Calgary, Canada's Top 12 Attractions And Things To Do

Rising above rolling prairie, Calgary is an urban gem in the province of Alberta, located only an hour's drive from the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It's a city famous for its rodeo and for being the "country music capital of Canada," where you can enjoy performances in a great selection of venues along what's known as Music Mile. Despite being the third-largest city in Canada, it's endearing nickname of "Cowtown" serves as a testament to its rich Western heritage amid the mountains and ranch lands of Alberta, which adventure-seekers will love as a budget-friendly destination. In Calgary, you'll encounter picturesque parks, architectural marvels, fantastic cultural institutions, and postcard-worthy views of the city and beyond. It's also your gateway to mountain adventures at some of the nation's most beloved natural places, like Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Jasper National Park, or Banff National Park.

There are numerous ways to get to Calgary, whether you're road tripping with your RV in tow across Trans-Canada Highway 1, flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), or making Calgary your first stop before taking in the sights on a train journey across the Rockies. Here are 12 must-see attractions in and around Calgary that make this unique city perfect for a weekend visit or a jumping-off-point for adventures father west.

Every summer, a 10-day festival with the moniker "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" is the highlight of Calgary's event calendar. The Calgary Stampede brims with food booths featuring international fare, an indoor market, a slew of carnival rides and games on the Midway, and a concert series that showcases Calgary's reputation as "Nashville North." Its main event is, of course, the stampede. Inside the arena, you'll see daily rodeos, chuckwagon racing, relay races, barrel racing, a huge pow wow, and a nightly grandstand show. Additional spectacles include a dog show, freestyle motocross shows, illusionists, and comedians. The Calgary Stampede kicks off every July, and tickets go on sale the prior fall.

One of the most enduring traditions of the Calgary Stampede is its citywide pancake breakfasts, which are provided by an army of volunteers who have kept the local custom alive for more than a century. The first pancake breakfast was served in 1923, an ode to the historic chuckwagon crews that trundled across Alberta in the late 19th century. Over time, these special meals became a citywide tradition, and today, Caravan Breakfasts continue to be free for all, provided every morning at more than a dozen locations throughout the city during the Calgary Stampede. So, even if you're not a huge fan of crowds, you can still have your pancake and eat it, too.

Established in 1885, Banff National Park holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Canada's national parks system, home to breathtaking lakes and thermal springs. Easily reachable by car via Highway 1 in only about 90 minutes, both the lovely town of Banff and its surrounding natural wonders are a perfect day trip or overnight option from Calgary. There's no shortage of options for places to stay, from sprawling mountain lodges to quaint cabins to rustic campsites. While having your own car will ensure you can tour some of the park's biggest sights at your own pace and stop as often as you'd like, bus trips from downtown Calgary are a great way to make use of public transportation. 

On-It Regional Transit offers three pickup locations in Calgary, with a direct route to Banff via Canmore, both of which are great jumping-off points for jewel-toned lakes that make for a picture-worthy vacation destination. This is perfect if you just need to get from A to B, and schedules vary by season, with trips running between May and October. Another fantastic seasonal option is Brewster Sightseeing, which offers half-day and full-day tours to major park attractions like the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier and the glass-bottomed Skywalk, mountain lakes, and waterfalls. Some of these tours are one-way, like a route that starts in Jasper National Park, heads through Banff, and returns to Calgary. Once you're in the park, Roam Public Transit offers routes to specific attractions. Some trips may need to be reserved in advance depending on the destination, so factor that into your itinerary for a seamless adventure.

Spanning 125 acres along the Bow River, just east of downtown Calgary, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is Canada's most-visited zoological park. It's home to more than 4,000 animals, representing over 100 species. You'll discover mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and plants throughout carefully tended habitats, like Destination Africa and Exploration Asia, that mimic the natural environments these creatures call home. There's a zone especially dedicated to Canadian wildlife, too, allowing you to come face-to-face with the country's native gray wolves, black bears, bighorn sheep, and more. 

You'll find plenty of places to eat throughout the park, from sit-down restaurants to a number of themed walk-up snack bars, but you can also pack a lunch. A number of gift shops make finding a souvenir a cinch, and aside from the animal zones, there are two huge playgrounds so the kids can let off some steam. The zoo's calendar is also full all year with events to entice visitors of all ages, from adults-only "Zoodunit?" murder mystery games, to regular Sunday Safari Brunches, to a teddy bear clinic for the young ones. In the winter, don't miss ZOOLIGHTS, when the park is enlivened by numerous illuminated displays.

Step back in time to Calgary's early days at Heritage Park, a living history museum located on the shore of Glenmore Reservoir, south of downtown. Replicating a typical Western pioneer village, real historical buildings and a train were relocated to the site starting in the 1960s, and the park has continued to grow ever since. It's home to a collection of 50,000 artifacts that represent what life was like for settlers in Alberta in four different time periods: the 1860s, 1880s, pre-1914, and the 1930s to the 1950s. Staff in the park don period garments from a collection that consists of more than 17,000 items, most of which were donated by the public.

Along with its buildings that include a town hall, lumber yard, blacksmith's shop, opera house, and more, Heritage Park features an electric street car system, a windmill, and numerous shops and interactive exhibits. Hop aboard the half-size replica of the S.S. Moyie vintage paddlewheeler, which in the summer heads out on scenic cruises across Glenmore Reservoir. Tour around Heritage Park via tractor-drawn and horse-drawn wagon rides or on the beloved early 19th-century steam train. And speaking of power, don't miss the Gasoline Alley Museum, open daily, which is chock full of displays of antique vehicles and artifacts related to oil and gas — industries that have played a central role in Calgary's growth over the past century.

Standing tall in the heart of downtown Calgary is a unique tourist destination built in 1968. Conceived as a beacon of progress and a celebration of the city's centennial, it was originally called Husky Tower and then renamed Calgary Tower in 1971. In 1987, it was topped with a cauldron that served as the Olympic Flame during the 1988 Winter Olympics. And today, LED lights illuminate the exterior, creating colorful displays at night that enliven the skyline. What it does best, though, is provide fantastic views across the city. 

The observation deck provides 360-degree views from roughly 517 feet off the ground, with the added option of being able to stand on a glass floor and peer down vertically as though you're floating above the metropolis. Tickets are available on site, but you can save a couple of dollars by booking online in advance. Another way to experience a bit of history and scenery all in one place is in the Theatre Room, which features a huge screen that shows looping short films about the building of the tower and gorgeous Alberta scenery. See the Rocky Mountains in the distance from Sky360, a revolving restaurant that makes a complete rotation every 60 minutes. The next level up is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, a go-to spot for upscale surf 'n turf. 

Northwest of downtown Calgary sits the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, a nonprofit skiing and snowboarding park called WinSport. Standing tall on the hill are the immediately recognizable ski jump towers. The park is also home to a modern ice arena, which hosts a range of rink-based activities including the Canadian national winter sport of ice hockey. The organization also recently announced the development of a brand new day lodge. WinSport prides itself on accessibility, offering amenities for professional athletes and beginners alike. It's open year-round, with off-season activities that range from mountain biking to mini golf. In the winter, recreation options abound, including the Advanced Terrain Park for those with a lot of skill on the slopes.

A full-day winter pass for adults costs $86 CAD, or roughly $61 in USD, at the time of writing. However, you can get a small discount by reserving your pass online or opting for a four-hour pass instead. Kids under the age of 17 can get a full-day pass for $55 CAD, or just under $40 USD, and passes for children under 6 years old are $30 CAD, or approximately $21 USD. To save money, bring the whole family for a special group rate.

WinSport was, until 2020, home to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. But, after the brick-and-mortar museum closed to the public, its collection of around 100,000 artifacts was entirely endowed to the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, which itself is known as a winter wonderland where you can glide across the world's largest natural ice skating rink.

A croissant-shaped island in the Bow River is a verdant oasis just north of downtown Calgary. Prince's Island Park is home to Calgary Folk Festival in the summer, and it's the place to be to celebrate Canada Day on July 1. In the winter, take a spin on the skates at the free ice rink, and in the warmer months, enjoy the burgeoning flower gardens and a number of walking paths. Connecting the island to the rest of the city is an iconic red bridge designed by acclaimed architecture firm Santiago Calatrava, known as the Peace Bridge. Illuminated at night, the contemporary structure looks a little bit like a bullet train speeding across the river.

Prince's Island Park is a perfect spot for the whole family for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, and soaking in views of the city over the river. The Chevron Learning Pathway traces a wetland area, dotted with informational plaques that provide information about this valuable ecosystem. And a path called the "Remembering Our Children" trail features seven art installations that honor the lives of tens of thousands of Indigenous children who were forced to attend Canadian residential schools between 1883 and 1997.

A lot of improvements have been in progress around the park, particularly in a nearby spot known as the Eau Claire Area. Until last year, a popular destination adjacent to Prince's Island Park called Eau Claire Market was an easy stop to add on during a walk, but the site was recently demolished to make way for a new Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop. Another pedestrian crossing known as the Jaipur Bridge, named for one of Calgary's sister cities, got an overhaul in 2022 to give it a more sleek, photo-worthy design.

There's nothing quite like a rail journey for exceptional scenery from the comfort of your seat, and nowhere does it better than Alberta. No matter which way you're headed, there are some great options for scenic train trips with stops in Calgary, even though the city doesn't have its own major train station. Amtrak Vacations offers two itineraries that make the most of the Rocky Mountains, with an 11-day journey starting in Vancouver and ending in Calgary, or a 10-day westbound trip that begins in Calgary and concludes in Vancouver. These all-inclusive routes include a motorcoach ride between Calgary and Banff, trips to historic buildings and gardens, and an overnight journey on a VIA Rail train with numerous observation areas.

Canada's premier railway service, VIA Rail, doesn't offer any direct trains to Calgary. The nearest station is in Edmonton, a youthful city that serves as the gateway to Jasper National Park — from there, passengers heading onwards to Calgary can board a coach bus. Rocky Mountaineer is another popular railway route, featuring tour packages of varying lengths like First Passage to the West Excursion Banff and Journey through the Clouds Discovery Lake Louise, which includes motorcoach transportation from Calgary.

Boasting the largest collection of decorative and fine arts on display to the public in Western Canada, Glenbow houses more than 30,000 pieces. Many of these works are by Canadian artists, as well as historical artifacts that trace the stories of Canadian immigrants and the military. Glenbow also cares for objects belonging to Indigenous cultures in Canada and around the world, with an emphasis on Indigenous Peoples of the Northwestern Plains. It's a great place to revisit for its revolving program of limited-time exhibitions, which often focus on contemporary art by artists in Canada and beyond.

Glenbow is currently closed to the public as the museum undergoes a top-to-bottom renovation to be called the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, which is slated to open in 2026. The new building prioritizes state-of-the-art facilities with an emphasis on accessibility, making it easier for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the collections.

An ideal afternoon escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Fish Creek Provincial Park is nestled along its namesake meandering waterway, which flows into the Bow River just south of Calgary. The park comprises more than a dozen different areas across 3,350 acres. Stop at the Bow Valley Visitor Center, located just north of where Fish Creek meets the Bow River, to discover exhibits about the area's natural history and grab a map to help you navigate the trails. It's a large park with a sprawling layout that features numerous entry points, so it's a good idea to have a map on hand. There's no overnight camping in the park, but it's an ideal spot for picnicking, spotting wildlife, or simply taking a relaxing stroll along the water.

Fish Creek Provincial Park is a nature-lover's paradise. It's perfect for birding enthusiasts, as over 200 bird species are known to live or migrate through the park. Fishing is permitted in both Fish Creek and the Bow River, where anglers particularly like casting lines for trout. And there's plenty of recreation to be had, from biking to boating to hiking. During the summer, the Sikome Aquatic Facility is also an inviting, family-friendly swimming hole.

Military history enthusiasts won't want to miss a visit to The Military Museums, a complex that contains a total of eight distinct museums housed under one roof. These include collections dedicated to the Canadian Army, Navy, and Air Force, plus the Air Force Cold War Museum. Weekly events bring visitors together with veterans and active soldiers who share their experiences, provide tours, and reveal insights about unique wartime objects and ephemera.

Around the grounds, explore decommissioned vehicles and equipment like a tank called the Taurus Armored Recovery Vehicle, a CF-5 Freedom Fighter jet, and the massive screw that used to propel the HMS Huron. You can also discover a remarkable device called an Enigma Machine that was instrumental in helping allied forces decrypt coded messages sent by the Germans during World War II. The Military Museums collection includes one that was created in 1927, called the Enigma-K. 

It may come as no surprise that in a city renowned for the annual Calgary Stampede, there's also a world-class equestrian facility — a must-visit for fans of all things horses. Spruce Meadows, located on the southern edge of the city, is known for its show jumping events. Throughout the year, major tournaments are held both indoors and outdoors and are a great way to experience athletes at the top of their game along with this attraction's unique atmosphere. Many competitions, like the February Classic, May Classic, Winter Farewell, and Spring Welcome events, are complimentary, and no tickets are needed. Other major events require tickets, which can be purchased on Spruce Meadows' website.

On weekends throughout November, Spruce Meadows hosts the International Christmas Market, which features cheerful holiday decor and stalls to find gifts and seasonal treats. The venue is also home to the Canadian Premier League team, Cavalry Football Club, if catching a soccer match is on your to-do list. Spruce Meadows also has a stylish new restaurant called Foxtrot, with a seasonally inspired menu and craft cocktails. If you visit earlier in the day or prefer something a bit more casual, Café Foxtrot offers delicious coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

To narrow down Calgary's top 12 attractions, we gathered information from regional and local tourism boards like Travel Alberta, Visit Calgary, Alberta Parks, Parks Canada, Calgary Attractions, and the city of Calgary's official website. From here, we focused primarily on the most popular, most visited, and most highly-rated destinations on trusted review platforms such as Tripadvisor and Google Reviews. We also included attractions with a renowned reputation across Canada and worldwide, such as national parks, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, and the Calgary Stampede. For location-specific details, we sourced the most accurate and current information supplied by primary sources, such as the official website of the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower, Win Sport, Spruce Meadows, VIA Rail, Amtrak Vacations, and Rocky Mountaineer.