25 + Best Things to Do in Calgary

The best things to do in Calgary burst with an energy that dazzle both locals and visitors. Nestled between the prairies and the Rockies, this Alberta gem is more than a city, it’s a destination full of nature, culture, and adventure.

Grab your walking shoes, pack your curiosity, and head on to the airport! Enjoy great fares for an even greater fall adventure in the Canadian Prairies on Air Canada flights, and fares you don’t want to miss from everywhere across Canada and selected US cities. The best time to visit Calgary is always now!

Best Things to Do on a Short Trip to Calgary

If you’re only jetting by Calgary on your next visit, you’ll want the lowdown on the best things to do from a local. Lizzy Munson, Cellist on Cirque du Soleil ECHO, grew up in Calgary and spent nearly two decades calling the city home before moving abroad for her career. A singer and cellist since childhood, she credits Calgary’s performing arts community, teachers, and friendships for shaping her journey. For visitors on a quick stay, Lizzy offers a few personal recommendations drawn from her own favorite spots.

• Live music: Head to King Eddy for its great atmosphere and shows.
• Brunch: OEB Breakfast Co. is her go-to for a morning feast.
• Parks: Prince’s Island Park is perfect for a picnic, and Fish Creek Park for a nature walk.
• Museums & rainy days: Studio Bell for music history and themed exhibits.
• Food: Try the Chili Goma Ramen at Wakado Ramen, drop by hidden-gem Pita Stop in Canyon Meadows for Lebanese classics, or have an upscale meal at Major Tom with its amazing view of the city.
• Coffee: Try Deville’s Nutella Latte for a taste of her favorite sweet treat.

Follow Lizzy’s adventures on tour on her Instagram!

Calgary’s Best Natural Parks and Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor life in Calgary is second nature to its residents, living between river, mountains, sky, and prairie. Alberta’s largest city invites you to explore its many urban parks, riverfront pathways, wildlife sanctuaries, and seasonal outdoor activities. If you’re a lover of fresh air, fly to Calgary and you’ll never run out of fun things to do!

Prince’s Island Park

Prince’s Island Park is a riverside oasis right in downtown Calgary, where summer festivals, birdsong, and gentle strolls along the river merge in harmony.

• Location: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4
• Opening Hours: Daily, 5 AM–11 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• Known For: Spring birdwatching, outdoor skating (mid‑Dec to mid‑Mar)
• Best Time to Go: Spring and summer for festivals; winters for skating
• Family‑Friendly? Absolutely!

Glenmore Park

Glenmore Park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, paddling, and more, especially with the city skyline as your backdrop. The area stretches wide like a robin’s outstretched wings, a bird you might spot while trotting around the area! This park is split into two sides, separated by the Glenmore Reservoir on the Bow River; the North Glenmore and the South Glenmore Park.

• Location:
  North Glenmore Park; 7305 Crowchild Trl SW, Calgary, AB T3E 5N5
  South Glenmore Park; 24 St SW, Calgary, AB T2V 3N8
• Opening Hours: Daily, 5 AM–11 PM
• Entry Fee: Free (activity rentals may cost extra)
• Known For: Trails, playgrounds, tennis, picnics, and reservoir views
• Best Time to Go: All seasons, from snowy skates to summer canoe drifts
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, with space and options for everyone

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a serene stage set for nature’s best musical performers: 270 species of birds, performing their songs on calm trails. Take in the soft breeze, inviting you to slow down, and listen.

• Location: 2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T4
• Opening Hours: Trails: sunrise to sunset (with a 30-min grace period); Nature Centre: May–Oct, daily 10 AM–4 PM; Nov–Apr, Wed–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM
• Entry Fee: Free (fees apply only to special programs/camps)
• Known For: Birdwatching, nature education, peaceful refuge
• Best Time to Go: Spring migration, fall leaves
• Family‑Friendly? Definitely – educational and calm

Bow River Pathway System

Bow River Pathway is your way around Calgary. Paved trails along the river’s edge connect parks, bridges, and public art in a sweeping urban ballet. Bike around or simply walk to your own space using these interconnected pathways.

• Location: Both banks of the Bow River, throughout Calgary
• Opening Hours: Always open
• Entry Fee: Free
• Known For: Biking, running, river floats, public art, playgrounds
• Best Time to Go: Summer and fall
• Family‑Friendly? Wholeheartedly; bring bikes, floats, or runners to help the younger ones follow along!

Best Day Trips and Nearby Nature Escapes close to Calgary

Day trips from Calgary feel like an excursion to another world where Rockies, wildlife, underground caves, or prehistoric giants await just beyond the city’s limits. Calgary’s prime location allows easy access to world-class nature and adventure spots.

Banff and Lake Louise

Banff & Lake Louise, a classic Canadian sight known worldwide for its crystalline waters and towering mountains is a must-see if you’re travelling through Alberta.

• Location: ~90-minute drive from Calgary
• Known For: Mountain hikes, glacier-fed lakes, stunning vistas
• Best Time to Go: Summer for hiking, winter for snow scenes.

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country whispers “Alberta’s secret encore.” Wilder, quieter, but just as awe-inspiring of a place where wildlife and hiking trails share the same hushed stage.

• Location: Approximately 1 hour West of Calgary
• Known For: Hiking, biking, wildlife, peaceful wilderness
• Best Time to Go: Spring through early fall.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Wolfdogs Sanctuary at Yamnuska invite you to a guided tour, where you learn, observe, or even feed these four-legged performers in a respectful and educational setting.

• Location: 263156 Range Rd 53, Cochrane, AB T4C1B3
• Opening Hours: Thu–Mon, 10 AM–5 PM; closed Tue–Wed; last admission at 4:15 PM
• Entry Fee: Varies by tour, self‑guided walk, Intro Tour, or Interactive Tour (can include hand‑feeding wolfdogs)
• Known For: Ethical animal encounters, education, close-up viewing
• Best Time to Go: Year-round, just book ahead for the Interactive Tour
• Family‑Friendly? Yes (age restriction may apply for certain tours)

Canmore Explorer Tour

Canmore’s caving tour is Calgary’s subterranean adventure that takes you on an underground journey through Rat’s Nest Cave. Filled with prehistoric bones, rock formations, and the adventure includes a thrilling tunnel crawl.

• Location: Canmore, ~1 hour west of Calgary
• Tour Duration: ~4.5 hours total; ~2–2.5 hours spent underground
• Entry Fee: From about CA $113; Adventure Tour (longer, harder) is around $169 for youth and up
• Known For: Guided spelunking, prehistoric geology, moderate physical challenge
• Best Time to Go: Year-round, check for availabilities ahead
• Family‑Friendly? Ages 10 and up; great for active families

Drumheller and Royal Tyrrell Museum

Drumheller’s Royal Tyrrell Museum is a stunning showcase of the dinosaur age, set upon Alberta’s dramatic badlands, where the past performs with fossilized flair.

• Location: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
• Opening Hours:
  May 15–Aug 31: Daily 9 AM–9 PM (last entry 8 PM)
  Sep 1–May 14: Tue–Sun 10 AM–5 PM (closed Mondays except holidays) 
• Entry Fee: Walk‑up tickets okay; advance bookings recommended.
• Known For: Dinosaur exhibits, paleontology, badlands hiking
• Best Time to Go: Summer to early fall for extended hours
• Family-Friendly? Yes

Calgary’s Best Museums and Cultural Sites

Museums in Calgary are more than glass cases and plaques; they’re immersive spaces where history, science, and imagination step into the spotlight. There’s plenty of cultural things to do in Calgary and the scene of local museums caters to all ages.

Glenbow Museum and Fort Calgary

Glenbow Museum displays a collection of art, objects, and belongings represents the people and ideas that have shaped the region of Calgary. Although it’s currently undergoing a major renovation to become the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, it’s set to reopen in December 2026 with free general admission for all. Fort Calgary, also known as The Confluence, weaves Calgary’s early history into a vivid exhibit and an immersive estate to roam.

• Location: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1
• Opening Hours: Reopening December 2026
• Entry Fee: Free general admission
• Known For: Indigenous art, regional history, immersive exhibits
• Best Time to Go: Post-reopening, mark your calendar for December 2026!
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, accessible, engaging, inclusive

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park is Canada’s living history theatre with a cast of costumed actors, steam trains, a paddlewheeler, and dozens of historical buildings bring the past to life with a playful flourish.

• Location: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W. Calgary, AB, Canada T2V 2X3
• Opening Hours: Historical Village: May 17–October 13, 2025 (daily); Gasoline Alley Museum: year-round
• Entry Fee: Ticketed access; includes multiple rides and exhibits
• Known For: Living history, steam train, paddlewheeler, vintage rides
• Best Time to Go: Summer into early fall, soak up full-season magic
• Family‑Friendly? Wholeheartedly: hands-on fun for all ages

The Hangar Flight Museum

Hangar Flight Museum is Calgary’s skyward theatre of aviation with vintage aircraft, pilot stories, and the hum of wings inviting exploration. 

• Location: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary AB T2E 8A5
• Opening Hours: 10 AM–4 PM daily; closed Mondays Oct 1–Apr 30
• Entry Fee: Exact rates vary
• Known For: Aircraft, immersive exhibits, open-air summer days to board planes
• Best Time to Go: Summer weekends to catch “Open Aircraft Days”
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, adapted to every age group.

TELUS Spark  

TELUS Spark is Calgary’s science spectacle, with a dome theatre, digital gallery, outdoor Brainasium, and interactive zones that ignite curiosity.  

• Location: 220 St. George's Drive NE Calgary, AB T2E 5T2
• Opening Hours: Summer: daily 9 AM–4 PM (Fri/Sat until 7 PM)
• Entry Fee: Adults $32.95, kids 3 to 17 $23.95, free admission for kids under 3.
• Known For: Dome shows, exhibits, Brainasium outdoor play
• Best Time to Go: Year-round and evenings for “Spark After Dark” events
• Family‑Friendly? Absolutely

Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery 

Bow Habitat Station is Calgary’s aquatic stage; wetland trails, fish tanks, and hands-on exhibits keep nature front and center.

• Location: 1440-17A Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T9
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Adults $10.50, kids 4 to 17 $6.30, free admission for kids under 3.
• Known For: Interactive exhibits, endangered fish, hatchery tours
• Best Time to Go: Spring–fall; also snowshoe and winter explorations available
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, it’s a perfect blend of learning and play

Best Indoor Activities and Creative Entertainment

Indoor Calgary glimmers like a constellation of playful and creative things to do in Calgary with libraries, selfie art, lasers, and even simulated flight awaiting to dazzle.

Calgary Central Library

The Calgary Central Library is a modern architectural marvel. Its arch inspired by chinook clouds, encompasses play spaces, Indigenous learning, cafes, and free tours led by volunteers.

• Location: 616 Macleod Tr SE, Calgary, AB
• Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–8 PM; Fri 9 AM–6 PM; Sat 9 AM–5 PM; Sun 10 AM–5 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• Known For: Children's zones, quiet study, public art, café, tours
• Best Time to Go: Anytime, pick a reading corner or join a tour
• Family‑Friendly? Very much so, there are dedicated spaces for all ages

Wonderland Sculpture

The Wonderland Sculpture is a 12-meter wire portrait built in 2012 you can step inside. This graceful, giant girl’s head is perfect for selfies.

• Location: 110 6 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1S6
• Entry Fee: Free
• Known For: Art installation, interactive photo fun, pet‑friendly experience
• Best Time to Go: Anytime
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, great for creative memories

Selfie Museum

Calgary Selfie Museum turns fun into frames with 25 artful backdrops and photo-ready rooms for ready for families and furry friends to strike a pose.

• Location: 140 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1H2, Canada
• Opening hours: Daily 11 AM–8 PM
• Entry Fee:  $25 general admission,  $18 youth (4–12), children under 3 get in for free.
• Known For: Art installation, interactive photo fun, pet‑friendly experience
• Best Time to Go: Anytime, holidays and weekends can get busy, book ahead.
• Family‑Friendly? Yes

Laser City

Laser City lights up indoor fun with laser tag and mini-paintball arenas. This spot has high-energy thrilling play for kids and teams alike.

• Location:
  North Location : #125 572 Aero Drive NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7Y4
  South location: #18 9950 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 3K9
• Opening Hours: Varies per location, check on the official website as booking ahead is smart due to frequent weekend waits.
• Entry Fee: Pay per game; group packages available
• Known For: Multi-level arena, laser tag, mini-paintball
• Best Time to Go: Weekdays or pre-booked weekends
• Family-Friendly? Yes, for kids aged 6+ and teens

iFLY Calgary Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Calgary is your ticket to soaring without wings. It’s an exhilarating indoor skydiving experience that mimics the rush of freefall, all under the safety of a wind tunnel.

• Location: 811 64 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Z8
• Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 1PM– 8PM; Saturday-Sunday 9:30 AM– 8PM
• Entry Fee / Packages: Starting at  $99 for two one-minute flights
• Known For: Vertical wind tunnel flight, immersive body-flight sensations, VR experiences, party & team event rentals
• Duration: Total experience lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, includes prep, gear, flight, and debriefing.
• Family‑Friendly? Yes, open to ages 3 through “103”! Wheelchair accessible; specialized accommodations for higher-weight participants

Best Activities to Do in Calgary for the Whole Family

Families on their next vacation will find so many kid-friendly things to do in Calgary. With options ranging from playgrounds and farms to creative museums, every activity on their trip will bring laughter, learning, and lasting memories.

Best indoor playgrounds

Indoor playgrounds keep the excitement rolling rain or shine. Calgary has safe, themed spaces where children can tumble, slide, and imagine their own adventures.

Hide N Seek

Hide N Seek is a whirlwind of slides, ball blasters, toddler zones, and café comfort, all under one roof where little adventurers rule the space.

• Location: 49 Aero Dr NE #18, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8Z9
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM
• Cost: Adults and under 1 free admission, ages 1 to 3 $7.95, ages 4-14 $13.95.
• Known for: Giant slides, ball pits, obstacle courses
• Best time to go: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
• Family-friendly? 100% yes

Treehouse Indoor Playground

Treehouse Indoor Playground are multi-level kingdoms of climbing gyms, arcade corners, and birthday party magic, buzzing with energy from morning till night. It’s a perfect venue for a kids’ birthday party!

• Locations:
  South location: 240 Midpark Way SE #13, Calgary, AB T2X 1J6
  North Location: 3337 34 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6H2
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: Package prices vary
• Known for: Multi-level climbing gyms, arcade games
• Best time to go: Afternoons for lively play
• Family-friendly? Absolutely

KidzGo

KidzGo is a themed playland where kids bounce between obstacle courses, imagination stations, and safe toddler zones while parents relax nearby.

• Location: #100, 688 Heritage Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1M6
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: Prices vary, starting at $45 for ages 1-3 and $13.75 for ages 4-13.
• Known for: Themed play zones, toddler areas
• Best time to go: Weekends for a bustling vibe
• Family-friendly? Yes

Granary Road

Granary Road is a part-farm, part-adventure park where goats greet you at the gate, slides spiral into the fields, and farm-fresh treats round out the day.

• Location: 226066 112 Street West, Foothills County, T1S 5S5
• Opening Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (seasonal)
• Cost: All-access pass for $19.95
• Known for: Active Learning Park, petting zoos, farm-to-table eats
• Best time to go: Summer weekends and fall days around the harvest.
• Family-friendly? Perfect for all ages

Horsin’ Around 

Horsin’ Around is Calgary’s countryside escape, with pony rides, hay bales, and wide-open fields that invite families to reconnect with nature. 

• Location: 3729 146 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2Y 0X4
• Opening Hours: Seasonal, typically weekends 10 AM – 5 PM
• Cost: Riding lessons start at $65 for 45 minutes.
• Known for: Horseback rides, petting zoo, farm games
• Best time to go: Warm-weather weekends
• Family-friendly? Yes

Sports, Stadiums, and Adrenaline Adventures to Do in Calgary

Sports activities in Calgary deliver punchy performances, whether you're cheering from the stands or carving down snow.

Watch Football, Hockey, and Equestrian Sports

Football, hockey, and equestrian sports make Calgary’s arenas roar. Whether the Calgary Flames on the ice, the Stampeders at McMahon Stadium, or elegant horses at Spruce Meadows, every sport fan will find something to cheer for.

• Locations:
  Calgary Flames: Scotiabank Saddledome (555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2W1)
  McMahon Stadium: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB T2M 4R6
• Seasons: Soccer (May–Oct), Football (June–Nov), Hockey (Sept–Apr)
• Cost: $25+ tickets depending on sport
• Family-friendly? Yes, bring the whole crew

Try Skiing, Snowboarding, and Downhill Karting

Canada Olympic Park (Winsport) keeps the Olympic flame alive, offering adrenaline in every season with skiing, snowboarding, and downhill karting.

• Location: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3B 5R5
• Opening Hours: Vary by season, typically 9 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: Ski day passes from $40+
• Known for: Winter sports training, year-round adrenaline
• Family-friendly? Yes, beginner to advanced options

Calgary’s Arts, Music, and Theater Scene

Arts and culture in Calgary sparkle year-round. Music festivals, live theater, and galleries give the city an ever-changing creative heartbeat.

Theatre Calgary

Theatre Calgary is the city’s dramatic centerpiece, where plays, musicals, and world-class performances unfold under the lights of the Max Bell Theatre and other venues.

• Location: 220 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K8
• Opening Hours: Showtimes vary
• Cost: Tickets from $25–75
• Known for: Plays, musicals, concerts, ballet collaborations
• Best time to go: Evening performances
• Family-friendly? Mostly, depending on show

Artpoint

Artpoint is Calgary’s creative hub, where local galleries meet colorful street art, and every visit feels like stepping inside the city’s imagination.

• Location: 625 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0E1
• Opening Hours: Thurs–Sat, 12 PM – 5 PM
• Cost: Free
• Known for: Emerging artists, murals, community art
• Family-friendly? Yes

Calgary’s Best Food and Drink Experiences

Flavor flows across Calgary from riverside cuisine to craft brews and quirky cafés. Foodies, whet your appetite because there are many local flavors to try in Calgary!

River Café

River Café is a downtown gem set under trees on Prince’s Island. It’s charming as can be and their chef-driven meals are best enjoyed with views.

• Location: 25 Prince's Island Park, SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1
• Opening Hours:
  Monday to Friday: 11 AM–10 PM / Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
• Known For: Canadian seasonal cuisine with sustainably sourced ingredients, fine dining in a lush riverside setting.
• Family-Friendly? Yes; perfect for special gatherings or calm dinners under the trees

Big Rock Brewery

Big Rock Brewery is Alberta’s favorite for craft beer and social sips. The classic pub vibes pair well with local brews.

• Location: 5555 76 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4L8
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM–10 PM
• Known For: Brewery tours, craft beer and cider sampling, hearty tavern-style meals at the Big Rock Grill.
• Family-Friendly? No, the bar area is limited to adults.

Regal Cat Café

Regal Cat Café is a cozy space where feline residents roam around for pets and cuddles from patrons. They offer everything a cat café would; snacks, drinks, and purrs!

• Location: 303 10 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1V8
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM–9 PM
• Entry Fee: $12 per person, per 30 mins Monday-Friday and $14 per person Saturday-Sunday and holidays.
• Known For: Cat-viewing sessions, coffee, snacks; reservations recommended for weekends
• Family-Friendly? Yes, especially fun for animal-loving families

Calgary Farmers’ Markets

Calgary Farmers’ Markets are where local producers, seasonal fare, artisanal goods meet for community dining in a bustling shopping scene. With two locations in Calgary, fresh foods are never far away!

• Locations & Hours:
  West: 25 Greenbriar Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6M3 / Open Wednesday to Saturday 9 AM–7 PM; Sunday 9 AM–5 PM
  South: 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1C3 / Open Thursday to Sunday 9 AM–5 PM
• Known For: Over 80 local vendors offering produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and dining options; family programming and seasonal celebrations.
• Family-Friendly? Yes; ample space, food options, and kids’ zones make it welcoming for families.

Seasonal Festivals and Events in Calgary

Festivals are to Calgary what fireworks are to summer celebrations; colorful, loud, and absolutely unforgettable.

Folk Fest

Calgary Folk Festival turns Prince’s Island Park into a harmony-filled haven of guitars, voices, and global rhythms.

• Location: Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4
• Dates: Usually falls on the last weekend of July
• Cost: Day passes $85+, weekend passes available
• Known for: Eclectic music, riverside setting
• Family-friendly? Yes

Chinatown Street Festival

Chinatown Street Festival fills Calgary’s downtown with sizzling aromas, lion dances, and vibrant community events.

• Location: Intersection of 1st St SE & 3 Ave SE
• Dates: August (one-day event)
• Cost: Free
• Known for: Street food, performances, cultural celebration
• Family-friendly? Absolutely

GlobalFest

GlobalFest lights up Calgary’s summer skies with fireworks, cultural showcases, and a kaleidoscope of global traditions.

• Location: Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB T2B 3T9
• Dates: August (10 days)
• Cost: $20–30 tickets
• Known for: Fireworks festival with cultural pavilions
• Family-friendly? Yes

Cirque du Soleil Show

Cirque du Soleil performances in Calgary are spellbinding spectacles where acrobatics, artistry, and imagination unfold under the Big Top. When our Big Top shows up, you won’t want to miss these masterful performances.

• Location: Rotates, check out our official page for Calgary shows
• Cost: Tickets from $60+
• Known for: Jaw-dropping performances, global phenomenon
• Family-friendly? Yes, for all ages

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Calgary

When is the best time to visit Calgary?

Summer for outdoor activities, spring/fall for mild trekking, winter for snow thrills.

How much time do you need?

A weekend captures highlights; 4–5 days lets you enjoy the city at your own pace.

Is Calgary easy to get around?

Yes, public transit, bikes, and car access make exploring seamless.

Are there free things to do?

Absolutely, parks, libraries, public art, pathways, sculpture, and more offer dazzling free entries.

Wrap Up Your Visit With One Unforgettable Calgary Moment

Let your moments in Calgary be magical. Drift at sunset on Glenmore Reservoir, cross beneath the Wonderland Sculpture’s glow, or end your trip cheering under the Big Top at a Cirque du Soleil show in Calgary. Calgary ensures that both travel newcomers and frequent flyers have the best time when visiting!