Buckle up for Canada's fun-loving and cosmopolitan wild west: Calgary! True grit takes centre stage at a rowdy, annual rodeo, once earning the city the raucous nickname of Cowtown. When it's not horsing around with cowboys and cowgirls, it's serving up craft beers and original cuisine, stellar shopping, multi-cultural festivals and a surprising arts scene. Oh, and did we mention it's near one of Canada's best national parks?Yee-haw!
Visit Calgary: get started
A trip to Calgary should include a stop at top tourist spots like the Calgary Tower, the Calgary Zoo or the Studio Bell. There are exciting Calgary events all year, but pencil in a July visit to catch the Calgary Stampede. Plan a day trip from Calgary that will take you to gorgeous Banff National Park and stellar Lake Louise. We offer bundles with the best Calgary hotels and more!
Calgary travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Officially English and French
What to bring back
Western wear (from the iconic Smithbilt hats to hand-made Alberta boots), locally roasted Phil & Sebastian coffee, craft beers from one of the breweries on the Calgary Beer Map (available at tourist offices!) and independent local brands from The Livery Shop.
What to eat
Steak! After all, Alberta is cattle country. For unique dining experiences, brunch amid Calgary history at the National Historic Site of Fort Calgary, where the city was founded, or treat yourself to fine dining at the award-winning Rouge restaurant.
Fun fact
With an annual average of 2,300 hours of sunshine, Calgary is the sunniest major Canadian city. It’s also one of the youngest, with an approximate average age of 37. No wonder it’s been named as one of the most livable cities in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit since 2009!
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page.
