Calgary Trip Planner
Why Visit Calgary: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Calgary for its vibrant festivals, echoing reviews highlighting unmatched energy and community spirit. Enjoy wandering the lively streets of downtown, the stunning beauty of the nearby Rockies, and the bustling art scene. With Pilot, organizing your Calgary adventure is a breeze, ensuring a seamless, authentic experience. Seattle is approximately 10 hours away by car.
Calgary travel photos
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What to do in Calgary
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🌳 Enjoy Fish Creek Park for peaceful hikes and the fresh air. - 🎨 Visit Glenbow Museum for fascinating local history. - 🏜️ Discover the Badlands via a short drive from the city. - 🛍️ Explore vibrant Kensington Village for unique shops and cafes. - 🌇 Take a walk on the Bow River Pathway for stunning city views. Use Pilot to craft a planned itinerary incorporating these experiences.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌳 Kensington: Walkable with charming shops and cafes. - 🍻 Beltline: Hip area with trendy bars and dining options. - 🛍️ Inglewood: Historic, artsy, and great for boutique shopping. - 📚 Mission: Unique with great river views and local eateries. Pilot makes finding the perfect area to stay and snagging hotel deals straightforward and stress-free.
Discover the best food and drink
🍽️ Try Alberta beef in Calgary, particularly in dishes like steak or prime rib. Known for its high quality, it's a must-try. 🍲 Asian-fusion cuisine is thriving here. Noodles and dumplings are popular choices. 🍜 Check out OEB Breakfast Co. for a creative twist on brunch classics. 🥩 Charcut Roast House is highly recommended for their meat dishes. 🍖 Model Milk offers modern Canadian dishes with unique flavors. 🤖 Use Pilot to organize your culinary adventure in Calgary easily.
In popular culture
- 🎬 The Last of Us TV series transformed Calgary streets into post-apocalyptic landscapes. - 🎬 Ghostbusters: Afterlife utilized iconic Calgary locations as backdrops. - 🎬 Fargo TV series shot scenes in Calgary, turning its snowy terrains into thrilling storylines. - 📸 Calgary's skyline, frequently captured on social media, offers stunning frames for urban photography. - 🎬 Interstellar movie transformed parts of Calgary's landscapes into alien worlds. - 🎬 Brokeback Mountain filmed significant portions nearby, drawing visitors intrigued by its scenery. - 📺 Heartland, Canada's longest-running drama, is filmed in the Calgary region, showcasing its rural beauty.
Calgary at a glance
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What reviews say
- Great outdoor activities with beautiful nature spots nearby. - Reviews mention friendly locals. - Downtown can be quiet at night. - Check out Prince's Island Park and Heritage Park Historical Village. - Public transit is decent; consider renting a bike for more flexibility. - Weather can change rapidly; dress in layers. - Multi-cultural eateries are well-reviewed. - Stampede is a must-see if visiting in July.
What reddit says
- Calgary has friendly locals; it feels welcoming. - Downtown is pedestrian-friendly. Check the river parks. - Food scene is expanding; try local craft beers. - Visit during Stampede for a unique experience. - Explore nearby Banff for breathtaking views. - Consider day trips to the Rockies. - Some find public transit slow; renting a car may help. - Hidden gem: Inglewood's shops and eateries.
Travel tips and safety
- Taxis and Ubers are reliable and cost-effective. - The tap water is safe and free at restaurants. - Local currency is the Canadian Dollar; credit cards widely accepted. - No smoking indoors, including e-cigarettes. - Legal drinking age is 18. - Calgary has strict recycling rules; follow them. - Prices: Main dish in a restaurant approx. CAD 15-30, coffee CAD 3-5. Calgary is generally safe. Consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Calgary's public transit is reliable; a day pass is affordable, costing about CAD 11.25. - Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available; prices are higher than transit, but convenient. - Downtown Calgary is walkable with scenic routes. - Bike rentals are popular, great for exploring pathways. - Use Pilot to organize routes and enhance your city walks.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget travel is about $60 per day. Expect to spend around $20 on meals, $15 on public transport, and $25 on budget accommodation like hostels. - Mid-range travel is around $150 per day. Plan for $40 on meals, $20 on transport, and $90 for a comfortable hotel or Airbnb. - Luxury travel runs $300 per day or more. Dine out for about $70, rely on taxis or rental cars for around $40, and stay in high-end hotels starting at $190. - Meals cost $10-20 at budget spots, $30-50 at mid-range restaurants, and over $75 at upscale places. - Public transport is about $3 per ride, or $10 for a day pass. Taxis start at $3 per mile. - Airbnb costs vary greatly depending on location and time of booking. Prices vary at different times of year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
- 🍳 Start your day with brunch at OEB Breakfast Co. for farm-to-table goodness. - 🏞️ Take a stroll through Prince’s Island Park and enjoy the Bow River views. - 🏛️ Explore the Glenbow Museum to catch some local history and art. - 🛍️ Head to Stephen Avenue Walk for unique shops and vibrant street life. - 🍽️ Lunch at CHARCUT Roast House for a delightful farm-fresh meal. - 🏙️ Visit the iconic Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city. - 🐮 Discover the city’s Wild West spirit at the Heritage Park Historical Village. - 🍻 Wrap up the day with craft beer and dinner at Trolley 5 Brewery. You can use Pilot to easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Check out the Glenbow Museum for its extensive art collections and fascinating exhibitions. - 🏛️ Explore Studio Bell, the National Music Centre, for an interactive musical journey. - 🍷 Enjoy a cozy wine tasting experience at Highlander Wine & Spirits. - 📖 Spend time at Fair's Fair Books, a charming used bookstore with a great selection. - 🎨 Visit Contemporary Calgary for modern visual arts and thought-provoking installations. - 🎳 Go bowling at National on 10th, where you can also enjoy drinks and comfort food. - 🍽️ Experience culinary delights at The Core Shopping Centre's many eateries. - 🧩 Try solving puzzles at one of Calgary's popular escape rooms. - 🍺 Relax with local craft beers at Cold Garden Beverage Company or Trolley 5 Brewery.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Best time: June to August for pleasant weather 15-25°C (59-77°F). Perfect for exploring parks and outdoor festivals. - Avoid November to March due to cold winters -10 to -2°C (14 to 28°F). Snow and ice can disrupt plans. - Spring and fall are unpredictable—pack layers. - Climate: Humid continental with dry conditions. Short, warm summers and long, harsh winters. - Biome: Prairie and foothills influence weather, resulting in quick climate shifts.
How to find events during your stay
- For the latest cultural events in Calgary, check local news sites like the Calgary Herald: calgaryherald.com. - Explore upcoming festivals and events through Global News Calgary at globalnews.ca/calgary. - Follow @tourismcalgary on Instagram for curated updates on city events and activities. - Join the Calgary Events group on Facebook for real-time community recommendations. - Check Avenue Calgary (avenuecalgary.com) for monthly event schedules and insider tips. - For concerts and large gatherings, peek into CalgaryArtsDevelopment.com to stay current. - Use the yycnow Twitter handle for a quick overview of pop-up markets and seasonal activities. These resources will keep you in the loop about what's happening in Calgary. Have a fantastic, well-planned trip!
Before your trip, read the history
Calgary has a rich tapestry of history that you’ll find fascinating. Located where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, it was initially home to Indigenous peoples like the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Nakoda, and Tsuut'ina. The city began as a Mounted Police post in 1875 and was named for Calgary Bay in Scotland. With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883, Calgary started growing rapidly. Visitors are often intrigued by its connection to the Old West, celebrated through the annual Calgary Stampede. Its fertile land made it a hub for ranching and agriculture, molding both its economy and culture.
Politically, Calgary has swung between conservative and progressive influences, significantly impacting Alberta’s broader political landscape. Historically, it’s been part of Canada's energy sector, often dubbed the "Oil Capital" of Canada. Figures like James Macleod, who helped establish treaties with Indigenous peoples, are pivotal. Exploring areas like the Glenbow Museum or Heritage Park, you'll grasp how Calgary evolved from a small settlement to a vibrant urban center. Understanding its history will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation of the city.
