Calgary, often dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Rockies,’ is a laid-back city where urban flair meets outdoor adventure. Located close to the mountains for hiking and skiing, it also enjoys an incredible 333 days of blue sky a year. I spent a day here during my journey across Canada and loved it. From the fascinating Calgary Tower to the iconic Calgary Stampede, this gem in Alberta, Canada is a great stop, even if you only have 24 hours. Here is the best one day in Calgary itinerary, including all the fun things to do in Calgary and the best places to stay.
Quick overview of your one day in Calgary itinerary
- Climb to the top of Calgary Tower
- Take photos of the downtown sculptures
- Visit Heritage Park Historical Village
- Taste classic Alberta beef and craft beers
The best time to visit Calgary
I visited Calgary in early September and had a fantastic time, despite unseasonable snow. Calgary has an astounding 333 days of blue sky annually, making it great to visit year-round.
Peak season is June-August when the days are longest and the weather is warmest at 15-25°C (59-77°F). Accommodation prices are especially high during Calgary Stampede week in July when hotel rates triple.
If you’re not coming for Calgary Stampede, I would recommend visiting Calgary in spring or autumn, as you’ll still likely enjoy blue skies and you’ll have better value accommodation.
How to plan a one day in Calgary itinerary
If I was to do my day in Calgary again, I would definitely start with a bus tour. It’s a great way to quickly get your bearings and understand the city’s history and highlights. After lunch it’s time to climb to the top of Calgary Tower, which I really enjoyed, followed by photos of the cool sculptures downtown. Then it’s off to Heritage Park Historical Village to experience over 100 years of western Canadian history. End the day with dinner at Caesar’s Steak House for classic Alberta beef.
Morning: see the Calgary highlights on a bus tour
Start your one day in Calgary itinerary a bus sightseeing bus tour. This tour begins at Calgary Tower and covers all the city’s major landmarks including Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada Olympic Park, Stampede Park, East Village, and downtown Calgary.
The local guides share stories about how the Calgary Stampede, the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the railway shaped this city. You’ll see Calgary City Hall, Olympic Plaza, Telus Spark, Calgary Zoo, Studio Bell, and the Crescent Hill Peace Bridge.
The tour includes three photo stops, giving you a perfect city overview before exploring on foot. I’d recommend taking this tour first – the guides offer great insider tips on where to spend your afternoon.
Reserve your seat on a popular Calgary sightseeing bus tour which runs from 9am to midday here.
Lunch stop
After your bus tour, grab a light lunch downtown. A popular choice is Una Pizza + Wine for its excellent Neapolitan-style pizzas and quick service. Alternatively, The Coup in nearby Kensington serves fresh, locally-sourced vegetarian dishes and creative salads. It’s popular with health-conscious locals and just a short walk from downtown.
Foodies will love this divine Calgary food tour, where you can enjoy tastings around the city – book it here.
Early afternoon: climb to the top of Calgary Tower
Your afternoon begins at Calgary Tower, one of Calgary’s most recognisable landmarks. On entering, you’re handed an advanced audio guide with a full interactive touchscreen – it’s far superior to any I’ve used at other attractions.
When looking out at the city, you can select your view from the handset’s 3D map and press on highlighted buildings to hear their stories. You’ll learn about the saloon owned by the Sundance Kid before he joined Butch Cassidy, and a hotel whose owners were ostracised after surviving the Titanic sinking.
The glass floor section offers an impressive view of the streets below and makes for great photos during your Calgary visit.
Discover more of the city’s secrets and stories on a guided walking tour of Calgary.
Mid afternoon: discover the huge modern sculptures downtown
After Calgary Tower, spend time exploring Calgary’s contemporary sculptures around downtown for great photo opportunities.
I especially loved the Wonderland Sculpture outside the Bow Tower. This 12-metre tall model of a girl’s head is made from bent wire and you can walk right inside it – one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in downtown Calgary.
Learn more about these sculptures on this two-hour guided walking tour of Calgary.
Late afternoon: explore the Heritage Park Historical Village
If you have time, take a taxi (20 minutes) or public transit (40 minutes) to Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum. It’s open every day until 5pm.
This recreated frontier town immerses you in 100 years of western Canadian life as you explore historic buildings, check out antique machinery and ride an authentic steam train. You can also speak with costumed guides and have fun as you witness history come to life.
Skip the lines and get your Heritage Park admission tickets in advance – book it here.
Early evening: dine on classic Alberta steak
End your Calgary day with a classic steakhouse experience at the top-rated Caesar’s Steak House & Lounge or the more contemporary Charcut Roast House. Restaurants near Calgary Tower include Charcut, a hip and lively steakhouse. There’s also the chic One18Empire, which serves contemporary twists on well-loved American dishes and fabulous cocktails.
As well as the renowned Alberta steak, typical local dishes include ginger beef – a deep-fried beef dish coated in a sweet and tangy ginger sauce. This Chinese-style dish was actually invented in Calgary in the 1970s. Why not accompany your meal with a spicy Caesar cocktail made with vodka and Clamato juice.
Why not dine at the top of the Calgary Tower in its unique revolving Sky 360 restaurant. Serving modern Canadian dishes, this 200-seat venue gives you 360 degree city views while you dine. Dinner prices include access to the tower’s observation deck.
For a tasty evening experience, consider a Calgary street art and craft beer walking tour.
Late evening: enjoy the Calgary nightlife
If you have energy left after dinner, you can sample Calgary’s nightlife scene. Downtown comes alive after dark with craft breweries, cocktail lounges and live music venues. The Red Mile (17th Avenue SW) and the Kensington district are also known for their lively bars.
Check out the popular Last Best Brewing & Distilling bar which serves excellent local craft beers and spirits. If you like cocktails, check out the Prohibition Bar and Lounge.
For the full experience, the Calgary private nightlife tour takes you to the city’s best bars and clubs.
These are the best places to stay in Calgary
If you’re staying overnight in Calgary, downtown is most convenient to get around. Great hotels in Calgary include the boutique Hotel Le Germain Calgary, which offers massages in your room – perfect after a long day of sightseeing. Nearby is the luxurious Fairmont Palliser Hotel Calgary, which has a large indoor pool and spa. If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Calgary, the superb Alt Hotel Calgary East Village has stylish and spacious rooms.
Browse and book the best Calgary hotel deals for your dates by exploring the map below:
What is the Calgary Stampede?
The best known places to go in Calgary is the Calgary Stampede. Famous for its annual rodeo, this event dates back to 1886. Every July, it hosts a 10-day festival known as ‘the greatest outdoor show on earth’.
This event attracts over a million people from around the world. One of Canada’s largest music festivals, it features classic Western rodeo events including bull-riding, bucking broncos and barrel-racing. Every evening, there’s the GMC Rangeland Derby, where 36 teams of horses and drivers race before a fireworks display finale.
The best day trips from Calgary
Calgary is the perfect gateway to some of Canada’s most spectacular destinations, all easily accessible as day trips.
The most popular day trips from Calgary are to the iconic lakes and towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park and Lake Louise are just 1.5 hours from Calgary with their world-class mountain scenery, pristine turquoise lakes and variety of outdoor adventures.
For the ultimate mountain experience, a day trip to Jasper is a longer but incredibly rewarding journey through the some of Alberta’s most picturesque natural scenery. Jasper was the highlight of my whole Canada itinerary.
Discover Banff, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise and more on this popular one-day tour from Calgary.
Alternatively, experience one of the world’s most scenic drives on a day trip to the Columbia Icefield. This full-day adventure takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to walk on ancient glaciers and experience the thrilling Glacier Skywalk suspended high above the valley. You’ll also see some of the most dazzling blue lakes you’ve ever set eyes on – trust me, they are out of this world.
Getting to Calgary
There are direct flights to Calgary from major cities across North America and around the world. Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located 30 minutes northeast of downtown. From the airport, take the Blue Line C-Train directly to downtown Calgary or grab a taxi or Uber. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer to your accommodation for convenience and comfort.
If you’re driving, Calgary sits at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 2, making it easily accessible from Edmonton (3 hours north), Vancouver (6 hours west), or from the US border (4 hours south).
Frequently asked questions about Calgary
Is Calgary worth visiting?
Yes – Calgary is increasing in popularity as it has a unique blend of western heritage and cosmopolitan culture you won’t find elsewhere. The city’s 333 annual days of blue sky, excellent dining scene and proximity to the Canadian Rockies make it a fantastic destination. Plus, it’s much more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto.
Is one day enough to see Calgary properly?
While one day gives you a taste of Calgary’s highlights, you’ll probably want to return for more exploration. This itinerary covers the essential Calgary attractions, but the city has much more to discover including its excellent proximity to the Canadian Rockies and diverse neighbourhoods.
How many days are enough in Calgary?
For Calgary itself, one day is enough, though 2-3 is ideal to fully explore the city’s attractions, neighbourhoods and food scene without rushing. The Heritage Park is worth a day by itself. However, if you’re coming for the Calgary Stampede or using Calgary as a base for Rocky Mountain day trips, plan for 5-7 days total.
What’s the best way to get around Calgary in one day?
Calgary’s downtown area is very walkable, as most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other on foot. Calgary’s efficient C-Train light rail system is free within the downtown core, perfect for getting between attractions on this itinerary.
What’s the weather like in Calgary?
Calgary enjoys 333 days of sunshine annually, so it’s pleasant year-round, but the weather can be unpredictable. I arrived in early September to find unseasonable snow! Summer temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), while winter can be freezing with snow.
Which is better, Banff or Calgary?
It’s hard to compare because Calgary and Banff are completely different. Calgary is all about urban Canadian culture, dining and attractions, while Banff is luxury spa resorts, mountain wilderness and outdoor adventures. Many visitors use Calgary as a more affordable base for exploring the Rockies.
Should I stay in Calgary when visiting Banff?
It depends on your priorities. Staying in Calgary means you’ll have better value accommodation, more dining options and easier access to the international airport, but from there it’s a 1.5 hour journey to Banff each day.
Final thoughts on the best one day in Calgary itinerary
Calgary is a great city to spend a day as its laid-back charm means it’s great to wander around. Personally, I loved the interactive experience at Calgary Tower and exploring the contemporary art sculptures downtown.
In this city, you also can dine in world-class restaurants, sip craft cocktails in trendy bars, explore art galleries and enjoy live music performances. If you enjoy outdoor adventure, Calgary’s strategic proximity to the Rockies makes it an excellent base for day trips to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
While one day gives you a taste of Calgary, you may well find yourself planning a return visit to use it as a base to discover more about this beautiful region of Canada.
Thank you to Calgary Tower who hosted my visit. My opinions, as always, are my own.
Next up, discover the ultimate 3-week itinerary for crossing Canada here.
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