Calgary holidays

Named by The Economist in 2018 and 2019 as the most liveable city in North America, it’s fair to say that locals have it good. But you don’t have to live in Calgary to get in on the fun. The city’s cultural calendar is packed throughout the year, with everything from Beerfest to the Folk Music Festival.

The city is also home to some inventive architecture. Along with admiring its world-famous skyline, check out the iconic Peace Bridge to discover why it’s earned itself the nickname ‘Finger Trap Bridge’. Likewise, the recently opened Calgary Central Library is well worth a visit for its open atrium filled with wood and glass (and, of course, its collection of books).

For outdoorsy types, Calgary’s surrounds are some of the most stunning in North America. Legendary mountain resort towns Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore are a hiker’s heaven, with trails passing alpine meadows, mountains, canyons and glaciers.

There are scenes worth admiring within the city, too. McHugh Bluff is a park with unobstructed views of downtown and the Bow River, while Calgary Tower offers panoramic vistas of the city, mountains and peaceful prairies.

Enjoy sports on snow and ice? Calgary has you covered. Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes at one of three resorts within Banff National Park. Or, you can follow in the tracks of Olympians at WinSport, one of the venues for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

The best time for a Calgary holiday depends on whether you want a winter holiday or a warmer one.

For hiking and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from June to September, when most days are sunny and temperatures range from the early teens to the early 20s. However, this is also high season, so expect the biggest crowds and highest accommodation prices.

The Calgary Stampede takes over the city in July. To experience the cowboy carnival, book your room well in advance for the best prices.

From November to March, average Calgary temperatures are below zero. It’s a great time to hit the surrounding ski resorts but the cold conditions deter city sightseers. On the bright side, you can find cheap holiday deals, and the warm Chinook winds that blow in over the mountains provide some relief.

Whenever you visit, pack layers and a waterproof jacket to prepare for Calgary’s unpredictable weather.

Explore the city through its history, culture and natural landscape: discover how First Nations lived, learn about Canada’s biggest music stars, and experience a cowboy-themed party like no other. Then, take in mountain views from the city, and head out for a closer look at the surrounding scenery.

Studio Bell

Home to the National Music Centre, Studio Bell is a museum, performance hall, recording studio and live music venue in one. Journey through Canada’s musical history with 22 interactive exhibition galleries, including Canadian Music Halls of Fame. Sing in a sound booth, test out a drum kit or see a live act in the Performance Hall.

The building itself is inspired by the curves of musical instruments and the surrounding landscape. It has also been designed to reflect light from the geometric-tiled walls.

Calgary Tower

Built to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967, Calgary Tower offers the best views of the city – 191m above street level. The 360-degree vistas take in the Rockies and closer city sights such as Fort Calgary.

In the evening, there are dazzling light shows and the tower is often illuminated to celebrate local festivals or in support of charities. For a meal with a view, book a table Sky360, the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

Calgary Stampede

Every July, one of the world’s biggest outdoor rodeos comes to Calgary, with events ranging from bull riding to barrel racing. Don cowboy couture and embrace the festive atmosphere with music, carnival rides and traditional snacks. The ten-day festival culminates in Showdown Sunday and an impressive fireworks display.

If you can’t make the stampede, visit the By the Banks of the Bow bronze statue. Depicting 15 horses and 2 cowboys, it’s one of the largest art installations of its kind in North America.

Glenbow Museum

With the motto “art is for everyone”, Glenbow Museum is home to an extensive collection of North American works. The museum hosts three annual special exhibitions, and is home to more than 20 permanent galleries showcasing art from the early 19th century until the present.

Telling the history of the Canadian West, the museum’s artefacts also provide an insight into the lives of the First Nations.

Banff National Park

The picture-perfect woodlands, the shimmering Lake Louise, and the awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks make Banff National Park one of the world’s best outdoor playgrounds. And Calgary is within a 90-minute drive of it all.

You can hike, bike, ski and camp in the staggering surrounds, which draw more than three million visitors a year. There are more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls through thick forests to challenging full-day treks to alpine passes.

For families

Downtown Calgary puts you in the centre of the action, close to the Bow River and, if you’re visiting in July, only a few streets from the Calgary Stampede festival space. There are plenty of high-rise hotel chains featuring family-friendly facilities such as indoor pools and on-site restaurants.

If you’re looking for something quieter, the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood to the east of the city centre has green spaces and a quiet neighbourhood feel. Here you’ll find cosy B&B-style accommodation with parking. There are also organised tours of the neighbourhood’s supposedly haunted houses available, which older kids will love.

For travellers on a budget

Cheap holidays aren’t hard to find in Calgary. Look to East Village and Victoria Park for budget hotels and hostels. Staying in these central locations puts you close to all the city’s major attractions, and there’s plenty of options for eating and drinking nearby. If you don’t have a car, there are buses to Banff from the airport, which take about two hours.

To the north-west of downtown, you’ll find a cluster of cheap hotels in the city’s university district. You’ll also be within walking distance of sporting venues including McMahon Stadium, the Volleydome and Olympic Oval.

For food and drink

For a slew of dining options ranging from raw eateries to Texan-style barbecue, foodies should consider Kensington Village. Across the river from downtown, this residential area has everything from diners serving cheap eats to swanky restaurants. It’s all within a pretty compact area – roughly four blocks by four blocks – and also features luxurious B&Bs and boutique hotels.

The Beltline neighbourhood, immediately south of downtown, will also keep gourmands happy. There are international eateries including French bistros, tasty taquerias and modern Asian restaurants. Fancy a nightcap? You’ll find wine bars and craft cocktail venues here too.

For nightlife

Beltline is home to most of the city’s best bars and clubs. Head to 17th Avenue – known as the Red Mile – for drinks in sports bars but be prepared: they become boisterous when the ice-hockey’s on. Then you can wander across to 11th Avenue for craft beer halls, music lounges and late-night dance venues. If you’re visiting for Calgary Stampede, you’ll be stumbling distance from the Grandstand stadium.

Accommodation-wise, lodgings include stylish self-catering hotel suites, B&Bs and three-star independent hotels nestled among nearby residential neighbourhoods.

For culture

Culture cravers will love the streets lined with colourful murals, trendy coffee houses and high-end supermarkets in East Village. One of the city’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods, this is also where you’ll find Studio Bell and the new library. Be sure to check out the events at Market Collective, an independent art market hosting live music and DJs, and displaying works by local artists and designers.

In East Village, you’ll find chain and independent hotels, as well as self-catering apartments. Within a couple of blocks are the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum, Theatre Calgary, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre and Arts Commons.