Searching for fun things to do in Calgary?
Most people fly into Calgary to head off to Banff, but a lot of them don’t spend any time exploring Calgary.
I know I didn’t the first time I visited Banff – we just stayed at a hotel the night before our early morning flight back to Toronto.
There’s actually a lot of fun stuff to do in Calgary, no matter what kinds of things or activities you’re into!
Here are some of the best and most fun things to do in Calgary, Alberta.
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Hotels in Calgary
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your trip to Calgary, here are some of the best hotels to stay at:
- The Alt Hotel is an eco-friendly 3 star hotel located right in the middle of downtown Calgary, in the East Village neighbourhood. It’s a quick walk over to the Bow River, where you can do all kinds of fun activities during the warmer months.
- Hotel Arts is a beautiful and modern 4 star hotel in Calgary’s trendy Beltline neighbourhood, and there’s an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and fitness centre.
- The Fairmont Palliser is a 4 star hotel located right in the heart of downtown Calgary, right beside the Calgary Tower. The rooms are a little more traditional, but the indoor pool is absolutely incredible.
Plan your Calgary trip
If you’re planning a trip to Alberta, here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:
- Looking for more things to do in Calgary? Check out my 24 hour Calgary itinerary.
- Searching for places to eat? Hit up the best restaurants in Calgary, the best brunch spots in Calgary or the best ice cream spots in Calgary.
- In the mood for a road trip? Here’s the perfect 6 day Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary.
- Visiting Banff and Jasper? Check out my spring guide to Banff & Jasper or my winter guide to Banff & Jasper, as well as the best restaurants in Banff.
- Doing any road trips? Check out my road trip tips, listen to the best podcasts for your road trip, and be sure to wear comfy road trip outfits.
- Looking for somewhere to stay? Read up on my tips on finding the best Airbnbs!
- In need of packing tips? Peep out my posts on the ultimate carry-on packing list, how to pack for a weekend in a personal item, or how to plan your travel outfits.
- Searching for other helpful travel tips? Check out my tips for traveling on a budget, how to plan a travel itinerary, how to survive long-haul flights, and how to take perfect travel photos.
Tours & activities in Calgary
Spending all your time in downtown Calgary? You might enjoy these tours and activities:
- Floating down the Bow River is one of the top activities to do in downtown Calgary, and you can choose between different rafts depending on the size of your party (including your pets!)
- If you’re looking to explore Calgary with a guide, you might enjoy this 60-minute guided segway tour that takes you around the Bow River (or the longer 90-minute version).
- Another great guided tour in Calgary is this vintage sidecar motorcycle tour, where you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of Calgary while riding alongside your own driver!
- This self-guided GPS walking tour is another fun option, and you can explore downtown Calgary while listening to the tour guide speak on your phone.
Looking to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains while in Calgary? Try one of these guided day tours:
- Explore Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake with this private sightseeing van tour.
- Explore Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, and Moraine Lake with this guided one day tour.
- Head out for a day adventure to Columbia Icefield from Calgary.
Fun things to do in Calgary
Hit up one of Calgary’s best restaurants
If you’re a big foodie, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting restaurants in Calgary.
There are plenty of fantastic brunch spots in Calgary, and since it’s a multicultural city, you’ll also find plenty of great ethnic restaurants as well!
LOCATION: Various locations
Ride down the Bow River
The Bow River runs straight through downtown Calgary, and it’s a popular spot in the summer for floating, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Floating on a raft is one of the best water activities to do in Calgary, and you can choose between raft sizes of 4 to 10 people – pets are welcome as well!
There are plenty of entry and exit points along the river, so you can start and stop from plenty of places if you’re kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, but be wary of the strong currents!
Cycle or scoot along the Bow River Pathway
Looking to do a little exercise while you’re oot and aboot in Calgary?
The Bow River Pathway is a pedestrian and bike path that runs along both sides of the Bow River, so you can loop around it and enjoy the views of downtown Calgary and the river.
Rent a bike at a nearby bike shop in downtown Calgary, or pick up an e-scooter from Bird or Neuron.
If you’re looking to invest in a great-quality electric bike, EVT Bikes is based out of Calgary and their bikes are great for cycling around the city!
If you’d rather do a tour, this fun 60-minute guided segway tour is a great way to zoom around the river!
Walk under the Peace Bridge
There are quite a few bridges hanging over the Bow River, and the uniquely-designed Peace Bridge is made for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.
Take a walk under the bridge and snap some cool photos, or zoom through it on a scooter or bike!
LOCATION: Peace Bridge, Calgary, AB
Stroll through Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is one of the nicest parks in Calgary, and it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
It’s actually located right by the Peace Bridge, so you can just walk on over after stopping by the bridge!
If you’re looking to spend a little time relaxing, you can grab some bubble tea nearby from The Alley, Gong Cha, or CoCo in Chinatown and have a little picnic by the river.
Paid street parking is available, and it’s free on Sundays.
Fun fact: this actually used to be home to a sawmill!
LOCATION: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Check out the street art in downtown Calgary
Whether you’re looking to admire art or snap a photo for the ‘Gram, there are plenty of cool murals and public art to see in downtown Calgary.
The Beltline Urban Murals Project is really cool to see and is located in the hip Beltline neighbourhood!
Go up the Calgary Tower
Hey, maybe it’s super touristy, but there’s nothing like seeing the city from up above.
You can peep out the 360 degree views of Calgary from 191 metres high at the Calgary Tower, and if you’re brave enough, you can walk along the glass floors at the observation deck.
On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains from the tower.
Admission is $18 per person, and you can come in the evening to watch the sunset!
LOCATION: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Fun things to do in Calgary:
- Hit up one of Calgary’s best restaurants
- Ride down the Bow River
- Cycle or scoot along the Bow River Pathway
- Walk under the Peace Bridge
- Stroll through Prince’s Island Park
- Check out the street art in downtown Calgary
- Go up the Calgary Tower
These were some of the best and most fun things to do in Calgary!
What are the most fun activities and things to do in Calgary in your opinion? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
If you’re planning a trip to Alberta, here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:
- Looking for more things to do in Calgary? Check out my 24 hour Calgary itinerary.
- Searching for places to eat? Hit up the best restaurants in Calgary, the best brunch spots in Calgary or the best ice cream spots in Calgary.
- In the mood for a road trip? Here’s the perfect 6 day Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary.
- Visiting Banff and Jasper? Check out my spring guide to Banff & Jasper or my winter guide to Banff & Jasper, as well as the best restaurants in Banff.
- Doing any road trips? Check out my road trip tips, listen to the best podcasts for your road trip, and be sure to wear comfy road trip outfits.
- Looking for somewhere to stay? Read up on my tips on finding the best Airbnbs!
- In need of packing tips? Peep out my posts on the ultimate carry-on packing list, how to pack for a weekend in a personal item, or how to plan your travel outfits.
- Searching for other helpful travel tips? Check out my tips for traveling on a budget, how to plan a travel itinerary, how to survive long-haul flights, and how to take perfect travel photos.
