lines. There are also several cafés and food stands inside the zoo, making it easy to grab lunch while you’re there.
Skip the lines and buy your admission tickets in advance here!
Late Afternoon/Evening – Explore 17th Ave
After the zoo, take the CTrain back downtown. Since you’ll likely pass your hotel again, this is a good chance to freshen up or take a short break if you need before heading out for the evening.
Next, make your way to 17th Avenue SW, one of Calgary’s trendiest streets. From downtown, it’s about a 15-minute walk, or you can grab a quick Uber if your feet need a break.
The stretch of 17th Ave between 1st Street SW and 14th Street SW is known locally as the “Red Mile” because during hockey playoff season, the entire street turns into a giant celebration, full of people in red colored Flames jerseys. But year-round, this street is still a vibe, packed with local boutiques, cafés, cocktail bars, and restaurants.
Here are a few of our favorite things to do while exploring the area:
- Go shopping: Browse some of the area’s great independent boutiques like Gravity Pope, a stylish Canadian shop known for its curated clothing and shoe collections. Steeling Home is another one of my favorite stops for unique décor and gifts.
- Visit a café (or grab dessert): Need a pick-me-up? Stop by Analog Coffee, a Calgary staple known for serving some of the best coffee in the city. If dessert sounds better, grab a scoop from Made by Marcus, a local favorite with creative small-batch flavors.
- Enjoy happy hour: If you’re in the mood for a drink, stop by National on 17th, one of the most popular hangout spots along the Red Mile. It’s a lively spot with a great rooftop patio in the warmer months, making it a fun place to grab a drink and soak up the buzz of 17th Avenue.
For something a little more unique, check out Betty Lou’s Library, a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar just off 17th Ave. Inspired by a vintage library, the space is filled with bookshelves, cozy lighting, and expertly crafted cocktails. It opens at 5 pm, making it a great place to sip a drink before dinner.
Dinner – Lulu Bar
For dinner, head to Lulu Bar, one of the most popular restaurants on 17th Avenue. I ended up here after wandering the Red Mile and immediately loved the vibe—think tropical décor, tons of plants, and a lively atmosphere.
The menu focuses on Pacific-inspired share plates, which I think is the best way to eat here. Order a few dishes for the table so you can try a bit of everything. The bao buns and dumplings were standouts when I visited, and the noodle dishes are also excellent. Their cocktails are just as impressive, so it’s definitely worth ordering one to go with your meal.
This spot gets busy (for good reason), so I recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. After spending the afternoon exploring 17th Ave, it’s the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious dinner. Afterwards, you can call it a night, or continue to explore some of 17th Ave’s buzzing nightlife.
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.
Day 3
For your final day in Calgary, it’s time to venture beyond the city and explore some of the incredible landscapes that make Alberta so famous. Today you have two fantastic full-day options depending on what interests you most: a trip to the Canadian Rockies, where you’ll see iconic mountain scenery and turquoise lakes, or a journey to Drumheller, home to dramatic badlands, hoodoos, and one of the world’s best dinosaur museums.
Both are unforgettable experiences and offer a completely different side of Alberta, so you really can’t go wrong with whichever you choose!
Option 1: 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 busy roads and limited parking (you can’t even park at Moraine Lake anymore!), 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 2,800 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!
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!
Option 2: Full day – See the Badlands, dinosaur fossils, and hoodoos
For a completely different (but equally fun) experience, 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 – Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
After a long day exploring, 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: 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!
Related Read: For a deeper dive into Calgary’s best neighborhoods and hotel picks, check out our full guide to where to stay in Calgary 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!
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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. If you have more time, be sure to scroll through our blog on the absolute best tours in Calgary here to make the most of your visit.
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!
4 BEST Calgary to Lake Louise Shuttles
How to Get From Calgary to the Columbia Icefield + Best Tours