Calgary is located in Alberta and continues to be a top tourist attraction for visitors from all around the world, since Calgary is the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban exploration. Whether it is the stunning Rocky Mountain views, the cultural experiences, or sports events that is bringing you to Calgary, the city has something to offer for everyone. The city continues to see an increase in tourist numbers, which has led to various new attractions in the city.
A vibrant city on the rise
Recent data show a rebound in Calgary’s tourism sector, which did see some challenges posed by the pandemic. However, numbers from Calgary Chamber of Commerce show how tourism is a strong industry in Calgary, where the local economy saw a contribution of over $3 billion annually.
For 2024, it is expected that over 8.5 million people will pass through Calgary city, making it a well-visited city. This is especially due to Calgary’s appeal for cultural seekers and nature lovers.
Calgary Flames: A must-see sporting experience
For sports fans, one of the most exciting events for visitors is to catch a Calgary Flames game at the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames is a beloved NHL team, and watching one of their games live will give you an experience of the authentic Canadian hockey passion. The Flames continues to be a top team, providing great thrills at their home games. Getting Calgary Flames tickets for home games can therefore be a challenge sometimes, but by clicking the link, you can find a great selection of tickets for the next many games. This leaves you space to plan your visit to Calgary according to availability of tickets.
When attending a game, the Saddledome Stadium is located in downtown Calgary, which makes it easy to combine a trip here with other activities. For example, you can go explore the Beltline district either before or after the game, where you will find many restaurants and bars, making it perfect for either pre-game drinks or post-game celebrations.
Outdoor adventures in Calgary and beyond
When visiting Calgary, you are within great proximity to natural wonders, such as Banff and Jasper National Parks. Both are located just a 90-minute drive away from Calgary, where you can immerse yourself in the surroundings of the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. It is the perfect locations to go hike, skiing, and wildlife spotting.
If you do not intend to leave Calgary, you can also enjoy nature within the city. You can for example go visit the sprawling Fish Creek Provincial Park, where you can go hike, bike, or go for a picnic. Another popular nature spot is Prince’s Island Park, located by the Bow River, there you can go on scenic walking paths with views of Calgary’s skyline. You can also consider a visit to the Calgary Zoo, where you will find over 1,000 animals from around the world.
Culture and history
Calgary is also rich in cultural experiences. You can for example visit the Glenbow Museum, which is located downtown, which offers exhibitions that explore Canadian history, Indigenous culture, and contemporary art. In Calgary you will also find the Esker Foundation, one of Calgary’s leading contemporary art galleries, which offers free admission, and is home to rotating exhibits with both local and international artists.
If you are looking for live entertainment, you can visit Alberta Theatre Projects, which offers a lineup with acclaimed performances. Another cultural landmark is the Jubilee Auditorium, where you can enjoy everything from ballet to Broadway-style productions.
Seasonal events and festivals
Depending on the time of the year you visit Calgary, you can find seasonal events and festivals. In October, the Halloween spirit is in full force, which offers attractions suh as the Train of Terror as Aspen Crossing, which is a haunted train ride just outside the city. A family-friendly alternative is the Field of Scream at Cobb’s Adventure Park, where you will find a mix of spooky and fun activities such as a haunted corn maze.
In general, October is a great month to visit. You can engage with autumnal activities such as visiting pumpkin patches, including the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair, or experience the Harvest Lights display at Calgary Farmyard. If you are looking for more Halloween-themed activities, you should participate in ScreamFest, which is one of Canada’s largest Halloween festivals.
Where to stay and eat
In downtown Calgary, you will find a broad selection of hotels within all budgets. If luxury is what you are going for, the Fairmont Palliser Hotel is offering historic charm and modern amenities. If you are more into Boutique options, you can opt for the Hotel Arts in the Beltline district.
For food, Calgary has a broad culinary scene. The city is well known for its beef, with steakhouses like Chatcut and Modern Steak being staples on the food scene. However, you can also find a broad selection of international cuisine, with anything from Vietnamese to Middle Eastern foods.
Whether you are looking for a culinary experience, culture and history, sporting events, or beautiful nature, Calgary is a city worth visiting. As a hub for all these features, you can have a good time Calgary while enjoying the friendliness of the locals.
