What to See and Do in Calgary

Over in southern Alberta, Calgary holds down Canada’s reputation as a cosmopolitan city with a wild, rural side. Between the famous local rodeo, fun downtown attractions and stunning surrounding natural beauty, it’s easy to get the most out of Alberta’s diverse family-friendly attractions and activities in and around Calgary.

Start your day off right …

Families of any budget and interest level can find something fun and affordable in Canada’s wild side. Start the day with a good, old-fashioned country breakfast at the Diner Deluxe. This stop is a must for families looking for a wide variety of bites. Choose from seasonal menu options for all appetites and flavors and set your wild Canadian adventure off on a good foot.

Must-See Calgary

Enjoy all the local and tourist attractions of the city, including Heritage Park Historical Village. This living history park boasts more than 180 exhibits, a museum and summer activities for families, including festival rides, seasonal dining and unique shopping options. Check out all the local happenings ahead of your arrival and plan for your favorites.

For the sporty kids in your brood, check out Canada Olympic Park, built for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. This park is open to the public and offers all-ages, seasonal activities. For something quintessentially Canadian, an ice hockey game is a must — plan for a winter trip and see the Calgary Flames in action.

Visit one of the world’s last rodeos at Calgary Stampede. This world-famous locale is a must-visit, especially during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 3–12, 2020.

Great Outdoors

Another must for families looking to experience Calgary at its finest, there’s nothing like the great outdoors. Get out on the water with a Banff Lake Cruise and take in the stunning vistas around the lake. Venture to Lake Louise from your hotel by shuttle, or spend the day exploring the region’s many outdoorsy attributes by boating, hiking and unbelievable sightseeing.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park. Photo: Sdbower | Dreamstime.com

While in the area, take in the stunning views from the Banff Gondola. Conquer your fear of heights and let the daredevil kids get a bird’s eye view of the Sulphur Mountain and the Canadian Rockies. For those who would rather stay grounded, Banff National Park boasts enough hiking trails and scenic walks to check the nature views off your list of things to do.

Getting Around

Get around town on foot, with hired car, or rent bikes from your hotel or local bike shop. Your family can easily traverse the city while feeling like real locals. If you’re in a hurry, Calgary’s extensive public transportation system is a great way to get to all the stops on your list.

There’s almost always something going on in Calgary. From music festivals and pop-up art shows to seasonal events and markets, see what’s going on during your next family trip north.