- Calgary brings together the best of history, outdoor spaces, and things to do. You can visit places like the calgary tower and heritage park historical village for a look into the past and the city’s sights.
- The famous calgary stampede is not to miss. It puts on a rodeo like no other and brings in millions every year for some unique fun.
- If you love nature, you can check out the beauty of banff national park, lake louise, and fish creek provincial park. These spots show off lots of what the area can offer.
- Families have plenty to do at the calgary zoo and bowness park, where there is something to keep kids happy and active.
- For more culture and history, be sure to see studio bell, fort calgary, and the hangar flight museum. They each offer a special look at calgary and the stories that have built it.
Calgary is a favorite place to visit for many people. It mixes great tourist attractions, beautiful sights, and a lot of history. Set by the huge Canadian Rockies, this bright city in Canada gives something for everyone. You can find adventure here. There are many things for families to do at the zoo and other spots. If you want to learn about the history of Canada, this is the place to be. Calgary has many things to see and do. Come check out the Calgary Zoo, Banff National Park, the home of the National Music Centre, and more in our 2025 travel guide. It’s a good idea to look into these places if you want a fun trip.
Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Calgary for 2025
Calgary is a great place to visit because the city has so many things to do in 2025. You will see famous places like the Calgary Tower. You can also go back in time with all the fun at Heritage Park Historical Village. There are a lot of things to check out for everyone. If you want something active, head over to Canada Olympic Park. If you love art, you can spend your day walking around the Glenbow Museum.
There is also a lot for families to do. You can see the animals at the Calgary Zoo, or just take it easy and enjoy the view at Prince’s Island Park. With beautiful sites, special places to see, and fun things to try, Calgary is a top spot to visit for all!
Experience the Thrill of the Calgary Stampede
Every July, the famous Calgary Stampede brings the whole city to life. It has the name “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” and for good reason. People from all over come to see and feel the excitement of cowboy life and rodeo. You will see huge crowds, with both locals and visitors having a great time together. There is so much energy, from fast chuck wagon races to amazing rodeo shows. The Calgary Stampede is one of the must-see tourist attractions in the city.
But the Stampede is not only about tough cowboys and wild rides. There are big parades, live music events, and lots of hands-on displays about Calgary’s cultural history. Families can join in pancake breakfasts and kids can try fun fair games, so everyone from young to old can get in on the fun.
The site is at Stampede Park, right in Calgary. It is easy to get there with simple transport and plenty of parking. Even when July is over, the park hosts events and concerts all year that keep the heart of the Stampede beating. So if you want good memories, put the famous Calgary Stampede on your list of tourist attractions to visit in Calgary.
Explore the Natural Beauty at Banff and Lake Louise
See the beauty of Banff National Park and Lake Louise, two of the best places to visit in Canada. You will find them only about a 90-minute drive from Calgary. On the way, you get to see great views of the Canadian Rockies. This makes your trip start off on a high note.
When you get to Banff, you can shop, have some good food, or pick from lots of cozy places to stay. It’s right in the middle of all this lovely nature. You should also head to Lake Louise. The water there is a bright blue-green, and there are big snowy mountains around it. The views are like something you see on a postcard. Walk on the trail by the lake, rent a canoe, or ride the Lake Louise Gondola for some amazing views.
You can go hiking, enjoy sightseeing or just stop and look at how nice it all is. Banff and Lake Louise show why so many people take day trips from Calgary to see nature. It is the kind of trip that you will always remember.
Family Fun at Calgary Zoo
Calgary Zoo is a great place for families. The zoo covers 120 acres, with lots of animal exhibits and gardens. It is home to over 1,000 animals from many parts of the world. Some of these animals are endangered. You can see so many animals at the Calgary Zoo and learn about them up close. There are places like Destination Africa to visit. You can also see grizzly bears in the Canadian Wilds.
One special area is the 6-acre Prehistoric Park. Here, you get to see big, life-sized dinosaur models. Kids really like this spot because it gets their minds going. In the spring, you might see baby animals at the zoo. This is a great time to visit and enjoy happy moments with them.
If you come in winter, check out the Zoolights Christmas festival. There are so many bright lights and fun things to do that make it feel like magic. The Calgary Zoo is on St. George’s Island in Calgary. It is a family-friendly zoo that is good for both learning and fun. Your whole group will remember the time spent together at s island and Calgary Zoo.
Step Back in Time at Heritage Park Historical Village
Step into the past at Heritage Park Historical Village, a great spot where you can see the history of Canada come alive. You can walk through old buildings and meet people dressed in clothes from long ago. See what life was like from the days of fur trading in the 1860s up to the busy 1930s town square.
Kids and adults will enjoy taking a ride on the old steam train as it moves around the park. If you want a calm outing, choose a paddlewheel boat ride on the Glenmore Reservoir. You will get some amazing views there. You can also try some outdoor fun, like canoeing or rowing on the reservoir.
Heritage Park has more to offer, like the Gasoline Alley Museum. Here, you will find displays you can touch and many old cars. You can walk through real-life exhibits or just relax by the water. This historic place gives everyone—no matter the age—a good day out and a chance to enjoy and learn about Canada.
Panoramic Views from the Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower is something you have to see when you are in the city of Calgary. From here, you get amazing 360-degree views of both the city of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. The tower stands 191 meters high, so you can look out over the busy city below. The glass observation deck gives you views you will not forget, whether it is day or night.
There is a revolving restaurant at the top, and here, you can enjoy your food while taking in great scenery all around you. It feels even more special when you eat here. The tower has been standing since 1968. It is important in history, too, because it proudly held the Olympic torch during the Olympic Winter Games in 1988.
Going to the Calgary Tower is not only about looking at nice views. It also helps you get a real sense of the city and its buildings, plus you get a feel for the culture of Calgary. You must see the film about how they built the tower while you are there. This will give you even more to know about Calgary during your visit.
Adventure at Canada Olympic Park
Thrill-seekers and people who love sports will feel right at home at Canada Olympic Park. This big area was built for the Olympic Winter Games in 1988. You will find it to the west of downtown Calgary. There is a lot to do here. You can try bobsledding, zip lining, skiing, and snowboarding at this site.
You can go on guided tours of the Ski Jump Tower. The tower gives you amazing views of the Calgary skyline. Inside, you can use the ice skating rinks. You can join in or just watch programs for fun or for competition. When summer comes around, people can go mountain biking and enjoy outdoor activities.
Inside Canada Olympic Park is another highlight, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. This special spot takes you deep into big moments in sports history by sharing stories with interesting exhibits. With fun, history, and grand scenery in one place, Canada Olympic Park gives you one of the best ways to have a day full of action and excitement in Calgary, Canada.
Relax at Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park sits beside the Bow River in Calgary. It is a great place if you want a quiet break from the busy city. You can walk along pretty paths lined with lots of green trees and bright flowers. The park is good for a slow, easy day out. There are often fun events in the park, so it feels lively but still keeps its calm feel. People enjoy clear views of the Calgary skyline, which makes it a top spot for anyone who comes to relax or do some sightseeing. If you are looking for a nice spot in the city, this is the one to visit on your day out at Prince’s Island.
Journey through the Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer
A special trip is waiting for you on the Rocky Mountaineer. Get ready to see the amazing Canadian Rockies right outside your window. This is not just a simple train ride. You get to enjoy comfortable seats and beautiful views all at the same time. The train gives you wide windows to look at peaceful lakes and very high mountains.
While you travel between two great places, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, you will get to taste delicious food with other people. Guides on the train are always there to tell you about the history and nature that shape this area.
There will be moments where you can just sit back and take in all that beauty the Canadian Rockies have to offer. This is the type of trip any tourist in Calgary or Banff should experience at least once in their life. It will be a time you won’t forget.
Discover Art at Glenbow Museum
Art lovers will find so much to see at Glenbow Museum. The museum sits in Calgary and welcomes people who enjoy both new and old art. It is a key place in Canada for keeping the country’s great stories and culture alive. You can see all kinds of art made by people of Canada, from indigenous pieces to modern ones. The museum also puts on fun and helpful educational programs. These are made to give visitors a good and full experience.
Visit Studio Bell – Home of the National Music Centre
A visit to Studio Bell in Calgary takes you right into the lively world of music in Canada. Here, you can see local and national music talents. The building stands out and is made for people who love music. Inside, the place tells the story of music’s past in Canada. The exhibitions are good for both fans and people who are just curious. There are interactive displays and live performances. They make the place fun. You can see how music and its sounds have changed over time. The National Music Centre, found in Calgary, is a great place for people who want to learn music. It is a place you should visit if you love culture in Canada.
Outdoor Escapes at Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a calm place to go if you want some peace and to see lots of green areas and many animals. The park is huge, with more than 1,000 hectares of land. There are many trails in the park, and they are great for hiking, riding a bike, or just taking a slow walk by the creek. You get to see different kinds of birds and enjoy the beauty of nature everywhere you look. There are picnic areas where you can relax with your family and friends. The views here are stunning. It does not matter if you want a little adventure or just some time to rest. If you love being outdoors, you should visit fish creek provincial park.
Seasonal Delights at Bowness Park
Bowness Park changes with the seasons. It is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. In spring, you can see flowers blooming and green views all around. It is nice to take a walk on the pathways in this season. Summer is the time when families come to the park for picnics. You can also see people taking part in fun activities near the glenmore reservoir. In the fall, the leaves change color. It is a good time for warm and cozy walks through the park.
Winter brings its own charm to Bowness Park. People love to go ice skating and sledding here. This park in Calgary is a great spot for anyone who wants to see the natural beauty of the city. It is a main place for people to relax and have fun. You can explore the area, unwind, and enjoy nature at this lovely spot by the reservoir.
Aviation History at the Hangar Flight Museum
The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary is the place to see a wide collection of planes and keepsakes. This spot shows the history of flight in Canada and shares stories linked with the Calgary Stampede and big moments from wars. You can walk through many exhibits that show old planes and lots of objects from the past. There are also displays you can interact with, plus stories that help you learn more about why flying is important in Calgary. The hangar flight museum is not just full of facts. It makes you feel a real link to the people and new ideas that made flying in Canada what it is today.
Explore Fort Calgary – The Birthplace of the City
When you step into Fort Calgary, you get to see where Calgary began. The fort is the place where a lot of the city’s history started. People can learn about the North West Mounted Police and their part in the area’s story. This fort has a lot of important history that helped shape how Calgary grew into what it is now. There are interesting exhibits and helpful guided tours at this fort. These tours show you how the place fits into Canadian culture. Fort Calgary is not just for people who love history. It is a beautiful spot that can help you make nice memories with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Calgary?
The best time to go to Calgary is in late spring and summer, from May to August. The weather is warm then, and there are many festivals to enjoy. But winter, from December to February, also has something special. You can ski in the Rockies during these months, so it is a great time for people who love snow.
Are there activities for families with young children?
Yes! Calgary has many things for families to enjoy. You and your family can have fun at playgrounds in Prince’s Island Park. There are also interesting exhibits at the Glenbow Museum that are great for kids. You can go on an adventure in Fish Creek Provincial Park or enjoy different things to do in each season at Bowness Park. These places in Calgary are sure to give you and your kids some good memories.
Calgary has many spots that are not crowded with tourists. You can visit the old East Village to see special shops and eat at local places. The Inglewood area is calm with many small stores run by artists. Also, you can walk by the Bow River on quiet paths, where you get nice views that most people miss. These places show a different side of Calgary.