Calgary Holidays

Every major Canadian city has an impressive way of giving visitors a bird’s-eye view of all the action, and Calgary is no different. Make sure you go up the Calgary Tower – standing 1,228 metres above sea level, it boasts uninterrupted panoramic views of the city. And, like elsewhere in Canada, Calgary loves ice-hockey. Plan your Calgary holiday between October and April to watch the Calgary Flames in action and see some of the most exciting hockey in the NHL.

When you think of a rodeo, you probably think of the USA – but the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ happens right in the heart of Calgary. Every July, the world-famous Calgary Stampede takes place in the city. It’s well worth planning your trip to coincide this extravagant 10-day event. As well as being a good old fashioned rodeo, the festival sees chuck wagon races, cattle auctions, midway rides, an array of Southern inspired and not-so-Southern food, and – of course – lots of cowboys.

Calgary is the ideal place to base yourself, as you can easily explore more of Alberta. With four UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a few hours’ drive of the city, daytrips are a must.

About a 90-minute drive from Calgary, Banff is one of the most popular places to head for the day. Depending on the time of year, you can hit either the ski slopes or the hiking trails while enjoying views of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, take a gondola ride or unwind in the hot springs. Why not visit some of the other nearby attractions while you’re there? You could kayak across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or marvel at the snow-capped mountains surrounding Moraine Lake.

Travelling with the kids? Head to Dinosaur Provincial Park. In the heart of the Alberta Badlands, this park contains some of the most important fossil discoveries ever made. More than 35 species of dinosaur have been found in the area, with more than 150 intact skeletons unearthed. With specimens dating back an impressive 75 million years, there’s a lot of history to sink your teeth into. You can have a go at digging for fossils with a guided excavation in a bone-bed, or hike the trails to see unusual rock formations and hoodoos.

Calgary holidays are perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, as you can try your hand at all sorts of activities. This city has everything, from white-water rafting and ice-fishing to bobsledding. A winter holiday to Calgary allows you to bundle up and explore the wilderness. It might be chilly, but there are so many things to see and do at this time of year. You can go skiing or snowboarding, or hike along some of the city’s 95 kilometres’ worth of trails. Fat-biking on studded winter tyres is an unforgettable experience, or the whole family can try dogsledding in the Canadian Rockies.

If you want to slow down the pace, drive an hour outside the city to Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, where you can try cross-country skiing on the Olympic trails. Or, to completely unwind, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs. The water in this natural thermal pool is between 37°C and 40°C. Lie back, relax and enjoy a soak in the rejuvenating waters of this natural wonder.

Calgary is a year-round destination with four very distinct seasons. Most people consider June to August the best time to visit Calgary, as temperatures hover between 17°C and 24°C. Plus, this time of year is when Calgary’s best events and festivals take place, including the Calgary Stampede and Calgary International Blues Festival. Alternatively, you could visit in May or September. You’ll still have nice weather – temperatures hover in the high teens – and there’ll be fewer crowds. 

If skiing is your thing, then the winter months from November to March are the best time for your Calgary holiday. You can make the most of all the winter sports this area has to offer. Just remember that it’s common for the temperatures to remain sub-zero – so, if you’re not into snowsports, winter might not be the best time for you.