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The Ultimate Calgary, AB Must See and Do
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items I always describe Calgary as the big little city. Big enough for tons of amenities but little enough where it is still easy to get around. Plus everyone is super friendly! This list is great if you're looking to spend a week in the Calgary region, or...
Sections
5
Summer Time Festivals & Markets
Day Excursions
Places to Eat
Attractions
Hotels
Summer Time Festivals & Markets
The city shuts down over 10 days for Stampede. With the warmer weather, the city just comes to life! If you never been, make sure you book a few nights in Calgary during Stampede. You'll need a full day on the grounds just exploring everything. And t...
Calgary Stampede
This is an annual tradition to kick of the warmer weather. Thousands show up to enjoy local food, drinks and shopping from local vendors.
Lilac Festival
Inglewood is one of those hidden gems in Calgary. It's such an eclectic community filled with local shops, eateries and pubs. The night market gives the community an opportunity to come together and enjoy the nightly sights and sounds.
Inglewood Night Market
Another one of my favorite summertime festivals.
Calgary Folk Fest
Day Excursions
Banff is just a short drive from Calgary. Head up for the day or stay overnight. There's plenty of hotel options in different price points. The town offers some unique local eateries - from farm to table concepts.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise is another 40 minutes north of Banff. But it's well worth the drive. If you get a chance, I highly recommend booking in a tea reservation at the Fairmont Lake Louise. Ask them for a lake view table. It makes for the best IG photos.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism | Official Destination Website
Head an hour NE of Calgary and you'll run into a small town, Drumheller. The drive is non descript but once you arrive, there's some interesting hiking trails along with the Royal Tyrell Museum. This is perfect if you have little ones that love Dinos...
Hoodoos and Hoodoo Trail | Canada's Alberta
About an hour south of Calgary is the village of Longview. It's one of the gateways into the Rockies. You'll find local pubs, hiking trails, and lots of winter outdoor activities. In the fall, lots of hunters head out this way. It's surprisingly a po...
Village of Longview – Welcome to Longview! Located on Highway 22 ...
This town is an amalgamation of 2 towns - Black Diamond and Turner Valley. There's some cute vintage shops, breweries, and eateries in this region. Well worth the day trip if you have some time to kill.
Diamond Valley
I think this is one of my favorite towns in Alberta. It's grown a lot over the last 10 years but in Canmore, you'll find activities for everyone all year long. It's home base for the Nordic Centre (for those that love to cross country ski), some of t...
Town of Canmore
Places to Eat
If you have someone in the group that loves pancakes, I highly recommend this one! They're the fluffiest pancakes ever!
Fuwa Fuwa - Chinook Mall Area
Needing a special location for that special event? This is it! Some of the best views in the city! Not to mention an amazing bar and food menu.
Major Tom
Located along the Bow River, this is a pretty special venue steeped in Alberta culture. The menu features local farm to table items. The best charcuterie.
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
This place never fails! I discovered this place back in 2021 and have been going back ever since. Get the cauliflower!
Ten Foot Henry
The best ramen! Get there early. Once they're sold out, they're out. They make the ramen fresh every day.
Shiki Menya - Calgary
Another local YYC staple. Their cocktail menu is one of the best!
Pigeonhole, Calgary
Their flagship location is located on 17th Ave. But I love the patio in their Bridgeland location. One of the very best pizza's in the city. but their kale salad is the best.
UNA pizza + wine
I'm obsessed with their guac and tacos. It's a great spot to spend an afternoon in.
Añejo Restaurant Calgary - 4th Street
Attractions
This zoo is surprisingly pretty huge! My favorite exhibit are the penguins!
Calgary Zoo
It's part of the Calgary skyline. You'll have a clear view of the Rockies!
Calgary Tower
It's such a great place for families to visit. They always have different exhibits being introduced.
Telus Spark
Calgary hosted the 88 winter Olympics. This facility is a reminder of our history. They now offer winter and summer activities. It's a great place to get out and do something with the family!
WinSport
If you're visiting in the summer, rent a tube and float along the river. It's a great way to cool off.
Floating Calgary's Rivers
This is a great urban park to spend an afternoon in.
Prince's Island Park
Also known as 8th Ave - this is a pedestrian friendly street with shops, eateries and bars. It's a great spot to people watch during the warm summer nights.
STEPHEN AVENUE WALK (2025)
Hotels
I think this is a hidden gem inside the city. Whether you are visiting and need a hotel, or you're local and you want a staycation. I love the cocktail and food menu. That pool! On a hot summer day. It's the best spot to be!
Hotel Arts
Here's a traveler's tip! If you're coming into town for Stampede, stay here! You'll get a spot to watch the parade!
Le Germain Hotel Calgary (downtown)
I love the beauty of this old, historic building. It's one of my favorite spots for high tea in the afternoons.
Fairmont Palliser
This hotel is iconic! One of my favorites in this part of Canada. It's so magical in the winter with the rockies as the backdrop. No matter the season, they always have tons of family activities.
Fairmont Banff Springs
The hotel is located right on Lake Louise. It's a great spot to stay if you're looking for a quick getaway. Make sure you book in a canoe trip on the lake!
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise