What to do in Calgary: the guide to exploring the city at its best

Downtown Calgary concentrates many of the city's iconic sights. Culture, history and architecture mingle in a walkable area, making it easy to plan your days and giving you more time to discover new things.

Dominating downtown Calgary at a height of 190 metres, the Calgary Tower is the city's essential observation point. From its glass-floor terrace, the 360-degree panoramic view encompasses both the urban skyline, the Alberta plains, and, on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Plan on about an hour on site to fully enjoy the panorama, and perhaps stop for a drink at Sky 360, the revolving bar at the top. An ideal experience to get your bearings in the city from your arrival.

Just a few minutes' walk from the tower, the Glenbow Museum is one of the largest and richest museums in Western Canada. Its permanent collections trace the history of Indigenous peoples, of pioneers and the region's growth, while its art galleries host temporary exhibitions of international scope. Between historical artifacts and contemporary works, a half-day is rarely enough to explore it all. It is a formative visit to understand the identity of Calgary and its residents.

Just a stone's throw from the Glenbow Museum, Stephen Avenue is Calgary's most iconic pedestrian street. Flanked by early-20th-century historic buildings and contemporary terraces, this artery links shops, restaurants and art galleries in an atmosphere that is both relaxed and lively. A one-hour stroll is enough to soak up the vibe of downtown Calgary, but when night falls, the bars and restaurants that animate it also make it a must-visit to extend the evening.

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Beyond its museums and architecture, Calgary stands out for its events and natural spaces that give it a unique character in North America. From sporty thrills to riverside walks, the city offers a range of experiences that appeal to families as well as travelers in search of authenticity.

Each year, in July, the Calgary Stampede stands as one of the continent's most spectacular events. For ten days, the whole city lives to the rhythm of this extraordinary festival: rodeos, chariot races, country concerts, an Indigenous village and outdoor activities transform Calgary into a vast open-air stage. More than a million visitors attend each edition, and the atmosphere is simply unique. If your stay coincides with this event, it's an experience not to be missed.

To the west of the city, the Olympic Park is a living testament to the 1988 Winter Olympics. Far from a mere commemorative site, it offers year-round activities accessible to travelers of all kinds. In winter, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating reign there. In summer, ziplining, mountain biking and the alpine coaster take over. For families as well as thrill-seekers, it's a half-day of exceptional moments that should be booked in advance.

In the heart of Calgary, the Bow River offers one of the most beautiful natural corridors you can find in a major North American city. Walking along its banks, you quickly reach Prince's Island Park, a verdant island accessible on foot and laid out for walking, cycling and family picnics. In the summer, the park also hosts festivals and outdoor performances. It's a nature break just minutes from downtown, where the view of the skyscrapers contrasts harmoniously with the natural setting that surrounds you.

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Calgary is often described as the ideal gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Alberta. With barely an hour's drive, nature takes on a completely different dimension, inviting you to extend your stay well beyond the city limits. Here are two stops that deserve particular attention:

• Heritage Park Historical Village: a few kilometres southwest of Calgary, for an immersion in the history of the Canadian West;
• Banff National Park and Lake Louise: about an hour and a half to the west, to discover one of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes.

Set on 51 hectares on the banks of Glenmore Lake, Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada's largest historic village. It carefully recreates life in the Canadian West between 1860 and 1950: a steam locomotive, a paddle steamer, heritage buildings and period costumes transport visitors to another time. Plan on half a day to fully enjoy this remarkable space, particularly appreciated by families and regional history enthusiasts.

About 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Calgary, Banff National Park marks the entrance to one of the world's most famous and best-preserved national parks. Its alpine landscapes, conifer forests and towering peaks make it a destination in its own right. Lake Louise, with its surreal blue-green waters framed by glaciers, is one of Canada's most iconic sites. A day trip from Calgary lets you grasp its majesty, but the richness of the surrounding national parks naturally invites you to extend the adventure. For an even more memorable experience, the Rocky Mountaineer train connects Calgary to Vancouver along breathtaking landscapes, from the window seat of a glass-domed carriage.

Did you know? Banff and Jasper National Parks are connected by the famous Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. A road trip not to be missed during your stay in the region.

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