Calgary
United States and Canada · Canada
See also
Banff
Canada51.18°N 115.57°W · 1,400 m
Overview
Calgary is Alberta's largest city and Canada's third-largest, located where the prairies meet the foothills. It serves as the eastern gateway to the Rocky Mountains, making it the best access point for Banff and Jasper.
Languages: English, French
Why go?
Calgary is Alberta's largest city and Canada's third-largest, located where the prairies meet the foothills. It serves as the eastern gateway to the Rocky Mountains, making it the best access point for Banff and Jasper. It's a worthwhile destination in its own right, known as The Stampede City and YYC.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a major hub with flights from Air Canada, WestJet, and other carriers. Intercity buses include Banff Airporter ($84 one-way), Brewster Express ($74 one-way), and services from Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Vancouver. The airport has free Wi-Fi and White Hat volunteers for assistance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Calgary has a light rail transit system (C-Train) and an extensive bus network. Taxis include Associated Cab, Checker Cabs, and Uber is available. Be careful crossing LRT tracks as trains are quiet; heed bells and barriers at pedestrian crossings.
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When to go
Calgary is sunny and dry with wide temperature ranges. Summers are mild with July/August highs averaging 24°C, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are cold with occasional chinook winds that can raise temperatures dramatically. The Calgary Stampede in July is very popular but often rainy. Always check the forecast.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodations are mainly in the City Centre, Motel Village near 16 Ave NW and Crowchild Trail, and near the airport. Hostels are available in the City Centre. Only one campground lies within city limits.
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Food and drink
Calgary is proud of its Alberta beef steakhouses. Ginger beef was invented here. International cuisines are abundant, especially Vietnamese and Mediterranean. Downtown restaurants are very busy weekday lunch. The Caesar cocktail originated here. Craft breweries like Wild Rose Brewery and distilleries like Bridgeland Distillery are popular.
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Things to do
Major attractions include the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, and the Stampede Grounds. Festivals occur year-round: Calgary Stampede (July), Folk Music Festival (July), High Performance Rodeo (January). Outdoor activities include whitewater kayaking at Harvie Passage and hiking in nearby Kananaskis.
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Safety
Calgary is generally very safe, but avoid East Village and Victoria Park at night. Panhandlers are common downtown. Be careful crossing LRT tracks. Emergency rooms have long wait times; check Alberta Health wait times online. Winter driving requires caution due to snow and ice.
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Connectivity
Area codes are 403 and 587. The city offers public Wi-Fi in some areas. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. WiFi hotspots are listed at wifispc.com.
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Budget
Bus to Banff costs $74-84 one-way. Sample tickets at Taste of Calgary cost $1 each. Hostel dorm prices not specified but downtown hotels are expensive. A daily backpacker budget (excluding accommodation) might be $50-100 CAD.
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Go next
Popular day trips include Banff and Lake Louise (2 hours west), Drumheller with the Royal Tyrrell Museum (90 minutes east), and Kananaskis Country (1 hour west). Longer trips to Edmonton (3 hours north) and Jasper (4 hours northwest) are also possible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Beakerhead
(September, 5 days) Combines the arts/culture sectors with the science/technology sectors to encourage collaboration, innovation, and science education through interactive art exhibits, engineered installations, entertainment, and workshops.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bridgeland Distillery
A Calgary-based distillery showcasing Tradition, Innovation and Terroir: Brandy and Whisky Makers. Guided Tours on Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Book tour online
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calaway Park
Western Canada's largest amusement park, roughly 15 minutes west of Calgary. Gate admission pays for all rides; games, food cost extra.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calgary Dinos
Ice hockey (men's & women's teams), field hockey (women), Canadian football (men), basketball (men & women), rugby (women), soccer (men's & women's), swimming, track & field/x-country, volleyball (men & women), wrestling.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calgary Expo
(April, 3 days) Pop culture festival featuring fantasy, sci-fi, horror, gaming, comics, anime and manga.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calgary Folk Music Festival
(July, 4 days) An extremely broad definition of "folk music" is used for this well-established festival. In addition to seven different stages with dozens of international performers, there is an area with performances & activities for kids, a market, food, and lots more.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calgary Fringe Festival
(August, 10 days) Calgary's festival of uncensored & unjuried theatre takes place at a variety of traditional and unconventional venues.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Calgary International Bluesfest
(late July & early August, 4 days) Calgary's got the blues. Many performers at a variety of venues.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at airport and city public Wi-Fi program. Area codes: 403 and 587.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies. Non-emergency ambulance: 403-261-4000. Non-emergency police: 403-266-1234.
Health
Emergency rooms have long wait times; use 811 Health Link for nurse advice. Several hospitals serve the city.
Safety
Avoid East Village and Victoria Park at night. Panhandlers are common downtown. Emergency rooms have long wait times.
Transport
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a major hub with bus services to Banff, Canmore, and other destinations.
Weather
Summers are mild with afternoon storms; winters cold with chinook winds. Temperatures can vary dramatically.