Calgary, Canada-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Calgary

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Calgary Tower, a 190-meter-tall observation tower with stunning views of the city. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views.
    • Address: 1018 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1G3
    • Hours: 9am-10pm (April-October), 9am-6pm (November-March)
  • Lunch: Head to The Beltliner, a popular breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of downtown. Try their famous waffles or eggs benedict.
    • Address: 809 3 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0H5
    • Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-4pm
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Glenbow Museum, one of Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museums. Explore the exhibits on Western Canadian history, art, and culture.
    • Address: 130 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P3
    • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Charbar, a trendy restaurant in the Simmons Building. Try their grilled meats or seafood dishes.
    • Address: 618 Confluence Way SW, Calgary, AB T2R 3P7
    • Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-10pm

Where to Stay:

  • The Fairmont Palliser: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy upscale amenities and stunning views.
    • Address: 133 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B6
    • Rates: Around $250 CAD per night

Day 2: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Prince’s Island Park, a beautiful park located in the Bow River valley. Take a stroll along the river or rent a bike and explore the trails.
    • Address: 457 6 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3V5
    • Hours: Open daily from dawn till dusk
  • Lunch: Head to The Beltliner again (see Day 1) for another delicious meal.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Bowden Farmers’ Market, a bustling market featuring local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Be sure to try some of the delicious food options!
    • Address: 5000 87 St NE, Calgary, AB T3J 4V5
    • Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9am-2pm (May-November)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Badiane, a cozy French bistro in the heart of downtown. Try their classic dishes like steak au poivre or duck confit.
    • Address: 1015 1 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0X9
    • Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-10pm

Day 3: Nature and Wildlife

  • Morning: Visit the Calgary Zoo, a world-class zoo featuring over 1,000 animals from around the globe. Be sure to see the stunning botanical gardens.
    • Address: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
    • Hours: Open daily from 9am-5pm (April-November), 10am-4pm (December-March)
  • Lunch: Head to The Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Saloon, a popular restaurant located just outside the zoo. Try their famous steaks or cowboy coffee.
    • Address: 1117 16 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2M 0J8
    • Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-10pm
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Fish Creek Provincial Park, a beautiful park featuring hiking trails, lakes, and plenty of wildlife. Take a leisurely hike or rent a canoe and enjoy the scenery.
    • Address: 144th Ave SW and Fish Creek Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2J 7M5
    • Hours: Open daily from dawn till dusk

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Calgary has a dry climate with low humidity and moderate temperatures. Be sure to pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Transportation: Calgary has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail transit (C-Train). Consider purchasing a day pass or buying a C-Plus Card for convenient travel.
  • Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Tips:

  • Book ahead: Book restaurants and attractions in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Explore neighborhoods: Wander through Calgary’s charming neighborhoods, such as Inglewood or Marda Loop, for unique shops and cafes.
  • Attend events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals, concerts, and other happenings during your visit.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Visit the nearby mountains: Take a day trip to Banff National Park or Kananaskis Country for stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.
  • Explore Calgary’s craft beer scene: Visit local breweries like Annex Ale Project or Banded Peak Brewing for a taste of Alberta’s finest beers.
  • Take a scenic drive: Cruise along the Trans-Canada Highway for breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.