Calgary, nestled at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, blends vibrant urban culture with awe-inspiring natural landscapes. This 7-day itinerary is tailored for travelers from the Americas and beyond, balancing city exploration, Rocky Mountain adventures, and authentic Canadian experiences. From iconic landmarks like the Calgary Tower to world-famous Banff National Park, every day is designed to be actionable, cost-effective, and memorable. Whether you’re visiting in summer (June–September) for mild weather or aiming to catch the legendary Calgary Stampede in July, this guide covers transportation, accommodation, dining, and safety tips to ensure a smooth trip.
Pre-Trip Essentials: What You Need to Prepare
Before boarding your flight to Calgary, sorting these key details will save time and avoid last-minute stress.
Visa & Documentation
- eTA or Visa: Travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa but must present a valid passport. Visitors from other American countries (e.g., Mexico, Brazil) and most international destinations require a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa. Apply online via the Government of Canada website at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Driving Permit: If you plan to rent a car for Rocky Mountain day trips, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country’s driver’s license. Most rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise) at Calgary International Airport (YYC) require this for non-Canadian licenses.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory for international visitors—choose a plan covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, and outdoor activities (e.g., hiking in Banff).
Best Time to Visit
- June–September: The ideal window. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F–82°F), perfect for hiking, lake activities, and exploring outdoor markets.
- July: Unmissable if you want to experience the Calgary Stampede (July 5–14, 2025)—North America’s largest rodeo and festival, featuring parades, live music, and cowboy competitions.
- Winter (December–February): For ski enthusiasts, nearby Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort offer world-class slopes. Note: Winter roads to the Rockies require snow tires or chains.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Canadian Dollars (CAD). Exchange small amounts at the airport (for immediate expenses like bus fares) or use ATMs in downtown Calgary for better rates.
- Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere—from restaurants to grocery stores. Debit cards with Interac work at Canadian ATMs. Carry CAD 50–100 in cash for small vendors (e.g., farmers’ market stalls).
Transportation & Accommodation: Navigating Calgary Like a Local
Getting Around Calgary
- From the Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC) is 17 km (10.5 miles) northeast of downtown.
- 300 Airport Bus: The most affordable option ($10 CAD one-way). Buses run every 20–30 minutes, taking 40–50 minutes to reach downtown (stops at 7th Avenue SW, near major hotels).
- Rental Cars: Ideal for day trips to Banff and Jasper. Book in advance (especially in summer) for lower rates. Popular picks: Compact cars (CAD 50–70/day) for city use; SUVs (CAD 80–120/day) for mountain roads.
- Within the City:
- C-Train (Light Rail): Free to ride in the Free Fare Zone (downtown, between 11th Street SW and 8th Street SE). Outside this zone, a single ride costs 3.50CAD;adaypassis10.50 CAD.
- Walking/Biking: Downtown Calgary is pedestrian-friendly. Rent a bike from Bike Share Calgary ($7 CAD for a 24-hour pass) to explore Prince’s Island Park or the Bow River Pathway.
Top Accommodation Picks
Choose a location based on your itinerary—downtown for city access, Kensington for local charm, or near the airport for early departures.
Downtown Calgary (Most Convenient)
- Fairmont Palliser (Luxury): A historic landmark since 1914, located steps from Stephen Avenue Walk. Amenities include a spa, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant (The Pacific Dining Room). Rates: CAD 300–450/night.
- Hyatt Regency Calgary (Mid-Range): Connected to the C-Train’s 3rd Street Station, making it easy to reach attractions like the Calgary Tower. Rooms offer city or mountain views. Rates: CAD 180–250/night.
Kensington (Local Vibe)
- Airbnb/Apartments: Kensington is a bohemian neighborhood with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Look for 1-bedroom apartments (CAD 120–180/night) with full kitchens—great for budget travelers.
Near Banff (For Mountain Lovers)
- If you prefer to stay closer to Banff on Day 3–4, book a hotel in Canmore (a 20-minute drive from Banff). Try the Solara Resort & Spa (CAD 200–300/night) with mountain views and a hot tub.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: 7 Days of Calgary Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Orientation
Goal: Settle in, get be familiar with with the city, and enjoy a relaxed first evening.
- Morning:
- Arrive at YYC, pick up your rental car (if booked) or take the 300 Bus to downtown. Check into your hotel by 2 PM (standard check-in time).
- Grab a quick breakfast at Tim Hortons (Canadian coffee chain) near your hotel—try a “Double Double” coffee and a maple donut ($5–7 CAD).
- Afternoon:
- Calgary Tower: Start with this iconic 191-meter (627-foot) landmark. The 360° Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the city and the distant Rockies. Add the Skywalk (a glass floor section) for an extra thrill (18CADforadults,12 CAD for children under 12).
- Stephen Avenue Walk: A pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Stop at the Glenbow Museum (Canada’s largest western history museum) to explore exhibits on Indigenous cultures, cowboy heritage, and Rocky Mountain geology. Admission: $20 CAD adults, free for children under 6.
- Dinner:
- Charcut Roast House (118 8th Avenue SW): A local favorite for Alberta beef. Try the 8-ounce New York Strip Steak (CAD 42) with roasted root vegetables. Reservations recommended (book via OpenTable 2–3 days in advance).
- Evening:
- Take a leisurely walk along the Bow River Pathway (start at Eau Claire Market) to watch the sunset over the river.
Day 2: Culture, History & Wildlife
Goal: Dive into Calgary’s past and get up close with Canadian wildlife.
- Morning:
- Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Drive SW): North America’s largest living history museum. Step back in time to the 1860s–1910s—ride a steam train (5 CAD extra),visit a 1900s general store,and chat with costume dinter preters.Open10AM–5PM(summer);admission:28 CAD adults, $18 CAD children.
- Lunch:
- Wainwright Hotel (inside Heritage Park): A replica 1905 hotel serving classic Canadian comfort food. Try the Fish & Chips (CAD 16) with tartar sauce—made with fresh Alberta cod.
- Afternoon:
- Calgary Zoo (1300 Zoo Road NE): One of Canada’s top zoos, home to over 1,000 animals. Don’t miss the Canadian Wilds exhibit (grizzly bears, wolves) and the Polar Bear Passage (watch polar bears swim underwater). Admission: 32CADadults,22 CAD children. Allow 3–4 hours to explore.
- Dinner:
- Ten Foot Henry (1209 1st Street SW): A trendy farm-to-table restaurant specializing in vegetable-forward dishes. Even meat-lovers will enjoy the Roasted Cauliflower Steak (CAD 24) with tahini sauce. Reservations are a must—book 1 week in advance for weekend slots.
- Evening:
- Explore Kensington Village (10th Street NW): Browse boutique shops (e.g., Pages Books for local authors) and grab a craft beer at The Common (try the “Calgary Pale Ale,” CAD 8).
Day 3: Banff National Park Day Trip (self-driving Recommended)
Goal: Experience the majesty of the Canadian Rockies—Banff is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary.
- Morning:
- Leave Calgary by 8 AM to avoid traffic. Take Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) west—scenic views start within 30 minutes.
- Banff Town: First stop: Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Avenue) to pick up a park map and buy a Discovery Pass (CAD 10.50 per person per day, or CAD 42 per vehicle for 7 days—valid for Banff, Jasper, and all Canadian national parks).
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola: Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain (2,450 meters/8,038 feet) for panoramic views of Banff and the Bow Valley. Admission: 55CADadults,27 CAD children. Hike the short Sanson Peak Trail (1 km/0.6 miles) for even better views.
- Lunch:
- The Bison Restaurant (159 Banff Avenue): Try Canadian bison—their Bison Burger (CAD 22) is juicy and flavorful, served with sweet potato fries.
- Afternoon:
- Bow Falls: A 10-minute walk from Banff Town. This scenic waterfall was featured in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe film River of No Return.
- Lake Louise: A 45-minute drive from Banff Town. The turquoise lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is one of Canada’s most photographed spots. Rent a canoe ($55 CAD/hour) or hike the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail (2.6 km/1.6 miles, easy difficulty).
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Even if you’re not staying here, stop in for a coffee (CAD 6) in the lobby—admire the grand architecture and lake views.
- Dinner:
- Block Kitchen + Bar (214 Bear Street, Banff): A cozy spot serving fusion dishes. Try the Alberta Beef Short Ribs (CAD 36) with truffle mac and cheese.
- Evening:
- Drive back to Calgary (1.5 hours) or stay in Canmore (20 minutes from Banff) to save time for Day 4.
Day 4: Icefields Parkway & Jasper National Park
Goal: Explore the “most beautiful road in the world”—the Icefields Parkway connects Banff to Jasper.
- Morning:
- Leave Banff/Canmore by 8 AM. The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) is 232 km (144 miles) long, taking 3 hours to drive to Jasper.
- Columbia Icefield: The first major stop (1 hour from Banff). This is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Book the Ice Explorer Tour (CAD 99 CAD adults, $49 CAD children)—ride a massive, tire-equipped vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier, where you can walk on 10,000-year-old ice.
- Lunch:
- Glacier View Lodge (at Columbia Icefield): A casual cafeteria with sandwiches (CAD 12–15) and hot meals like beef stew (CAD 14). Eat on the patio for views of the glacier.
- Afternoon:
- Glacier Skywalk: A 5-minute drive from the Columbia Icefield. This glass-bottomed platform juts 30 meters (98 feet) over the Sunwapta Valley—look down at the 280-meter (918-foot) drop! Admission: 35CADadults,17 CAD children (combo tickets with the Ice Explorer save 15%).
- Jasper Town: Continue to Jasper (2 hours from the Icefield). Explore the small, charming town—visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum (free admission) to learn about local history.
- Dinner:
- The Raven Bistro (602 Connaught Drive, Jasper): A popular spot for fresh seafood. Try the BC Salmon (CAD 32) with dill sauce.
- Evening:
- Option 1: Drive back to Calgary (4.5 hours)—only recommended if you’re comfortable driving at night.
- Option 2: Stay in Jasper (e.g., Jasper Inn & Suites, CAD 180–250/night) and return to Calgary on Day 5 morning (4.5 hours).
Day 5: Cowboy Culture & Urban Highlights
Goal: Immerse yourself in Calgary’s cowboy heritage—especially if visiting during the Stampede.
- Morning:
- If visiting in July (Stampede):
- Attend the Stampede Parade (10 AM, 6th Avenue SW)—free to watch. Arrive by 8:30 AM to get a good spot.
- Head to Stampede Park (1410 Olympic Way SE) for the Stampede Rodeo (1:30 PM). Tickets: CAD 40–100 CAD (book 3 months in advance). Don’t miss the “chuckwagon races”—a high-speed competition.
- Grab a free Stampede Pancake Breakfast (served at community centers and businesses) from 7–9 AM—look for signs around downtown.
- Non-Stampede Period:
- Visit the Calgary Farmers’ Market (510 77th Avenue SE, open 9 AM–5 PM Saturday–Sunday). Sample local honey, artisanal cheese, and maple syrup. Pick up a breakfast sandwich (CAD 8) from a food truck.
- Lunch:
- If at Stampede Park: Try a “Stampede Burger” (CAD 15) from a concession stand—topped with bacon and cheese.
- If at the Farmers’ Market: Eat at The Grilled Cheese Truck (CAD 10 for a classic grilled cheese with tomato soup).
- Afternoon:
- National Music Centre (840 4th Street SE): An interactive museum celebrating Canadian music. Play virtual instruments, explore exhibits on artists like Céline Dion, and take a tour of the historic King Edward Hotel. Admission: $25 CAD adults, free for children under 3.
- Dinner:
- Sky 360 Restaurant (top of the Calgary Tower): A rotating restaurant with 360° city views (completes a full rotation every 45 minutes). Try the Alberta Prime Rib (CAD 55) with red wine sauce. Reservations required (book 2 weeks in advance for weekend dinners).
- Evening:
- If it’s Stampede season, attend a Stampede Concert (Stampede Park)—past performers include Luke Bryan and Shania Twain. Tickets: CAD 60–150.
Day 6: Outdoor Relaxation & Shopping
Goal: Unwind in nature and pick up Canadian souvenirs.
- Morning:
- Prince’s Island Park: A 50-hectare (123-acre) park in the middle of the Bow River. Rent a kayak (30CAD/hour) or paddle board(25 CAD/hour) from Sports Rent (located at the park’s north entrance). For a slower pace, hike the Bow River Pathway (3 km/1.9 miles loop) and spot ducks and geese.
- Lunch:
- Eau Claire Market Food Court (200 Barclay Parade SW): A diverse food court with options for every taste. Try Shawarma King (CAD 12 for a chicken shawarma wrap) or Sushi Go (CAD 15 for a sushi roll combo).
- Afternoon:
- CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall (261055 CrossIron Boulevard, Balzac): A 30-minute drive north of Calgary (take Hwy 2). This outdoor mall features over 200 stores, including Canadian brands like Roots (athleisure wear) and Canada Goose (winter jackets). Look for discounts—summer sales often offer 30–50% off.
- Don’t forget to buy souvenirs: Maple syrup (CAD 10–20 for a 500ml bottle), Canadian flags, or Rocky Mountain-themed jewelry.
- Dinner:
- Model Milk (325 11th Avenue SE): A trendy restaurant in a converted 1920s milk factory. The menu changes seasonally, but the Beef Tartare (CAD 22) and Lamb Chops (CAD 38) are staples.
- Evening:
- Relax at The Nash (1201 9th Avenue SE), a rooftop bar with city views. Order a “Calgary Caesar” (Canada’s national cocktail—vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce, CAD 12) and enjoy live music (free on Thursdays).
Day 7: Final Explorations & Departure
Goal: Make the most of your last morning before leaving Calgary.
- Morning:
- Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of Canada’s largest urban parks (1,300 hectares/3,212 acres). Hike the Bow Valley Ranche Trail (2 km/1.2 miles, easy)—look for deer and woodpeckers. The park is 20 minutes from downtown by car or C-Train (Fish Creek-Lacombe Station).
- Calgary Central Library (800 3rd Street SE): A must-visit for architecture lovers. The futuristic building features a glass facade and a spiral staircase. Explore the ground floor (free admission) and take photos of the “Living Wall” (a vertical garden with over 30,000 plants).
- Lunch:
- Monogram Coffee (1216 1st Street SW): A local coffee shop serving specialty coffee (try the “Flat White,” CAD 5) and avocado toast (CAD 12) with poached eggs.
- Afternoon:
- Return your rental car to the airport (allow 1 hour for drop-off and security). If taking the 300 Bus, leave downtown by 1:30 PM for a 3 PM flight (buses run every 30 minutes).
- At the airport, visit Duty-Free Canada to buy Canadian whiskey (e.g., Crown Royal, CAD 40 for 750ml) or chocolate (Cadbury, CAD 5 for a 100g bar).
Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
Weather Preparedness
- Calgary has extreme temperature swings—even in summer, nighttime temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F). Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, a sweater, and closed-toe shoes.
- For mountain trips (Banff/Jasper), bring sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat—UV rays are stronger at high altitudes.
Safety Notes
- Wildlife: In Banff and Jasper, keep at least 30 meters (98 feet) away from deer and elk, and 100 meters (328 feet) away from bears and wolves. Never leave food in your car—use bear-proof lockers in national parks.
- Road Safety: Mountain roads (Icefields Parkway) have sharp curves and can be icy in summer (due to snowmelt). Drive slowly (speed limit: 90 km/h/55 mph) and pull over at designated viewpoints to take photos.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Accommodation: CAD 120–450/night (mid-range: CAD 180–250/night).
- Food: CAD 40–80/day (breakfast: CAD 8–15, lunch: CAD 12–20, dinner: CAD 20–45).
- Transportation: CAD 30–120/day (rental car: CAD 50–120/day; C-Train/bus: CAD 10–15/day).
- Activities: CAD 30–100/day (museum tickets: CAD 20–30; Banff gondola/ice explorer: CAD 55–100).
- Total: CAD 220–1,050/week (mid-range: CAD 350–500/week).
Final Thoughts
Calgary offers a unique mix of urban energy and natural beauty—whether you’re cheering at a rodeo, hiking in the Rockies, or sipping coffee in a downtown café, every day will bring a new adventure. This 7-day itinerary balances flexibility and structure, allowing you to adjust based on your interests (e.g., add more time in Banff if you love hiking, or explore more galleries in Kensington if you’re into art). With proper planning and this guide in hand, your trip to Calgary will be an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, and get ready to fall in love with Canada’s Rocky Mountain city!
