Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calgary?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 local 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Calgary?

Three days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Calgary at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the nightlife, and shopping. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 3 days 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.

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.

Shopping in Calgary is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is 4 days enough time in Calgary?

With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Calgary has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Calgary as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the nightlife, and shopping at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for . We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

Calgary, Canada

How to spend 4 days in Calgary

Having 4 days in Calgary will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

After you've explored most of Calgary, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

A few tour suggestions include:

Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip ($86)
Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon Day Trip from Banff/Calgary ($66)
Lake Louise Moraine Lake Day Trip from Banff Calgary ($63)

Is 5 days enough time in Calgary?

Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Calgary, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the nightlife, and shopping on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Calgary as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

How to spend 5 days in Calgary

With 5 days in Calgary, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Calgary. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

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