Best Things to Do in Summer in Calgary
Are you looking for what to do in Calgary in the summer? From the best things to do and see in Calgary, Alberta in the summer, top attractions, must-visit-places, activities, tips on where to stay, how to get around, to what to pack, our Calgary summer travel guide has got you covered.
We spent in Calgary, the largest city in the Alberta Province, entire year. A very challenging year, to be honest, and one of the challenges we had to face was the cold weather.
But once the summer arrived, everything was forgotten, and we had a feeling this is a completely different city.
More relaxed, finally free of the snow blanket, happy to show its visitors amazing indoor and outdoor activities.
In this travel guide, we would like to introduce you to this attractive travel destination in the best way we know - through our words and photos, aiming to show you the best things to see and do in Calgary in the summer.
We still keep fond memories of this captivating Canadian city and truly believe our blog post will ignite your passion for traveling, and you will put this gateway even in your Canadian Rockies itinerary.
Calgary is a fantastic place all year round, but as the majority of travelers visit the city in the summer months, we will focus only on the best things you can do in summer.
Even though winter in Calgary was beautiful, with plenty of snow, which is very different from what we know from Prague, we must admit that in the end, we found it way too long.
We tried to be active, did many things, and did our best to enjoy this city and the weather to the fullest - as you can see in our popular article Top Activities to do in Calgary in Winter.
But when the snow was still around in late April and temperatures were still below zero, our excitement ceased slowly, and we could not wait for warmer temperatures and longer days.
However, as we were patient enough, the spring and summer have one day finally arrived in Calgary, and we could enjoy the city from a bit different perspective, do activities which were in winter closed for months, limited, or we simply did not have the mood to try them at that time.
With the sun and warmer temperatures, we had plenty of energy, so every weekend, we packed our backpacks and spent all day long looking for the best activities and photographing the top attractions.
In this Calgary summer travel guide, we want to share the best things you can see and do in Calgary in the period between May and September, tips on the best attractions, where to stay, and how to get around.
WHAT TO DO IN CALGARY IN SUMMER
Summer is the time of the year when basically all the activities in Calgary are available.
Sure, the snow is gone, so you cannot go skating anymore, but other than that, you can spend your time actively outdoors, visit an indoor museum, or combine these things according to your itinerary.
Being a gateway to the Canadian Rockies can be both a curse and a blessing. Because of the fact snow-capped mountains and blue glacial lakes are just behind the corner, international travelers often overlook Calgary.
The city is often seen as an overnight stop where it is easy to rent a car, stock up on food, and then it is time to set off straight away on the road trip of a lifetime.
Although the Canadian Rockies are one of our all-time favorite travel destinations, we still think Calgary deserves at least a day or two of your time. Let's have a look at what Calgary has to offer in the summer.
CALGARY TOWER
Calgary Tower is the iconic dominant of the city of Calgary and one of the few attractions that is a must-see year-round.
The 191 meters high tower is the top tourist sight, and it is impossible to be overlooked.
No matter if you are in the city only for a day, you have to visit Calgary Tower, although the structure is no longer the highest building in the city. Still, the views are great.
Even though the tower is a real gem from the outside and it makes the downtown very photogenic, in case you have time, we recommend you to buy a ticket to the viewing platform and then take the elevator (or walk 802 stairs) to the top.
From the observation deck, you will have perfect views (when the weather cooperates) of the glass-made high buildings, Saddledome, prairie, foothills, and even the famous Canadian Rockies are impressive in the distance.
If you are brave enough, stand on a glass floor, take a moment so the feeling of dizziness pass, look down, and enjoy the bird’s eye view of 9th Avenue SW and Centre Street below.
An interesting fact: Calgary lies 1045 meters above sea level, so when you visit the observation deck of Calgary Tower, you will be on the highest observation deck in the world. How cool is that?
The tower is opened during the day and after the sunset as well, and it is only up to you whether you prefer to see as much as possible or if you rather want to enjoy the atmosphere of the millions of lights around you.
For the ultimate experience, consider visiting a restaurant inside the Calgary Tower, from where you can get perfect views while eating delicious meals.
Calgary Tower is located on 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta. Opening hours are September to May 9 AM to 9 PM, June to August 9 AM to 10 PM.
Calgary Tower admission is 18 CAD.
FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
In Calgary, we lived in the Somerset area, so it meant only one thing. We had Fish Creek Provincial Park only a few train stops away, so guess what.
Yes, we spent a fair amount of time in this park, both in the summer and winter, but the summertime was certainly more pleasant.
Fish Creek Park is pretty large, it stretches on both sides of Macleod Trail, and it is a popular place for both locals and tourists, who can, within a couple of minutes, escape the crowds, and enjoy that wilderness-like feel, even when still in the bustling city.
There is no entrance fee to Fish Creek Provincial Park, which is excellent news, especially for those traveling on a budget or those looking for free things to do in Calgary.
In the park, you will find many trails (80 kilometers), which you can explore either on foot or on a bike.
Although you won't find here exactly must-visit sights, we always had a blast being in nature and were able to walk for miles here without a plan or directions in mind.
Although Fish Creek Provincial Park is an awesome place to visit in winter (cross-country skiing is a real thing here) as it has an unbeatable atmosphere, warmer temperatures in spring and summer melt the snow, the river is unfrozen again, and you can feel the new life in the air.
Also, in the summer, you have a higher chance to spot wildlife such as deer, coyotes, birds, or beavers, so keep your eyes wide open.
The easiest way to get to the park, according to us, is by public transport (C-Train), but you can also drive and park on one of many parking lots.
TAKE A WALK AROUND DOWNTOWN
When we first arrived in Calgary, we could not get enough of walking around downtown and photographing skyscrapers, especially just before sunset when its glass surface turned golden.
Coming from Prague, an old historical city in Europe, everything was simply too different. If you are short on time, exploring the city center is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Calgary.
If you visit Calgary from similarly modern cities, you may not be that impressed, but we still think you will like it.
Calgary's downtown is pretty compact and not that big, so you will be easily able to explore it on foot. Start near Calgary Tower, and then walk via Stephen Avenue, which is a pedestrian-friendly zone lined with boutique shops, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
In summer, Stephen Avenue is a lively place where something is always going on, and it is pleasant to hang out there.
Later continue to Wonderland Sculpture, which is a great example of modern art, and an attraction you cannot miss when in the city. The sculpture is simply a piece of art representing a huge human head, but you must see it yourself.
Wonderland Sculpture's exceptionality is highlighted by another fantastic tall building in Calgary, called simply The Bow.
Then carry on to Prince's Island Park, another best thing to do in Calgary in summer, as during this time, the park on Bow River is at its best.
The park features paved hiking trails, picnic areas, flower gardens and hosts many cultural events in the summer months.
Although the park is downtown, the atmosphere here is not hectic at all, and you will for sure enjoy your time here.
Only a short walk from Prince's Island Park is Peace Bridge, a red futuristic bridge across Bow River.
Walk across the bridge, and once you get on the other side of the river, turn your head and enjoy a pretty terrific view of Calgary's downtown.
If you prefer to learn more about Calgary from a local, then you might consider taking a Calgary Walking Tour.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALGARY
Calgary lodging comes in all types, from upscale hotels, mid-range hotels to budget motels and hostels.
Summer is the high season in Calgary and especially in the Canadian Rockies, and from our personal experience (we both worked in a hotel), the demand for accommodation is very high.
This is especially true for the Stampede. If you don't want to attend the Stampede, it's better to avoid the dates this annual event is held on. The prices skyrocket during this period, and you need to make your reservation well in advance.
Calgary is a quite large city, and it may look like a difficult task which area to choose.
Downtown is always a great place to stay, as all the best attractions are within walking distance.
Banff Trail area is popular among visitors who want to leave the city early in the morning and start their journey across the Canadian Rockies.
If you need to catch an early flight, try to book a hotel near the Calgary airport.
Budget | Aloft Calgary University - Modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with great service.
Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook.
Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - Newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.
HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE
We must say that usually, we are not fans of theme parks, and under normal circumstances, we most likely would not visit Heritage Park Historical Village, but as we worked in Calgary in a hotel and received free tickets from Calgary Tourism, we decided to give it a try.
And after spending one afternoon in the park (an enjoyable afternoon), we can only recommend you to do the same - nowadays, we would not be that reluctant to spend money on the ticket.
We are not saying that the visit will blow your mind, but it is for sure interesting to look under the hood of the city you are in.
And if you are traveling as a family with kids, we are pretty sure you will enjoy your time in Heritage park twice as much.
If you are, like us, coming from Europe, do not set your expectations too high when it comes to history.
Even though Heritage Park Historical Village is officially Canada's Largest Living History Museum, the park shows attractions, exhibits, and the way of life in Alberta from the 1860s to the 1950s.
Once you enter Heritage Park, you will appear in an old village, and you can see how Calgary looked like years ago.
You can enter the old houses and saloons, admire old trains (you can even take a train ride around the park) and learn more about history.
In the summer there is even a tent with a small market, where you can buy traditional handicrafts, and in case you plan on spending here longer, no worries, there is a bakery, cafes or restaurants as well.
You will easily get to Heritage Park Historical Village either by car (there is a parking lot).
If you do not have a car, no worries. Take CTrain to Heritage LRT Station, and then jump on a bus 502, which will take you to the park's entrance.
Admission: 26.95 CAD per adult person.
Opening Hours: Heritage Park is open during the summer season (May 15 - September 7) every day between 10 AM and 5 PM, and during this time, all services are available.
In the winter season (October 15 - May 15), the village is closed, except for special events, such as Once Upon A Christmas.
Also, the shop, cafes, and Gasoline Alley Museum are opened on selected days during the slow season.
TAKE A PHOTO OF CALGARY'S SKYLINE
If we should point out only one thing we loved the most about Calgary, it would have been for sure photographing Calgary's skyline.
And what is the best thing about this activity? It is completely free.
No matter the time of the day or the season, you should put this activity in your travel itinerary.
As we spent in Calgary the whole year, we often woke up early in the morning when temperatures were hitting -30 degrees Celsius and traveled across the city to the lookouts, as we knew we wouldn't meet a single person there.
Then we arrived back home several hours later, frozen to the bone, made a super hot tea, and stayed put for the rest of the day sorting the photos and talking about how cold this morning really was.
But even in the summer, when the days were longer, we often went to either McHugh Bluff or ENMAX Park, our two favorite viewpoints, and waited for the sunset over the downtown.
In the summer, these places also have a different atmosphere; you will meet here many runners, couples on a romantic walk, or youth gathering there before hitting the bars.
It is hard to tell which viewpoint is better as we liked both of them equally, but if you want to have that iconic picture with Saddledome in the front, go to ENMAX Park.
VISIT THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Calgary is, for a reason, nicknamed the gateway to the Canadian Rockies.
Although Calgary for sure has a lot to offer, we still think the majority of travelers arrive here because of its proximity to the Rockies.
You can spend a day or two in Calgary, rent a car here, do the last-minute shopping, and then start your long-awaited road trip.
The Canadian Rockies is one of our favorite places, and even if you are short on time, you can't miss it out.
And the beautiful mountainous landscape with insanely blue lakes is so picturesque that you should plan at least two weeks in the Canadian Rockies.
If you are short on time and don't want to rent a car, then consider this well-rated Canadian Rockies Day Tour to some of the most iconic places in Banff NP and Yoho NP.
There are so many amazing places to visit in places such as Banff, Jasper or Yoho, that it's hard to know where to start.
For more inspiration, feel free to read our in-depth Canadian Rockies Itinerary, or tips on best hikes in Banff National Park and best hikes in Jasper National Park.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
CALGARY ZOO
Even though we have quite many objections to keeping wild animals in the cages, we could not ignore the fact that Calgary Zoo is super-popular among travelers and locals alike.
And not everything is black and white. After we were given free tickets, one sunny day we decided to go to Calgary Zoo as well and see what the fuss is about.
The main reason why people travel to Calgary Zoo is pandas, and we are not afraid to say that at the time of our visit, it seemed that Calgary was going through panda fever, as those cute animals were literally everywhere.
You could see the ads on the trains, in the streets, and there was not a day we did not hear people at work talking about this phenomenon.
And we could finally test properly the new telephoto lens we had purchased a few days earlier.
Although we found Calgary Zoo a bit smaller, especially when we compare it with the Singapore Zoo or Prague Zoo we had visited many years ago, we still needed four hours to cover the grounds at a leisure pace.
Therefore we recommend you to do this activity either if you have plenty of time, or when you are looking for something your kids may enjoy.
Admission: The entrance fee for an adult is 29.95 CAD.
Opening Hours: The Zoo is open all year round between 9 AM and 5 PM, although some services may be limited in the winter between October and March. The zoo is closed on December 25.
You can either drive to the zoo by car, parking is an additional 12 CAD, or take CTrain and get off at Calgary Zoo station. It is only a short walk from the station to the entrance.
Photo Tip: If you are an avid photographer, make sure to bring a proper telephoto lens.
CALGARY STAMPEDE
Every year, at the beginning of July, Calgary hosts its biggest event of the year, Calgary Stampede, also known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
If you are in the area during this time, you should not miss it by any means. Yes, the prices of accommodation and other services skyrocket, but we think it is once in a lifetime opportunity to see a show like this.
And what can you expect except for the city full of people wearing cowboy hats, western-inspired boots, and plaid shirts?
Rodeo, horse cart races, music shows, western events, junk food, and fun attractions.
We must admit that before we lived in Calgary, we had never heard of Stampede as we were born on a different continent and in a very different culture, and at first, we did not even think of attending.
And even after we learned more about the city and this huge event, we were still really hesitant.
But when the event was getting closer, and people started to be excited, we decided to buy an evening show ticket. And it was great.
People were having fun everywhere around, there were stalls with food and drinks, the horse-cart race, and then the fantastic concert finished the overall perfect evening.
And for us, it was also a beautiful ending to our enriching year in Canada, as the next day, we had a flight to Colombia, where we started our year-long trip around South America.
The ticket to Calgary Stampede costs 18 CAD. This ticket will give you access to the grounds where you will find stalls, animals, or some music shows.
But in case you want to attend the shows as rodeo, horse race, or evening music event, you need to buy a separate ticket which ranges between 20 CAD and 169 CAD, depending on the day, time, and seats.
CANADA OLYMPIC PARK
In 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympic Games, and today, even in the summer, you can visit the park. How cool is that?
Unlike in other countries, where large Olympic Parks remained unused and often turned into ghost towns, Calgary's Olympic Park is very much alive.
First, you can visit Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, an interesting exhibition featuring Canada's most popular sports and athletes, and then you can walk to the park.
We rode luge down the hill, and it was super-fun, a super-exciting experience that shot our adrenaline up.
Also, from the top of the hill, we had pretty stunning views.
Except for luging, other popular summer activities are summer bobsleigh, zip-lining, mini-golf, or mountain biking.
If you are driving toward Banff in the next few days, you can visit the Olympic Park on the way, but if you do not have a car, take C-Train to Brentwood Station, and from here, take a bus to EB Canada Olympic Drive.
MUSEUMS
We know that visiting museums is an all-year-round activity, and most of the visitors prefer to spend time outdoors in the summer.
But in Calgary, it can rain and hail even in the supposedly warmer months, so it is good to know that the city has a wide array of museums that entertain adults and kids alike.
And the museums are actually so great that we can recommend you the visit even on a hot, sunny day.
Here are some of our top museum picks in Calgary you should put on your itinerary.
GLENBOW MUSEUM
The most famous museum in Calgary, the Glenbow Museum, has a lot to offer to every type of traveler. We arrived there only two hours before closing time, and it was definitely not enough to enjoy all the exhibitions.
Some of the exhibitions are permanent, while some of them are contemporary.
We liked the most exhibitions focusing on the history of Alberta province and exhibitions describing indigenous inhabitants' way of life. But you will find here also everything from art to minerals.
The admission fee is 18 CAD, and the museum is open every day but Monday.
STUDIO BELL
Even if you are not a fan of museums, head to Studio Bell, which is a very photogenic building near City Hall station.
And if you like music at least a little, or have some time to spare, we recommend you to go inside.
Studio Bell is a museum focusing on Canadian music, and the visit is really fun.
Most of the exhibitions are interactive, but even music nerds will not leave disappointed.
You can play instruments, sing in vocal booths, do sound experiments, and overall we promise that you will have a great time.
The admission is 18 CAD, and the museum is open every day between 10 AM and 5 PM except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
TELUS SPARK
Telus Spark is the best museum for families with kids in Calgary.
Being said that, it is not entirely true that Telus Spark is only for kids. The center is great for everyone who loves to learn new things and have creative minds.
Telus Spark is a short drive (we walked there on foot) from Calgary Zoo, so you can combine the visit of those two attractions in only one day.
STREET ART
Calgary is a modern city, and you can find street art almost everywhere downtown; you only have to walk around with your eyes wide open.
The most hippie quarter is East Village, where except for street art, you can find a large number of coffee houses and trendy restaurants.
Take your travel camera in hand, and look for the best pictures.
One of the coolest things about Calgary in the summer is that unlike in the winter, when you often feel uncomfortable because of the cold, you can take everything slowly and really explore even the small alleyways and look for the street art.
SADDLEDOME
Saddledome is an iconic multi-use indoor arena in Calgary, and even though you are not planning to attend a sports event (check out NHL games if they coincide with the time of your visit, but note there are no games in the summer), the arena with its easily recognizable roof is a must-see.
For Saddledome's best views, head to the park above, preferably after dark, when the edges of the roof shine in red color.
If you want to go behind the scenes, sign up for the tour, which is available only in the summer, from June to August.
However, the future of this iconic but aging building is not very bright right now (it looks like it's going to be demolished), so make sure to visit it soon.
BOW RIVER PARKWAY & BOW RIVER
We know that traveling is not about ticking off places from the list; it should be only about soaking up the atmosphere of the new site, observing the local way of life, and strolling around.
This is exactly what you should do in Calgary in the summer.
Bow River is slithering through the downtown, and you can follow the river along the park, either on foot or on a bike.
The Bow River Parkway is quite long, so it is only up to you for how long you want to follow it. In summer, the parkway is dotted with food trucks, so you can take a break, sit on a bench, and enjoy the moment.
A DAY TRIP TO DRUMHELLER FROM CALGARY
Only 135 kilometers from Calgary (those 135 kilometers are not even a distance worth mentioning in Canada) lies the city of Drumheller.
Drumheller is famous for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world's largest museums dedicated to paleontology and the World's Largest Dinosaur statue.
We really enjoyed our time in Drumheller, and we spent here two days, but one day is enough as well, in case you are pressed for time.
The first day we visited the superb Royal Tyrrell Museum. The museum itself is vast, and you should allow yourself several hours to explore it.
On the second day, we dedicated ourselves to exploring the surroundings of Drumheller, which is surprisingly picturesque, especially the scenic Dinosaur Trail.
Drive to Orkney Viewpoint, Hoodoos, visit Horseshoe Canyon and Horsethief Canyon, learn about the area's mining history in Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, or take Bleriot Ferry across the river.
Simply put, Drumheller is one of the best day trips from Calgary, and you should definitely put this destination in your travel itinerary.
HOW TO GET AROUND CALGARY
There are plenty of things to do and see and ways to explore Calgary. The easiest way to get around Calgary is by rental car (or your own car). It's the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city and to the neighborhoods nearby.
Said that you could explore Calgary even without a car. Actually, you have a lot of options.
If you decide to stay in the city center, you should be able to explore Calgary's downtown and surrounding neighborhoods on foot.
Calgary Transit is nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done (more or less), and it's somewhat cheap.
To be fair, we may be a little bit harsh here; and for a day or two, it will most likely be fine. But when you are used to one of the best public transport systems in the world, it's hard not to compare.
Furthermore, Calgary Light Rail System, also known as C-Train, has a free zone that stretches between City Hall and the Downtown West/Kerby station.
However, you must purchase a fare when traveling outside the downtown, to places such as Victoria Park/Stampede, Chinook, Calgary Zoo, Sunnyside, Banff Trail, or Westbrook.
Calgary also has a great network of bike paths, and this is a fun way to get around the city in summer.
Taxi or Uber are quite expensive, though fast and reliable.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
