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    • home
    • Attend
      • Events Calendar
      • Calgary Festivals
      • Free Things To Do
    • Celebrate
      • Stampede
      • Canada Day
      • Pride Week
      • Halloween in Calgary
      • Christmas in Calgary
      • New Years Eve in Calgary
      • Valentine's in Calgary
      • St Patricks Day Calgary
      • Easter in Calgary
      • Cinco de Mayo
    • Plan
      • Fun Things To Do
      • Staycation
      • Birthday Party
      • Bachelor Party
      • Bachelorette
      • Date Night
      • Private Party Venues
      • 24 Hours in Calgary
    • Eat
      • New Restaurant Openings
      • Calgary Patios
      • Happy Hours
      • Daily Specials
      • Calgarys Best Restaurants
      • Unique Restaurants
    • Drink
      • Calgarys Best Bars
      • Calgary Sports Bars
      • Best Breweries
      • Secret Speakeasys
      • Best Cocktail Bars
      • Calgary Distilleries
      • Dancing in Calgary
    • More
      • About Me
      • Advertise
      • Discounts for You
      • Support
      • SUBSCRIBE
sarahsociables
  • home
  • Attend
    • Events Calendar
    • Calgary Festivals
    • Free Things To Do
  • Celebrate
    • Stampede
    • Canada Day
    • Pride Week
    • Halloween in Calgary
    • Christmas in Calgary
    • New Years Eve in Calgary
    • Valentine's in Calgary
    • St Patricks Day Calgary
    • Easter in Calgary
    • Cinco de Mayo
  • Plan
    • Fun Things To Do
    • Staycation
    • Birthday Party
    • Bachelor Party
    • Bachelorette
    • Date Night
    • Private Party Venues
    • 24 Hours in Calgary
  • Eat
    • New Restaurant Openings
    • Calgary Patios
    • Happy Hours
    • Daily Specials
    • Calgarys Best Restaurants
    • Unique Restaurants
  • Drink
    • Calgarys Best Bars
    • Calgary Sports Bars
    • Best Breweries
    • Secret Speakeasys
    • Best Cocktail Bars
    • Calgary Distilleries
    • Dancing in Calgary
  • More
    • About Me
    • Advertise
    • Discounts for You
    • Support
    • SUBSCRIBE
First Time in Calgary? I got you.

Here's your insiders guide to what's actually worth it.

What's interesting about CAlgary, Alberta, CaNada

What's Different Here:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 normally only spoken in government agencies and is not common in general life.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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 and Do in Calgary

This is my personal opinion, as a local, of what I think is worth doing the most if you have limited time in Calgary.

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

Stephen Avenue

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 Avenue

Wonderland Sculpture

Stephen Avenue

Stephen Avenue is essentially 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 but I think the observatory is worth it for the views and it is a unique building. There is a rotating restaurant on the top as well 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, the Calgary Zoo is one of the best!

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 you'll love the exhibits inside.

Heritage Park

National Music Centre

National Music Centre

Heritage Park is a cute quaint historic village right in the middle of our city. It's educational and fun for families.

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 Invented in Calgary 💭

I won't say how accurate this is, some may be more rumor-based than true. That said, there are some notable cuisines Calgary likes to take credit for. 

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. Get one from the original location 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 top quality steaks and burgers.

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. 

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 fun fact. And I think this one might be harder 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. Try it at Blackfoot Diner!

Famous Calgary Spots to Eat 🤩

II you ask someone in general conversation about where to eat in Calgary, these are the places people will list and have an opinion on.

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, 

💸 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 Westley

The Marriott Downtown

The Marriott Downtown

The Marriott Downtown

Directly across from the Calgary Tower. Features popular rooftop patio and whiskey cocktail bar.

The Marriott

Hotel Arts

The Marriott Downtown

Fairmont Palliser

Fancier hotel downtown, features a pool with a bar and upbeat atmosphere.

Hotel Arts

Fairmont Palliser

The Marriott Downtown

Fairmont Palliser

For those who want a boujee stay, this is literally where celebrities stay when they visit Calgary.

Fairmont Palliser

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 Bar

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 Lookout Point

Crescent Heights Lookout Point

Scotsman's Hill Lookout Point

Beautiful views of downtown, a great spot for photos.

Etiquette in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 🧐

(These apply to Canada in general, not just Calgary)

  1. 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.
  2. Service is good in Canada and your server will check in on your table frequently. Water is free.
  3. 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.
  4. Throwing trash on the ground is illegal in Canada. Use designated bins for garbage. This includes cigarette butts.
  5. Bottles and cans are recycled in Canada. Do not throw them in the trash instead, look for a blue recycling bin with this symbol ♻️
  6. It is illegal to smoke in restaurants and bars in Alberta. You can only smoke outside in designated areas.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Before entering transit (c-train, cab, bus, etc.) wait for the people to exit before getting on yourself.
  10. When entering someone's home in Canada it is proper to remove footwear. Canadians don't normally wear outdoor footwear in their home.
  11. 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.

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