City: Calgary
Top Things to do in Calgary
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The 10 Best Things to do in Calgary, Canada
The sophisticated city that grew out of the Canadian West, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm. For the full western experience, show up in time for the annual Calgary Stampede, complete with rodeos. Year-round you'll find abundant shopping, dining and nightlife; a short drive away are some of Canada's finest national parks.
Restaurants in Calgary
1. Calgary Stampede
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,088 reviews
Every July, millions of people come to Calgary's Stampede Park to take part in one of the world's largest rodeos and other popular activities such as chuckwagon racing and agricultural shows. The event's origins date back to 1912, when American Guy Weadick, a successful trick roper, got support to host an event called "Stampede" to celebrate the "disappearing" Old West. Since then, the event has grown drastically and has evolved into a celebration of the Old West, while reflecting the modern, multicultural aspects of the city.
Reviewed By loySengy - Yilan, Taiwan
I have done many driving tours and campings throughout British Columbia and Alberta in 2019 and the Best for the Year is the Calgary Stampede 2019 in Calgary, Alberta. It is now an Iconic Grand Event and Celebration in Calgary and World Famous. The ten days Rodeo, Exhibition and Celebration provide lots of fun and joyful activities. We enjoyed the City Street Parade and Festival albeit we could had better weather. The Rodeo Shows and Exhibtions were great and a must see and do. The Fair Ground and Food Street are great places for exciting rides and yummy BBQ Ribs and Food. The Evening Show at the Rodeo Stadium were great and spectacular plus the colourful Firework Display. A visit to the City and especailly Chinatown is interesting - surprisingly nice Chinese Food. A must vist place and evemt if one has not done so - Yahoo !
2. Glenbow Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
At Glenbow, history buffs, art lovers and pop culture fanatics can all find something inspiring. Explore fascinating historical galleries and exhibitions of art and culture from around the world. We are conveniently located in downtown Calgary on Stephen Avenue Mall, just steps from the Calgary Tower and one block away from the C-Train LRT line.
Reviewed By stevetN3509KX - Faversham, United Kingdom
Spent around 5 hours in the museum, it’s vast (especially level 3) and covers a wide variety of subjects including local history, art, First Nation and international exhibits. The museum is spread across 3 floors and there are many exhibits so be prepared for a long visit if you want to see everything. Shop is well appointed and there are coffee shops and restaurants close by. There is also a school class room on site which was nice to see as the children were clearly enjoying their work. Learnt a heap of stuff about Canada that I didn’t know before and it supplemented the knowledge we’d got from the national heritage museum which we’d visited the day before. If you have the time, then it’s well worth a visit.
3. Prince's Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,398 reviews
This recreational island is located in the Bow River, providing stressed-out urbanites opportunities to bike, hike and fish.
Reviewed By JLOUcomotion7
This is one of the most beautiful parks in Calgary. This is a must-go-to park for those who are visiting, for sure. Peace Bridge is there, Kensington, the popular stairs where people go to for either pictures or do cardio, fancy restaurants, rafting, Eau Claire Market mall, Sheraton Hotel, movie theatre, YMCA, they’re all nearby. It’s so nice to go for a walk or run or bike, or sit by the river. There’s even lots of events that’s going on there. Whoever said it’s a boring park and there’s nothing to do here, has obviously never explored much.
4. The Calgary Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,462 reviews
From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds to see a grizzly bear. Cool off and get beak to nose with 4 species of penguins in our popular Penguin Plunge or visit endangered red pandas and amur tigers in Eurasia! Wind down your trip with a walk through our fragrant Dorothy Harvie Gardens or sit with the butterflies in ENMAX Conservatory. You'll love knowing that every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. NEW in 2017 is the unique and immersive permanent Land of Lemurs exhibit. Coming in 2018 are the iconic giant pandas!
Reviewed By 672wadey - Lloydminster, Canada
We took kids here several times really enjoyed the displays the animals seem healthy and well taken care of , the dinosaurs part was a big hit for the kids and are wanting to go again with the grandkids
5. Heritage Park Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,133 reviews
When you have the choice of everything from a thundering steam train to antique midway rides to beautifully preserved heritage buildings and homesteads, deciding what to do first isn't easy. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum, with hundreds of exhibits, rides, shops, restaurants and daily demonstrations and activities to keep the young and the young-at-heart captivated in the past. No two days at the Park are the same, so come back as often as you like for a history lesson you won't find in any textbook. Our operating season is from mid-May to early October each year.
Reviewed By U8385FQmarys
Our tour started with a delicious pancake breakfast in gasoline alley followed by an interesting tour provided by our guide, Kate. There is so much to see and do. We loved travelling by the paddle wheeler across Glenmore Reservoir, travelling on the train and sampling freshly baked cinnamon buns from the bakery. The staff and volunteers were great at role playing and made the experience fun. The amusement park circa 1910 was astonishingly advanced and we sampled a couple of the rides. We were limited to 3 hours which passed by very quickly. We hope to return with family members to Heritage Park sometime soon.
6. Bow River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
This feisty waterway is popular for its adjacent walkways used by walkers and bicyclers.
Reviewed By 9rocket9 - Medicine Hat, Canada
Kayaked from Bowness to the Peace Bridge in downtown Calgary, had an absolute blast! Some fast water and some calm! Lots of people out but very calming
7. Bowness Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By T1160IPstephenm - Okotoks, Canada
Great place for an afternoon hike. We parked down by Valley Ridge Drive NW and walked down to the River. Beautiful landscape, lots of mature trees and we finished it off with some time at the park.
8. Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Explore five floors of exhibitions that tell the story of music in Canada, celebrate music icons at the Canadian Halls of Fame, rock out with our interactive instrument installations and sing along in our vocal booths! Everyone is welcome to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
Reviewed By Gojoenow
Had great time at Bell Studio ,had a guided tour with great guide, showed various Canadian history items,lots of music instruments & Innovations such as drum machines and synthesizers, loads of other info. 3 floor the best with Geddy Lee's guitars,roof top solar string instruments ,got to check that out! Very enjoyable visit ,could spend hours there..????????????
9. Wonderland Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Reviewed By MeggOntario
This piece of art, right downtown, is a gorgeous work, You can walk inside it, walk around it, see it from every angle! So impressive!
10. Calgary Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,327 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Located 191 metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. On the Observation Deck you'll experience a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills, and the prairies.
Reviewed By AlanB808 - Calgary, Canada
A perfect way to orient yourself with Calgary and the Rockies. 360 degree view is spectacular. If you are brave enough you can stand on the cantilevered glass floor. The ride up is easy and quick in case you are claustrophobic.
