Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Calgary

"Although it’s no longer the tallest building in Calgary, this concrete and steel needle still makes the city’s skyline instantly recognizable—even by silhouette. Opened to the public in 1968, it was originally named the Husky Tower, but was renamed after the city itself a mere three years later. Visitors still flock to Calgary Tower for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city, and the prairies, foothills and Rocky Mountains stretching far beyond."

"As we arrive in downtown Calgary, the tower with a red ribbon (red tower deck, my imagination is at play here) welcomes you with a BIG smile and it follows you everywhere in the downtown area – in a parking lot, restaurant, park, hotel-like everywhere. The Calgary Tower is a free-standing observation tower located in Downtown Calgary. It has an observation deck that offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city, all the way to the Canadian Rockies."

"Opened for Canada’s centennial, Calgary Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark. It’s one of the top points of interest in Calgary and a must-see attraction—even if you only have one day in Calgary. Scoot up 191 metres from ground level to the Calgary Tower observation deck."

"For a little slice of Central Park in the heart of Cowtown, take the bridge over to this island, with grassy fields made for tossing Frisbees, plus bike paths and ample space to stretch out. During the summer... Notable Building in Calgary"

"Prince’s Island Park is the perfect spot to escape the busyness of downtown Calgary without going far. Flower gardens, expansive grassy spaces, and several bridges make for a picturesque park in the city centre."

"It seems there’s no shortage of history in Alberta, because here’s another historical attraction that ranks pretty high on our list of things to do in Calgary. Fort Calgary was initially constructed to control the highly illegal U.S. whiskey trade and to clear the way for the incoming Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, you can walk through recreated houses (including a Métis hunting cabin) and immerse yourself in the visions of the past, and a protective structure that set the foundation for communities to grow and thrive in Western Canada."

"This original site dates way back to 1875 when West Mounted Police (now the RCMP) built Fort Calgary near the confluence of the Bow River and Elbow River. There are all kinds of great reproductions of scenes from the olden days as well as a beautiful 40-acre riverside park."

"Featuring 11sqkm (4sqmi) of native grasslands, Nose Hill Park is Calgary’s biggest park. It might be surrounded by residential neighborhoods, but the overall effect of the wild moors is one of rugged remoteness. Visitors are asked, kindly (this is Canada, after all), to stay off the grasslands as they’re a threatened ecosystem, but hikers and cyclists are still privy to panoramic views of downtown Calgary in the distance."

"Numerous hiking trails wind through 1129 hectares of indigenous grasslands to the summit of Nose Hill. The plateau provides spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the Bow River Valley, and the vast plains to the east. The aspen and willows along the north-facing slopes shelter many wild animals."

"To start our list of best dog parks in Calgary, we have the wonderful Nose Hill Park. This multipurpose park is located in the northwest part of Calgary and is a mutual favourite amongst humans and their four-legged friends. In terms of terrain, Nose Hill is quite hilly."

"What we love: large playground with solid surface rubber flooring, lots of seating plus picnic tables, gorgeous landscaping, tennis courts, great urban setting with modern towers around and the historical Haultain School on site."

"Bowness Park boasts a variety of experiences, including pathways that run alongside the Bow River, a tea house, a wading pool, and boat rentals to paddle on the park’s lagoon. There’s even a small train that runs through the park during the warmer months. Baker Park is located just across the river from Bowness Park, providing nature lovers with a grass amphitheatre, a disc golf course, and several archways and promenades, making this a popular spot for weddings."

"Perfectly manicured and home to flowers of all kinds, Baker Park is one of my favourite places in Calgary for photo sessions of all kinds. Couple, family, maternity or branding sessions, this is a great location for portraits. You can even book the main area with the stairs overlooking the Bow River for a wedding ceremony."

"This park is an incredible place to enjoy the south sun and have a picnic. Golf Frisbee anyone?. One of the best courses is here in Baker Park."

"This picnic spot is ideal for those looking for a quiet spot where they can really appreciate nature. There are multiple man-made lakes to admire and you can birdwatch – the area is home to a variety of different waterfowl such as Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons. Bring your fishing poles if you’re interested in trying to catch a bite – no swimming here, though – or go for a paddle down the river in your canoe."

"This southeast Calgary park preserves wildlife habitats and ecosystems and is home to numerous wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers. Carburn Park features three man-made ponds, a pathway system, picnic sites, and spots for fishing."

"This 135 hectare urban oasis is located along the bow river. It is one of those that you may not even know you are there, but you've visited many many times before. Learn more about Carburn Park"

"Find the sign that says “You Are Here” in Chinatown and you’ll have arrived at one of the chicest new establishments in recent memory. This family-run cocktail bar is equal parts homestyle Vietnamese cooking and tropical personality, with a mix of tiki classics like the mai tai and intercultural explorations like the “pandan pain killer” on the bar menu. Whatever ends up in your glass, it all pairs well with the menu of drinking snacks, banh mi and rice bowls."

"Check out Paper Lantern, a contemporary speakeasy-style lounge with amazing-looking Vietnamese tapas, subs, bowls, and a super unique, tropically inclined drink menu. You might not be able to hop on a plane right now, but you can trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re on vacation. Where: Basement – 115 – 2 Avenue SE, CalgaryInstagram: @PaperLanternYYC"

"It’s a hidden cocktail bar in the heart of Chinatown and their atmosphere will make you feel like you’re enjoying a night out in a tropical destination. Address: 115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, ABMenu: Paper Lantern"

"8 locations in Calgary and more elsewhere in Alberta, BC and Ontario http://www.purdys.com/. Purdy’s is a regional chain that started in Vancouver. Purdy’s typically offers a selection of around 8 of their own flavors as well as sundaes and ice cream bars."

"Though Heritage Bakery and Deli in Killarney carries imported foodstuffs, European home-style, handmade foods are the mainstay. Borscht, hand-pinched perogies, cabbage rolls, garlic sausage and potato pancakes are available fresh or frozen to take home. But with food this delicious, who can wait?"

"One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in the city, The Coup’s food is beloved by plant and meat eaters alike. The ethically minded restaurant uses a lot of organic and local ingredients and environmentally friendly products. The inventive, meat-free menu takes vegetarian fare to the next level with items like mushroom sushi rolls, tempeh shawarma and hot pot with a spicy coconut tomato lime broth."

"A nice sit-down vegetarian restaurant, The Coup is stylish and healthy at the same time. The lunch and dinner menus are varied, with selections like vegetarian ramen and hot pot, veggie-packed rice bowls, and an irresistible tempeh shawarma. The restaurant also features a fun cocktail list, with libations made with ingredients like turmeric, shiso, spirulina, and kombucha"

"One of Calgary’s premier vegetarian restaurants, The Coup dishes out brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Chow down on healthy, yet delicious brunch options like the Sumac Shakshuka, Vegan Benedict, Tofu Scramble. Their juice menu is super fun and you can order shots of flavoured apple cider vinegar to get the old digestive system on track."

"Ironwood Stage & Grill is one of the best Calgary nightclubs that present nightly live music, cocktails, food, and drinks in a casual and laid-back setting. The place is also known for hosting over 400 shows a year, turning their restaurant and lounge into the place to be for the hottest acts by both international and local artists. So whether you’re in the mood for a good meal or some good music, Ironwood Stage & Grill is definitely the place to be if you want to have a great time."

"The Ironwood is an all-ages venue in the historic Garry Theatre building in Inglewood with seating for around 140 (reserve your spot and the cost of the show is added to your bill). A range of artists and genres perform nightly at the Ironwood, but there is an emphasis toward folk and roots music — the iconic marquee has featured names such as Ian Tyson and Art Bergmann over the years. The popular local act Prime Time Big Band also performs a regular weekend brunch show."

"Universe Restaurant is a diner serving some of the best Canadian dishes and pizza all day, six days a week. While it doesn’t focus on breakfasts, it still offers morning classics like Quebec poutines, Benedicts, and French toasts. Unlike other restaurants offering breakfasts, this one accepts reservation requests and can even handle up to 50 people per reservation."