Why Go to Calgary
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Calgary has a true Cinderella story. It began as a North-West Mounted Police fort near the Rocky Mountains and grew into a rough-and-tumble cow town. Then oil was discovered in the early 1900s, and over the next century gleaming office towers rose where small shops once stood. By 1988, the booming city and its spectacular location near the Rockies won it the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics.
For all its growth, Calgary has never lost its cowboy heart. Boots and wide-brimmed hats are still a common sight, and the city's Western pride is everywhere. To experience it at its best, visit in July for the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo and festival with bronc riding, chuckwagon races, concerts and pancake breakfasts all over town. Locals call it the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Calgary is also the main gateway to Banff, about 90 minutes away, and the Canadian Rockies. I'll plan your arrival, rental car or transfers, and combine Calgary with Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper for an unforgettable mountain trip.
BEST FOR
Rocky Mountain road-trippers, families, foodies and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
June to September for long daylight and outdoor excursions.
EXPLORE
Downtown and the Beltline contain dining and cultural venues; Inglewood has independent shops, and the Bow River pathway network links green spaces. Calgary is also a gateway toward Banff.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Calgary
North America › Prairies › Canada › Alberta
Western Canadian city energy at the gateway to the Rockies.
Mountain & Alpine
Stampede
Gateway
Business
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan Banff as a full day or overnight rather than squeezing mountain scenery into a short urban afternoon.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Calgary Tower visibility changes with weather; check observation-deck access and allow time for elevator queues.
Calgary Tower
Look over the downtown skyline and surrounding plains.
Studio Bell’s music exhibitions and performances follow different schedules; check the event program before arriving.
Studio Bell
Explore Canadian music at the National Music Centre.
Heritage Park has seasonal operations and a large grounds footprint; verify which historic rides and buildings are open.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Discover historical buildings and exhibits on a large heritage site.
Calgary Zoo pathways cover a wide area; dress for the season and check encounter or event schedules.
Calgary Zoo
Visit animal habitats and botanical areas along the river.
Prince’s Island Park has river pathways and event spaces; check closures after flooding or major festivals.
Prince’s Island Park
Walk riverside paths close to downtown.
A historic luxury hotel in the downtown core, convenient for central shopping and arts venues. Particularly suitable for visitors who value traditional hotel character and a walkable central base.
Fairmont Palliser
Downtown / 9 Avenue SW
Hotel Tags
A boutique-oriented property in the Beltline area close to dining and cultural attractions. Compare its neighborhood location with your plans for the riverfront and downtown.
Hotel Arts
Beltline / 12 Avenue SW
Hotel Tags
A contemporary boutique hotel near Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, well positioned for central sightseeing and restaurant visits. Verify parking and room choice.
Le Germain Hotel Calgary
Downtown / Calgary Tower
Hotel Tags
A centrally located full-service hotel near Stephen Avenue shopping and restaurants, useful for business and leisure travelers. Check event schedules and vehicle access.
Hyatt Regency Calgary
Downtown / Stephen Avenue
Hotel Tags
A suite-style hotel close to Eau Claire and the Bow River pathways, suited to travelers seeking more room space near the downtown riverfront. Confirm any ongoing precinct construction.
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Eau Claire / Bow River
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Calgary
High 38°F · Low 19°F · Rain 0.5 in
Winter returns, and the nearby ski resorts begin to open.
June to September for long daylight and outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Calgary
WHEN TO GO
06
Airport Transfers and Regional Shuttles
Use airport bus, taxi, rideshare or advance-booked mountain transfers according to luggage and destination. Confirm exact boarding points.
05
Downtown Walking and Cycling
The downtown core, river pathways and East Village connect by pedestrian and cycling routes. Dress for rapidly changing weather.
04
Rental Cars for the Rockies
A rental car is useful for Banff or Kananaskis excursions; mountain road conditions change rapidly, especially in winter.
03
CTrain and City Buses
Calgary Transit CTrain lines and buses serve central districts and some outer neighborhoods. Verify routes and service on event days.
02
Getting around locally
Calgary International Airport connects by bus, taxi and rideshare. CTrain light rail is useful within the city, while a rental car is often simplest for mountain day trips.
01
Airport and arrival transfers
Calgary International Airport connects by bus, taxi and rideshare. CTrain light rail is useful within the city, while a rental car is often simplest for mountain day trips.
Calgary International Airport connects by bus, taxi and rideshare. CTrain light rail is useful within the city, while a rental car is often simplest for mountain day trips.
Getting Around Calgary