Calgary - Discovering Canada

Travelling to Calgary

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Calgary, a pretty good destination in Canada (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Calgary and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Calgary, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Canada, here's everything to know about Calgary for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Calgary

Sure, I'll be happy to help you with that! Calgary is a city in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the western part of the province, about 80 kilometers east of the Canadian Rockies. With a population of approximately 1.3 million people, it is the largest city in the province and the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Calgary is known for its strong economy, particularly in the oil and gas industry, and as the head office for many major Canadian companies. The city is also recognized for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and close proximity to natural recreational areas, such as Banff National Park. The city is home to several major attractions, such as the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, and the Calgary Zoo, just to name a few. Does that information help you get an overview of Calgary?

What to visit in Calgary

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Calgary, Canada: 1. Calgary Tower: This iconic landmark is located in the heart of downtown Calgary and offers 360-degree views of the city from an observation deck.
2. Glenbow Museum: This museum features a vast collection of Western Canadian art and artifacts, and also houses exhibitions on world cultures and history.
3. Heritage Park Historical Village: This living history museum takes visitors back in time to experience what life was like in Western Canada in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
4. Calgary Zoo: Housing over 1,000 animals from around the world, including endangered species, the zoo also features an indoor rainforest, a butterfly garden, and dinosaur exhibits.
5. Winsport: A year-round sports complex that offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, and skating.
6. Stephen Avenue Walk: This pedestrian-only street in downtown Calgary is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and often hosts live events and concerts.
7. Canada Olympic Park: Site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, this park now offers summer activities such as ziplining, mountain biking, and mini-golf.
8. Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of Canada's largest urban parks, this 19-kilometer stretch of green space offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
9. Prince's Island Park: Located in the heart of downtown, this park is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and festivals.
10. Calgary Stampede: An annual 10-day event in July celebrating Western Canadian culture, featuring rodeos, chuck wagon races, live music, and more.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Canada, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Calgary.

When to go on holiday to Calgary

The best time to visit Calgary, Canada is during the summer months from June to August. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and there are many outdoor events and festivals taking place such as the Calgary Stampede. However, if you prefer cooler weather and winter activities like skiing, then visiting Calgary from December to March might be the best option for you. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop very low during the winter months, so be sure to pack warm clothing.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Calgary

There are several ways to get to Calgary, Canada depending on your location and budget. Here are some options: 1. By Air: Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the main airport serving the city with several airlines offering direct flights from major cities in North America and Europe.
2. By Car: If you are driving from within Canada, there are several highways that lead to Calgary, including Highway 1 and Highway 2. If you are coming from the United States, the closest border crossing is at Sweetgrass, Montana.
3. By Train: There are regular train services to Calgary via Via Rail. The train station is located in downtown Calgary.
4. By Bus: Greyhound and other bus companies operate services to Calgary from various locations across Canada and the United States.
I hope that helps!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Calgary, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Calgary

Sure, here are some typical foods of Calgary, Canada with a short description for each of them: 1. Beef: Calgary is known as the "Beef Capital of Canada." Beef is an integral part of the food culture in Calgary and you can get the best cuts of beef here.
2. Poutine: Poutine is a popular Canadian dish that consists of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. You can find variations of poutine in Calgary with toppings like bacon, pulled pork, and even lobster.
3. Bison Burgers: Bison meat is a lean and healthier alternative to beef, and it's a common meat in Calgary. You can try a bison burger in many restaurants, and they usually come with interesting toppings like brie cheese and mango chutney.
4. Wild Game: Alberta is known for its wild game, and you can find dishes like elk, caribou, and bison on many menus in Calgary.
5. Saskatoon Berries: Saskatoon berries are a sweet and juicy berry that grows wild in Alberta. You can try them in desserts, jams, and even in cocktails.
6. Ginger Beef: Ginger Beef is a Chinese-Canadian dish that originated in Calgary. It's a crispy beef dish that's coated in a sweet and spicy ginger sauce.
7. Caesar Cocktail: The Caesar cocktail is a popular Canadian drink that was invented in Calgary. It's made with vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, and a blend of spices, and it's often served with a celery stalk.
8. Nanaimo Bars: Nanaimo Bars are a dessert that originated on Vancouver Island, but they're popular all over Canada. They consist of a crumbly chocolate base, vanilla buttercream filling, and a chocolate ganache topping.
You can find general info about typical foods in Canada here.

Is Calgary an expensive destination for tourists?

Calgary can be considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists, as it is a major city in Canada with a high cost of living. However, the overall cost of your trip will depend on various factors such as your accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities you plan to do.
Accommodation in Calgary can be pricey, especially if you choose to stay in a hotel in the downtown area. However, there are various budget-friendly options available such as youth hostels and Airbnb rentals. Dining can also be quite expensive in Calgary, particularly in upscale restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable options such as food trucks and local cafes.
Activities in Calgary can vary in price, with some attractions such as the Calgary Zoo and the Glenbow Museum offering free admission on certain days. Some outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring the city's parks are also free.
Overall, while Calgary may be considered an expensive destination for tourists, with careful planning and budgeting, you can still enjoy your trip to this beautiful city without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Calgary

Some of the best areas to find accommodation when visiting Calgary include the downtown core, which offers easy access to many popular landmarks and attractions such as the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, and the popular Stephen Avenue Walk. Other areas include the Beltline neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops, and the Kensington area, located just north of downtown, which is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, shops, and cultural attractions. Finally, if you are looking for a more tranquil setting, the Rocky Mountain foothills, just west of the city, offer plenty of scenic getaway options.
You can check hotel prices at Calgary here:
Booking.com

Is Calgary a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Calgary is generally considered a safe place for tourists. The city has a very low crime rate and is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Canada. However, visitors should still exercise common sense safety precautions such as being aware of their surroundings, keeping their valuables secure, and avoiding certain areas at night. It's always a good idea to research the area you will be visiting and stay up to date on any safety advisories issued by local authorities.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Canada here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Calgary.

What type of travelers will enjoy Calgary the most?

Calgary is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone, no matter the age or interests of the traveler. However, there are certain groups of travelers who will enjoy the city the most. For example, Calgary is a popular destination among families because of its many kid-friendly attractions including the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park Historical Village, and Telus Spark Science Centre. The city also has several beautiful parks and green spaces that are perfect for family outings.
Young people looking for fun will also enjoy Calgary for its nightlife, live music scene, and shopping options. The city has a variety of trendy bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to this age group.
Couples will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Calgary, especially during the winter months when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The city offers cozy restaurants and cafes, sleigh rides, and outdoor activities that make for a memorable couple's getaway.
Overall, Calgary is a great destination for anyone, as it offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers.

How to get around Calgary

Calgary has an extensive public transit system including buses and trains operated by Calgary Transit. The trains are known as CTrains and consist of two lines. The Red Line runs north-south through downtown Calgary, while the Blue Line runs east-west. Additionally, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, and rental cars are also available. Cycling and walking are also great options to get around the downtown area.

What to see around Calgary

Sure, here are some great places to visit on a day trip from Calgary: 1. Banff National Park - approximately 1.5 hours' drive away, Banff is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by stunning scenery including majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows.
2. Canmore - about an hour's drive from Calgary, Canmore offers great views of the Rockies and has plenty of hiking trails, unique boutiques, and galleries.
3. Drumheller - approximately 1.5 hours' drive, see the unusual rock formations at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and hike through Hoodoos Climbing and Hiking Trail.
4. Kananaskis Country - about an hour's drive from Calgary, here you can hike, go fishing, or simply relax in the beautiful mountain scenery.
5. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - around a 2.5-hour drive from Calgary, you can learn about the history of Canada's indigenous people and witness a cultural performance of traditional drumming and dancing.
6. Waterton Lakes National Park - approximately 3 hours' drive, it is worth the trip to see the stunning turquoise waters of Upper and Lower Waterton Lakes and experience the beauty of the Rockies.
7. Lake Louise - a 2-hour drive from Calgary, visit the pristine Lake Louise for a picturesque hike or just take in the stunning views.
For every travel information about Canada you can click here.

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