2 days in Calgary itinerary: Places to go in Calgary for 2 to 5 days
Welcome to Calgary! This city is more than a gateway to the Canadian Rockies and is full of exciting things to do, see, and experience that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or relaxing getaways, there’s something for everyone in this bustling urban hub. In this post, we will share the perfect 2 days in Calgary itinerary, with day trip ideas and travel tips!
Our very first trip to Calgary was in the summer of 2011, and once moving to Alberta we often visit a few times in a year! Hahaha…. We love the restaurants and downtown area so much!
But there is more….from the world-class ski runs at Canada Olympic Park to the historic Heritage Park Historical Village, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your visit. Plus, with its delicious cuisine and lively nightlife scene, the possibilities are endless in Calgary.
2 days in Calgary Itinerary: Places to go in Calgary Alberta + nearby
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Calgary is a vibrant city located in the province of Alberta in Canada. A city that’s bustling with activities, opportunities, and life.
While many people visit Calgary for work or to travel to the Canadian Rockies, I have found it to be the perfect destination for a vacation with its exciting nightlife, diverse food scene, breathtaking nature, bustling urban environment, and beautiful moonlit nights.
Here is a quick look at what you can explore in 2 days in Calgary itinerary
Calgary Itinerary 2 days
- Day 1 of the 2 days in Calgary itinerary: Fort Calgary, Calgary Downtown, Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, Eau Claire Park, Calgary RiverWalk, Peace Bridge, Kensington neighborhood
- Day 2 of the 2 days in Calgary itinerary: Heritage Park Historical Village, Olympic Park, Calgary Zoo, Food tour, Scotsman’s Hill
Keep reading for your ultimate Calgary guide!
Planning a trip to Calgary for 2 to 5 days: Guide to Calgary Alberta
❤︎ Getting to Calgary:
Getting to Calgary can be done in several ways, depending on your budget and preferences. The most popular route is by air, as the city has a major international airport with multiple daily flights from cities all over the world.
Nearest Airport: Calgary has an international airport, so most likely you will be arriving at YYC (Calgary) or YEG (Edmonton) if flying into Canada internationally
By Road: Calgary is well-connected by road from most Canadian cities including the capital city of Alberta – Edmonton
Visa Requirements: It’s important to note that visitors who do not have citizenship or permanent residency in Canada may need to apply for a travel visa before embarking on their trip.
Travel Documents: Visitors from European nations (and certain other countries) have to get an eTA before flying to Canada. It costs CAD $7 and takes a few minutes to apply online. It is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.
❤︎ Exploring Calgary:
Once in Calgary, getting around town is easy and convenient with several options available. The city’s public transit system includes buses, light rail, and commuter trains that can get visitors to any destination quickly and safely.
Accessibility: Bus service and LRT are very good in Calgary. It’s safe, fast, and convenient. Alternatively, there are also plenty of taxi and car rental services available.
For visitors looking to explore Calgary’s vibrant downtown area, walking is the way to go. With its wide sidewalks and numerous attractions, it’s easy to get around on foot and take in all that the city has to offer.
For those who prefer a more scenic approach, cycling is another great option with plenty of bike trails available throughout the city.
If you plan on traveling outside the city, renting a car is your best bet. With its highways and intercity roads, it’s possible to travel to neighboring towns like Banff or Canmore with ease.
Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead
If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.
Plus, there are numerous car rental agencies located throughout Calgary making it easy for travelers to pick up a vehicle of choice.
❤︎ Where to stay in Calgary:
When it comes to accommodation in Calgary, there are lots of choices that cater to a variety of budgets and preferences.
The downtown area is the perfect place for those who want to experience the hustle and bustle of city life, while airport hotels provide great convenience after a long flight and perks like free parking and access to the mountains quickly!
Calgary offers state-of-the-art hotels like Fairmont, and Sheraton Hotels (both in Downtown Calgary). Hotel prices range from CAD$ 300+ for 5-star hotels.
There are budget hotels also available, with free parking and breakfast. Hotel prices start at CAD$ 70-100+ for motels and budget styles.
No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to find something that will make your stay in Calgary memorable. Our top favorites are below:
The Westin Calgary
For those looking to explore downtown, the first recommendation is the Westin Calgary. Located in the heart of the city, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with a range of amenities. There is a pool and a spa onsite.
Plus, it’s just minutes away from some of Calgary’s most famous attractions including the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue Walk.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at the Westin Calgary by clicking here
Fairmont Palliser
Another great option for Calgary downtown is the Fairmont Palliser. With its prime location close to major attractions like the Calgary Tower, it’s perfect for those wanting to experience all that the city has to offer.
And its luxurious facilities and amenities make it one of the most popular hotels in town.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at the Fairmont Palliser by clicking here
Read: Best hotels in Calgary downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport
For travelers arriving by air, there are several airport hotels to choose from. The Residence Inn by Marriott is a great option for airport travelers.
Boasting large rooms and plenty of amenities, this hotel is perfect for those who want to relax after a long flight.
Plus, its free parking is great if you are renting a car!
✅ Check prices and book your stay at the Residence Inn by clicking here
Hampton Inn
The Hampton Inn is one of the top choices, as it’s located within a short distance from the Calgary International Airport.
With its modern amenities, this hotel is perfect for those who want convenience without sacrificing comfort.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at the Hampton Inn by clicking here
Tip: Newer hotels with great rooms are in and around the airport area. Find the best hotels to stay in Calgary
Day 1 of the 2 days in Calgary itinerary: Fort Calgary, Calgary Downtown, Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, Eau Claire Park, RiverWalk, Kensington neighborhood
If you arrive in Calgary the night before, then kickstart your Calgary itinerary in the East Village neighborhood.
Grab some coffee and baked goodies from Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, or Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (both located at the Simmons Building), and then go sightseeing!
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary National Historic Site is the birthplace of the city of Calgary. It is the site where the North West Mounted Police (now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) built a fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
This site is filled with history and a great visit, if you wish to know more about Calgary’s past.
The purpose of the fort was to provide law and order in Western Canada, but it also became a hub for trade, commerce, culture, and exploration.
Today, you can see a replica of the 1888 fort, and learn more about its history. There are several buildings on the grounds, including barracks, a museum, a gift shop, and craft workshops.
The site also features interactive exhibits that tell stories of the fort’s past (Fireside Stories).
For those who wish to explore further, Fort Calgary offers a variety of guided tours. These range from historical walking tours to self-guided audio tours, allowing visitors to learn more about this amazing site.
Fort Calgary is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an educational and fun day out. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here.
- Website: Fort Calgary
- Address: 750 – 9th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1
- Price: $10 CAD per adult
Downtown Calgary Attractions
A vibrant downtown, Calgary has lots to offer. Tall buildings, shopping, amazing restaurants and cafes, and most importantly nature and parks within the downtown core.
When visiting downtown Calgary, there are plenty of things to see and do.
Read: Get the ultimate things to do in Calgary downtown here
Here’s a look at some of the highlights in the downtown area:
The Glenbow Museum is a great place to start your visit. This museum features an impressive collection of cultural and historical artifacts from around the world. Plus, there are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the history of Calgary and of Indigenous Peoples.
For those looking for outdoor activities, Eau Claire Market Park is a great option. Located near the Bow River in downtown Calgary, this park features several trails for walking as well as plenty of green space for picnics and games.
The park pictured above is Eau Claire Market Park.
Shoppers will find plenty to love in downtown Calgary as well. The CORE Shopping Mall is one of the city’s popular shopping malls with a beautiful Devonian Garden and a food court.
If you prefer a walking tour, here is a 2 hour introductory tour of Calgary Tower. Click to check it out here
Now, one of the primary landmarks in Calgary downtown is the Calgary Tower, and we highly recommend spending a few hours here (including lunch, if you prefer).
Calgary Tower
The iconic Calgary Tower is one of the city’s must-see attractions. This 190.8-meter tall structure offers amazing views of the city skyline from its observation deck, and it’s also a great spot for taking pictures or watching sunsets.
There is an entry fee to visit the observation tower which also has a glass floor! The ground floor has a souvenir store and informative exhibits – this part of the Calgary Tower is free to enter and explore.
The glass floor is a fun addition and is perfect to see the city from above. We also planned a pre-Christmas dinner date at the Calgary Tower and loved the experience.
When you reserve a table at Sky 360 at the Calgary Tower, you can access the tower top for free, enjoy your meal and soak in those amazing views!
A meal for two will be around $100 CAD (two entrees and drinks).
- Website: Calgary Tower
- Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
- Price: $19 CAD per adult
✅ Click to buy an admission ticket for the Calgary Tower by clicking here
We rate this tower – a must-visit, because of the amazing views of the city of Calgary.
Stephen Ave Walk
Whenever we visit Calgary, we look forward to taking a stroll on Stephen Avenue Walk. Every time we have visited, there are tons of activities going on, on this street.
I so love its vibe and energy!
This pedestrian street is located in the heart of the city’s downtown core, and it’s packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Here’s what you can expect when visiting this popular destination:
The first thing you will notice is the array of unique boutiques and stores. From clothing and jewelry to books, art, music, and more, there’s something for everyone in Stephen Avenue Walk. Plus, most of the businesses are independently owned and operated, giving shoppers a chance to support local entrepreneurs.
The street is also lined with restaurants offering up dishes from all over the world. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, Indian, or something else entirely, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in Stephen Avenue Walk.
As you stroll along, you can see little bits of history and historical facts jotted on different pillars.
Throughout the year, Stephen Avenue Walk also hosts a variety of special events and festivals. From art shows to farmers’ markets and outdoor movies, this vibrant street is always buzzing with activity.
- Price: Free
Studio Bell
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary, is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions. Located in East Village, this five-story building celebrates music and its history with a variety of interactive exhibits and collections.
Here’s what you can expect when visiting Studio Bell: The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning building itself.
Designed by Canadian architect Brad Cloepfil, the structure is both modern and eye-catching.
Inside, the five floors are filled with interactive exhibits that let visitors explore music from around the world.
The Studio Bell Music Gallery is a must-see, featuring instruments from different eras and cultures. This collection includes everything from guitars to wind instruments to drums and more, giving visitors the chance to experience music from around the world.
You can also learn more about some of Canada’s greatest musicians and their accomplishments (through exhibitions and guided tours such as the Behind-the-Glass guided tour or a Backstage Pass guided tour).
- Website: Studio Bell
- Address: 850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0L8
- Price: $18 CAD per adult
Calgary Riverwalk | Peace Bridge (evening)
From the East Village Neighborhood make your way to Calgary Riverwalk. This scenic route takes you along the Bow River, offering breathtaking views of downtown Calgary and some of its most iconic landmarks.
East Village is very pedestrian friendly, and the Riverwalk is also good for cycling.
The Riverwalk path is also very well-maintained, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the flowing waters of the Bow River. You can expect to see plenty of wildlife such as ducks, geese, and other birds along your journey too.
Along the way, you’ll come across several food trucks in the summer.
As you walk along the path, plan to get to the Peace Bridge, a stunning reddish-orange pedestrian bridge that spans across the Bow River. This will bring you to the neighborhood of Kensington where you will have dinner!
Kensington is a great location for grabbing coffee or taking a walk by the river since it provides quick access to both the Peace Bridge and Prince’s Island Park.
Kensington Neighbourhood (for dinner)
Finally, no trip to downtown Calgary would be complete without visiting one of the many restaurants and bars located in the area.
Located to the north of the Bow River and known for being one of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Calgary, Kensington is home to historic buildings, local shops, and eateries!
This is perfect for dinner and drinks after a busy day of sightseeing!
Day 2 of the 2 Days in Calgary itinerary: Heritage Park Historical Village, Olympic Park, Calgary Zoo, Food tour, Scotsmen Hill view
Kickstart your day 2 in Calgary with breakfast in a nice cafe. If you are staying Downtown opt for GoodEarth Coffee, or Chocoland Cafe, or hit Kensington again and grab a latte at the Analog or Monogram Coffee!
When staying by the airport, you will most likely have free breakfast included!
Now for day 2, we recommend this 3-hour bus tour (we took a similar tour years ago when we visited Calgary without a car). This 3-hour sightseeing tour takes you to the Heritage Park and the Olympic Park.
✅ Click to book this 3-hour sightseeing tour by clicking here
If you have access to a car, you can skip the bus tour, and visit on your own!
Heritage Park
Heritage Park Historical Village is a living history museum and park in Calgary. This heritage park is one of the most visited sites in Canada. Many of the buildings are historical and were transported and preserved in the park.
My personal favorite was the Gasoline museum and the train stations – it does take you to the 1960s. Certain buildings and amusement buildings are re-creations.
Imagine, being welcomed by people in historic costumes, and antique automobiles including horse-drawn vehicles. That’s the Heritage Park for you – educational, yet fun.
In this park, you can also learn about the history of Indigenous people and the Hudson’s Bay Company. There are tapis and other items like cookware, fur, cots, etc. on display.
You can expect to spend around 3-5 hours here. They are open every day from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. There are educational and cultural events available at Heritage Park.
- Website: Heritage Park of Calgary
- Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3
- Price: $34.95 CAD per adult for single-day admission. You can also purchase a 2 day or summer or annual pass at discounted prices
✅ Click to buy an admission ticket for the Heritage Park by clicking here
Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Park in Calgary was the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Currently, the area is operated by WinSport and they conduct ski and zip-lining courses.
Canada Olympic Park is a popular place for people looking to go skiing without driving out to the mountains.
If you are short on time and just want to see the site, you can pay a quick visit and get pictures taken by the outside complex that has all international flags from Olympics participants.
While you approach the site, the ski lifts are visible from a distance, making it a great spectacle to look at!
- Website: Olympic Park (Winsport)
- Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary, AB T3B 5R5
- Price: Starts $26 CAD per adult for single day admission. You can purchase a 2 day or summer or annual pass at discounted prices (ranges from $499+)
3 hour food tour
Alberta has seven signature products – bison, beef, canola, honey, Saskatoon berries, and root vegetables. and Red Fife Wheat. So it will be a great idea to book a Food Tour to experience the local delicacies.
Several food tours feature those unique products. Food tours last 3 – 3.5 hours and involve walking 4 to 16 blocks. You can also join a walking food tour in a market such as the Calgary Farmer’s Market.
Price: CAD 65+ per person. Some of the popular tours are listed below
- Calgary Farmer’s Market Food Tour
- Guided Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Transfers
- Street Art & Craft Beer Walking Tour with Tasting
Scotsman’s Hill for views + Dining
When the sun goes down, some of Calgary’s best bars and nightclubs come alive. Here, you can experience live music from both local and international artists. Plus, there are plenty of pubs and lounges for those looking for a more laid-back evening.
Or you can hit Scotsman’s Hill for epic city views. This is one of the best places to view Calgary’s iconic skyline with the Saddledome and other buildings – perfect for summer picnics or sunset strolls.
Other things to do and add to your Calgary Itinerary 2 to 5 days
Here are some additional things that you can swap with or add to your Calgary Itinerary. We have also included some seasonal activities,
Calgary Stampede
Let us start with the obvious, Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede is an annual event that occurs every July in Calgary. It’s a ten-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival that attracts millions of visitors every year.
This event dates back to the 19th century and now the area even hosts a museum, market, and exhibition. The museum can be visited all year round.
- Website: Calgary Stampede
- Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE Calgary, AB
- Price: Varies as per events, and packages. Typically, $18
The Saddledome
Scotiabank Saddledome is an indoor arena, which is also home to the Calgary Flames of the NHL. It is located in Stampede Park in the southeast end of downtown Calgary.
The Saddledome is best viewed from the Calgary Tower. Inside the Saddledome, there are restaurants and it also hosts events other than sports.
- Address: 555 – Saddledome Rise S.E. Calgary, Alberta
- Price: Variable (tickets available at Ticketmaster)
Riverfront & Segway Tours
A wonderful way to experience the riverfront of Calgary is to take a segway tour.
The River Valley Adventure group located in the Riverfront area, provides training and conducts the segway tours in the river-valley area. It’s a fun way to explore the city.
- Website: River Valley Segway Tours
- Address: Sien Lok Park Riverfront Ave & 1st Street, SW Calgary AB
- Price: Starts at $60+
Telus Spark Science Museum
Telus Spark in Calgary is an interactive science center that offers something for the whole family. This vibrant learning center features a wide range of hands-on exhibits and activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire people of all ages to explore the world around them.
There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions offered at Telus Spark, including a collection of interactive displays. You can learn about robotics, genetics, and more!
In addition to exhibits, Telus Spark also offers a variety of special programs and activities for visitors of all ages. These include workshops on astronomy, green energy, and coding, as well as family-friendly performances.
Adults can enjoy programs such as Spark after Dark at the science center. Plus, there are also special events held throughout the year such as holiday activities and science camps.
- Website: Telus Spark
- Address: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary, AB T2E 5T2
- Price: Starts at $26
Calgary Zoo
Located in Bridgeland, Calgary Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, and more.
Visitors can take part in a variety of educational programs and activities such as guided tours, safe animal encounters, and learning stations.
You will also find plenty of places to eat and shop within the zoo grounds. Calgary Zoo is accessible via public transportation.
- Website: Calgary Zoo
- Address: 210 Saint George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
- Price: $34.95 CAD per adult
Calgary New Central Library
The Central Library in Calgary is an incredible building and is home to over 450,000 books from different genres. This modern library, located in the downtown core features an oval shape and a huge central atrium lit with a skylight.
Stop by the building to admire its architecture, and if you have time on your hands do step inside and check out the library interiors.
- Website: Central Library
- Address: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7
Calgary 2 day Itinerary Sightseeing Map + Travel Guide
Where to eat for your 2 day Calgary Itinerary
When it comes to food, Calgary won’t disappoint you – from traditional Canadian dishes to international flavors, the options are plentiful.
Whether you’re looking for something casual or a fine dining experience, there’s sure to be something that will tantalize your taste buds.
International cuisines
For those seeking a more casual atmosphere, one of the best options is the eclectic Calgary street food scene.
Here, you’ll find a mix of global flavors from all corners of the world, including Mexican tacos, Greek gyros and Indian curries. Plus, many vendors offer vegan or vegetarian options as well.
Favorite restaurants for international cuisine:
- Cinnamon Indian Cuisine & Bar
- Gate of India Fine Indian Cuisine
- The Moose and Poncho (Mexican)
- Teatro Ristorante (Italian)
- Pathway Burgers and Momo
Canadian and pub fare
If you’re in search of classic Canadian cuisine, there are plenty of options as well.
Top picks:
- Chairman’s Steakhouse
- O’sullivan’s Restaurant & Bar
- Modern Steak Kensington
Coffee shops, sweets and bakeries
Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, Calgary has plenty of dessert options to choose from.
Top Picks (Cafes + Bakeries):
- Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
- Eclair de Lune, Patisserie & Catering
- Crave Cookies and Cupcakes
- Chocoland
- Higher Ground Cafe
Day trips from Calgary Alberta Canada
When visiting Calgary, there are plenty of great day trips to take. From tranquil parks to bustling towns, the area around Calgary offers some amazing sights and experiences.
Here’s a look at some popular destinations:
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in Western Canada. Covering over 13 square kilometers, this park is full of trails and natural beauty. The park is great for hiking (even in winter), summer picnics, biking, and bird-watching.
Drive from Calgary: 25 minutes
Drumhellar Provincial Park
Drumheller Provincial Park is another great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near the town of Drumheller, this park features stunning badlands scenery, hoodoos, and plenty of wildlife.
Don’t miss the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology while you are there. Here is a full guide to visiting Drumheller from Calgary.
You can also book a day tour from Calgary to Drumhellar and the Badlands
Drive from Calgary: 1 hour 50 minutes
Cochrane
Cochrane is a great destination for anyone looking for an authentic small-town experience. Here, you’ll find quaint cafes and boutiques as well as plenty of outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
You can also visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, and join a guided tour to learn about wolfdogs.
Drive from Calgary: 30 minutes
Sheep River Falls
Located in the Kananaskis Country is the Sheep River Provincial Park! This provincial park straddles the Rockies to the west, and the foothills to the east, and here you will find the Sheep river falls.
Perfect for a nice day trip from Calgary, the area is popular for hikes and walks and perfect for summer.
Drive from Calgary: 1 hour 20 minutes
Gateway to the Canadian Rockies | Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise | Rocky Mountains
And of course, when in Calgary, the Rockies are closer than you think. You can drive an hour or so to reach the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
I envy Calgarians for this – they have a heavenly detox right at their door-step – a perfect weekend getaway, nature therapy, adventure tour, you name it and Rockies has it all <3
- Price: Admission fees to Banff National Park – $19/vehicle of 4 passengers for 1 day
- Read Banff Trip Inspiration
Calgary and Canadian Rockies Road Trip Idea
A 10 day trip in the Canadian Rockies is an amazing experience in which you can explore Calgary for one to two days and then continue on to the mountains.
Here is how to make the most of your 10 days!
Day 1 to 3: Calgary, Dumhellar and Canmore
Spend one day, exploring Calgary.
Then starting from Calgary, plan to visit some of the most beautiful landscapes and charming towns in Canada.
Head to Drumheller on day two, for some incredible badlands scenery and amazing hikes. Here you can also explore the Royal Tyrrell Museum which features an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils.
On day 3, enjoy some outdoor adventures around Canmore and Kananaskis Country including Bow Valley Parkway. With its mountains and rivers, this charming town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. You can enjoy easy strolls or a hike on the Grassi Lake trail.
Stay overnight in Banff National Park.
Day 4 to 5: Banff town and lakes
Up next is Banff National Park where visitors can experience some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the park, check out Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, or simply take in the stunning views from one of its many lakes like Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka.
Activities like hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, etc. are all available here as well. Just don’t forget to grab bear spray in the summer.
Day 6: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
One of the most stunning attractions is Moraine Lake, which has become a symbol of the Canadian Rockies. Its beautiful shades of blue are breathtaking, and its surrounding mountains make for some incredible picturesque views.
In the winter, you won’t be able to access the lake, so visit Johnston Canyon for ice walks instead!
Plan to get there early in the morning and then explore Lake Louise, known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. With its turquoise waters framed by soaring peaks and glaciers, this lake is something to behold.
In the winter, get cozy and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!
Day 7: Yoho National Park, BC
Take a day trip to Yoho National Park from Lake Louise, or Banff town, and explore one of the powerful falls in Canada – Takakkaw Falls.
Check out the Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, and the Spiral Tunnels.
Day 8: The Icefields Parkway
The Icefield Parkway is another must-see on any trip to the Canadian Rockies. This highway, which winds through Banff and Jasper National Parks, is considered one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Along this road are some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to stunning peaks and glaciers.
Day 9 to 10: Jasper National Park
Finally, no trip to the Canadian Rockies would be complete without visiting Jasper National Park. Here, you can marvel at some of the most stunning views in Canada. Popular activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, and more.
Explore Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and Maligne Canyon.
Is Calgary worth visiting for 2 days?
Overall, Calgary is a great city to visit for 2 or more days. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, outdoor activities, shopping experiences, or dining options, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis.
Plan to spend a weekend here before heading to the Rockies, we are sure you will enjoy it!
Pin: Essential Guide to Calgary Itinerary – Places to go in Calgary Alberta
I’m Canadian, but from Toronto :). I would actually really love to visit Calgary! Looks like talking a walk down Stephen Ave will be a must, and the food from that food tour looks beyond incredible! Thanks for writing and sharing!
You should definitely visit!
FOOD TOURS!! Sorry haha I just got really excited – these are my favorite things! You learn so much!! Shamefully, I’m Canadian and I’ve yet to travel to Calgary, but it’s in the works!! I love your post – will use your suggestions when I go x
Thank you so much <3
We’re hoping to visit Calgary next year so this will be handy!
Thank you, glad it was useful
Great article, and wonderful photos! The Heritage Museum definitely sounds like my kind of thing! I’ve really got to get to Canada sometime soon.
You should definitely plan a visit here
A family friend lives in Calgary and in the first days of having internet at home, when I was sharing an email address with my mom, I remember gettng pictures of the tonnes of snow he’d get every winter 😀 He loved sharing that with us and got me stoked on that. Would love to experience one winter there, even if just for a week!
You will love all winter festivities here
This is a part of Canada that I haven’t had a chance to explore yet! And I go to that country from time to time! I would love to come to this wonderful city one day and your guide has some great tips!
Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoy your stay here
Hah! We were JUST talkling about our endof year holiday and whether or not to visit Calgary. It looks lovely and I rekcon ‘d love Stephen Avenue Walk. Thought we could then get a car and drive to Banff but it will be the dead of winter and was wondering if that was a good idea! But I can only imagine how stunnng it would be.
For winter travels, I did recommend Banff as its so picturesque and beautiful. Consider Lake Louise as well. You wont be able to walk on Stephen Ave during winters though
oh that street looks amazing to stroll down. Is it a bit lame I’m excited at the thought of a food tour? LOL
That is a good thing. I LOVE food tours too
I really only remember Calgary because of the winter olympics when I was a kid, so I was suprised to see it looking so nice and temperate in your photos.
Thanks for the informative guide! I only spent a couple of days in Calgary between exploring the rest of Alberta and wish I knew about this while I was there!
I still haven’t been in Canada but this post is making me want to visit! I would definitely want to do a food tour as well.
I would like to visit Canada one day, and had Toronto, Montreal and even the Rockies in mind, but I never really had Calgary in mind!
Checked out the website for the Olympic park, looks insane!
I almost made it to Calgary in February but the flight prices were just a little out of reach!! This post is making me wish I could’ve made it there though!
Loving this guide and the photography! Such beautiful photos. It makes me regret that I did not make it up to Calgary and to Banff before I moved away from the states. Def saving this for my future travel inspiration when I make it back over stateside again!
I checked out the olympic park website, looks insane! Canada is totes on my someday list, including Montreal, Toronto and even the Rockies, but I didn’t think to go to Calgary.
Thanks for the guide!
This looks like such a fun place to explore! You’ve inspired me to add Calgary to my list of places to visit.
I’ve wanted to visit Calgary ever since my brother told me how much he enjoyed staying a few years ago! It sounds like a wonderfully vibrant place, and being so close to the mountains is my dream! Thanks for sharing such a great guide 🙂
The view from Calgary tower is incredible! I haven’t been to Canada in ages, but this city looks like it’s worth a visit.
Perfect guide you have here! Planning on going to Canada actually next year, not sure if will have time to stop by Calgary – the stampede sounds like a great time though.
Wow I had no idea Calgary is so gorgeous. The Stampede and Stephen Ave Walk are my top picks. I love exploring streets like these, that one looks so vibrant. Hope to visit Canada one day.
Calgary seems so beautiful! Thanks for the informative guide. Added Calgary to my bucket list.
I have always spoken about New Zealand and Canada in the same breath – pretty but boring. Your post has changed my perspective though! I wasn’t expecting so much culture and history.
I am glad! Canada is a nature’s paradise – lots of things to see. There is some history in certain cities for sure, especially the capital cities of provinces.