What are the Best Activities and Attractions in Calgary?

Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta, located at the eastern edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As such, the city boasts a wealth of activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore urban attractions like the Calgary Zoo and Calgary Tower, explore nature by taking off into the nearby slopes of the Rocky Mountains, or just explore the vibrant and lively city center, Calgary has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best activities and attractions in Calgary that anyone can enjoy. We’ll cover attractions suitable for nature and outdoor enthusiasts, nightlife seekers, and those who want to explore the history of the city. We’ll also provide an insider’s perspective on what to expect when visiting each of these attractions.

Exploring Nature in Calgary

For those looking to get out and explore nature, one of the many great activities in Calgary are located within the city limits itself. There are several excellent hiking trails located throughout the city, including Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park, which offer vast forests and picturesque views. The city is also located just a short drive away from some of the more stunning parts of the Canadian Rockies, where visitors can enjoy a number of activities such as camping and white water rafting.

For those looking for something a little tamer and geared towards romantics, there are several scenic drive tours located throughout the city’s outskirts that provide wonderful views looking down onto Calgary and its surrounding areas. Most popular among these drives are Deerfoot Trail and 66th Street, which pass by the popular Stoney Nakoda Resort and Chinook Winds golf course respectively.

Exploring History in Calgary

The city of Calgary is full of history and culture that date back over a century. As such, there are several excellent historical tours located throughout the city where visitors can learn more about Canada’s westernmost metropolis. The Downtown Calgary Historical Walking Tours are offered on select days throughout the year and focus on the stories and legends of some of Calgary’s most iconic buildings and old pathways, while other tours focus on specific neighborhoods such as East Village and Eau Claire.

For those looking to take a historical tour outside of Calgary’s downtown core, there is also the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site located about an hour drive away from Calgary. This site dates back about 6,000 years to when Native Americans hunted for buffalo by driving them off steep cliffs. Today, visitors can take a tour through this area to explore how this was done and learn more about how Native Americans lived before Canada became what it is today.

Nightlife in Calgary

Calgary is also one of Canada’s top nightlife destinations with a variety of exciting bars, clubs, and lounges located throughout the city’s downtown area. Some popular spots to check out include Cowboys Casino, HiFi Club, Barcelona Nightclub & Tapas, Local 522 Public House & Kitchen, and Palomino Smokehouse & Social Club, while craft beer enthusiasts should make sure to check out Kris & Marty Brewing Company or Cold Garden Beverage Company.

Family-Friendly Activities in Calgary

There are countless family friendly activities available in Calgary as well, including a number of establishments catering to those looking for interactive and educational experiences. The Calgary Zoo is a popular destination for families with many species of wildlife located throughout its grounds, including polar bears, tigers, giraffes, and many more animals from all over the world. Those looking for something a little more educational can check out Telus Spark Science Center or Glenbow Museum to explore interactive learning experiences tailored towards kids or delve into Alberta’s rich history respectively.

For something a little more exciting (for kids of all ages) Canada’s largest indoor adventure park – FlyOver Canada – also offers exciting virtual flight experiences over some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes that are sure to please any child (or adult!).

Conclusion

Calgary offers something for everyone – from outdoor enthusiasts seeking out nature trails scattered around town to those wanting to explore the history of the area or have some exciting nightlife experiences. With so many attractions it can be difficult to decide what to do while in town but hopefully this guide has given you a thorough overview of some great places to go attractions in Calgary that anyone can enjoy!

If you’re looking for an exciting day out in Calgary why not try out one of GetYourGuide’s Calgary: Guided Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Transfers? You’ll get to tour some local breweries and try some of their unique beers while learning all about how they make their beer, as well as get some insider tips from your guide on other great places to visit around town!