Your Complete Guide to Visiting Calgary: Attractions, Restaurants, Hotels, and Things to Do

Key Takeaways: Calgary, Alberta, is far more than just the Stampede and cowboy hats. From outdoor adventures and incredible cuisine to world-class attractions, Calgary surprises visitors with its vibrant arts, rich history, and diverse culture. Whether you’re planning a guys’ getaway, a family trip, or a foodie adventure, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

I absolutely love it when I get to bust myths about places people judge or write off unfairly, and Calgary, Alberta, is a great example. Before visiting Calgary, I’d heard some negative things. Why would someone visit Calgary? “It’s a conservative city in a conservative province that cares about nothing more than oil and gas.” Alright, I’ll play along…

When I went to Calgary, I was expecting just cowboys and mountains, and what I found was a city that completely blew me away. This city is so much more than its reputation.

Yes, it’s the home of the iconic Calgary Stampede, where over 1.4 million visitors each year gather to celebrate Western culture, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find a thriving culinary scene, rich Indigenous history connected to Treaty 7 nations, attractions for all ages, and easy access to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

If you’re wondering why you should visit Calgary, let me show you. This guide covers the best places to visit, top restaurants, where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip. 

Why Visit Calgary?

Before I visited Calgary on a recent guys’ trip, in partnership with Tourism Calgary, I’ll admit I was skeptical. As I mentioned already, I had heard all the stereotypes. But the truth is, I quickly fell in love.

Of course, the Calgary Stampede is a highlight. This 10-day celebration of Western heritage is what the area is best known for, drawing more than 1.4 million visitors annually with its rodeo, music, and community spirit. But Calgary’s appeal doesn’t end there.

Did you know this city also has a deep, historic connection with the Indigenous people of Treaty 7, particularly the five nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, whose teepee camp is a cornerstone of the Stampede? There are several opportunities to learn about the Indigenous culture, storytelling, and traditions.

Learn about the history of the Calgary Stampede

Beyond heritage, Calgary has grown and evolved into a diverse, modern city where you can savour world-class cuisine from celebrity chefs. In just 90 minutes, you can reach Banff National Park and the heart of the Rockies, an iconic Alberta experience, practically on the city’s doorstep. We explored the city from the skies via helicopter, from the ground in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle, and even stepped into the Rolling Stones’ mobile studio.

The people of Calgary welcome you with a warm, sincere hospitality, often referred to as Western friendliness, and with a vibrant energy that truly challenges its old-fashioned stereotypes. Whether you’re drawn to the area by the food, the nightlife, the culture, or the incredible natural surroundings, when you visit Calgary, you’re sure to discover something amazing. 

Getting to Calgary from Toronto (or Anywhere in Canada)

One of the best things about travelling from Toronto to Calgary is how easy it is to get there! Multiple airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, offer frequent daily flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport.

TRAVEL TIP: When flying domestically within Canada, especially between major cities like Toronto and Calgary, keep an eye out for seat sales. Booking in advance usually means landing the best prices. Consider flying mid-week to avoid peak travel costs. Always pack layers – Calgary’s weather, like its surprises, can be dynamic!

Where to Stay: Accommodations and Hotels in Calgary

If you’re wondering where to stay in Calgary, there are many great options, from boutique inns to major hotel chains. For this trip, we stayed at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel. Grab a morning coffee at the on-site Starbucks or enjoy a bite to eat and a relaxing drink at One18 Empire (more on that to come). The hotel also features a rooftop patio offering an incredible view of the city and a 24-hour fitness centre.

The location of this hotel is truly amazing – right in the heart of the city, creating the perfect home base for your explorations. You are just a short walk from many of the most popular places to visit in Calgary. Stepping out, we were directly across the street from the iconic Calgary Tower and just around the corner from the bustling Stephen Avenue Walk.

If you’re looking for other Calgary hotels and accommodations, here are a few more options to explore:

• Le Germain Hotel Calgary (I stayed at one of their hotels when visiting Quebec City)
• Along River Ridge Bed and Breakfast
• Fairmont Palliser
• Westmount River Inn
• The Westin Calgary
• Grey Eagle Resort and Casino

Day 1: Iconic Flavours and Classic Landmarks

Our adventures around Calgary started the moment we left the airport. There is never enough food on the plane, especially on short-haul flights. Luckily, Calgary’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself, with so many options to choose from!

Lunch at Alumni Sandwiches

Our first bite in Calgary was at Alumni Sandwiches, the perfect place to kick off your trip for any foodie. This spot pays tribute to the classic sandwich artistry of New York and Philadelphia. Their menu focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients, stacked high to create craft sandwiches that are both nostalgic and refreshingly new. It was the ideal welcome: a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavourful meal.

The sandwiches were massive and dripping with all sorts of goodness. I personally went for the Chicken Parmesan sandwich, which was massive and perfectly balanced, alongside a refreshing Elderflower Gin Fizz (I’m a huge fan of elderflower-flavoured anything!). If you’re hungry after your flight, Alumni is the perfect spot.

Old Fashioned Workshop at One18 Empire

Before dinner, we met up with the third member of our travel group, Tyler Macsemniuk, in the hotel lobby. Our first stop with him was the Marriott’s own onsite bar and restaurant, One18 Empire. While we were there, we were led through a hands-on lesson, where we crafted our own Old Fashioneds. This wasn’t just about mixing a drink; it was an interactive lesson in cocktail artistry. You have the option of customizing your drink. I went with the “Choose Your Own Adventure Option,” with their guidance, of course!

Here’s how it worked:

• Smoke Your Glass: I chose a Canadian Maple barrel for a sweet, smoky aroma.
• Add Sweetness: I kept it Canadian and used maple syrup, carefully measured (anyone who knows me knows how I love maple syrup).
• Choose a Bitter: Add a few dashes to enhance complexity and depth. I let them surprise me. The options included black walnut, angostura, cardamom, and peach.
• Pick a Bourbon: Again, I let them surprise me. They had an impressive selection of premium bourbons, including Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Bourbon, and Alberta’s own Rupert’s Whisky.

It was the perfect way to kick off our evening and bond over expertly crafted cocktails.

Dinner at Barbarella Bar

We ended our first evening at Barbarella Bar. The moment we stepped inside, I was struck by the wide, open space. It feels fresh, bright, and incredibly inviting. This is definitely one of the restaurants in Calgary that I will be returning to on my next trip!

Inspired by the chic mid-century yacht culture of southern Italy and the fresh flavours of the Pacific Northwest, their menu combines zesty apps, creative sides, bright mains, and indulgent desserts. We decided we needed to try a little of everything (after all, we wanted to give you a thorough review), and nothing disappointed. 

Day 2: Thrills, Flavours, and Local Brews

We kicked off Day 2 with a delicious breakfast at Hotel One18 Empire, setting us up for a day packed with activity. I couldn’t resist the blueberry pancakes! We had a busy schedule ahead of us, but we were excited to really explore the many attractions in Calgary.

Calgary Skyline Tour with Mountain View Helicopters

If you want to experience a truly unforgettable view of Calgary, I highly recommend booking a skyline tour with Mountain View Helicopters. Soaring above the city’s downtown and the Bow River, you’ll get to experience the most popular attractions in Calgary from a new angle. It’s truly the perfect way to capture the skyline from above and experience Calgary like never before.

Our amazing pilot, Bryanna Paquette, was fantastic. She carefully walked us through all the safety rules, which, unfortunately, meant no slow-motion, low-crouching walks to or from the chopper like they do in the movies. For a minute, we almost didn’t get to fly with the three of us together, as we were just over the weight limit for a single flight. Luckily, our “handler,” as she jokingly put it, Colleen Chastelet from Tourism Calgary, who hung out with us during our time here, quickly booked a second flight and split us into two groups.

As a child, I’ve always loved helicopters, which eventually led me to buy a drone. However, nothing truly beats being in a helicopter and looking at Calgary from above, as opposed to seeing it on a screen. Coincidentally, Bryanna mentioned that her previous job involved flying drones. It seems a natural progression for her career, so maybe I should do the same! 

Lunch at Class Clown Hamburgers

For lunch, we had the chance to enjoy a true Calgary comfort-food experience at Class Clown Hamburgers. This spot is all about top-quality local ingredients, famously using beef from the fourth-generation Benchmark Angus ranch. In addition to their incredible burgers, they have a rotating wine list full of uncommon, laid-back sips. Named one of Calgary’s Best Restaurants of 2024 by Avenue, Class Clown offers fun, no-frills comfort food that everyone needs to try at least once in their life. 

Pedal Pub Inglewood Tour

Next up was something completely different: the Pedal Pub experience in the historic Inglewood and Ramsay neighbourhoods. Pedal Pub Calgary is a fun and unique way to explore the city, embrace local culture, and sample some of Calgary’s best brews – all while getting a bit of a workout!

Our guides for the Pedal Pub were completely wild! They were flipping upside down from the roof, blasting music, and dancing with such an infectious energy. With music, pedalling, and song requests encouraged, the ride itself was as much fun as the local bars we stopped at along the way.

During the tour, we made two memorable stops:

• Cold Garden Beverage Company: We loved the wild, zany décor here. There was not one part of the wall left bare! They offer a fun range of craft beers, often with quirky names and unique flavours to match their eclectic atmosphere.

• The Nash Restaurant & Off Cut Bar: This stop offers two unique experiences – the refined atmosphere and wood-fired cooking of The Nash, connected to a more casual yet sophisticated spot for a relaxed drink, the Off Cut Bar. One may argue it was a bit too nice for our wild bunch of loud karaoke singers and pedallers, but we were still welcomed with open arms. 

Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre

After our lively pub crawl, we took in some culture at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. This building itself is a work of art, combining fluid curves and striking lines. It instantly reminded me of the beautiful design of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg.

I loved that Studio Bel takes the traditional museum experience and adds their own unique twist, making a visit as exciting as a music festival. During your visit, you’ll browse five floors of immersive exhibits that tell the story of Canadian music and showcase unique artifacts, including Elton John’s red piano and the iconic Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio. You can celebrate music icons at multiple Canadian Halls of Fame, rock out with interactive instrument installations, and even test your vocal range in the sound booths!

Dinner at Fortuna’s Row

Our final stop for the evening was Fortuna’s Row, a contemporary Latin American brunch & supper club. Don’t let the unassuming outside of this building fool you; the inside is stunning! So much so that Colleen confessed she would want to have her future wedding reception here. I can see why; it is truly gorgeous.

The food is just as impressive. While many locals might know Chef Mikko Tamarra from his wildly popular Con Mi Taco pop-up, Fortuna’s Row goes far beyond just tacos. Chef Tamarra’s extensive culinary experience has taken him across Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, where he has cooked at some of the world’s best and most renowned restaurants. Pastry chef Teisha Huff creates one-of-a-kind desserts and pastries, including handmade ice cream, maize flan, and mezcal sorbet. It was the perfect way to close out Day 2.

Day 3: Fly Fishing, Sidecars, and Iconic Views

Once again, we started our day with a hearty breakfast at One18 Empire. Day 2 took us to some of the most unique and exhilarating places to visit in Calgary. If you’re looking to create a unique and customized plan for your trip, be sure to check out these options!

Fly Fishing on the Bow River with Out Fly Fishing

One of the most memorable adventures of our trip to Calgary was fly fishing on the Bow River. Out Fly Fishing offers a guide service, sharing their love of the sport of fly fishing and taking you to the best spots to cast. This “Blue Ribbon” section of the Bow River is famous for its trophy-size Rainbow and Brown trout.

The owner and our guide, Josh Nugent, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the art of fly fishing. He was so good at what he does. In fact, Nugent caught a fish just a few minutes into us all being on the water. The skiff boat we used had an awesome leg brace, which allowed us to stand up and cast without losing our balance.

One lesson that stood out to me was Josh explaining the key difference when fly fishing from a boat versus on land, and how the boat flows with the river. This constant movement means you don’t have to recast as often because you’re continually presenting your new fly to new, untouched water. This makes the whole experience even more relaxing as you can cover more ground with less effort. Plus, you can access area that aren’t reachable from the bank.

You will be provided with all the necessary fly fishing gear, so there is no need to purchase or bring your own. Just remember to wear shoes and clothing that you are comfortable with getting wet, such as sunglasses, flip-flops, Crocs, wading boots, water shoes, a hat, a rain jacket, and breathable shirt and pants.

TRAVEL TIP: To ensure you don’t run into any troubles during your trip, keep in mind that a WIIN # and a Sport Fishing License are required for each participant. Your guide can help you arrange these, if needed. 

Lunch at Orchard Restaurant

I have to admit, I’m genuinely impressed with the design of the many fun restaurants in Calgary, and Orchard Restaurant is a perfect example. I’m completely in love with the way they’ve created such a beautiful spot, with several plants hanging and overflowing from the ceiling and the walls. It’s absolutely stunning!

Orchard Restaurant was named on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List for 2022, and I could quickly see why. Chef Jenny Kang and her team take classic European dishes and add a fun Asian flair, creating unique modern Mediterranean cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Pair your meal with one of their whimsical, Mediterranean-inspired cocktails for the full experience.  

Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures

Next, we hopped into a vintage motorcycle sidecar for a one-of-a-kind city tour with Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures. This was SO MUCH FUN! As someone whose first vehicle was a motorcycle, I immediately missed and remembered that incredible feeling of freedom and the wind in my dreads.

Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures is locally owned and operated, allowing you to enjoy the full motorcycle experience without worrying about driving. The helmets were each equipped with mics, allowing us all to chat with each other and our guide as they took us around the city, making it a great option for groups like ours.

The guides were fantastic, sharing stories and facts about the city’s history, landmarks, and architecture. Plus, there were plenty of photo stops along the way. Some key spots we stopped at or rode past included:

• Peace Bridge: A pedestrian and cycle bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, known for its unique red spiral shape.

• Fort Calgary: The historic birthplace of Calgary, originally established in 1875 as a North West Mounted Police post.
• Salisbury St SE/6 St SE: This spot offers incredible views of the city skyline, including the distinctive Saddle Dome, the Calgary Stampede Festival grounds, and the SAM Centre.

• Rundle Ruins: The remains of Calgary’s former General Hospital, a historic site that’s now a popular spot for photography.

Calgary Tower

No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to the iconic Calgary Tower. It officially opened on June 30, 1968, and since then, it has become the city’s most famous and identifiable physical landmark. It offers an incredible view of the city as well as of the Rockies, making it a must-see on any tourist’s itinerary.

While on the Observation Deck, I dare you to virtually “step out into” space on the tower’s glass floor observation deck. The glass floor is 36 feet long and more than four feet wide, with glass panes that are strong enough to hold the weight of a couple of hippos!

Dinner at Caesar’s Steakhouse

We wrapped up our day with one of my favourite dining experiences ever: Caesar’s Steakhouse. A true staple in the city’s restaurant scene since 1972, Caesar’s was started by Greek immigrant Con Giannoulis. Today, it’s run by his daughter and son-in-law, who still use the secret, house-made steak spice at both locations.

One thing that stood out to me was the fact that Caesar’s has been using the same Alberta beef supplier since opening their doors. The meat is aged a minimum of 28 days before being cooked on an open-flame grill right in the middle of the dining room. It’s a classic experience for any meat lover, and I’ll definitely be back!

Optional Cocktail Bar to End the Night

Are you not ready to retreat to your hotel room quite yet? Calgary offers many great places to visit for some sophisticated sips. In addition to One18 Empire, which I already shared, I recommend checking out the following:

• Proof
• Blue Rock Swim Club
• Prohibition Lounge
• Shelter Cocktail Bar

Each one showcases creative craft cocktails in stylish, memorable settings. It’s a complete experience with each stop, one you won’t regret!

Day 4: Western Heritage and Creative Design

Our final day in Calgary was dedicated to embracing the city’s deep-rooted Western heritage and enjoying more of its incredible design and culinary scene before heading home.

SAM Centre at Stampede Park

Our first stop was the SAM Centre at Stampede Park, where I had the privilege of speaking with Marsha Gordon, the Collection Assistant. She shared the fascinating history of the Stampede and the Centre itself for an episode of my podcast, Highway Highlights.

The Centre recently opened in May 2024. Located in a modern ranch-style building, it showcases the Calgary Stampede’s 112-year history, the area’s rich Western stories, and its colourful characters. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, inspiring artifacts, and immersive storytelling. I felt like I was being transported to ‘the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.’

Highlights from our visit included a 12-minute adventure with a dramatic 270-degree experience, haptic floors, and life-size images. It’s a powerful testament to Calgary’s enduring Western spirit.

Lunch at PARK by Sidewalk Citizen

For lunch, we visited PARK by Sidewalk Citizen. Once again, I was completely blown away by the incredible design of one of the restaurants in Calgary. Its gorgeous solarium space is reminiscent of the inside of a honeycomb. The restaurant is tucked into Central Memorial Park, adding to its charm. It was stunning in every way!

The menu at PARK by Sidewalk Citizen is as unique as its setting, celebrating Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired street food that blends local Alberta ingredients with the vibrant flavours of the Middle East. The result is an exceptional culinary experience that easily puts PARK among my favourite restaurants in the city.

Western Wear Shopping: Alberta Boot Co & Smithbilt Hats

No trip to Calgary is complete without celebrating its iconic Western style and cowboy roots. We made sure to visit two legendary locations that embody this spirit and pick up some authentic Western gear.

• Alberta Boot Co.: Famous for crafting high-quality, handmade Western boots. They are deeply connected to Calgary’s identity. Their boots are a staple during the Stampede, worn by attendees and participants alike. They even create the famous “white hats” often given to dignitaries visiting the city, a lasting symbol of Calgary’s hospitality.

• Smithbilt Hats: Creators of the iconic white cowboy hat, Smithbilt Hats has built a solid legacy in Calgary. This hat has become the official symbol of Calgary’s hospitality. It is deeply connected to the Calgary Stampede, where the tradition of presenting these white hats to visitors and dignitaries originated. The staff were incredibly friendly, super helpful, and full of knowledge. If you’re interested in learning more about hat making, you can sit back, watch the process, and ask all sorts of questions.

Conclusion: Calgary – The Myth Busted

Before my trip, I’ll admit that Calgary wasn’t high on my travel radar. Like many, I’d heart the cliches: a conservative, oil-driven city best visited only during the Stampede. However, my trip proved to be exactly what I love most: an opportunity to bust some myths and discover a city far richer and more diverse than it’s reputation suggested.

This city isn’t just a gateway to the Rockies or the home of the Stampede; it’s a destination in it’s own right, filled with character and surprises. If you’re for an unforgettable trip, whether you’re planning a guys’ trip, a family getaway, or simply a city that will challenge your preconceived notions, Calgary is a great option. It might just become your new favourite city!  

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