Calgary (located in Alberta, Canada, but not Edmonton, the capital) is an accessible, large and welcoming city for long weekends and short vacations. Here’s what to do on a long weekend and why a pit stop in Calgary deserves a travel to-do list.
Things to do in Calgary City Break
Calgary (pronounced Cal-Gree, not Cal-Guh-Ree) has a population of 1.6 million and lies at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. Calgary’s airport is about a 20-30 minute drive from the city center and has direct flights from major US cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Dallas.
Reasons to Visit Calgary
If you’re looking at airfare information and Calgary comes up, it’s a sign to delve into what this Canadian city has to offer. Most major airlines operate flights to and from Calgary, but some operate codeshare flights with Canadian carriers. We left Calgary at the end of the trip and passed through US immigration on the Canadian side so when we got back to the US there were no long lines.
The city is safe and you can walk downtown, but winter temperatures and icy sidewalks might make you run for an Uber or Lyft. There is also a network of indoor walkways to keep pedestrians away from the elements. Calgary’s Plus 15 Network It covers 10 miles and connects 86 buildings including downtown hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
Add trip to Banff
If Calgary alone doesn’t pique your interest, consider adding it to your trip to Banff National Park, which is about a two-hour drive from Calgary International Airport. Travelers entering Canada to visit Banff or Lake His Louise stop at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Banff is famous for skiing, snowboarding and year-round outdoor adventures. So taking a short break in the city adds a fun dimension to your Banff trip.
calgary stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day outdoor rodeo and festival called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”of calgary stampede is the city’s most famous event held every July. 2023 dates are he July 7th to hes 16th. In addition to rodeo events, visitors can find rides, entertainment, cultural experiences, and a fair dining scene along the way. If you plan to visit Calgary during the Calgary Stampede, book well in advance and expect crowds and congestion throughout the city.
Here are five ideas for things to do in Calgary all year round.
1. Visit Calgary Tower
calgary tower A free-standing observation tower in downtown Calgary, it is a distinct part of the city’s skyline. On a trip to the top, visitors can enjoy his 360-degree views of the city and the Canadian Rockies. There is also a revolving restaurant, Sky 360. The tower is lit up at night. Colors rotate and usually mean something. The online schedule will tell you what the colors mean or signify.
Step onto the plexiglass floor and put your courage to the test. The experience offers a feeling of stepping out of a building and is not for the faint of heart.
2. Explore Calgary’s East Village District
Calgary’s East Village district is in the heart of downtown and has walkable streets lined with lots of public art. The East Village is a mix of permanent and temporary art installations.
One of the East Village’s most popular (and bizarre) pieces of street art is the Evil Eradication Device by New York’s Dennis Oppenheim. This work of art is better known as the “Upside Down Church”. The work, whose spire is buried in the ground, is not surprising given its name, but aims to give a thought-provoking look at religion.
Another landmark piece of art is the three outdoor sculptures at Calgary’s Central Library. Two of his swaying works adorn the west side of the building, while the third stands alone near the stairs leading to the main library entrance on the east side.You can find a complete list of street art in the East Village here.
3. Stop by the Calgary Central Library
If you are a book lover or library geek, Calgary Central Library High on the city’s list of things to do, even if not, this unique space is worth a stop. The hexagonal pattern architecture on the outside is unique. The interior area has what you’d expect in a library, with some design elements and extras that are a pleasant surprise.
Visitors to the city probably won’t return the books, but the process is still amazing. See the action of the book calator, a huge escalator dedicated to books. Watching the books move from the book post to the sorting room on the second floor is a sight to behold. There is a coffee and plant store on the second floor, a well-stocked children’s area, plenty of natural light, and an overall airy feel. Check your library’s website for specific information about programming that you can participate in without a library card holder.
4. Check out trendy Inglewood
The Inglewood neighborhood of Calgary is about a 5 minute taxi or Uber ride or a 30 minute walk from Downtown/East Village, depending on your pace. Spend the day exploring the specialty shops that line 9th Avenue and discovering unique spots to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Inglewood’s favorites include The Apothecary, which carries sustainable personal care, baby, household and garden supplies, and Silk Road Spice Merchants.
Those who appreciate good books (physical books, not e-book versions) should take the time to explore The Next Page, an independent bookstore offering new and used books, and more. In addition to books, stickers, totes, bookmarks and other related items, this cozy space also houses a paid coffee bar and seed library.
Don’t skip the mini theater in the basement. The atmosphere is clean, warm and welcoming, a great place to sit and rest (plenty of comfy chairs and tables) and enjoy a hot drink among the stacks.
Other Inglewood Must Dos
Another must-try restaurant in Inglewood is Canela’s Vegan Bakery. Even if you’re not plant-based, this woman- and immigrant-owned bakery is a treat for all the senses. Canela is Spanish for cinnamon, but there are a variety of sweet and savory drinks and coffee bars.
Note: Calgary has more fun neighborhoods, but the above two are just a stone’s throw from downtown Calgary.See more Calgary neighborhoods here.
5. Indulge in a spa (or two)
Whether you need a spa treatment on your city break or want to work on the slopes of Banff, Calgary has some enticing options for luxury.rnr wellness spa Fairmont Palliser Luxurious, generous and includes pool and sauna access.
You don’t have to be a guest to book a spa treatment. The pool area is beautiful and the whole experience is very luxurious and reflects the feel of the Fairmont Palliser.
One of the city’s newly opened downtown wellness escapes, Suka Thermal Spa, is a more budget-friendly option. SKA, an acronym for Self Kindness Amplified, offers two-hour hydrotherapy packages starting at around $48*. This includes access to jacuzzis, plunge pools, various steam and sauna areas, and relaxation chairs.
Massages and facials can be added for an additional charge. The only drawback is that the spaces (both wellness area and locker room) are very small. SKA does not overbook spaces, but it can get busy when Hydrotherapy is fully booked.
Downtown hotels and restaurants
For luxury, the Fairmont Palliser is worth a visit. Enjoy White Glove Service, Hawthorne Dining Room and Bar (Aperitif or Afternoon Tea) and Spa/Pool Facilities mentioned above. Luxurious amenities come with price tags. Rooms start at around $200 a night and go higher.
We stayed in a gold level room which included continental breakfast, evening canapés, lounge access and a premium bathroom with underfloor tiles. Prices vary depending on season, specials, and other factors, but the room I stayed in has a starting price of about $400.
Expert advice on accommodation in Calgary
Cassandra Karpiak, Travel Writer and Owner Savotour, Once in Banff, we encourage you to stay at one of the Fairmont Palliser’s sister properties. “The iconic Fairmont Banff Her Springs stay tops most buckets his list and does not disappoint. The indoor pool is heavenly and the patio overlooking the Bow River is ideal for happy hour. It’s the place.”
Bloody Mary, try the Calgarian version of Caesar. The Caesar had clamato instead of plain tomato juice, and the one I had at Hawthorne’s bar had a dash of balsamic vinegar.
budget friendly option
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is right on the Bow River with many shops and eateries. This new property is bright, airy and trendy. Rooms from $169 per night.
dining in calgary
Downtown Calgary has many eateries to suit your taste buds.new opening barbara rubber and ten feet henry Fun downtown place with small, shareable plates.
Fans of vintage comic strips and pop culture in general will find the 10′ Henry interesting. The restaurant is named after a 10-foot mural of Henry in the 1930s comic strip of the same name. The mural is outside his Ten Foot Henry (Ten Foot Henry) toilet, but it has been in various locations around Calgary over the years before settling in its current location.
If you’re a sushi lover, we recommend booking a table at NUPO. You can order off the regular menu or choose from more such as the omakase counter service experience or EIGHT, Chef Darren McLean’s private seasonal tasting. You can also book special experiences.check out NUPO website For more information, or visit our menu.
Note: All prices listed are in US dollars. Calgary prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD), so please check the current exchange rate before traveling.
This article was written and distributed by Wealth of Geeks travel.
Jill is Wealth of Geeks travel editor and expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel, as well as providing practical tips to help travelers get the most value from their vacation experiences. I’m here. In addition to Wealth of Geeks, Jill has written for Business Insider, MSN, Tripsavvy, Matador Network, Canadian Traveler, and Travel Awaits. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and her sons, but is usually in another location.