Should You Visit Calgary?

Is Calgary worth visiting?

Yes, Calgary is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here. We first visited in 2017 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its local traditions and authentic atmosphere.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific museums & sights and great nightlife.

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.

Calgary, Canada

3 Reasons to Visit Calgary

1. Museums & Sights

It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

2. Nightlife

Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

3. Shopping

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.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Calgary

Food: Calgary doesn't top the list for most foodies. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Calgary might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Calgary here or see if Calgary is expensive here.

Related

What is Calgary most famous for?

Calgary is most famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. The city is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as western, local, and authentic.

What is the most famous sight in Calgary?

The most popular sight in Calgary is Calgary Olympic Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Calgary on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Calgary Olympic Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Calgary? Is it a popular city to visit?

Calgary is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour: $109
• Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tour from Calgary - Canmore - Banff: $88
• Discover Banff with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Private Tour: $249
• Waterton Lakes National Park | Private Exclusive Tour: $295
• 1 Day tour of Calgary Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake: $75
• Best of Banff National Park and Iconic Lakes - Ultimate Day Tour: $109
• 2 Day Guided Tour in Banff National Park: $255
• Explore Banff & Area: Fun-Filled Flexible Tours with Local Guides: $117

How long should I spend in Calgary?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Calgary is one to two days. Since Calgary has activities such as nightlife, shopping, and museums & sights, most people visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Calgary? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calgary?.