As one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, Calgary attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the world every year. This cosmopolitan city has a plethora of fantastic attractions, including parks, skyscrapers, zoos, museums, and the Rocky Mountains. 

Calgary is not only a popular tourist destination but also a commercial center. It is home to foreign investors who migrate to do business. Notably, people visit the city due to many reasons, such as to learn western history and experience their thriving food culture.

In this travel guide, we explore some of the best places to visit in Calgary and the fantastic things you can do or see there. You will also learn some of the tips for traveling to Calgary.

A Must-Visit Places in Calgary

Calgary is the best place to visit, both in summer and winter. During winter, you can spend most of your time skiing in the Rocky Mountains while in summer, you can visit its parks, museums, and galleries. Here are some of the best places to consider visiting.

1. Top of the Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower, standing 191 meters high, has remained the iconic structure of the city’s skyline since its establishment in 1967. The tower attracts almost half a million visitors each year. Located at the center of Calgary, you can have a clear view of the city.

One fantastic thing about the tower is that it has a rotating restaurant at the top and an observation deck where you can stand and view the entire city and the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, the glass floor of the observation deck provides a thrilling experience.

2. The Glenbow Museum

The Glenbow Museum is one of the largest art museums in Western Canada, with more than 20 galleries containing millions of objects. Most items kept in these galleries depict the culture of people living in Western Canada.

As the largest of its kind, Glenbow Museum displays the items the First Nation tribes used and the European art exhibitions. Amazingly, you can get an insight into Canadian military history on the museum’s floor. You need around CA$18 to pay for the entry fee.

3. The Heritage Park Historical Village

The Heritage Park Historical Village is one of the most amazing places to visit during your trip to Calgary. As the largest living museum in the city, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Generally, the park is rich in Western Canadian history in the 1860s to 1950s. 

When you visit this place, you’ll get the chance to ride on a steam locomotive used back in the nineteenth century. Don’t get surprised to see all the staff clad in their historical outfit. It depicts their history experience in Western Canada.

4. The Calgary Zoo

If you love animals, this would be the best place to visit when you arrive in Calgary. This place is home to more than a thousand animals, and it’s the most visited zoo in Canada. The zoo engages itself in active conservation research to protect endangered animals. 

When you visit the zoo, you’ll see many lions and tigers roaming in well-protected areas. Other animals you’ll find in this place include hippos, giraffes, grizzlies, Canadian Wilds, mountain goats, cougars, and musk oxen.

5. Other a Must-Visit Places in Calgary

Besides the four destinations highlighted above, there are still many places you can go to when in Calgary. Some of them include:

  • Banff National Park
  • Scotiabank Saddledome
  • Fish Creek Provincial Park
  • Prince’s Island Park
  • The Canada Olympic Park

Tips for Traveling to Calgary

Here are some of the travel tips that can make your trip to Calgary enjoyable.

  • Prepare a realistic itinerary for the trip without overstuffing it with many destinations
  • Design a workable budget that accounts for all the costs, including accommodation and local transportation
  • Find out the costs of living expenses in Calgary before traveling
  • Visit the city when the weather is conducive, particularly during summer

Final Words

As you move to Calgary to watch its beautiful attractions, there is no doubt that you’ll need the Canadian currency. So, it’s the first thing you should look for upon arriving in the city. To get the lowest rates, you can buy the Canadian Dollars at Knightsbridge FX Calgary. 

Don’t exchange your money in places like Calgary International Airport. Otherwise, you may end up paying very high markup fees without knowing. Wait until you get to the city center and find a decent place to exchange your foreign currency.