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 and attractions 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 and Attractions
It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
TELUS Spark Science Centre is known for its interactive science exhibits and family-friendly educational experiences. (CA$19.95)
Glenbow Museum is known for its extensive collection of Western Canadian history, Indigenous artifacts, and contemporary art exhibitions. ($15)
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre is known for its interactive exhibits celebrating Canadian music history and its contemporary architectural design. ($18)
Calgary Stampede Grounds is known for hosting the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo and festival with live entertainment and cultural events. (CA$30)
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 and attractions, 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)
- Banff National Park Exclusive Small Group Tour: $73
- Best Tour to Waterton National Park Nature, History and Wonders: $155
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour: $132
- Banff National Park Tour with a Small Group: $144
- Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
- Majestic Grotto Canyon Ice Walk tour from Banff Calgary Canmore: $102
- Shared Tour: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Calgary: $75
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 and attractions, 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?.
More Things to Do in Calgary
- Is Calgary Stampede Grounds Worth Visiting?
- Is Calgary Zoo Worth Visiting?
- Is Heritage Park Historical Village Worth Visiting?
- Is Canada Olympic Park (WinSport) Worth Visiting?
- Is Stephen Avenue Walk Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.