Find cheap flights to Calgary

A cowboy town at heart, in Calgary, leather boots and wide-brimmed hats continue to reign supreme! However, this diverse city is home to glossy high rises, cutting edge eateries and people speaking over 120 languages. Apart from a vibrant nightlife, the city boasts a long line up of events and festivals. The best time to see Calgary in action is in the summer months from June – August. Festivals such as Calgary Stampede, Calgary Fringe Festival and Calgary International Blues Festival take place during these months, and the weather conditions are perfect to enjoy the outdoors. Since this is the peak tourist season, expect room rates and flight prices to skyrocket, especially around the dates of the events and festivals. For a relatively quieter time, visit Calgary in the short spring season from April – May or in the fall from September – October. From November – March, the city is flooded with a large number of winter sports enthusiasts, who make Calgary their base before heading to the powdery slopes. However, winters are cold; average temperatures plummet to 25 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tourist population overall is at its lowest. However, if you are seeking attractive bargains and don’t mind the harsh winters, this is a good time to travel to Calgary.

There are several ways to get around in Calgary. If you’re going to be within the city limits most of the time, it’s best to avoid driving and rely on other Calgary transportation options. Navigating the city roads may be difficult for newcomers, and parking in the downtown areas is scarce and expensive.

Walking

Calgary’s downtown core is very walkable, with plenty of wayfinding signage that guide visitors to various attractions, restaurants and public art. The city also boasts one of the world’s most extensive pedestrian skywalk systems called +15. The covered +15 corridor is 11 miles long and has 62 bridges that connect several hotels, attractions, and shopping centers that can be covered on foot in any weather conditions.

Cycling

If you do not wish to walk all the time, consider hiring a bike. Calgary has one of the most extensive urban pathway and cycle path networks in North America. You will find dedicated bike lanes even along most of the major streets in the city.

Public Transportation

The city’s public transportation network is efficient and economical. Calgary Transit operates over 160 routes for public bus and 2 routes for the Light Rail Transit (LRT), known as the CTrain. The adult fare for both buses and CTrains is $3.30 CAD, which includes transfers for up to 90 minutes. A day pass costs $10.50 CAD and allows unlimited usage of buses and trains for the pass duration. Within the downtown core, CTrain offers a fare free zone along 7th Avenue between City Hall and West/Kerby Stations. You can hop on and off for free when travelling within this area.

Taxis

Taxis are easily available and fares are reasonably priced. You do not need to pre-book a ride.

U.S. nationals do not need a visa to enter Canada, they only need to carry a valid passport. For foreign nationals, please check the Government of Canada Immigration website.

Things to do and places of interest in Calgary

Calgary is a diverse and vibrant city that boasts a blossoming food scene, happening nightlife, and several family-friendly attractions. Here are a few ideas for your itinerary, when you travel to Calgary.

• Relive the Wild West in the 66-acre Heritage Park, where you can view a 1860s replica of a fur-trading post, a ranch, and a living historic village. You can also ride on a steam locomotive or a horse-drawn wagon or cruise the reservoir by paddle-wheeler boat.
• Head to Prince’s Island Park for a picnic lunch. Walk or bike along trails lined with cottonwood trees, catch a cultural festival or concert in the park, and follow the footbridge across the Bow River to sample delicious eats at the stalls of Eau Claire Market.
• Visit the sprawling Calgary Zoo that houses over 1,400 animals including tigers, gorillas, kangaroos, emus, moose, and bears. The complex is also home to a massive botanical garden, and a Prehistoric Park.
• Enjoy spectacular views of the city as well as the Canadian Rockies from atop the 626-feet high Calgary Tower in the heart of downtown.
• History and art aficionados should not miss a visit to the Glenbow museum and the Gasoline Alley Museum. You can also learn about early life of western Mounties at the Fort Calgary Historic Park
• Catch a game of hockey at the Scotiabank Saddledome, home of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames.
• Indulge in retail therapy along the 3 blocks of the pedestrian-only shopping area Stephen Avenue Walk. Along this stretch you can also watch several street performers and local artists in action.

Tips and tricks for visiting Calgary

Try to visit during the Calgary Stampede

Check out Calgary’s most colorful and festive side in July during the 10-day long Calgary Stampede festival. This is the world’s largest rodeo and features various events including First Nations exhibits, chuck wagon races, shows, and concerts round the clock during the 10 days.

Explore the surroundings

With the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies just a short drive away, many visitors prefer to make Calgary their base as they explore Western Canada’s gorgeous national parks and natural splendor. For a unique itinerary, consider visiting Calgary in the slightly cooler months when the crowds are less, and head to the hiking trails just outside the city. You can also try luge and a host of other winter sports at the Canada Olympic Park, or hit the slopes for a variety of fun winter activities. Consider a day trip to the Kananaskis Country area that marks the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Here you can get up close with a variety of wildlife, including elk, and more than 130 species of birds. Don’t miss the sight of the brilliant blue waters of Lake Louise and spend some time relaxing in the hot springs.