Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Calgary?

Q: Is one day enough time in Calgary?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the authentic city of Calgary, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to tour the famous sights and museums, dance the night away, and go shopping. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside one to two days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Calgary?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Calgary, Alberta? Most people spend one to two days in Calgary during their visit. After all, the authentic city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, dance the night away, and go shopping.

Calgary is a growing city that mixes modern skyscrapers with western culture. You'll find rodeos and local festivals that pay tribute to the city's agricultural past, but there are also science museums and a growing art scene. The city serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so many hikers and travelers pass through enroute.

Do you have one or two days to visit Calgary? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Calgary?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the authentic city of Calgary, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to tour the famous sights and museums, dance the night away, and go shopping. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside one to two days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Calgary

Don't miss Calgary Olympic Park during your trip to Calgary, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Public transit in Calgary is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Calgary?

A weekend offers a good amount of time to enjoy much of what Calgary has for visitors. In addition to the museums and landmarks and nightlife, visitors can enjoy the local culture and scenery. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here.

Calgary, Canada

How to spend 2 days in Calgary

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Calgary will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

It's worth around 3 hours for TELUS Spark Science Centre. Entry is CA$19.95 for adults, CA$14.95 for youth (7-17), and CA$13.95 for seniors, while children 6 and under are free.. It's known for its interactive science exhibits and family-friendly educational experiences.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for Glenbow Museum. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its extensive collection of Western Canadian history, Indigenous artifacts, and contemporary art exhibitions. It's approximately $15 for adult admission, with reduced rates for seniors and students, and free entry for children under 6 years old..

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its interactive exhibits celebrating Canadian music history and its contemporary architectural design, entry is $18.

Calgary Stampede Grounds is worth visiting for around 4 hours, which is great for families. Known for hosting the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo and festival with live entertainment and cultural events, entry is CA$30.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Calgary, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.