Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Alberta

"Whether you're in the city for a vacation, have an afternoon to explore the city, or are passing through on your way to the mountains, these attractions can't be missed!. Please verify the status of all activities, learn How to Visit Calgary Safely During COVID-19, and refer to our COVID-19 Traveller Update for more information. you can also visit the Calgary Attractions website for further information on all of the attractions listed below."

"The bustling metropolis and vibrant culture is a treat, but sightseeing in Calgary is dominated by the natural wonders that surround the city. Calgary is the gateway to Alberta's many impressive landscapes, which include mountain lakes, rolling prairies, and icy glaciers. If you do find yourself exploring the city, there are many museums and cultural sites in Calgary worth visiting, all located within easy distance of the city centre."

"Calgary’s tallest building for a brief time, this 626ft (191m) observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and is made of 11,000 tons of steel-reinforced concrete. There’s a revolving restaurant, which serves the city’s best elk sirloin with foie gras. You could try walking up the 802 steps, but the tower has two high-speed elevators that can whisk you up in 62 seconds flat, which, frankly, sounds a lot more fun."

"Prince’s Island is a park that divides the Bow River and finds itself between the Peace Bridge on the west and Centre St Bridge on the east. The island is so immense that it is home to many seasonal events and festivals (such as Folk Fest), the River Cafe, the Enmax stage, playgrounds, picnic areas and bike/walk trails. Facing south, you can perfectly capture the office and residence towers in Eau Claire and perhaps catch the geese and ducks in view by the river."

"Calgary’s own version of Central Park, the locals refer to Prince’s Island Park as an urban oasis. Located in Downtown Calgary, you need to cross the bridge to gain access to this park. If you’re traveling with children, get them here for an evening of running around, tossing around Frisbees or just lounging about in the greenery."

"A favourite urban escape for Calgarians, Prince’s Island Park sprawls across 20 hectares on a northward bend in the Bow River. It’s a fantastic place for travellers to enjoy some of the city’s quieter moments. There’s plenty to do in Prince’s Island Park."

"This historical site chronicles Calgary's history between 1875 and the 1940s, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the early days of the city through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters,…"

"Just northwest of the city of Calgary is a beautiful expanse of grassland. Nose Hill Park covers 11 kilometers of ground, with several hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer in us all. While the park is relatively flat (Calgary is technically in the Canadian prairies even though it is a more westerly city), there is still a massive abundance of wildlife and flora to observe."

"This northwest Calgary park offers up both mountain and city views and has tons of paved pathways and grassy spaces to enjoy. Nose Hill Park also has designated off-leash areas, hiking trails, and native grasslands."

"North and South Glenmore Parks border the Glenmore Reservoir, making you feel like you’re lakeside. Weaselhead Flats links the two parks and provides natural areas, making you forget you are still within city limits. These parks feature a little bit of everything, from paved pathways to hiking trails through the trees, a waterpark, a new bike pump track, and a sailing club."

"As one of Calgary's largest parks, Weaselhead Flats has lots to offer visitors including:. Weaselhead Flats is easily reached via the Elbow River pathways from the inner city that span around the Glenmore Reservoir. This park is known for its wide diversity of plant and wildlife, a main attraction for many park goers."

"You can really see how big the area is and what an amazing job the city has done at preserving it. I love taking photos at the very top before going down the hill to access the waterfront. The trees, winding paths and bridges offer a huge variety of backdrops for portrait photography."

"Nestled in picturesque Reader’s Rock Garden – just south of Stampede Park, lies a heartwarming cafe. Weekend brunch features fresh salads, sandwiches and appetizers in addition to the usual suspects. We can’t wait to sample their pastries, chicken pistachio pate and croque madame."

"Reader’s Garden Cafe is perfectly situated in a historic and scenic garden. It has a varying menu, depending on the available local produce they will get. Aside from the diversity of meals and drinks, Reader’s Garden Cafe’s menu also has daily specials."

"The large natural environment park runs for 164 hectares along the northern bank of the Bow River. Here you can bring your four-legged friend along and explore the mature riverine forest and grasslands on the hiking trails. Picnic at picturesque spots close to the waterfall where a scenic outlook provide panoramic views of the Bow River Valley."

"The boardwalk leads to Waterfall Valley, which is quite small, but a lot of fun for the kids. The water glistens in the sunlight as it trickles down the very unique rock face and looks very pretty. And since I love sharing fun facts; as per the City of Calgary website, it is “an unusual, spongy-looking, geological formation called tufa”."

"Bowmont Park has some of the nicest and relaxing pathways along the river. Spend your lazy summer days tubing down slow offshoots of the river or go for a long bike ride from here and end up anywhere in the city using the pathway systems. Learn more about Bowmont Park"

"The playground has accessible flooring, and plenty of equipment for both older and younger kids. Making the playground even better is the landscaping surrounding it including small hills, rocks, pathways and trees."

"Explore a menu featuring chicken, priced at 11$ to 25$ and can get there by car. Try Swiss Chalet's New Crispy Chicken Sandwich!. Fast Food Restaurants, Restaurants"

"Au menu poulets, dans une gamme de prix allant de 11$ à 25$. Vous pouvez vous y rendre. Try Swiss Chalet's New Crispy Chicken Sandwich!"

"A post shared by Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack (@bookersbbqyyc) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT. Even after about 20 years since they first opened their doors, Booker’s continues to serve up their all-you-can-eat crab and ribs Sunday special. Other delicious dishes include their blue cod beer battered fish and chips and their snow crab dinner."

"Bookers skips all the pomp and circumstance, getting right down to what really matters: food. Every Sunday, this Southern-style, casual warehouse invites you to its all you can eat crab legs and BBQ ribs event along with an all-day happy hour. Expert barbeque chefs slow smoke Bookers’ pork daily so you know you’re in good hands."

"A post shared by Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack (@bookersbbqyyc) on Dec 11, 2016 at 11:50am PST. Head to Bookers for unlimited crab legs and ribs every Sunday starting at 4pm for $56.95. A dress code is in effect: stretchy pants and oversized shirt attire only."

"Edo Japan is what fresh is all about - hot, fast and delicious food prepared in a traditional Japanese Teppan-style, locking in the goodness of the freshest ingredients. Choice meats, seafood and fresh vegetables served over steaming hot rice or Yaki..."

"A post shared by National on 8th (@ntnl8) on Mar 22, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT. The newest member of the National family in YYC is situated in the downtown core in Scotia Centre. National on 8th has western Canada’s largest rooftop patio, with tons of seating, ping pong tables, corn hole games, and full service patio bars, this is one of the best patios in the city."

"The city views off the National rooftop patio put you in a beautiful urban setting for enjoying their gourmet pizzas, crafty cocktails, and weekend brunches. The large outdoor area has spaces for sunbathers and spaces for shade-seekers, but you can also dine under the downtown Calgary lights at night. National on 8th: #360 225 8 Ave."

"Bowling in a bar is the ultimate couples date night activity. Challenge each other to a friendly round of bowling in an adults-only atmosphere (after 7 p.m.) and choose your eats from the full National menu. Lanes accommodate up to eight people, so this is a great spot for double or group dates."

"Take the George C. King Bridge over to St. Patrick’s Island. The 31-acre outdoor space has public art installations, a play space for kids, a fishing area, an amphitheatre and plenty of pathways to stroll. Explore 50 more gorgeous parks across Canada."

"Calgarians found a place to get in touch with nature in the middle of the city’s concretes. Nature lovers and urban explorers can marvel at the natural beauty of St. Patrick’s Island Park. After its restoration, people now dub it a wild oasis."

"The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a great way to spend a day, particularly if you time it right. The sanctuary is a spot for migratory birds to rest their wings awhile before setting off on the next leg of their journey (so certain times of the year are better for sightings of specific species). Over 270 species have been reported here since the sanctuary’s inception in the 50 years the land has been open to the public."

"The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre have been providing migratory birds with a place to rest their wings since 1929. It is a perfect place for a short trip with the whole family. Learn more about Inglewood Bird Sanctuary"

"With more than 260 bird species calling the sanctuary home, you're assured of meeting some feathered friends. It's a peaceful place, with walking paths and benches to observe the..."