Calgary holidays

How to reach Calgary

• Flight time: Non-stop flights to Calgary from London Heathrow take around 9 hours.

• Transfer time: Calgary Airport is about 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi while the Calgary Airport Bus reaches the city in approximately 35 minutes.

• Price: For a taxi from the airport to downtown Calgary you’ll pay around CAD40, while the Calgary Airport Bus costs approximately CAD11.

Best time to visit Calgary

This city is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you expect from your Calgary holidays.

• June to August is high season in Calgary, with mild summer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C. Rainfall is moderate, and you can expect 9 to 11 hours of sunshine daily. It’s the time of the Calgary Stampede, a massive 10-day rodeo festival that draws thousands of tourists.

• September to November brings autumn, with average temperatures falling from 14°C in September to just 1°C in November. Rainfall is lower, but there’s a chance of snow in late autumn. There are fewer tourists in the city, so the time is good for visiting museums.

• December to February is wintertime in the city, with cold temperatures, often dropping to –10°C or lower. Snowfall is common, and sunshine hours are shorter, at around 5 to 6 hours a day. This is the time when Calgary becomes a gateway to some of the best skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

• March to May brings spring to Calgary, which is usually mild but can be unpredictable. Temperatures hover between 5°C and 15°C, and the city begins to thaw from winter. It’s a quieter time and a great season for exploring the great outdoors without the summer rush.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Calgary.

• Local habits and customs: Calgarians are famously polite and known for their friendliness, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Tipping is customary at 15–20 percent in restaurants, bars, and for services.

• Currency: The currency is the Canadian Dollar. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful.

• Getting around: Calgary has an efficient public transport system, with buses and the CTrain light rail. A single fare costs around CAD3.60, and tickets can be purchased at machines or through the Calgary Transit app.

• Electricity and plug types: Canada uses 120 volts, and plugs are Type A and B, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Calgary operates on Mountain Standard Time, which is GMT–7, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which can be applied online.

Best things to do in Calgary

From scenic viewpoints to cultural districts and day trips, holidays to Calgary are full of exciting activities for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Calgary Tower: The unusual shape of the 190-metre Calgary Tower has made it a long-term landmark and it offers outstanding views, especially on clear days, when the snowcapped Rockies fill the western horizon. If you’re feeling sporty, climb the 762 steps and if not, use a one-minute elevator.

• Scotsman’s Hill: Located in the southeast, Scotsman’s Hill is a popular spot to watch the sunset or enjoy views of the Calgary Stampede grounds during summer. It’s perfect for panoramic shots of the city’s skyline.

The best districts

• Downtown Calgary: This bustling district is home to modern skyscrapers, shopping streets and cultural attractions. Take a stroll along Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrianised street lined with restaurants, shops and street performers.

• Inglewood: Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood, has a charming mix of boutique shops, art galleries and historic buildings. It’s a great area for browsing unique local goods.

Historical monuments

• Heritage Park Historical Village: Centred on a reconstructed frontier village 16km southwest of downtown, Heritage Park replicates life on the Canadian prairies before 1914 and panders relentlessly to the myth of the “Wild West”.

• Fort Calgary: Discover the city’s roots at Fort Calgary, the birthplace of modern Calgary. An adjoining interpretive centre traces the city’s development with period photographs showing how wild Calgary still was in 1876. Kids will enjoy the chance to dress up as a Mountie.

• Glenbow Museum: Delve into the past of Calgary and the region at the richly endowed Glenbow Museum, which displays the best collections of prairie-dwelling First Nations peoples’ artefacts in the world.

Day trips in the area

• Banff National Park: Just over an hour’s drive from Calgary, crown jewel of the Rockies, Banff National Park has some of the continent’s finest mountain scenery. The region’s best known and busiest park, Banff National Park has it all: long and short trails, waterfalls, lakes, canyons, viewpoints, and pull-offs.

• Drumheller: Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which will appeal to anyone with even a hint of scientific curiosity. It boasts the world’s largest collection of complete dinosaur skeletons, but it also offers fascinating hands-on activities including fossil casting or the chance to dig in a realistic quarry.

• Canmore: The town of Canmore, slightly over an hour’s drive from Calgary, has a fair number of natural attractions that are accessible on foot or by bike. The town’s laid-back vibe and surrounding nature make it a peaceful escape from city life.

Activities for families in Calgary

Calgary is a fantastic destination for families, offering a range of activities that cater to all ages.

• Calgary Zoo: Calgary Zoo has some 1,000 animals in reasonably “natural” enclosures. Among them are underwater viewing areas for polar bears and sea creatures, dark rooms for nocturnal animals, and greenhouses for tropical birds. Just explore!

• TELUS Spark: The bold, airy and modern TELUS Spark is an impressively slick, hands-on science centre and the best place in town to entertain kids on a rainy day. The centre encourages curiosity, with zones dedicated to space, technology and the natural world.

• Calaway Park: Just outside of Calgary, Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. With over 30 rides and games, it’s a fun-filled destination for entire families.

Free things to do in Calgary

From exploring the city’s natural beauty to soaking up local culture, there are plenty of options for those looking to save a little money.

• Prince’s Island Park: North of downtown, Prince’s Island Park is a popular but peaceful park on the Bow River with plenty of trees, flowers and a kids’ playground. And you may even attend free outdoor concerts in the summer.

• Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: Some 230 species are present year-round at the sanctuary and more during migratory cycles. You might see bald eagles, Swainson’s hawks, ring-necked pheasants, warblers, grey partridge and great horned owls, and the entrance is free of charge.

• Calgary’s public art: Take a self-guided tour of Calgary’s impressive public art installations. From the giant Wonderland sculpture at The Bow to the murals in Inglewood, the city is filled with creative and inspiring works of art.

• Calgary Stampede Parade: If you’re visiting in July, the Calgary Stampede Parade is a must-see. This lively and colourful event kicks off the famous rodeo festival with floats, marching bands and cultural performances, all free to the public.

Nature and outdoor activities in Calgary

With the Canadian Rockies right on its doorstep, visitors to the city can take advantage of its stunning natural surroundings and outdoor activities.

• Hiking and biking: Calgary’s parks are perfect for outdoor exploration. Nose Hill Park offers several trails with beautiful views of the city and mountains. For something more challenging, head to the nearby Rockies for an array of hiking options, from easy walks to multi-day treks.

• Skiing and snowboarding: In winter, you can hit the slopes at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, both less than 2 hours’ drive from the city. Closer to Calgary, WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing within the city limits.

• Rafting and kayaking: The Bow River is a popular spot for water-based activities like rafting and kayaking. There are guided tours and rentals available for all skill levels.

Local dishes in Calgary

Calgary’s foodie scene is a reflection of its diverse culture and whether you’re enjoying street food or dining at upscale restaurants, you won’t walk away disappointed.

Some typical dishes

• Alberta Beef: Calgary is known for its high-quality Alberta beef, which you’ll find in many dishes including steaks, burgers and roasts. The city is proud of its beef heritage, and many restaurants showcase this through premium cuts served with local ingredients.

• Bison Burgers: Bison meat is lean and flavoursome and a popular alternative to beef. Why not give a bison burger a try with a creative topping during your visit to Calgary?

Meat dishes

• Calgary-style BBQ: Calgary has a growing BBQ scene and local favourites currently include ribs and brisket, often served accompanied by cornbread and coleslaw.

• Game Meats: If you’re a more adventurous food connoisseur, try dishes featuring elk, venison or wild boar and bring a taste of the Canadian wilderness to your plate.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Wild Salmon: While Calgary is far from the ocean, wild-caught salmon from Canada’s west coast features on many local menus. It’s served in many ways – from grilled fillets to smoked salmon, served with fresh, local vegetables.

• Rocky Mountain Trout: Rocky Mountain trout is a popular dish in Calgary’s finer restaurants as it’s a freshwater fish easily found in nearby lakes and rivers.

Sweets and desserts

• Nanaimo Bars: This classic Canadian dessert, originating from Nanaimo, consists of a crumbly biscuit base, creamy custard filling and a chocolate topping. Yummy!

• Butter Tarts: These little pastry shells, filled with a sticky mixture of butter, brown sugar, corn or maple syrup, are the subject of endless debates: should they be runny or chewy? Decide for yourself which you like best!

Local drinks

• Caesar: A Calgary invention, this savoury cocktail, made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, is a Canadian classic that you should try in Calgary.