Calgary, Canada-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Calgary, Canada

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Morning: Arrive in Calgary and check-in to your hotel or accommodation. Recommended hotels include:
    • Fairmont Palliser
    • Hotel Arts
    • Hyatt Regency Calgary
  • Afternoon: Visit the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • Evening: Explore 17th Avenue SW, known for its lively atmosphere, restaurants, and bars. Try Home and Away for dinner, a popular spot for burgers and craft beer.

Day 2: Nature and Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Visit Prince’s Island Park, a beautiful natural oasis in the Bow River.
  • Afternoon: Head to Fish Creek Provincial Park for hiking, biking, or picnicking.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at River Café, located in Prince’s Island Park, offering seasonal Canadian cuisine.

Day 3: Culture and History

  • Morning: Visit the Glenbow Museum to learn about Western Canadian history and art.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Calgary Heritage Historic Area, featuring restored buildings from the early 20th century.
  • Evening: Catch a performance or concert at the National Music Centre.

Day 4: Day Trip to Banff

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Banff National Park ( approx. 1.5 hours west of Calgary).
  • Afternoon: Visit Lake Louise, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains.
  • Evening: Return to Calgary and enjoy dinner at Charbar, offering Argentine-inspired cuisine.

Day 5: Local Flavors and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Calgary Farmers’ Market, featuring local produce, meats, and crafts.
  • Afternoon: Take a food tour of Inglewood, exploring the neighborhood’s culinary scene.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Nash, serving up Southern-inspired comfort food.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning: Go rafting or kayaking on the Bow River with a guided tour.
  • Afternoon: Visit Canada Olympic Park, featuring skiing, bobsled, and zip lining in winter; mountain biking and hiking in summer.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Buchanan’s Chop House, offering premium steaks and seafood.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart Calgary, bringing back memories of your amazing trip!

Things to Know

  • Calgary has a dry climate, so be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
  • The city is bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and rentals available.
  • Tipping in Canada is similar to the US, with 15-20% expected for good service.

Transportation

  • Calgary International Airport (YYC): serviced by major airlines, with taxis, shuttles, and car rentals available.
  • Public Transit: Calgary has an efficient bus system, including a downtown free fare zone.
  • Car Rental: Available at the airport or in the city, if you prefer to drive.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Pack layers for unpredictable mountain weather.
  • Take advantage of free Wi-Fi in many cafes and public spaces.

Other Things of Interest

  • Stampede: Calgary’s famous rodeo and festival, held annually in July.
  • Festivals: Calgary hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and the Calgary International Film Festival.
  • Day Trips: Consider visiting Kananaskis Country, a scenic region with hiking trails, lakes, and mountains.