Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Calgary

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Calgary from other articles such as Keep Exploring, Sparta Movers, Jody Robbins | Travels with Baggage.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Calgary

Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower
4.4 (3611 ratings)4 (3121 ratings)
Soaring tower with panoramic views from a glass-floored observation deck & a revolving restaurant.
101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
TowerSights & LandmarksObservation Decks & Towers
Mentioned by Reader's Digest Canada
40 Unforgettable Things To Do in Calgary on Your Next Vacation
"Although it’s no longer the tallest building in Calgary, this concrete and steel needle still makes the city’s skyline instantly recognizable—even by silhouette. Opened to the public in 1968, it was originally named the Husky Tower, but was renamed after the city itself a mere three years later. Visitors still flock to Calgary Tower for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city, and the prairies, foothills and Rocky Mountains stretching far beyond."
Mentioned by tosomeplacenew
Ultimate Things to do in Downtown Calgary Itinerary
"As we arrive in downtown Calgary, the tower with a red ribbon (red tower deck, my imagination is at play here) welcomes you with a BIG smile and it follows you everywhere in the downtown area – in a parking lot, restaurant, park, hotel-like everywhere. The Calgary Tower is a free-standing observation tower located in Downtown Calgary. It has an observation deck that offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city, all the way to the Canadian Rockies."
Mentioned by Treksplorer
BEST Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta: Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in 2021
"Opened for Canada’s centennial, Calgary Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark. It’s one of the top points of interest in Calgary and a must-see attraction—even if you only have one day in Calgary. Scoot up 191 metres from ground level to the Calgary Tower observation deck."
Prince's Island Park
Prince's Island Park
4.7 (6047 ratings)4.5 (1227 ratings)
Urban park built on the site of a former sawmill, with picnic areas, trails & regular major events.
698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
ParkNature & ParksIslands
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Must see attractions in Calgary, Canada
"For a little slice of Central Park in the heart of Cowtown, take the bridge over to this island, with grassy fields made for tossing Frisbees, plus bike paths and ample space to stretch out. During the summer... Notable Building in Calgary"
Mentioned by Daily Hive
10 of the best places in Calgary to go for a spring walk
"Prince’s Island Park is the perfect spot to escape the busyness of downtown Calgary without going far. Flower gardens, expansive grassy spaces, and several bridges make for a picturesque park in the city centre."
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary
4.3 (1523 ratings)4 (400 ratings)
Wooden fort, built in 1875 by the North West Mounted Police, with history displays & offering tours.
750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1, Canada
Historical landmarkNature & ParksBrunch restaurantEvent venueMuseumHistoric SitesParks
Mentioned by The Banff Blog
20 Awesome Things To do in Calgary
"It seems there’s no shortage of history in Alberta, because here’s another historical attraction that ranks pretty high on our list of things to do in Calgary. Fort Calgary was initially constructed to control the highly illegal U.S. whiskey trade and to clear the way for the incoming Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, you can walk through recreated houses (including a Métis hunting cabin) and immerse yourself in the visions of the past, and a protective structure that set the foundation for communities to grow and thrive in Western Canada."
Mentioned by Banff National Park
The 6 Best Museums to Visit in Calgary
"This original site dates way back to 1875 when West Mounted Police (now the RCMP) built Fort Calgary near the confluence of the Bow River and Elbow River. There are all kinds of great reproductions of scenes from the olden days as well as a beautiful 40-acre riverside park."
Bowness Park
Bowness Park
4.7 (4428 ratings)4.5 (259 ratings)
Serene spot with a lagoon, boat rentals, winter ice skating, a playground & picnic areas.
8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
ParkNature & ParksHistoric Walking Areas
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill Park
4.6 (3618 ratings)4.5 (332 ratings)
Tranquil, spacious park known for its abundant wildlife, hiking trails & archeological finds.
5620 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Most Beautiful Parks in Calgary, Alberta
"Featuring 11sqkm (4sqmi) of native grasslands, Nose Hill Park is Calgary’s biggest park. It might be surrounded by residential neighborhoods, but the overall effect of the wild moors is one of rugged remoteness. Visitors are asked, kindly (this is Canada, after all), to stay off the grasslands as they’re a threatened ecosystem, but hikers and cyclists are still privy to panoramic views of downtown Calgary in the distance."
Mentioned by Country Hills Toyota Blog
6 of the Best Parks in and Around Calgary, AB
"Numerous hiking trails wind through 1129 hectares of indigenous grasslands to the summit of Nose Hill. The plateau provides spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the Bow River Valley, and the vast plains to the east. The aspen and willows along the north-facing slopes shelter many wild animals."
Mentioned by Sparta Movers
WHAT ARE THE BEST DOG PARKS IN CALGARY? - OUR TOP 8 PICKS
"To start our list of best dog parks in Calgary, we have the wonderful Nose Hill Park. This multipurpose park is located in the northwest part of Calgary and is a mutual favourite amongst humans and their four-legged friends. In terms of terrain, Nose Hill is quite hilly."
Calgary
Calgary
4.5 (365 ratings)
Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry. However, it’s still steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname “Cowtown,” evident in the Calgary Stampede, its massive July rodeo and festival that grew out of the farming exhibitions once presented here.
Alberta, Canada
Sights & LandmarksBridges
Haultain Park
Haultain Park
4.4 (211 ratings)
Park featuring tennis courts, a playground & picnic tables, plus the historic Haultain School.
225 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1N8, Canada
Park
Mentioned by Family Fun Calgary
Must Visit Calgary Playgrounds
"What we love: large playground with solid surface rubber flooring, lots of seating plus picnic tables, gorgeous landscaping, tennis courts, great urban setting with modern towers around and the historical Haultain School on site."
Olympic Plaza
Olympic Plaza
4.4 (3192 ratings)4 (269 ratings)
1988 Olympic Winter Games venue turned park with a pond, stage & seasonal ice skating.
228 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5, Canada
City parkSights & LandmarksIce skating rinkParkPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Baker Park
Baker Park
4.7 (885 ratings)4.5 (22 ratings)
12 hectares on the Bow River with walking paths, an amphitheater & a disc golf course.
Calgary, AB, Canada
ParkNature & ParksGardensBodies of Water
Mentioned by Daily Hive
10 of the best places in Calgary to go for a spring walk
"Bowness Park boasts a variety of experiences, including pathways that run alongside the Bow River, a tea house, a wading pool, and boat rentals to paddle on the park’s lagoon. There’s even a small train that runs through the park during the warmer months. Baker Park is located just across the river from Bowness Park, providing nature lovers with a grass amphitheatre, a disc golf course, and several archways and promenades, making this a popular spot for weddings."
Mentioned by Valerie Richer Photography
The Best Locations In and Around Calgary for Portrait Photography
"Perfectly manicured and home to flowers of all kinds, Baker Park is one of my favourite places in Calgary for photo sessions of all kinds. Couple, family, maternity or branding sessions, this is a great location for portraits. You can even book the main area with the stairs overlooking the Bow River for a wedding ceremony."
Carburn Park
Carburn Park
4.7 (1387 ratings)4.5 (48 ratings)
Verdant park offering abundant outdoor activities, such as ice skating, fishing & bird watching.
67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4H8, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by Avenue Calgary
20 Best Places For a Picnic or Barbecue in Calgary and the Mountains
"This picnic spot is ideal for those looking for a quiet spot where they can really appreciate nature. There are multiple man-made lakes to admire and you can birdwatch – the area is home to a variety of different waterfowl such as Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons. Bring your fishing poles if you’re interested in trying to catch a bite – no swimming here, though – or go for a paddle down the river in your canoe."
Mentioned by Daily Hive
10 of the best places in Calgary to go for a spring walk
"This southeast Calgary park preserves wildlife habitats and ecosystems and is home to numerous wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers. Carburn Park features three man-made ponds, a pathway system, picnic sites, and spots for fishing."
Mentioned by chamberlaingroup.ca
21 Best Parks in Calgary - Chamberlain Real Estate Group
"This 135 hectare urban oasis is located along the bow river. It is one of those that you may not even know you are there, but you've visited many many times before. Learn more about Carburn Park"

Best Nightlife in Calgary

1600 World Bier Haus Restaurant & Lounge
1600 World Bier Haus Restaurant & Lounge
4.2 (711 ratings)
Global-style bar fare & an extensive beer list offered in a contemporary space with outdoor seating.
1600 90 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 5A8, Canada
RestaurantBarEuropean restaurantLounge
Paper Lantern
Paper Lantern
4.9 (106 ratings)
115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2, Canada
Cocktail barRestaurant
Mentioned by Avenue Calgary
8 Must-Try New Restaurants in Calgary
"Find the sign that says “You Are Here” in Chinatown and you’ll have arrived at one of the chicest new establishments in recent memory. This family-run cocktail bar is equal parts homestyle Vietnamese cooking and tropical personality, with a mix of tiki classics like the mai tai and intercultural explorations like the “pandan pain killer” on the bar menu. Whatever ends up in your glass, it all pairs well with the menu of drinking snacks, banh mi and rice bowls."
Mentioned by Curiocity Group Inc.
New & coming soon: 12 new Calgary restaurants to eat at this spring
"Check out Paper Lantern, a contemporary speakeasy-style lounge with amazing-looking Vietnamese tapas, subs, bowls, and a super unique, tropically inclined drink menu. You might not be able to hop on a plane right now, but you can trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re on vacation. Where: Basement – 115 – 2 Avenue SE, CalgaryInstagram: @PaperLanternYYC"
Mentioned by YYCNOW
8 Restaurants to take Instagram-worthy photos in Calgary
"It’s a hidden cocktail bar in the heart of Chinatown and their atmosphere will make you feel like you’re enjoying a night out in a tropical destination. Address: 115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, ABMenu: Paper Lantern"
Local Public Eatery
Local Public Eatery
4.3 (1071 ratings)
Vibrant pub with craft beer taps rotated daily & a menu of elevated burgers & shared plates.
310 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1C1, Canada
RestaurantCanadian restaurantGastropubPub
Mentioned by downtowncalgary.com

Best Gelato in Calgary

delloR Ice Cream
delloR Ice Cream
4.6 (305 ratings)
Modern shop doling out handmade, rolled ice cream in imaginative flavors with varied toppings.
1309 Edmonton Trail, Calgary, AB T2E 4Y8, Canada
Ice cream shop
Purdys Chocolatier
Purdys Chocolatier
3.9 (21 ratings)
The Core Shopping Centre, 751 3 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4K8, Canada
Chocolate shopDessert shopGift shopIce cream shop
Mentioned by calgaryplaygroundreview.com
The best ice cream in Calgary
"8 locations in Calgary and more elsewhere in Alberta, BC and Ontario http://www.purdys.com/. Purdy’s is a regional chain that started in Vancouver. Purdy’s typically offers a selection of around 8 of their own flavors as well as sundaes and ice cream bars."
Heritage Bakery & Deli
Heritage Bakery & Deli
4.7 (207 ratings)
1912 37 St SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A3, Canada
Polish restaurantCatererIce cream shop
Mentioned by YellowPages.ca
Big flavour, small price: Cheap eats in Calgary | YP Smart Lists
"Though Heritage Bakery and Deli in Killarney carries imported foodstuffs, European home-style, handmade foods are the mainstay. Borscht, hand-pinched perogies, cabbage rolls, garlic sausage and potato pancakes are available fresh or frozen to take home. But with food this delicious, who can wait?"

Top Best Restaurants in Calgary

The Coup
The Coup
4.4 (1294 ratings)
Casual, contemporary spot offering vegan/vegetarian options such as tempeh shawarma, with cocktails.
924 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A2, Canada
Vegetarian restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Avenue Calgary
23 Restaurants in Calgary with Vegetarian and Vegan Menu Options
"One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in the city, The Coup’s food is beloved by plant and meat eaters alike. The ethically minded restaurant uses a lot of organic and local ingredients and environmentally friendly products. The inventive, meat-free menu takes vegetarian fare to the next level with items like mushroom sushi rolls, tempeh shawarma and hot pot with a spicy coconut tomato lime broth."
Mentioned by visitcalgary.com
16 Vegetarian Restaurants in Calgary
"A nice sit-down vegetarian restaurant, The Coup is stylish and healthy at the same time. The lunch and dinner menus are varied, with selections like vegetarian ramen and hot pot, veggie-packed rice bowls, and an irresistible tempeh shawarma. The restaurant also features a fun cocktail list, with libations made with ingredients like turmeric, shiso, spirulina, and kombucha"
Mentioned by Jody Robbins | Travels with Baggage
20 Spots for Brunch in Calgary that You'll Want to Visit Again and Again
"One of Calgary’s premier vegetarian restaurants, The Coup dishes out brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Chow down on healthy, yet delicious brunch options like the Sumac Shakshuka, Vegan Benedict, Tofu Scramble. Their juice menu is super fun and you can order shots of flavoured apple cider vinegar to get the old digestive system on track."
Ironwood Stage & Grill
Ironwood Stage & Grill
4.4 (527 ratings)
All-ages outpost offering live music every night, cocktails & refined bar fare in a low-lit setting.
1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9, Canada
Bar & grillBarConcert hallLive music venueNight clubRestaurant
Mentioned by The Best Calgary
The 10 Best Calgary Nightclubs for Party Lovers [2021 ]
"Ironwood Stage & Grill is one of the best Calgary nightclubs that present nightly live music, cocktails, food, and drinks in a casual and laid-back setting. The place is also known for hosting over 400 shows a year, turning their restaurant and lounge into the place to be for the hottest acts by both international and local artists. So whether you’re in the mood for a good meal or some good music, Ironwood Stage & Grill is definitely the place to be if you want to have a great time."
Mentioned by Avenue Calgary
16 Live Music Venues in Calgary
"The Ironwood is an all-ages venue in the historic Garry Theatre building in Inglewood with seating for around 140 (reserve your spot and the cost of the show is added to your bill). A range of artists and genres perform nightly at the Ironwood, but there is an emphasis toward folk and roots music — the iconic marquee has featured names such as Ian Tyson and Art Bergmann over the years. The popular local act Prime Time Big Band also performs a regular weekend brunch show."
Universe Restaurant
Universe Restaurant
4.5 (260 ratings)
Small, pared-down cafe with an eclectic menu including Montreal-style pizza, breakfast & poutine.
1415 17 Ave SW A, Calgary, AB T2T 0C6, Canada
RestaurantDinerDelivery RestaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurant supply store
Mentioned by The Best Calgary
14 Restaurants for the Best Breakfast in Calgary [2021 ]
"Universe Restaurant is a diner serving some of the best Canadian dishes and pizza all day, six days a week. While it doesn’t focus on breakfasts, it still offers morning classics like Quebec poutines, Benedicts, and French toasts. Unlike other restaurants offering breakfasts, this one accepts reservation requests and can even handle up to 50 people per reservation."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Calgary

4.8 (69 reviews)
ExecSuite Inc.
Hotel
$114 /night
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4.2 (638 reviews)
Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport
Hotel
$152 /night
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THE ROYAL UTOPIA HIDEAWAY
Hotel
$231 /night
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