Looking for ideas to explore Calgary on the weekend? Quite a goal! As the largest city in Alberta, Calgary has one of the most dazzling city skylines. Admittedly, it’s not an easy task to discover the city over a weekend, but we have got some bright ideas for you. Make sure to bookmark this page and add these things to do in Calgary to your itinerary for a weekend trip.
From culinary experiences to adventure, Calgary has several places and attractions. So, get ready to pack for your ultimate city exploration over a weekend.
Fun facts about Calgary
Calgary is home to over 1.4 million population and is one of the youngest cities in Canada. Before we get started with the itinerary, here are some fun facts about the city.
- Calgary has been rated as the cleanest city in the world.
- In 2018, did you know that Calgary was ranked the 4th most livable city in the world?
- Every year, Calgary attracts a massive crowd during the Calgary Stampede, which is the largest rodeo in the world and one of the greatest outdoor shows in the world.
- As the sunniest city in all of Canada, you can expect 333 average sunshine days every year.
- If you are planning on some fishing adventure, here’s an interesting fact for you. Did you know that the Bow River is one of the top three trout streams in the world?
How to explore Calgary on the weekend?
We have carefully curated this itinerary to help you explore this destination in three days. Remember, Calgary has so many places to visit and discover, so you must be prepared to hit the ground running almost immediately.
Day 1
Start by visiting the WinSport Canada Olympic Park, where the 1988 Winter Olympics was held. Spend some time learning about the history of events and sports activities like ski jumping, bobsleigh, and the ski hill. One of the incredible adventures you must try is the Downhill Karting at Skyline Luge, Calgary.
When it’s lunch o’clock, stop by Calgary Farmer’s Market. Refuel yourself with some delicious food, shop for fresh produce, and look for some artsy stuff at the boutique shops to take back home.
Follow your journey to another important landmark – The Calgary Tower. With just USD 14, you can get on top of the tower, and it is well worth the view. The observation deck will let you enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
Downtown Calgary is full of surprises. Stroll through the spectacular streets of Stephen Avenue Walk, enjoy window shopping and grab a cup of coffee while you are doing that. Check out the public art on display and spot sculptures like Galleria Trees, Wonderland, The Conversation, Famous Five, and the most recent addition of the all-new Van Gogh Monumental.
Another essential stop to make on day one of Calgary exploration is the Peace Bridge. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, Peace Bridge connects goes over the Bow River and has a designated cycling path.
Finally, relish an extraordinary meal at Pigeonhole, a restaurant listed amongst the best new restaurants of 2015.
Day 2
One of the fun things to do in Calgary over a weekend is to visit the zoo. It’s a fun day out, an idea, and an opportunity to learn about conservation and endangered species. Following your visit to the zoo, get ready to discover Canada’s largest living history museum, also known as Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village. With over 200 exhibits, interactive displays, and experiences, this is your opportunity to step back into history.
If you are looking for another exciting thing to do in downtown Calgary and that too for free, visit Calgary Central Public Library. Recognized as one of the top 100 Greatest Places of 2019, this library has had an incredible architectural makeover, both inside and out. The makeover of the building was estimated at $245 million.
Take a break to enjoy an evening stroll by Prince’s Island Park, situated right in the middle of the city. If you are visiting Calgary during summer days, be sure to enjoy some of the local festivals, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Expo Latino. You could also grab a bite at the River Cafe, a fine dining restaurant.
Don’t let your day be over just yet. Visit the TELUS Spark Science Centre with your little ones. There are fun and interactive educational exhibits for geeks, from entertaining nature movies to planetarium shows.
Finally, no touristic exploration is complete without visiting a museum. As one of the top things to do in Calgary, The Glenbow Museum accurately represents Western Canadian art and culture. They have over one million objects, documents, photographs, and artworks on display.
For dinner, try fast-food-style burgers at Peter’s drive-thru. As Calgary’s most famous eat-out spot, Peter’s drive-thru has a delicious spread of food choices, all at affordable prices.
Day 3
While days one and two might have been all about discovering the most prominent spots in and around Calgary, we want you to enjoy day three with a fun adventure. Try one of the best things to do in Calgary – Go Fly-Fishing. If you didn’t already know, Calgary’s Bow River is one of the best trout fishing spots in the world.
After a long tiring day of the fly fishing adventure, enjoy the best night out in Calgary. Whether you’d like to check out the local nightclubs or want to do bar hopping, Calgary is just the place to be. As the sun goes down, downtown Calgary lights up to have a good time at night. One of the top things to do in Calgary during the night is to visit Stagewest Calgary. This is your opportunity to enjoy live musical theatre with the city’s most extensive buffets. With over 5000 different restaurants and 50 breweries, you are sure to be spoilt for choice.
What is the best mode of commute to explore Calgary?
As a weekender, it’s always best to hire a rental car. This will help you discover the city at your own pace. If you are planning to go by this itinerary, rest assured that there will be a ton of driving around.
You could also get around the city using public buses, the C-train, taxis, and Uber. The Calgary transit system is pretty well connected and is an affordable mode of transportation.
As a first-time traveler exploring the city over a weekend, you’ll be surprised at everything Calgary has to offer. With so many fun things to do and see, Calgary must be one of your top places to visit in Canada.
More Destination and Travel Guides for You
COVID-19 Resources for Travellers
https://travel.destinationcanada.com/covid-19-traveller-guidance
Comments are closed.