The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Calgary, Canada

Steps from the winding Bow River, this laid-back B&B manages to maintain a countryside feel, despite its location in one of the largest cities in Canada. Adirondack chairs on a lawn overlooking the water, barbecue area ringed by trees, and roaring fires in the shared lounge – everything adds to the escapist vibe here. A pool table and hot tub provide places to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, while kitchenettes and connecting spaces make it a natural choice for families looking to spread out.

The old Olympic Park in Calgary is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and, from the big windows at Cozy Nest B&B, you’ll get a prime view of the old ski jump and surrounding countryside. The decor isn’t what you’d call trendy; rather it’s enticingly homely and comforting, akin to a stay with your granny – think bookshelves with knick-knacks and reference tomes, plus a proper fireplace. Laundry facilities and free newspapers are on tap.

With just four rooms, this B&B, in a handsome clapboard build near Calgary Zoo, is stuffed with good reads: you’re encouraged to devour as many books as you can during your stay, and even take one away with you. Owners Alexandra and Kyle have added a touch of literary theming to their bright, neutral rooms, too: tome-print shower curtains, and bookcases stuffed with classics or sci-fi reads. Finished with your own novel? Leave it behind for the next guest.

If you’re planning on spending lots of time out exploring – in the bizarre desert landscapes of the Alberta Badlands, say, or the famed Banff National Park, you may find it easier to stay outside Calgary’s city center. And this spacious, squeaky-clean B&B is just the place, with its classically comfortable rooms, sun-speckled terrace and self-serve breakfast bar. Golfers will especially love it: you’re striking distance from several courses, including top-rated Heritage Pointe.

The location is prime, in historic Kensington – packed with heritage architecture, boutiques and must-try restaurants – and within walking distance of the must-visit Glenbow Museum of art and history. River Wynde B&B also charms with its throw-back clapboard and terrace frontage, cozy bathrobes and free bicycles for exploring the neighborhood. Book into one of its four homely rooms in the height of summer, and you can escape to the umbrella-shaded garden to sip your morning coffee.

How often do you find a spa in a B&B? At this friendly stay in the residential Dalhousie neighborhood, northwest Calgary, they throw in the option of a massage, tailored to suit your aching shoulders or stiff neck. It’s not the only indulgence: just wait for breakfast, a banquet of pineapple muffins with coconut french toast and macadamia nut butter or egg benedict with smoked turkey breast. You can even get Indian orange lassis and Bombay-style curried eggs.

Live like a local in a residential area of north Calgary, within strolling distance of cafes and restaurants and an easy hop to a golf course, as well as the city’s international airport. The traditional rooms at Tuxedo House are styled with floral-splashed armchairs and curtains, brass lamps and polished wood furniture, imbuing a reassuringly homely vibe. Your hosts include a friendly pet dog, while a bloom-filled garden provides all the outdoor chill space you could want.

Gooey french toast with lashings of maple syrup, toasted bagels with fresh fruit sides, and hearty breakfast tortillas – breakfast isn’t an afterthought at centrally located B&B Inglewood. For trained chef-owners Valinda and Helmut, it’s the main event. The B&B is set at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers, meaning lots of opportunities for walking off a feast. But you may just want to return to the bright-splashed duvets and warm lighting your comfy room and sleep it off.

You’ll sense the care and attention that have gone into the three rooms at this Kensington B&B as soon as you walk through the door. The Spring Suite comes with a perfect reading nook – a throw-draped armchair by a window – while the spacious Summer Suite has a fireplace and skylight. But you’ll really “fall” for the Fall Suite – a full kitchen, laundry facilities and the meditative comfort of a duvet and lots of pillows make it a good pick for longer stays.