Things to do in Calgary
-
A
Tsuu T'ina Culture Museum
To learn the history of Calgary's first inhabitants, the Tsuu T'ina (Sarcee) people, check out the Tsuu T'ina Culture Museum. Take MacLeod Trail South to Andreson RD, turn west and follow for 5km to the museum.
reviewed
-
B
Barley Mill
This freestanding structure adjacent to Eau Claire Market is a favorite after-work stop for the downtown working stiffs. There's a big summer patio and the festive atmosphere keeps it popular year-round.
reviewed
-
C
The HiFi Club
The HiFi is a great place to get your groove on. The dance floor swells nightly to the sounds of live DJs who specialize in making you sweat. Check out Sunday Skool, the weekly groove session that is always a crowd pleaser.
reviewed
-
D
Sushi Club
This could well be the best sushi in town; at the very least it's right up there. It's perhaps a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. It has a great lunch special, where a massive spread costs under $10.
reviewed
-
Olympic Oval
Keeping with the Olympic spirit, head to the University of Calgary and go for a skate on Olympic Oval. Used for the speed skating events at the Olympics, it offers public skating on the long track and has skates available to rent.
reviewed
-
E
Chinook Centre
If you're in need of some retail therapy, Chinook, just south of downtown, is a good place to get your treatment. Chain retail shops, department stores, a movie theater and lots of greasy food are all present and accounted for.
reviewed
-
F
Saddledome
Archrival of the Edmonton Oilers, the Calgary Flames play ice hockey from October to April at the Saddledome. Make sure you wear red to the game and head down to 17th Ave afterwards, or the 'Red Mile' as they call it during playoff time.
reviewed
-
G
Ming
'Serving all comrades until 2am' says the sign, hinting that Ming might not be conservative Calgary's most traditional bar. Contrarians, lefties and people with their tongues stuck firmly in their cheeks sit down inside beneath the pop-art image of Chairman Mao and sip on Che Guevara cocktails in what is one of 17th Ave's trendiest watering holes.
reviewed
-
H
Antonio's Garlic Clove
They take their garlic seriously here – it's in everything from the appetizers right through to dessert. Flavorful and obviously aromatic dishes are the hallmark of this authentic Italian eatery. Make sure you try the garlic beer.
reviewed
-
I
Broken City
If you fancy a bit of rock and roll and are looking for a club with a 4/4 heartbeat, then Broken City is your scene. Indie rock, alt country and punk all do the rounds and get the crowds going. Gigs are usually on Thursday and Friday nights.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Rocky Mountains Tour: Calgary to Jasper
11 hours (Departs Calgary, concludes Jasper, Canada)
by Viator
Now is the perfect opportunity to travel from beautiful Calgary to Jasper. This is a great tour for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and the casual sightseer…Not LP reviewed
from USD$196.74 -
J
Museum of the Regiments
Those with an interest in the military will enjoy the Museum of the Regiments, a very thorough overview of Calgary's military background and its role in Canadian conflicts over the years. Follow Crowchild Trail to Flanders Ave - about 3km south of Downtown.
reviewed
-
Red Water Grill
This nice-looking place, south of the downtown core, is easy to find, easy to park at and an easy place to get a good feed. Traditional Canadian dishes are prepared with a bit of extra flair and style. If you're looking for a nicer midrange option, this is the one.
reviewed
-
K
Caesar's Steak House
Well, why wouldn't you? You're in the heart of beef country, so it's only polite to sink your teeth into some prime Alberta AAA steak.
reviewed
-
L
Metropolitan Grill
With a prime location on Stephen Ave Walk, the Met Grill is a trendy and tasty place to savor dinner. Specializing in North American dishes with a fancy twist, the patio out front is a perfect location to have some lunch and take in the views of all the beautiful people.
reviewed
-
Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Calgary
14 hours (Departs Calgary, Canada)
by Viator
Discover mountain lakes and waterfalls during this fabulous day tour. Visit Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" with its backdrop of the glistening…Not LP reviewed
from USD$136.09 -
M
Sahara
Tucked downstairs with windows filled with water pipes and walls draped in red cloth, this Lebanese restaurant is a taste sensation. The aromatic smells fill the room as you dig into the traditional dishes. The combo platters are awesome, especially if you come complete with friends.
reviewed
-
N
Mercato
Traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. The menu is fantastic with authentic dishes from the old country. Delicate pastas are intertwined with seafood and other carnivorous options. The wine list is stellar, with a great selection of Italian wines to complement the fine food.
reviewed
-
O
Ship & Anchor
The Ship is an uberclassic Calgary institution, an all-time favorite of uni students, people who think they're hip and indie music fans. With plentiful beers on tap, the shadowy interior is a cozy winter hideaway, while the picnic table-filled patio is Posing Central come summertime.
reviewed
-
Beautiful Banff Day Trip from Calgary
12 hours (Departs Calgary, Canada)
by Viator
Take a full day to explore the Rocky Mountains, and travel along Tunnel Mountain Drive, with its wind carved rock formations. Then ride to the mountain top on…Not LP reviewed
from USD$153.50 Advertisement
-
P
Fort Calgary Historic Park
In 1875 Calgary was born at Fort Calgary. If only the NWMP who first called Fort Calgary home could see it now. Luckily their efforts have been restored for posterity. There are preserved buildings to walk through, the chance to dress up like a Mountie and even a jail to get locked up in.
reviewed
-
Q
River Café
This organic, free-range and undeniably upscale restaurant that has won a litany of culinary awards is situated on the surprisingly leafy confines of Prince's Island in the middle of the Bow River. The menu is eclectic and determined by season and availability of ingredients with everything originating from either Alberta or BC. With 24 hours notice they can prepare you a picnic hamper in the summer months to enjoy in the nearby park.
reviewed
-
Columbia Icefield Tour from Calgary
15 hours (Departs Calgary, Canada)
by Viator
See the exciting Icefields Parkway on your way to the Columbia Icefield and explore the Athabasca Glacier with Ice Explorer! A dinner stop is made in Banff,…Not LP reviewed
from USD$196.74 -
True North Tours
Working in conjunction with and operating out of the HI-Calgary hostel, True North Tours is a great option for the young - or the young at heart. It offers energetic tourism with an emphasis on getting out there and doing stuff. Multiday trips including meals and accommodations are its specialty - it's a great way to save some loonies.
reviewed
-
R
Hop In Brew
Imagine if you took an old house, turned it into a dive bar, and then threw a great party every weekend. Tucked down a quiet street just off the main drag, the Hop In Brew has got some style. The converted house has a bar upstairs and down, a pool table up top and winding steps right through the middle. There are good tunes, grungy atmosphere and plenty on tap.
reviewed