WHAT TO DO IN CALGARY – 13 TOP THINGS TO DO & SEE

In today’s post, we’ll go over what to do in Calgary if you’re visiting for the first time. From top attractions to things to do, we’ll cover it all!

Heritage Park Historical Village

First up on our list of what to do in Calgary is Heritage Park Historical Village. This is one of the largest living history museums in all of Canada. Located on 127 acres of land, the park has over 200 buildings and sites that have been restored or replicated to look like they did back in the early 1900s.

One of the best things to do at Heritage Park is to take a ride on the vintage steam train or street car. Both options will give you a great view of the park while providing some fun history along the way.

Calgary Stampede

As Calgary’s most iconic event, the Calgary Stampede is a must-do when visiting the city. This 10-day festival celebrates all things western and includes a huge rodeo, live music, chuckwagon races, and more. Even if you’re not a fan of rodeos, the Stampede is still worth checking out for the great atmosphere and unique experience.

From great food to fun rides, there’s something for everyone at the Calgary Stampede. Just be sure to dress the part!

Calgary Tower

For great views of the city, head to the Calgary Tower. This 158-metre tower is the tallest free-standing structure in Calgary and provides 360-degree views of the cityscape.

There is also a glass floor and observation deck if you’re feeling brave enough to step out onto it! If not, the views from inside the tower are just as good.

The Calgary Zoo

Located just a short drive from downtown, the Calgary Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world. With dozens of different exhibitions and educational programs, the zoo is a great place to spend a day, especially if you have kids.

Some of the zoo’s highlights include the Penguin Plunge, Prehistoric Park, and the African Savannah. Be sure to check out the daily animal shows and feedings too!

Glenbow Museum

Continuing our list of things to do in Calgary, we have the Glenbow Museum. The Glenbow Museum is one of Calgary’s top cultural attractions. With over 18,000 specimens and objects, it is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Alberta.

The museum also features Indigenous art and artifacts, as well as rotating exhibitions. For an even better experience, take one of the guided tours offered by the museum.

Nose Hill Park

If you’re looking for a great place to get some fresh air, look no further than Nose Hill Park. This huge park is one of the largest urban parks in North America and offers over 11 square kilometres of trails to explore.

Whether you want to go for a hike, a bike ride, or just have a picnic, Nose Hill Park is the perfect spot. You’ll also get some great views of the city from here!

Bow River

The Bow River is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery. The river runs through the city and is a popular place for activities like fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

If you’re feeling lazy, you can always just take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the views. There are also many parks and picnic spots along the way.

Prince’s Island Park

Prince’s Island Park is a great place to spend a day in the summer. The park is located on an island in the Bow River and features a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.

For a relaxing day, pack a picnic lunch and spend some time in the park. If you’re feeling more active, you can go for a walk or bike ride around the island.

Wonderland Sculpture

One of the most unique things to see in Calgary is the Wonderland Sculpture. This massive sculpture resembles a young girl’s head and is made up of bent wire.

Located at the bottom of the tallest tower in Calgary, the Wonderland Sculpture is worth checking out for its size and uniqueness. It also has lights that light up at night, making it even more impressive!

Calgary Farmers’ Market

For those looking for more things to do in Calgary, the Calgary Farmers’ Market is a great option. The market features over 75 vendors selling everything from produce to meats to artisanal goods.

The market is open year-round, but it is especially lively in the summer months. Whether you’re moving to Calgary or just visiting, be sure to check out the Calgary Farmers’ Market!

Studio Bell

Are you a music lover? If so, you’ll want to check out Studio Bell. This place is home to the National Music Centre and features exhibitions about Canada’s musical history.

The Canadian Halls of Fame is also located here, as well as interactive instrument displays. If you’re looking for things to do in Calgary that are musical, this is the place for you!

Peace Bridge

A visit to Calgary isn’t complete without seeing the Peace Bridge. This iconic bridge spans the Bow River and provides some of the best views of the city.

The Peace Bridge is also a great place to take a walk or go for a bike ride. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try stand-up paddleboarding!

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Another outdoor activity to add to your list of things to do in Calgary is visiting Fish Creek Provincial Park. With over 54km of trails, this is the perfect spot for a hike or a bike ride.

Here you’ll find plenty of wildlife, as well as scenic views of the river and valley. Fish Creek Provincial Park is a great way to get out of the city and explore nature.

Attractions Close to Calgary

Although the city itself has plenty to offer, there are also many great attractions located just a short drive from Calgary. If you’re okay with renting a car or taking public transportation, here are some of the best things to do in the area.

Banff National Park

Of course, no list of things to do in Calgary would be complete without mentioning Banff National Park. Just a short drive from the city, Banff is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.

With its stunning scenery and numerous activities, it’s easy to see why. From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, there’s something for everyone in Banff. Here are just a few of the many things you can do in the park.

Visit the Town of Banff

The town of Banff is located in the heart of Banff National Park and is a great place to start your exploration of the park. The town is home to many shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as a variety of attractions.

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is a popular ski resort located in Banff National Park. The resort features three mountains with over 100 trails, as well as a variety of other activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, Sunshine Village is a great place to hit the slopes.

Banff Hot Springs

After a long day of exploring or skiing, there’s nothing better than soaking in the Banff Hot Springs. The springs are located in a beautiful setting and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

A couple hours east of Calgary is Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring an otherworldly badlands landscape, the park is home to some of the best-preserved dinosaur fossils in the world.

If you’re interested in paleontology or just want to see some cool dinosaurs, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a must-visit. With over 500 fossilized dinosaurs, it’s one of the richest dinosaur sites in the world!

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Calgary is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This archaeological site was used by Indigenous peoples for over 5,000 years to hunt buffalo. As the name suggests, the buffalo were driven over a cliff, where they would then be killed and used for food.

Today, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can learn about the history of the site and see some of the artifacts that have been found there.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Calgary or the surrounding area, there’s no shortage of options. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring!

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