Alberta’s main city and gateway to Banff National Park and the Rockies, about 1.5 hours away; famous for the July Stampede cowboy festival, Alberta beef and ginger beef.
The best season for day trips to Banff, Lake Louise and the Rockies. source
Weather: June–September is best, with the Stampede in early July (hotel prices soar); November–March is sub-zero but a base for Rockies ski trips. source
Times to avoid: Book early for the early-July Stampede, when hotels fill and prices jump. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Calgary
Heritage Park / Gasoline Alley Museum A recreated pioneer village of western Canada; the Gasoline Alley vintage-car museum is open year-round (the village is seasonal). source
Ginger beef Crispy sweet-spicy beef, created in a Calgary Chinese restaurant in the 1970s. source
Alberta beef steak Alberta produces half of Canada’s beef — try it at long-running steakhouses. source
Where to stay in Calgary
Downtown
Near the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, on the C-Train.
Beltline
The restaurant-and-bar district just south of downtown.
What to eat in Calgary
Ginger Beef — Crispy beef in a sweet-spicy ginger sauce, invented in Calgary
Alberta Beef Steak — Steak from Alberta, source of half of Canada’s beef
Caesar — Tomato-clam cocktail invented in Calgary in 1969
Calgary tips and things to watch out for
Calgary travel tips
Menu prices exclude 5% GST and tip; Alberta has no provincial sales tax, and a 15–18% tip is usual. source
Good to know in Canada
Sales tax may be included in the displayed price or added separately; check your receipt. source
Contactless card payment works in most shops and on public transit. source
Watch out for in Canada
In parks and on trails you may meet bears and other wildlife; follow posted rules and never leave food out. source
In Canadian cities, do not leave bags unattended and keep valuables and your passport secure. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Calgary are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Canada.
Calgary attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Gasoline Alley Museum (Adult, plus GST): CA$14.95 · child CA$8.95