Calgary

A warm, welcoming city with a wild natural backdrop – it must be Calgary. 

For a city that hosted a Winter Olympics you can expect a lot of great facilities for winter sports in Calgary. It’s also the gateway into some of Canada’s most stunning national parks, so there’s no shortage of things to do if you want to have an active holiday hiking and biking. But note also that this city has a great cultural scene — including ballet, opera and orchestra companies — a thriving craft brewing industry and a nice sense of community. Sounds like everyone’s a winner in Calgary!

Calgary, AB, Canada   |   View Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Calgary

When is the Calgary Stampede?

Calgary is known as "The Stampede City", which gives you an idea of just how special this yearly event is to the local Albertans. Described as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", it's one of Canada's biggest festivals, attracting over a million visitors to the city each year. Held in July, this spectacular event takes place over 10 days, with parades, concerts and agricultural shows. Of course, the main attraction is the rodeo, one of the biggest in the world. A huge crowd and even bigger prize pool ensure that this will be a competition you'll never forget.

Where's the best shopping?

Calgary's glittering skyscrapers are a beacon for shopaholics. Find the biggest and most impressive mall, The Core, set under a giant glass atrium in the heart of the city. This sleek shopping complex has a range of boutiques and eateries. Hit Stephen Avenue Walk, Calgary's pedestrian only mall, for everything from art galleries to souvenirs. For local produce, check out some of the fantastic farmers markets. Many of these are seasonal and some only operate as pop-ups at certain times of the year, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city!

Where do I find the best food and drink?

Calgary's dining scene is on the up, with fantastic new restaurants and bars opening each year. One of the biggest attractions for beer lovers is the Big Rock Brewery, Canada's largest craft beer producer. Sign up for a tour and learn about the brewing process - and of course, don't forget to sample some of the finished product. You'll stumble onto plenty of great eateries and cafes as you explore the city. Be sure to try some Alberta Beef and see if you agree with the locals that it's the best beef in the world.

What's the best way to take in the surrounding wilderness?

Calgary is a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular scenery. Banff National Park is the closest natural escape, offering a range of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Many visitors head here in winter to take advantage of the excellent skiing and snowboarding, but the summer months can be even more impressive. Base yourself in the town of Banff to have access to hiking trails, glacier tours and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Travellers with more time on their hands can continue on to Jasper National Park where large areas of rugged backcountry give adventurers the chance to truly step off the beaten path.