First Time in Calgary? I got you.
Here's your insiders guide to what's actually worth it.
Photo credit: @pixelpann
What's interesting about CAlgary, Alberta, CaNada
What's Different Here:
- Calgary’s population is 1.3 million. Relative to other cities it is quite spread out (less dense). Because Calgary covers a lot of land, it has one of the largest pathway systems in North America - perfect for biking. It also has many many parks.
- According to the 2016 Census, 60% of Calgary's population is of European origin and 36% of the population belongs to a visible minority. While Canada has 2 official languages (English and French), French is only spoken in government agencies and is not common in general life.
- The city does not sit on a body of water but the Bow river goes through the middle of the city, giving it’s downtown shape and creating space for activities alongside the river.
- Calgary is most well known internationally for its main industry which is energy (oil and gas) and for the Calgary Stampede. A 10 day event in July each year focused on a fair, rodeo, and multiple concerts throughout the city.
- Banff, an internationally famous picturesque mountain town, is a 2 hour drive west of Calgary.
When to visit Calgary, Alberta, Canada 📅
Time of Year
If you're not headed to Calgary with a specific date in mind, then I would suggest the best time of year to go is during the Calgary Stampede (first 2 weeks of July). Even if you're not interested in the fair and rodeo, it's still a great time to check out a stampede tent experience or a pancake breakfast and in general, the whole city comes alive with activity.
That said, other times are great too! Here is a list of festivals in Calgary throughout the year that you could anchor your trip around. There are also big concerts at the Saddledome and major performances at the Southern Alberta Jubilee.
What to See in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 👀
17th Avenue
Wonderland Sculpture
Wonderland Sculpture
17th Ave is a busy avenue with lots of casual restaurants, bars, cafes, and unique boutique shops. During the summer the patios are filled with people enjoying a pint.
Wonderland Sculpture
Wonderland Sculpture
Wonderland Sculpture
This downtown sculpture might be the best art in Calgary in my opinion. It's big and neat looking. It's free to see and you can go 24 hours, just don't climb on it as security will stop you.
Peace Bridge
Wonderland Sculpture
Peace Bridge
Calgarians call this "the bridge to nowhere" because there isn't really a destination on either side. But there are nice river pathways on either side. I'd recommend this if you have time to kill and want to wander by foot or bike.
Stephen Ave
Wonderland Sculpture
Peace Bridge
This is a more corporate version of 17th ave, it's filled with office workers and tourists during the day for the restaurants and shopping and at night the bar scene comes alive. It is much prettier looking than 17th Ave if you're going for photogenic.
What to Do in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 🚶
The Calgary Tower
National Music Centre
The Calgary Tower
Calgarians might tell you the Calgary tower is over-rated. I think it's worth it for the views and it is a unique building, but I wouldn't spend money on the restaurant at the top. It does rotate which is cool, but the food is not anything special for the price.
Calgary Zoo
National Music Centre
The Calgary Tower
If you're into Zoos then yes, this is a good one. That said, if you're not someone who gets excited about zoos I'm not going to tell you to make an exception here and go out of your way to see this particular Zoo. (but if you have kids, yes, you should definitely go)
National Music Centre
National Music Centre
National Music Centre
Personally, I'd say the National Music Centre is possibly the coolest looking building in our city. So if you like architecture, don't skip at least seeing the outside of this building. If you have knowledge of music history, then check out the exhibits inside.
Heritage Park
National Music Centre
National Music Centre
If I had limited time in Calgary, I would not go to Heritage Park unless I had kids or was really into recent historical stuff.
Central Library
Telus Spark Science Centre
Telus Spark Science Centre
I'm a sucker for amazing architecture so I'm putting the Central Public Library on the must see list. You can see it fairly quickly with an easy walk through and it's free! Heads up, there are a lot of homeless in this particular area, but don't let that stop you.
Telus Spark Science Centre
Telus Spark Science Centre
Telus Spark Science Centre
Okay, I can't say I've visited a ton of science centers worldwide, but I feel like Calgary has a pretty good one. If I had kids I would definitely bring them here.
Barley Belt
Telus Spark Science Centre
World's Tallest Mural
If you like craft beer Calgary has a top notch craft beer scene. While micro-breweries are sprinkled throughout the city, there is a grouping of them in an industrial area called the "Barley Belt." It is walkable (somewhat), and you can uber for farther locations.
World's Tallest Mural
Telus Spark Science Centre
World's Tallest Mural
Yes, the World's tallest mural is in Calgary! You can see it from an airplane as you fly in. I think it's a really cool graffiti design and is definitely worth seeing. Note, there are a lot of homeless in this downtown area as well, but don't let that stop you.
Food From Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The Caesar
Alberta Beef
Alberta Beef
If you've never had a Caesar, Calgary is probably the best place to try one. Almost every restaurant has it on the menu, and some even serve it with elaborate toppings. Personally, I think they’re gross—but if you like Bloody Marys, you’ll probably enjoy them. Calgary is the birthplace of the Caesar, and you can order one right at The Westin, where it was first created.
Alberta Beef
Alberta Beef
Alberta Beef
Alberta can't take credit for inventing beef but we truly do have some of the best beef in the world. Local steakhouses are quite good but even casual restaurants generally serve good quality beef.
Bison
Alberta Beef
Ginger Beef
Calgary, didn't invent bison either, but it is a somewhat unique meat that is available here. It won't be at every restaurant but it's not uncommon on menus. Try it if you get a chance!
Ginger Beef
Alberta Beef
Ginger Beef
Allegedly ginger beef was invented in Calgary, and we do have some very good Chinese restaurants, so sure, it could be possible!
Poutine
Kale Caesar Salad
Donair Pizza
Poutine is more of a Canadian thing than a Calgary specific thing. While authentic poutine is made with cheese curds, it's common to see it made with mozzarella on many menus (still very good though!). If you've never had a poutine, I'd say it's a must try.
Donair Pizza
Kale Caesar Salad
Donair Pizza
Rumor has it a Calgarian invented putting donair meat on pizza. Not sure how we can determine the truth on this one, but it's true several pizza establishments here do offer donair pizza complete with donair sauce. And apparently Calgary just has good donairs in general.
Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad
Apparently someone in Calgary had the idea to use Kale instead of romaine for a caesar salad and that's something we are famous for. But not actually, as I don't think 99% of Calgarians would know this alleged fun fact. And I think this one would be hard to find on menus.
Flapper Pie
Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad
This is more of a prairies thing, but flapper pie is known for its graham crust and delicious fluffy meringue topping. They are commonly filled with berries or custard.
Famous Food Spots in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
This is a controversial spot because while ALL Calgarians know it, we are divided in if it's worth it. Some will say Peter's classic milkshakes and burgers are quintessential foods of the older times and rave about how good it is. Others don't get the hype and feel there is nothing special about regular burgers and milkshakes. You be the judge. Personally, I would not go out of my way to go here.
Ice Cream from Made by Marcus
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
Now I would, I and regularly do, go out of my way to make a stop at Made by Marcus. In my opinion, this is the best ice cream in the city (although if you said Village Ice Cream, I would also accept that answer). This ice cream shop is known for it's experimental flavours so try something crazy or get my favorite on their regular menu the Lemon Blueberry.
Thin Crust Pizza from Una
Burger & Shake from Peter's Drive-In
Cheese Buns from Glamorgan Bakery
Una's thin crust pizza is legendary in Calgary. It's been around for years and is always busy. I can confirm the pizza is pretty darn tasty.
Cheese Buns from Glamorgan Bakery
Cheese Buns from Glamorgan Bakery
Cheese Buns from Glamorgan Bakery
Calgarians will make bold claims about these life-changing cheese buns. They are good, I'm not sure they are THAT good, but you be the judge.
Chili Goma Ramen at Shiki Menya
Cheese Buns from Glamorgan Bakery
Chili Goma Ramen at Shiki Menya
Any and every foodie in Calgary knows about the Chili Goma at Shiki Menya. It's delicious as is their other ramen. Highly recommend a stop here.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Calgary has all varieties of cuisines so it depends what you're feeling. Here's a list of the best restaurants by food category. If I was only in Calgary for 24 hours, I'd probably go to Shiki Menya or Alumni Sandwich for lunch. Nobel Pie or Una for pizza. Monki Bistro for breakfast and Comery Block for BBQ.
🍸 Where to Drink
Here's where to find cocktails, speakeasies, and here's where to find local craft beer. If I was in Calgary for 24 hours I'd make sure I went to Betty Lou's Library, Proof, Cold Garden Brewery and Establishment Brewing.
🎉 Where to Party
I wouldn't say I'm super in touch about where to go clubbing in Calgary, but here's a list of places to go dancing. And here's a list of the best bars in Calgary, (although the page is currently under construction as I move things around my site)
💸 Free Things to Do
If you want to do Calgary on a budget you definitely can do that. There is lots of free sight seeing. Check out some ideas on this free things to do page.
Where to Stay in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 😴
The Westley Hotel
The Marriott Downtown
The Marriott Downtown
New downtown hotel in a convenient location. Features popular Mexican restaurant Fonda Fora.
The Marriott Downtown
The Marriott Downtown
The Marriott Downtown
Directly across from the Calgary Tower. Features popular rooftop patio and whiskey cocktail bar.
Hotel Arts
The Marriott Downtown
Fairmont Palliser
Fancier hotel downtown, features a pool with a bar and upbeat atmosphere.
Fairmont Palliser
The Marriott Downtown
Fairmont Palliser
For those who want a boujee stay, this is literally where celebrities stay when they visit Calgary.
City Views in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 🌆
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Enjoy the views, have a picnic, relax with a book, this is a nice spot for it!
Major Tom
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Views of the city from 40 floors up. The restaurant isn't cheap, but for the experience, it's worth it.
Scotsman's Hill
Crescent Heights Lookout Point
Scotsman's Hill
.Beautiful views of downtown, a great spot for photos.
Etiquette in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 🧐
These apply to Canada in general, not just Calgary
- While tipping isn't required, it's the norm. In restaurants, tip between 10%-20%. Other establishments might have tip options, e.g. ice cream shop, coffee shop, gas stations, grocery stores, etc, but tipping here is less of a norm and more a personal choice.
- Service is good in Canada and your server will check in on your table frequently. Water is free.
- Jay walking (or walking through traffic) is not the norm in Canada. It's actually illegal and you can get a ticket for it. Cross the street at the designated pedestrian cross walk. This may mean a slightly farther walk, but not much and it's a lot safer, as vehicles in Canada aren't prepared for pedestrians in their path and you will anger drivers.
- Throwing trash on the ground is illegal in Canada. Use designated bins for garbage. This includes cigarette butts.
- Bottles and cans are recycled in Canada. Do not throw them in the trash instead, look for a blue recycling bin with this symbol ♻️
- It is illegal to smoke in restaurants and bars in Alberta. You can only smoke outside in designated areas.
- It is illegal to drink alcohol outside in public spaces - you cannot walk around with a beer in hand. Also, in Alberta to purchase liquor you must do so at a designated store (liquor store). You won't find alcohol in our grocery or convenience stores.
- Cannabis is legal in Canada, however, you can only smoke it in private residences and not in public spaces. You must be 18+ to purchase Cannabis and it is only sold at designated Cannabis retailers.
- Before entering transit (c-train, cab, bus, etc.) wait for the people to exit before getting on yourself.
- When entering someone's home in Canada it is proper to remove footwear. Canadians don't normally wear outdoor footwear in their home.
- A common Canadian greeting is 'Hi, how are you?" and the standard reply is "Good, how are you?" or "Good, thank you for asking." And then the actual conversation begins.
