Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"This one gets the award for the most underrated Calgary location for engagement and family photography. The Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery is located at Pearce Estate Park which makes it an ideal spot for a fun filled family day. You can have your photo taken and teach your kids about the Bow River wildlife on the same day!"

"Picnicking here will make you feel as though you’ve escaped the city. Home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and a 15-hectare reconstructed wetland, this is the place to soak in the beauty of nature while eating at one of the picnic sites."

"Pearce Estate Park is located just north and east of Inglewood. This hidden gem has some amazing urban views of the river and wildlife. Learn more about Pearce Estate Park"

"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."

"McHugh Bluff is a gorgeous park that spans two northwest Calgary neighborhoods and has panoramic views of Bow River, Prince’s Island Park and downtown. While it’s also a popular place to watch the Canada Day fireworks, you should visit during the off-season and go at night to see Calgary lit up by the stars. It’s very “bright lights in the big city.” Recommended by local insider Coco Hiu Tung"

"Though we’d recommend bringing a hiking pole and some snug sneaks, McHugh Bluff is another one that you won’t regret!. Yes, it requires some extra insurance, but no matter what shape you’re in, we can guarantee you won’t regret it!. Pro tip: bring snacks and stay a while to really make the trip worth your time."

"McHugh Bluff Park sits alongside Memorial Drive in northwest Calgary. The park spans across two residential communities making it truly convenient for residents. McHugh Bluff Park is also quite close to the city centre, making it a popular location for commuters, joggers, and dog walkers."

"This French pastry shop in Cambrian Heights now features a petite and pleasant café. Suitably accented sandwiches include egg on fresh-baked croissant, grilled veggies and feta on milk bun, and ham and Brie on baguette. Pair a green, Greek or fruit salad with any of these, or give in to irresistible, fresh pastries and cookies from the front counter."

"Authentic French pastry at its finest, Eclaire de Lune knows how to serve delicious treats that also look the part. Sitting on a gold platter, the prestiges look like they are ready to be eaten by royalty, which is perfect for us. Address: 1049 40th Avenue NWFacebook: Eclaire de Lune"

"If you like French pastries, Éclair de Lune is the place to go. Offering traditional French pastries, sandwiches and cakes, this north-east bakery is a must visit when you’re craving a treat. Want to try our favourites?"

"The oh-so-recognizable Wild Rose label is just that because of their years dedicated to making good-quality local brews. The old hangar location of the brewery allows them to have a nice, wide-open patio area. Their newest must-tries this year include a Pineapple Milkshake IPA, a Belgian-style Wit, and an Alumnisa (a strong and tropical IPA)."

"Cold Garden is the perfect place to introduce someone to Calgary’s brewing scene. Its gleefully kitschy interior has a scrappy charm that makes it instantly memorable: mismatched vintage furniture and a giant pineapple-cum-disco ball let you know right away that the beer crafted here is just as quirky and unapologetic. The tap menu is among the biggest on the scene, and both dogs and outside food are welcome."

"Cold Garden is a somewhat niche microbrewery located in the Inglewood neighborhood of Calgary. Founders Blake Belding, Kris Fiorentino, and Dan Allard set up shop there with the intention of revitalizing the area, as it was once Calgary’s center for all things beer. This is one brewery in Calgary that it really pays to visit, especially if you want a creative beer that you won’t find anywhere else."

"The Cold Garden tours and tastings remain virtual for now, but include four beers to taste, a 20oz. branded cup, a live tour of the brew space, a guided tasting, and delivery- you might receive some additional surprise swag, too!. Your tour will get right into how Cold Garden came to eb, and how their beers come to be by learning all the details of how they’re made."