A first-time guide to Calgary, Alberta

18.09.2024 - 15:05 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 17, 2024 • 8 min read

It’s a missed opportunity made by far too many – land in Calgary and then immediately be shuttled off to the Canadian Rockies ever looming to the west, with Banff National Park being within 90 minutes. In reality, Calgary should carry equal weight within any Southern Alberta itinerary.

Very much a cosmopolitan city with the glacier-blue Bow River running through it and a soaring skyline – you can’t miss its red paint-topped Calgary Tower – there is also an undeniable friendliness to it all. This charm perhaps stems best from its reputation as “Cowtown” and “Stampede City” – consider Calgary to be Canada’s version of a metropolitan Wild West. It’s the heartbeat of Canada’s principal oil and gas producing province, it’s a cattle ranching capital and, for a major city, has an infectious, laid-back vibe.

Tell any Calgarian it’s your first time in the city, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. As for making the most of that adventure, here’s what to know.

June through August is summer, event-filled bliss. The Calgary Stampede is the city’s hallmark event, taking place in July. Billed as “the greatest outdoor show on earth,” it’s one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world, attracting well over 1 million guests annually. You don’t have to be a rodeo lover to appreciate the citywide spectacle either – there are also entertaining Calgary-bred chuckwagon races, Indigenous community spotlights, farming exhibitions, mega-concerts, Midway food concoctions and more. High temperatures hover around 21ºC (70ºF) all summer long, making for big crowds and higher prices. For a bargain, eye the November to March timeframe – high temperatures peak around -1ºC (30ºF) and equate to lower city foot traffic, but nearby ski resorts are in their powdery prime.

A full three days or long weekend should be the minimum to experience Calgary's cultural musts, including downtown museums, quiet neighborhood strolls and unique Western pizzazz. If you’re looking to pair your Calgary experience with a nearby ski day or two, five days should do it. Those seeking to tack on Banff and/or Jasper National Park excursions should plan for a week to 10 days.

You may see “YYC” floating on select business signage in Calgary and its surrounding confines. YYC is the airport code for Calgary International Airport, which is tucked approximately 20km (12 miles), which is a 20-minute drive, north of downtown. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are ever-prevalent in Calgary and are the easiest way for getting in/out of the airport.

The city is walkable and bike-friendly. During colder weather, note the “Plus 15” system – it’s a 16km network of raised, covered and climate-controlled walkways to take advantage of. Scooters –