Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a city where small-town traditions meet modern-day diversions, from the infinite array of outdoor adventures to the ample nightlife, fine dining and shopping. Calgary is best known for its annual rodeo, the Calgary Stampede, which attracts millions of visitors each year.

Things to do

Climb to the top of Calgary Tower, an iconic feature of the city’s skyline offering panoramic vistas of the city and mountains. Dine in the revolving Sky 360 restaurant and step out onto the glass-floored observation deck for a bird’s-eye view.

History buffs and art lovers will have plenty to fuss over at Glenbow Museum, which features an extensive permanent collection devoted to the history of Western Canada and an ever-evolving array of contemporary art exhibits. Don’t miss the Mavericks Gallery, where historical figurines tell the story of Alberta through their own eyes.

Get in touch with nature in any of Calgary’s four national parks, home to beautiful mountain scenery alongside skiing, rafting, hiking and biking trails. Witness the turquoise lakes of Banff National Park, the bubbling hot springs of Kootenay National Park and the dizzying peaks and wild waterfalls of Yoyo National Park.

Looking for family-friendly fun? Head to Calgary Heritage Park, where Western Canadian history comes to life. Ride an authentic steam train, try boot-scootin’ country line dancing or make your own ice cream.

Discover the enthralling history of the Calgary's indigenous tribes at the open-air museum at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. The Plains People lived and hunted bison at this World Heritage-listed site for more than 6,000 years. Wander through the interactive exhibits featuring prehistoric artefacts and recreated scenes, before stepping outside to witness the world’s best-preserved buffalo jump.

Getting around

Calgary International Airport is a 20-minute journey from downtown Calgary, with rental cars, trains, taxis and airport shuttles available for transport. Driving or catching the train from Banff, Vancouver or Toronto is a scenic way to reach Calgary.