DAY ONE: EARLY TO RISE
Morning: To get your city bearings head to the Calgary Tower. Stand 191 metres above terra firma on the glass floor of the world’s highest 360-degree observation deck and enjoy unsurpassed panoramic views of the city skyline and the distant Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Then glide down the pathways of central Calgary on a guided segway tour. See the sites as you learn all about the city’s history, art and architecture.
Get a taste of the Calgary Stampede at the Sam Centre, which brings the stories of the iconic annual event to life through a series of immersive experiences . Also known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the Calgary Stampede is famous for featuring the largest rodeo in the world.
Continue to East Village, a vibrant community with walkable access to public art and culture, entertainment hubs and public spaces like the River Walk and new retail and dining options. Stroll along the Bow River, and cross over to St. Patrick’s Island, a wilderness setting in the heart of the city.
Have lunch and soak up the atmosphere at the historic Simmons building or head across the river to JINBAR for bold, Asian-inspired flavours.
Afternoon: Heritage Park Historical Village charts the history and growth of early Western Canadian history over four eras. You will hear stories and may meet fur traders, First Nations people, railway workers and prairie town folk. A highlight of 1910 village is the Gasoline Alley Museum. Then take a ride on the thundering Steam Train or take to the water on an old paddlewheeler ship.
Evening: Have an early dinner at Rouge, whose menu features locally sourced, seasonal and foraged ingredients, often harvested from its on-site garden.
Afterwards, make time to explore one of Calgary’s eclectic neighbourhoods such as Bridgeland, Kensington or Inglewood, each with its own unique character and local charm.
Cap off the evening with a French-inspired cocktail at Bar Chouette, the buzziest new bar in town.
DAY TWO: GO WITH GOOD SPEED
Morning: Open year round, WinSport is the legacy site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, offering visitors an exciting range of thrilling activities and fun outdoors adventures. The family-friendly Downhill karting is a highlight, a pulse-racing 1.8-kilometre ride on a purpose-built track with more than 50 twists and turns and a 100-metre drop.
Grab lunch at the vibrant Calgary Farmers’ Market, a local institution, known for its fresh local produce, baked goods and delicious meals.
Afternoon: For a unique insight into Calgary, experience the art of craft distillation and sample some of the finest local spirits with a tasting tour at Bridgeland Distillery. Alternatively, why not enjoy a food-themed walking tour, where you will savour a range of regional products and meet local food artisans.
Continue to Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrian walk situated along 8 Ave SW (Stephen Avenue) and spanning six blocks in the heart of downtown Calgary. Along the way you may see buskers, festivals and live music. For shoppers, there are nine major shopping centres and department stores, along with an upscale mix of boutiques and galleries and some of Calgary’s finest restaurants, pubs, cafés and bars.
Discover more of Calgary’s favourite hot spots on 17th Avenue, including more than 20 restaurants, lounges and inspirational cafes. 17th Avenue is also a shopping destination, featuring trendy shops and boutiques.
Evening: Stroll along the river pathway to Prince’s Island Park, another green oasis in the city. During the summer, you can also catch one of the many performances or concerts that are staged there.
Dine at the award-winning River Café, located in the park, which is often listed among Canada’s best restaurants. Or enjoy contemporary Latin American cuisine at Fortuna’s Row, one of the hottest new restaurants, on Calgary’s waterfront.
Finish your day with a view of downtown Calgary from its original highway, the Bow River, and marvel at the city’s architecture from the modern Peace Bridge, the striking Reconciliation Bridge or the historic Centre Street Bridge.
