Are you thinking of visiting the Texas city of Canada any time soon? Canada’s oil capital, Alberta’s largest city, the third largest municipality and the fourth largest metropolitan area in Canada, tourist attractions in Calgary, has a population of 1.3 million people and gets 7.7 visitors annually.
places to visit in Calgary helps bring in a significant part of its annual revenue because of the hospitality and breathtaking locations.The city is well-known for the Canadian Pacific Railway Headquarters, the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Fire of 1886 and the Calgary Flames–NHL Hockey Team. Isn’t that a fiery profile?
The tourist attractions in Calgary sightseeing are filled with a vast range of natural and urban allures. The capital city is particularly renowned for the annual Calgary Stampede parade– a 10-day western theme event that includes everything from rodeos and carnival rides to concerts featuring the most famous bands and artists. The city is now known for its charm and fun lifestyle, it also consists of many hidden gems that will leave you awestruck! in this blog you will know about tourist attractions in calgary
Calgary’s Major Tourist Attractions
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Calgary Stampede
The highlight during Calgary sightseeing summer is this 10-day Stampede, which traces back to the 1880s when Alberta was famed as the Stampede city of Canada. The attendance at the event, up to a million, is mostly-dressed alike in blue jeans and bright coloured stetsons. The famous rodeo in the event is named the “ Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. It also consists of other cowboy and rodeo-style entertainments, concerts, fair, stage show, pancake breakfast, agricultural shows, chuckwagon races and a parade.
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Banff
Who doesn’t know of the Banff National Park, right? One of the major tourist attractions in Calgary, Banff, a picture-perfect location, is filled with Canadian wildlife. The 90-minute route that takes you to the location is breathtaking and fulfilling. While travelling on the trail, you will pass another Calgary sightseeing gem, Canmore (a beautiful place for sightseeing and leisure). The town of Banff is the only community located in the park. It is an excellent Calgary tourist attraction to stroll before or after exploring the national park, which holds most of Canada’s wildlife population.
The Fairmount Banff Springs Hotel, commonly known as Banff Springs Hotel, is a historic hotel dating back to 1888—built with a British architectural style (the Hogwarts Castle of Canada turned into a hotel). The soul-stirring grandeur of the Canadian Rockies is an iconic structure set at the base of Rundle Mountain, which is minutes away from the cosmopolitan mountain town of Banff.
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Lake Louise
Named after Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, the glacial Lake Louise reflects beautiful turquoise waters. It is also known as Ho-Run-Num-Nay (lake of little fish), the colour of the water comes from the rock flour, which helps break down and to melt the glaciers. This place is a must-visit Calgary tourist attraction.
The lake is an ultimate hang-out spot and tourist attraction and things in Calgary because of the variety is activities it offers – hiking trails around the lake, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, ice-skating, ice skiing, cross-country skiing, ice- climbing, snowboarding, zorbing and much more.
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Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a typical village from the Pioneering period, filled with recreated and enthusiastically costumed presenters from different time periods, coming together to keep the tradition and history of the place alive. What makes this places to visit in Calgary one of the best tourist attractions in Calgary are the buildings ranging from an 1860s fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square. A delight to visit is the old steam engine which shouts out–Get On Board! The location also offers a paddlewheel boat ride, which offers scenic views of the Glenmore reservoir. Don’t forget to make space in your device to click tons of pictures of the tourist attractions in Calgary. The reservoir is also famous for outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing and rowing.
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Calgary Tower
191 meters above the city of Downtown Calgary stands one of the significant landmarks of the location, the Calgary Tower. It opened in 1968, and until 1984, it was considered the tallest building. The structure consists of a viewing platform with a rotating glass restaurant, which enables the explorers to experience the Canadian skyscraper view of the mountains and the sky, making it the ultimate tourist attraction in Calgary. It seems like the Calgary tower comes to life at night– lit up every other night, the night sky embraces the beauty of the light show. In 1988, the tower bore the giant Olympics torch, which is still lit on special occasions. Tourists can also enjoy a movie shown in the building regularly, highlighting the construction process of the tower in Downtown Calgary.
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WinSport: Canadian Olympic Park
The Olympic park forms a significant tourist attraction in Calgary because this funnel-like building was the primary site for the 1988 XV Olympic Winter Games. The park sits in the mountains’ foothills and is now open for enjoying ice skiing, snowboarding, zipline, toboggan, snow tube, bobsled and also to experience mountain biking down the slopes. The park also offers indoor game options like ice-skating and professional competitions and casual sessions that are taken for tourists and enthusiasts. The guided ski jump tower tours give a panoramic view of the Calgary skyline from the top of the ski slope. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is also present in the park.
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Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary helps decipher the history of the founding city, set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. It was the first-ever outpost of the North West Mounted Police. Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant, is on the other side of the bridge. Visiting the fort museum is always fun when you learn how things used to work in the past. The onsite souvenir store will let you take a memory home like an RCMP collectable. If
you are visiting on a Sunday, try getting the earliest reservations for the facility’s popular brunch.
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Fish Creek Provincial Park
Canada’s second-largest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, stretches over 14 square kilometres. This massive park in the far south of Calgary is a popular walking trail, which will take you through the forest along the creek around the city. The park is perfect to be on your things to do in Calgary list. Designated a natural area and perfect for those who love being outdoors in nature, it’s most popular for bird watching, with almost 200 different species receding in Fish Creek. Fishing, Swimming, Biking, and nature tours are some activities that one can enjoy when in Fish Creek Park. Enjoy the heritage buildings and in-house restaurants, the best tourist attractions in Calgary.
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Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre
The Studio Bell, situated in Calgary’s east village area, is among the places to visit in Calgary, it is also the home of the National Music Center. It opened in its new state-of-the-art facility in 2016, it also dates back to 1987; therefore, it holds great historical value. It holds various music-related exhibits (including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame collection).
All together, this building showcases an exciting collection of 2,000 music-related artefacts, quite a few of which are old and rare instruments. A mobile recording studio (which belonged to the Rolling Stones) and a piano (which belonged to Elton John) are two items that can be found in the museum. The studio also offers educational events, programs, daily performances as well as concerts So, don’t ever let go of a chance to see a concert in the Studio Bell! The building wears more than 226,000 attractive terracotta tiles, another thing that goes on the list of things to do in Calgary.
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Go for a Stroll at Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is one of Downtown’s magnificent and eye-catching Calgary tourist spots. This highly used park holds a wide number of events throughout the year involving Calgary Folk Festival, Canada Day celebrations etc. This 50-acre lush green park is nestled on an island in the Bow River and is adjacent to the famous Eau Claire Market, allowing you to shop after spending quality time in the park with your loved ones. The park is connected by three pedestrian bridges to the mainland and provides walking and biking paths. You can also find a well-known restaurant on the island.
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Take the Train: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey
Another amazing tourist attraction and the best thing to do in Calgary is to enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey. It is an award-winning and beautifully appointed rail tour that runs flawlessly between Calgary and Vancouver, cutting westward on the Canadian Pacific line. You can even enjoy an impressive view of the ice-capped Three Sisters, a group of mountain peaks making for a splendid backdrop to your rail journey. The four unforgettable rail routes involve First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, Rainforest to Gold Rush and the Rockies to the Red Rocks.
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Visit the Glenbow Museum
Visiting the Glenbow Museum is something interesting that you can do in Calgary. The Glenbow Museum is a tourist place in Calgary that is one of the largest museums in Western Canada. The museum has a wide range of artefacts, artwork and cultural objects from over 30 countries, spanning from the First Nations to contemporary art. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other events from around the world. Glenbow is a museum that believes art is for everyone; therefore, it’s open to the public, and admission is free.
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Bowness Park
If you are interested in an additional park visit, we suggest you not miss visiting one of the best Calgary tourist spots, i.e. Bowness Park. This wonderful park in Calgary is situated in the northwest corner of the city and is spread across 74 acres of land. This urban green space is highly popular among Calgary residents and visitors as the park offers a great spot for barbecues and picnics. Also, you will be surprised to know that Bowness Park provides fire pits so that you can enjoy barbecues without any hassle. Furthermore, during summer, you can enjoy paddle boat rides as well. And, if you have small kids with you, you can take them to the little train where they can enjoy the ride and have fun.
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The Hangar Flight Museum
Experience western Canada’s aviation history and explore a hidden gem at The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary. Built as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War, this flight museum is ardent about bringing the history of aviation to life and leaving visitors encouraged with dreams of flight. You can plan your visit to The Hangar Flight Museum in order to embark on an unforgettable journey. Moreover, multiple events are organised in the museum on different occasions like Family Day, Mother’s Day, National Aviation Day etc.
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The Military Museums
The Military Museums of Calgary is the biggest tri-service military museum in western Canada and the second largest in the country. This museum features eight separate museums, including the Air Force Cold War Museum, Naval, Army, and Air Force Museums of Alberta, and four museums dedicated to the founding regiments of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, The King’s Own Calgary Regiment, and The Calgary Highlanders. Additionally, the museum offers the UCalgary Founders’ Gallery and Library & Archives and hosts plenty of local, national and international heritage and art exhibits throughout the year.
Places to Stay in Calgary for Sightseeing
If you are planning to visit Calgary soon but are confused about where to stay, this section is for you! We have listed below the top five neighbourhoods where you can look out for accommodation on your upcoming trip to this Canadian city.
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Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary is one of the most preferred destinations in the city; that is located in close proximity to all major venues, shopping malls, public transportation, and lots of restaurants. This neighbourhood in Canada is well-known and easily recognisable because of the big clump of high-rise buildings in the city centre. Downtown Calgary is convenient and centrally located and is one of the best places to stay for all types of trips.
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The East Village
The East Village, located near the Calgary Stampede grounds and at the east end of Downtown, is a recently emerged area that has been carefully planned to be an active community. This developing neighbourhood is home to the newly opened and stunning StudioBell (the National Music Centre). The East Village also features connections to Calgary’s extensive cycling paths, riverside walkways, St.Patrick Island on the Bow River, and quick access to Downtown, Inglewood and Bridgeland.
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Inglewood
For those seeking a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood with a historic feel, Inglewood is the perfect place to stay on your visit to Calgary. With its mix of classic buildings and ultra-modern restaurants and shops, this locality is in the vicinity of the Fort Calgary and Calgary Zoo. Staying in Inglewood is a great way to experience a bit of Calgary’s past without sacrificing modern convenience.
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Beltline
If you’re looking for a great night out in Calgary, the Beltline is the perfect choice for you. Nestled just south of Downtown and Calgary’s commercial/corporate centre, this neighbourhood in the Canadian city is known for its trendy restaurants and bars, and boutique shops. Not only this, but the locality shares close proximity to the Saddledome and Calgary Stampede.
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Kensington
Kensington is situated on the northern bank of the Bow River. This popular neighbourhood in Western Canada is full of trendy things and popular among both young professionals and families alike. Offering a wide variety of ramen bars, cafes, pubs, and bookstores, Kensington offers visitors amazing nightlife and several greenspaces for people to relax.
Conclusion
No matter what brings you to Calgary, the city offers something impressive for everyone. From its vibrant culture, stunning outdoor activities, and endless attractions, Calgary tourist spots have something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure of a lifetime, this city in Canada provides a unique experience for all who visit here. So explore the best that Calgary offers, and we are sure you won’t be disappointed!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQs)
Is there anything to see in Calgary?
Some of the top attractions to see in Calgary involve Bowness park, The Military Museum, Heritage Park etc.
What are the most popular things to do in Calgary with kids?
Calgary boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids. The most famous things involve visiting Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, train journey in Bowness Park etc.
When should I visit Calgary?
The best months to visit Calgary are from June to August, as most of the events occur in the city during that period.
Is Calgary worth visiting?
Yes, Calgary is a great city to visit. The city has plenty of attractions, museums, shops, and restaurants to explore. Plus, Calgary is located in the Canadian Rockies, so there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.
Why do tourists come to Calgary?
Tourists come to Calgary for a variety of reasons. With its vibrant culture, outdoor recreation opportunities, and many events, festivals, and attractions, Calgary is a great destination for visitors.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Alberta?
Alberta is one of the most famous cities in Canada and is known for its tourist attractions in Calgary. Banff National Park is the one place that should not be skipped at any cost. Just 130 kilometres west of Calgary, the area encompasses spectacular mountain scenery, major ski resorts, beautiful lakes, and the tourist town of Banff.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Montreal?
Montreal's no.1 tourist attraction is the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. The second-largest French-speaking city in the world– Montreal is considered the hub of culture and international trade. This city is also famous for organising its international fairs and meets.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Ottawa?
Parliament Hill, the building, showcases the best Victorian Gothic sandstone on the 50-meter long clock tower (Colline du Parlement) overlooking the Ottawa river. Ottawa is best known for its international music festivals, its record-breaking ice skating rink, bilingual culture and spectacular nature.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Niagara?
Niagara Falls is the world’s premium tourist attraction. The main reason people want to visit Niagra is the falls, and one of the most memorable to do just that is to poncho and hop on the maid of mist boat.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Vancouver?
Stanley Park in Vancouver is a must-visit. Locations like; Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain, San Juan Islands and Kitsilano Beach are some more attractions one should consider when visiting Vancouver.
What is the most visited part of Canada?
Toronto, with 4,520,000 visitors per year the 29th most visited city in the world and the most visited part of Canada. For the hubbub of the Toronto International Film Festival, sky scrapper Cn Tower, Blue Jays, Maple leaves of Toronto and the Raptors are significant attractions.
