Calgary Holidays

Best time to visit Calgary

There is no wrong time of the year to visit Calgary. It depends on what you want to experience!

The weather in Calgary is one of its most attractive features, boasting 333 days of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest major city in Canada. During summer, the average high is a lovely 23°C but can get into the low 30s, making it the perfect location to enjoy top summer attractions like the Calgary Stampede and marvel at the majestic scenery near the city. Calgary International Blues Festival also takes place in summer.

In winter, snow is often found, and with big ski resorts like Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay not far away, it’s the perfect time to visit. Christmas in Calgary is certainly something to consider, with the city covered in snow and festive lights. If you are visiting Calgary in the winter, there are the Glow Winter Festival and the Calgary Wine Fest to look forward to.

Highlights of Calgary

What is Calgary famous for?

• Calgary Stampede
• Western heritage
• Gateway to the Canadian Rockies
• Close to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Calgary Tower
• Heritage Park Historical Village
• Indigenous experiences
• WinSport Canada Olympic Park
• Thriving food scene

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Gateway to the Canadian Rockies

Holidays to Calgary from the UK aren’t just about city breaks. Calgary is known as the Gateway to the Canadian Rockies, a place of natural splendour, featuring ice-capped peaks, alpine lakes, diverse wildlife, and amazing national parks.

A holiday to Calgary, Canada means you will be just an hour and a half drive to Banff National Park and another 40 minutes to the world-famous Lake Louise, featuring the most stunning scenery you can imagine.

Whether you choose to board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff as part of a rail or rail & cruise holiday, rent a car/motorhome for a scenic Canada self-drive tour, or opt for a ski holiday at the SkiBig3 resorts of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay, the Canadian Rocky Mountains won’t disappoint.

Five UNESCO World Heritage Parks

Calgary is the only city in Canada surrounded by five UNESCO World Heritage parks, providing visitors with plenty to see and do at these important locations.

There are the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, featuring the majestic Banff and Jasper National Parks, as well as BC’s Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

You can also visit the Dinosaur Provincial Park, where 150 dinosaur skeletons have been discovered (watch out for fossils!).

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is another, where Indigenous people once hunted and is today a great place to learn about their history.

The oasis of Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in Alberta’s southwest is replete with pretty lakes; and finally, the newly established Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park – a place of cultural importance for indigenous people for over 10,000 years.

Art, History and Culture

Calgary getaways are the perfect opportunity to enjoy art, history, and culture. Situated on the Bow River, Calgary is the financial centre of Western Canada and it has a history deeply tied to the region’s industrial roots.

While Calgary is a fairly modern city, humans have settled here for at least 12,000 years, with indigenous peoples calling the land home, including the Blackfoot nation. Discover some of this history yourself at the likes of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park and the Interpretive Centre at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump.

Calgary’s artistic legacy can be enjoyed at Glenbow Museum and those wanting to dive into the city’s cowboy culture must pay a visit to the Calgary Stampede show – a celebration of the Wild West.

Calgary Food Scene

Calgary’s dining scene touches every corner of the globe, from European fare and Asian delights to speciality dishes from South America and Africa.

There are top-tier restaurants and bistros, charming cafes, and bars serving up tasty grub with a refreshing beverage.

Calgary also has a celebrated collection of craft beer distilleries and micro-breweries. Calgary boasts a menu of signature dishes to add to your to-do list, including the Canadian prairie classic ‘flapper pie’ - rich vanilla custard on a graham cracker crust with a meringue topping.

And you’ve got to sit down for a plate of bison - Alberta’s indigenous food, today served up as tenderloin, short ribs, and burgers. When you then add Calgary food walking tours to the mix, you have a culinary escapade to truly savour.

Things to do in Calgary

A holiday to Calgary presents so many possibilities, no matter what your tastes and desires are. With an abundance of things to see and do across the city, such as the living history museum known as Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary Zoo, and the popular Calgary Tower with its spectacular observation deck, there is never a dull moment.

You don’t have to stay within the city limits, however, as day trips to the majestic Canadian Rockies are also possible. Or how about a trip to Alberta’s Badlands at the Dinosaur Provincial Park?

We haven’t even mentioned the activities at Canada Olympic Park or the litany of fascinating indigenous experiences. You can pack it all in on your Calgary holiday and we are here to make it happen.

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Heritage Park Historical Village

The Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living history museum and a wonderful day out for families in Calgary.

Designed to give visitors a taste of the past, the village is set in Calgary’s beautiful Glenmore Reservoir, combining history, adventure, discovery and fun. Visitors can look forward to walking the boards of a real Western town, meeting the voyagers who made famous journeys into Canada's wilderness and hearing the fascinating stories of the First Nations people.

You can discover how the introduction of the automobile changed Canada's culture, enjoy restaurants, shopping and the world-class Gasoline Alley Museum; ride an authentic steam train and immerse yourself in the old west. All of which makes it a special attraction for people of all ages.

Ascend the Calgary Tower

Located 191 metres above downtown Calgary, the Calgary Tower observation deck offers a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the rolling foothills, and the expansive prairie landscape. If you dare, stand on the amazing glass floor above the heart of Calgary for a birds-eye view of the city streets directly below.

This is one of the most popular attractions in the city and the views it provides are unrivalled. The one-of-a-kind experience also includes a multi-media tour through Calgary’s past and present, an original short film about the tower, and a fly-through video that captures breathtaking views of Alberta.

Visit the Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in all of Canada and is located just east of the city’s downtown area. Operated by the not-for-profit Calgary Zoological Society, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and 272 different species. Set over 120 acres and seven distinct zones, Calgary Zoo transports visitors to all corners of the world.

Calgary Zoo has been recognised as one of the top zoos in the world for conservation research and is one of the province of Alberta’s most beloved attractions. From giraffes and hippos to penguins and tigers, Calgary Zoo is home to all of your favourite animals and a great attraction to add to your to-do list.

Head up to Canada Olympic Park

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush during your Calgary holidays, head up to WinSport Canada Olympic Park.

This ski hill and multi-purpose sporting facility are utilised for both high-performance athletics training and recreational use by the general public. Here you can ride a zip line from the top of the Olympic Ski jump made famous by Eddie the Eagle, or travel down the Bobsleigh track with a professional driver reaching speeds of 100km/h!

In the summer, visitors can enjoy mountain biking with numerous trails available, and there are also the likes of ice skating, mini golf, and downhill karting. No matter the season, rain or shine, the Olympic Park is definitely a great choice for one and all.

Day trip to the Canadian Rockies

Out of the 5 UNESCO world heritage sites near Calgary, the Canadian Rockies is the most popular. It’s just an hour and a half drive to Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most spectacular locations. Set within the park is Banff town – a wonderful resort with the most beautiful backdrop, replete with restaurants and chateau-style hotels.

Lake Louise is another unmissable location, a picture-perfect setting focused on a glacier-fed, turquoise lake ringed by impressive mountains. The fact that you can enjoy a day trip to the Rockies and all its myriad attractions make a holiday to Calgary a truly standout experience. An excursion to numerous locations in the Canadian Rockies can easily be added to your itinerary by our travel experts.

Explore Dinosaur Provincial Park

Located in Alberta’s Badlands and not far from Calgary is Dinosaur Provincial Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a surreal quality thanks to its dramatic rocky landscape. The iconic hoodoos and buttes are straight out of the wild west but what the area is truly famous for is its dinosaur heritage.

Millions of years ago this was a massive hot spot for these terrifying creatures and 150 different dinosaur skeletons have been discovered in the park. Guided hikes are available for an in-depth exploration of the park and budding palaeontologists should definitely keep their eyes open, as real dinosaur bones are often found. Yet another amazing location to visit on your Alberta, Canada holidays.

Visit the Calgary Stampede Show

Calgary is known around the world for the famous Calgary Stampede, an incredible show celebrating the city’s western heritage. Featuring games and rides, concerts and fireworks, as well as plenty of tasty local grub. The main event, however, is certainly the rodeo, where the excitement kicks up a notch with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing.

The fairground and agricultural exhibits provide plenty of further entertainment for a truly unique Calgary experience. If you are looking to immerse yourself in local culture, the Calgary Stampede is the place to be. Just make sure to bring your cowboy hat so you can dress the part. Our travel experts can even put together Calgary stampede holiday packages so that your entire trip is built around this iconic event.

Calgary Indigenous Experiences

There is a multitude of indigenous experiences available for those holidaying in Calgary. The Heritage Park Historical Village is in the city itself where First Nations stories can be witnessed.

Less than an hour from the city is the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park – a National Historic Site dedicated to promoting and preserving the Siksika Nation’s language, culture and traditions.

A day trip to the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site can also be enjoyed, just two hours away, this former fur trade post is home to interactive exhibits, indigenous programming, hiking trails, and wild bison viewing opportunities.

Yet another fantastic indigenous experience is the Head-Smashed-In Jump Interpretive Centre where visitors can discover the culture around Buffalo hunting.

Calgary Food Walking Tours

There’s no better way to sample Calgary’s many culinary delights than with a Calgary food walking tour, allowing you to sample some of the city’s tastiest edibles, dishes and delicacies for a true taste of Alberta life. One of the top spots to visit is Inglewood – Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood – which has become the city’s beloved culinary hub, replete with charming eateries and speciality shops.

A food walking tour in Inglewood will become a true highlight of your time in Calgary, giving you the opportunity to learn about indigenous foods, make an Alberta salad, try signature dishes from the region, and visit some of Calgary’s best restaurants.

Holidays to Calgary from the UK

A holiday to Calgary from the UK can be whatever you want it to be. You could combine a fascinating city break, where you spend your time exploring the delights of the city centre - such as Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower, and the Olympic Park - with the excitement of an adventure holiday to the Rocky Mountains. You could spend half the time on board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train and the other half exploring the sights in and around the city of Calgary via your own car.

Perhaps a motorhome holiday will be more your speed, with time spent in a comfortable Calgary hotel at the start and beginning of your trip. Family holidays in Calgary are a blast as well, with lots of great attractions and activities to keep the young and old entertained. Or maybe you would like to experience the area’s western heritage with a Calgary ranch holiday? Whatever it is you want to see and do and however you want to do it, get in touch and we can tailor a Calgary holiday just for you.

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Calgary city breaks

Calgary is definitely a window to a wider world, but it certainly has more than enough to offer as a single destination holiday.

There is an abundance of top attractions both within and outside the city, such as the Calgary Tower, the Olympic Park, Calgary Stampede, amazing restaurants and a host of stunning natural attractions and national parks on your doorstep should you choose.

You might want to also consider a multi-stay city break, with one of the most popular options combining Calgary and Banff in one holiday.

Being just an hour and a half’s drive from one another, you can enjoy the delights of Calgary and then spend time exploring the majestic Banff National Park and visit Lake Louise - famous for its exquisite beauty.

Rocky Mountaineer holidays from Calgary

A flight to Calgary, Canada gives visitors the opportunity to embark on the famous Rocky Mountaineer – one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. By flying into Calgary, you can board the Rocky Mountaineer from either Banff or Lake Louise and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind rail holiday, wending your way through the iconic Canadian Rockies.

We can even create an itinerary that allows you to explore Calgary and Banff or Lake Louise before boarding the train – packing in some of Canada’s very best sites in one amazing Calgary holiday package.

The train journey known as ‘First Passage to the West’ finishes in the wonderful city of Vancouver – home to its own unique delights. The adventure doesn’t have to stop at Vancouver, however, as cruise ships to Alaska depart from the city – a ticket on board can be yours if you so choose.

Self-drive holidays from Calgary

If you crave the freedom to explore Canada at your own pace, a self-drive holiday from Calgary is a brilliant option. You can hop in your own car, chart a course and discover the delights of locations near and far. You could consider exploring the best of Western Canada, for example, taking you through Alberta and British Columbia, through mountains to the rugged coastline of the Pacific.

Such an experience can include the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Jasper, Lake Louise, Whistler, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island all in one amazing holiday. Or maybe you will decide to head east from Calgary and explore Central Canada’s hidden treasures in Alberta, as well as ranches and prairies in Saskatchewan, the Canadian Badlands, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Motorhome holidays from Calgary

For those wanting to get away from hotels, a motorhome holiday from Calgary will be the choice for you. Whether you decide to head west and explore highlights of the Canadian Rockies in both Alberta and British Columbia before arriving at Vancouver on the beautiful Pacific coast or to head east to discover Central Canada’s rugged landscapes, it will be an adventure you won’t forget with glorious scenic drives in abundance.

For a shorter motorhome holiday, you can stick to journeying through the Rockies in both Alberta and BC or, for a longer experience, you can tick off all the famous attractions of the region, from Elk Island National Park and Drumheller to Banff and Vancouver Island. It’s all possible in one itinerary from Calgary and we can help make it happen.

Escorted tours from Calgary

Want to get out on the open road but with a little more guidance during your trip? Escorted tours from Calgary will be an option well worth considering. Travelling in a luxury coach, an escorted tour can see you experiencing the top destinations in both Alberta and British Columbia. Led by an expert guide, you will be shown all the highlights and have the history of the region explained as you travel with like-minded people.

The best hotels in Canada await each evening, meaning you can relax in comfort after having spent the day touring the majesty of Canada’s most scenic locations and enjoying memorable attractions. The joy of letting someone else drive means you can keep your eye on the view instead of the road and make the absolute most of the experience.