The Best Places To Visit In Calgary Alberta

Calgary is the entry point to Alberta’s great outdoors. However, it’s also a destination in itself, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t stop to see at least a few spots on this list. These top attractions in Cowtown have the stamp of approval from Culture Trip’s local insiders. Here’s where to go in Calgary, Alberta.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Glenbow Museum

Whether you’re a history buff or a self-proclaimed art fanatic, the Glenbow Museum is one of Calgary’s finest, featuring one of Canada’s largest indigenous collections, 33,000 works of art – including European art, Asian sculptures and West African pieces – and military artefacts. This downtown institution also has hands-on activities that’ll keep both you and the kids entertained for hours. Recommended by local insider Stuart Forster.

If you want to get to the city’s roots, Fort Calgary is the place to do it. The fort, founded in 1875 as a political point to establish Canadian law, eventually became a focal point for settlers, ranchers and booming businesses. Today, you can follow in their footsteps and tour the museum’s cultural exhibitions and historical displays. It has a long and complicated story to tell, but one that’s worth a listen. Recommended by local insider Stuart Forster.

Calgary Stampede

Want to see Canada’s toughest competitors go head-to-head in a rodeo? Attend the Calgary Stampede, also known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Every July, it hosts rodeo events, chuckwagon races, concerts, parades and a whole lot of Timbits. Also, don’t forget to dress the part: denim, oversized belt buckles, neckties and cowboy hats. Recommended by local insider Yamila Godoy.

WinSport

This park is home to the only urban downhill ski facility in Calgary, offering snowboarding, zip-lining, mountain biking, luging, snow hockey and many other winter sports. It’s open year-round, and there’s an emphasis on learning, with qualified trainers teaching wobbly-legged beginners and polished experts alike – so if you’ve never even seen snow before, don’t be alarmed. Recommended by local insider Yamila Godoy.

Devonian Gardens

Hidden away inside the Core Shopping Centre is Devonian Gardens, an indoor garden comprising a full city block. In winter, when there’s a tundra outside, it can get downright nippy, so the tropical plants are a welcome sight. It also has koi ponds, a living wall and a food court, so it’s the perfect place to go if you need some downtime. There’s also a piano you can play when a professional player isn’t showing off their skills. Recommended by local insider Coco Hiu Tung.

McHugh Bluff

McHugh Bluff is a gorgeous park that spans two northwest Calgary neighborhoods and has panoramic views of Bow River, Prince’s Island Park and downtown. While it’s also a popular place to watch the Canada Day fireworks, you should visit during the off-season and go at night to see Calgary lit up by the stars. It’s very much bright lights in the big city. Recommended by local insider Coco Hiu Tung.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.