Things To Do in Calgary

I really fell in love with Calgary. I was there for 16 days for work and felt like I lived there by the end of my trip. I didn't want to leave and kept telling my friends I was moving! I think most people think of Calgary as the city you have to fly into to then drive to some breathtaking sights. This is true (a trip to Banff is a must!), but the city itself has so much to offer. My coworkers who live there described it as "not a night life city, but a drinks after work city". And honestly, that's my kind of city! I truly can't wait to return and have been telling everyone I know to add it to their travel lists.

Catch a Flames Hockey Game at the Scotiabank Saddledome

This was one of my favorite activities of the trip! The stadium is centrally located and a very short walk from Downtown. I'm not a huge hockey person but felt like I needed to catch a game in Canada! The energy was high, and I loved seeing all the team and fan traditions. Plus, the stadium name is super satisfying to say in a Canadian accent.

Peace Bridge & Prince's Island Park

Downtown Calgary is all along Bow River, so there are many bridges. The Peace Bridge is certainly the most unique. It's designed to have no piers into the water and looks like a finger trap! If you start your walk on the opposite side of Downtown (Sunnyside) and walk into the city, the bridge will lead you super close to Prince's Island Park. I discovered the park while exploring the city and loved how peaceful it was. I was also there during the most incredible sunset and had a beautiful moment of gratitude for the world. I usually experience this at least once when traveling. This evening at the bridge and the park brought everything into perspective, and I left feeling so thankful for the ability to explore our planet.

Bow River Pathway Loop

After walking the bridge and through the park, you can actually keep walking along the water on the Bow River Pathway Loop. I love a good walking trail along water. Once, I actually told an employer that 'walking around water with friends' was my favorite thing to do. There were locals on runs, dog walks or bike rides, and it felt nice to get a taste of what a day in the life might look like if I lived in Calgary. There are beautiful sights of the city and the river, and again, it's especially beautiful at sunset! Have I mentioned yet that the Calgary sunsets are amazing?

Stephen Ave and Plus 15

Stephen Ave is the main street of Downtown Calgary. There are so many yummy restaurants, many of which are highlighted on my Favorite Restaurants in Calgary post. There is also plenty of shopping, and the street itself is closed off to cars and very cute. We spent a lot of time walking up and down this avenue.

You can also access Plus 15 from this street - the world's most extensive pedestrian skyway covering 10 miles and connecting over 130 buildings! These above-ground tunnels make shopping and strolling through Downtown during the winter so much easier. You can enter from most of the big shopping malls and get lost walking from building to building.

Ice Skate at Olympic Plaza

Sadly this is an activity I didn't actually participate in, but almost every day I would walk by this public park and watch the locals casually throw on some skates and glide around a beautiful Christmas tree. There is a spot where you can rent skates, but it doesn't feel like any of the big seasonal rinks I've ever been to with high prices and tourists falling all over each other. Instead, it is a joyful and peaceful gathering of families out for a fun evening on the ice.

Take a Day Trip to Banff

I had to include this on the list because you simply can't go to Calgary without making this trip. You can read all about this activity on my Day Trip to Banff post!

Next Time I Want To:

• Visit during Stampede!

• Explore more neighborhoods outside Downtown

• Calgary Tower

• Ski, sled and more at WinSport

I think Calgary is so underrated and pretty spectacular. The people, food, sunsets and city itself were so enjoyable. I wasn't expecting much from this trip, but I am so happy to have witnessed the beauty of Calgary. I suggest you find a time to do the same. 🤘🏼