17 Cool Tourist Attractions to Visit in Calgary On Your Western Canada Trip

Planning to roam around Western Canada? Kick-start your itinerary by exploring all the fun things to do in Calgary, Alberta!

Calgary is the urban gateway to Western Canada, which is—in our humble Canadian opinion!—one of the most beautiful regions in North America. When our travels take us out west, we never mind landing in Alberta’s largest city to explore for a couple of days.

Most travellers from outside of Canada know Calgary for its events, whether it’s the 1988 Winter Olympics or the yearly Calgary Stampede. But no matter when we’ve visited this fun Western Canadian city, we’ve found plenty to see & do to fill our itinerary.

Whether you want to check out its historic attractions, eat at trendy restaurants, or explore the city’s abundant nature, let us help you start planning your trip to one of our favorite Canadian cities with our guide to the coolest places to visit in Calgary…

What to see & do for first-time visitors

Prince’s Island Park

A favourite urban escape for Calgarians, Prince’s Island Park sprawls across 20 hectares on a northward bend in the Bow River. And after finding ourselves here on our trips, we think it’s a fantastic place for travellers to enjoy some of the city’s quieter moments.

There’s plenty to do in Prince’s Island Park. We enjoy meandering along the park’s picturesque walking and hiking trails. In winter, we’d suggest strapping on a pair of skates to go skating on the park’s lagoon.

Prince’s Island Park is also home to several festivals throughout the year. The most popular events include the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Barbecue on the Bow. We’ve heard from locals that the park also hosts celebrations for Heritage Day and Canada Day.

Calgary Zoo

Travelling to Calgary with kids? The Calgary Zoo is the king of family-friendly attractions in Calgary. The second-largest zoo in Canada, the Calgary Zoo is home to a barrage of interesting animals and activities. It’ll be an absolute blast for the entire family!

Among the highlights at Calgary Zoo are the giant pandas (and their cute cubs,) penguins, and gorillas. Of course, we can also spot a host of native Canadian animal species at the Canadian Wilds habitat.

If you happen to visit during the holidays, we’d suggest checking out the zoo’s ENMAX Conservatory. The conservatory holds one of Alberta’s most spectacular Christmas light shows.

Calgary Stampede

Dubbed as “the greatest outdoor show on earth,” the annual Calgary Stampede is one of the world’s must-attend events. Every July, the Stampede draws visitors from all around the globe for 10 days of western hijinks.

Even if your regular day-to-day attire doesn’t consist of cowboy boots & worn-in jeans (ours certainly doesn’t!), we think the world’s most famous rodeo may change your tune. The Calgary Stampede is a barrel-load of entertainment, showcasing everything from chuckwagon races to live country music.

The western-themed festival is also famous for rewarding early risers. Get to the gates early to enjoy its hearty pancake and sausage breakfasts. We’d suggest doing as the locals do: Grab a fork and your cowboy hat—and dig right in!

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village is the largest living history museum in Canada. And for history buffs like us, it’s one of the coolest things to see in Calgary.

The open-air museum showcases life in Western Canada from the time of confederation to the 1930s. Sprawling out over 127 acres, over 180 exhibits tell the story of the original settlers of the west. Visitors will get an interactive glimpse at the conditions and aesthetics of small-town Alberta from this bygone era.

(It’s particularly interesting for us as our family escaped Europe during WWI to move to small Western Canadian towns just like this. It’s fascinating to see what it might have looked like for them back then!)

Visiting Heritage Park Historical Village with children? One of the highlights is riding on the antique train.

Heritage Park also entertains guests with entertaining theatrical performances performed by costumed actors who bring the history and stories of the late-19th to the early-20th century in Canada to life.

Glenbow Museum

One of the largest and finest museums in Western Canada, Glenbow Museum offers one of the most fascinating collections we’ve seen in the region. There are over one million artifacts and 30,000 pieces of art here from all around the world. And it’s all in the heart of downtown Calgary!

The collection at Glenbow Museum spreads out over several floor. It’s split into both permanent & temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions focus on historical exhibits (including First Nations culture). In the temporary exhibition, you’ll find a rotating collection of bold contemporary art.

Studio Bell & National Music Centre

In 2016, Studio Bell opened in Calgary’s revamped East Village neighbourhood. This stunning building is home to the National Music Centre of Canada, and is one of the most interesting places to visit in Canada for music lovers.

The studio rises over five floors and chronicles the history of Canadian music with interactive displays and exhibits.

Check out the Canadian Music Halls of Fame, where we paid tribute to some of our favorite Canadian musicians like Neil Young and The Band. The exhibitions at the National Music Centre also include the Living Collection, one of the most diverse collections of musical instruments in North America.

While visiting Studio Bell, we’d recommend also checking out the legendary King Edward Hotel. It was one of Calgary’s most famous performing arts venues, closing its doors in 2004.

The venue reopened in 2018 as the King Eddy, combining a restaurant, bar, and music venue in the refurbished 1905 building. Check out the King Eddy’s official website to see what’s on during your visit.

Calgary Tower

Opened for Canada’s centennial, Calgary Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Towering over downtown, it’s one of the top points of interest in Calgary and it’s a must-see attraction, even if you only have one day in Calgary.

Let’s start by scooting up 191 metres from ground level to the Calgary Tower observation deck to take in incredible panoramic views of downtown. You may even see as far as the Rocky Mountains on a clear day!

For experiencing the views at their fullest, we’d suggest settling in for a meal at Sky 360. This revolving restaurant spins out 360-degree views of the city—all while you eat dinner! A full rotation takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Banff National Park

As much as we enjoy visiting Calgary when we’re on a road trip through Western Canada, we have to admit: Its topography is (surprisingly) unremarkable.

But don’t let it fool you: Just outside of the city lies some of the most impressive natural scenery we’ve seen in all of Canada!

Of all our favorite day trips from Calgary, none is easier and more compelling than Banff. We absolutely love this beautiful mountain town that’s, without a doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Canada for travellers—and one of the most beautiful we’ve visited in the country.

Often referring to both Banff National Park and its main town, Banff is one of the top resort towns in Canada, popular in both summer and winter.

In summer, among our favorite activities in Banff is traipsing through the Canadian Rockies on its mountain biking and hiking trails; in winter, we’d visit to hit the slopes at Banff’s most popular ski resorts.

While the town itself is pleasant, Banff’s surroundings entice visitors the most. Steps away from town we can immerse ourselves in Canada’s most pristine wilderness in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Heading out into Banff National Park on a day trip, you’ll marvel at its Rocky Mountain scenery and primeval forests. There’s also plenty of wildlife in Banff including bears and wolves. (Although we would not recommend engaging either in the wild!)

If you decide to stay in Banff (which, let’s be honest, you should!), you’ll have time to check out more of Banff National Park. Other nearby gems include the impossibly beautiful Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Located at Canada Olympic Park, the award-winning Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the legacy of Canadian sports. Since its opening in 1955, it’s become one of the country’s most famous sporting sites.

The Sports Hall of Fame isn’t your typical museum. It’s home to a massive collection of 100,000 items, highlighting the most important contributors and contributions to Canadian sport. Roaming the halls, we spotted many of our favorite Canadian athletes, like Terry Fox, Gordie Howe, and Dave Keon.

Besides the artefacts, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is chock-loaded with dozens of interactive exhibits. The exhibits cover sports as varied as wheelchair racing to (obviously!) hockey, Canada’s favourite national sport.

Once you’ve filled your brain with Canadian sporting history, head to Olympic Park, the former site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Spike your adrenaline with a luge run in winter or a ziplining experience in summer.

WinSport (Winter Sport Institute)

WinSport (Winter Sport Institute) is a leftover from the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. It’s set within the former Canada Olympic Park, one of the main outdoor venues used in the 1988 Winter Games. Today, WinSport has become a world-class training facility for Canada’s top winter athletes.

Besides hosting Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, WinSport offers locals and visitors a chance to sharpen their skills. There’s a small winter ski hill here that, according to locals we asked, opens as early as mid-November. It’s the perfect place to perfect your technique.

Loosen up with some pro lessons before hitting more challenging slopes elsewhere. After all, many of Canada’s best ski resorts are nearby in Alberta and slightly further afoot in Western Canada!

If you happen to visit Calgary in summer, test your will on WinSport’s adrenaline-pumping zipline. Starting 90 metres up from the Ski Jump Tower, the zipline zooms you up to 140 km/hour to your final destination. It’s the fastest zipline of its kind in North America!

In the summer, the WinSport also hosts an 18-hole mini-golf course. Or, even more exciting, hop on the over 25 kilometres of mountain biking trails for a little outdoor fun.

Stephen Avenue

One of the most iconic streets in downtown Calgary, the Canadian heritage site of Stephen Avenue is among our favorite places to go in Calgary. We think it’s the perfect place for travellers to shop and eat to their heart’s content in Calgary.

We’d recommend starting at the pedestrianized section of Stephen Avenue between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE. This stretch is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, and bars.

We also spotted several high-end boutique shops and shopping malls in the area. Popular shopping centres here include the CORE Shopping Centre and Bankers Hall.

Done admiring all the historic buildings, browsing the modern shops, and taste-testing eateries? Stroll along the Stephen Avenue Walk, and keep your eyes peeled for eclectic street art and street performances.

Telus SPARK Science Centre

Looking for one of the best family-friendly activities in Calgary? We’d suggest hopping over to the TELUS Spark Science Centre. This innovative science & technology museum features over 200 interactive exhibits. They’re a boatload of fun for kids & adults alike!

We found a ton of interesting and popular galleries at TELUS Spark Science Centre. Explore the inner workings of various animals (even humans!) at the temporary Body World: Animal Inside Out exhibition. Unleash your little ones’ creativity at Creative Kids Museum. Or enjoy a walk around the year-round outdoor Brainasium park.

TELUS Spark also hosts the largest dome theatre in Western Canada. You can enjoy interesting animal documentaries like Great Bear Rainforest. Or get your astronomy fix with live planetarium shows.

Check out the official website for information on current exhibits and how to get tickets online.

Bow River Pathway System

Calgary’s reputation as a green city hits its apex with the Bow River Pathway System. This massive pathway system is one of the most extensive in North America—and one of our favorite spots in the city for fresh air.

The Bow River Pathway System comprises 48 kilometres of walking and biking paths. The paths snake alongside the banks of the Bow River, criss-crossing it over various bridges. Wandering the pathways provides a relaxing break from your typical Calgary sightseeing itinerary.

Stretching between Bearspaw Dam to Fish Creek Provincial Park, the system also connects to the Elbow River Pathway. Along the way, it winds through some of Calgary’s most popular parks. Our favorite stops on the trails include Prince’s Island Park and Edworthy Park.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park is located 25 minutes south of downtown Calgary. The popular park stretches out over 19 kilometres along its snaking namesake waterway. It’s accessible year-round and is a favourite getaway for Calgarians looking to escape the bustle of the city.

Plenty of activities await visitors at Fish Creek Provincial Park, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. With over 80 kilometres of both paved and unpaved trails, the park is also one of our favorite places to go hiking in Calgary. Mountain biking, and, in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular options at the park.

For most visitors, we believe the easiest access point for Fish Creek Provincial Park is the Glennfield Meadows Day Use Area (14428 Bannister Rd SE). You can find the area 25 minutes south of downtown via Macleod Trail SE.

Fort Calgary

Built by the North West Mounted Police in 1875 at the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Fort Calgary pre-dates the city and is the most important historical attraction in Calgary.

Besides tracing the city’s founding, Fort Calgary also sits upon sacred native lands. The confluence of the rivers was once a traditional meeting place. It’s revered by Alberta’s Indigenous people including the Stoney-Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Siksika.

Today, this National Historic Site of Canada is home to a museum and educational centre. Together, they weave stories of Calgary’s ancient beginnings to its modern history.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Want another look at Alberta’s ancient history? Embark on a day trip to the curiously-named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, this interpretive centre sits upon one of the world’s best-preserved buffalo jumps. Visiting this historic site springs to life the nearly six millennia-old custom.

At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, we learn all about the ancient cultures and customs of the area. Browse a wide array of archeological artifacts that paint a picture of Alberta’s prehistoric life.

17th Avenue SW

If you’re a hockey fan, you might recognize 17th Avenue SW as the “Red Mile” during the Calgary Flames’ 2004 Stanley Cup run. This road is more than a haunt for hockey maniacs like us though. It’s long been a favourite shopping and entertainment destination for Calgarians—and is one of our own favorite areas to roam in the city.

Branded as the 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District, this lively area stretches between 2nd and 14th Street SW. Over 400 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés are in its midst.

There are plenty of options to enjoy your time here. Spend the morning caffeinating at a local coffee shop. Afternoons on 17th Avenue SW are best spent browsing boutiques. In the evenings, baristas beckon as they sling happy-hour cocktails your way.

Whatever your preferences, 17th Avenue SW is among the most interesting hangout spots & coolest places to see in Calgary.

Where to stay

Although it’s Canada’s fourth-largest metro area, choosing where to stay in Calgary isn’t so difficult. Most of the top points of interest in Calgary lie in & around the Downtown (including The Beltline). In our experience, these are the most convenient areas to base yourself for your visit. Here are a few of our favorite hotels to start your search…

When to visit

Although Calgary is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Calgary is between late May and late September. We think the summer months are particularly good for travellers. Between June and August, many of the city’s top festivals take place, including the world-renowned Calgary Stampede in July.

If you’re undeterred by cool Canadian winters, winter in Calgary can be quite magical. Winter activities are abound, from ice skating to cross-skiing on the city’s plentiful trails.

Winter also tends to be the cheapest time of year to visit as accommodations prices dip due to lower demand.

How to get there

By air

Calgary is served by Calgary International Airport (YYC). It’s located about 17 kilometres northeast of the downtown core. The airport is a major hub for both Air Canada and WestJet. We can also find plenty of flights here by several other major international airlines and smaller local ones.

By road

Calgary is well-connected by road to other major Canadian travel destinations. The most popular road routes (and approximate driving times) to & from Calgary include:

• Banff (90 minutes)
• Edmonton (3 hours)
• Vancouver (10 hours and 19 minutes)
• Regina (7 hours and 22 minutes)