Visit Calgary, Canada: Where City Meets Mountains

Q: What Is the Best Month to Visit Calgary?

Most travelers think that summer is the best time to visit Calgary. June through August means warm but comfortable temperatures and lots to do. Summer is festival season, so there are always crowds. If you want to save money and deal with smaller crowds, visit in the fall or the spring.

Q: How Many Days Do I Need in Calgary?

Most travelers visiting Calgary for the first time need between three and five days to make their vacation truly special. That’s enough time for you to get a good sampling of the activities and places to visit in Calgary. If you have more than a week in the area, you can expand and see some of the city’s hidden gems.

Q: What Is the Currency in Calgary?

Calgary (and the rest of Canada) uses the Canadian Dollar. To get the best exchange rate on currency, visit your local bank before your vacation.

Q: Where Should I Stay in Calgary?

The hotels in Calgary range from expensive suites to affordable and fun boutique hotels. Staying in a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, like The Dorian, Autograph Collection , in downtown Calgary keeps you close to museums, shopping and dining. If you want to spend most of your time outdoors, look for lodging on the city's outskirts.

Q: What Is the Food Scene Like in Calgary?

The food scene in Calgary is big, varied, and exciting. If you’re in the mood for traditional Canadian cuisine or you want the latest in vegetarian dishes, there are Calgary restaurants that are perfect for you. UNA Pizza + Wine is a local favorite if you’re craving a pizza or head over to the Beltline District for tacos at Native Tongues Taqueria .

Q: How Far Is Calgary from Banff?

If you’re driving, it takes about an hour and a half to get from Calgary to Banff. If you’re taking a bus, it might take about two hours.

Explore one of Canada’s one-of-a-kind destinations

Beyond the Stampede: Endless Things to Do in Calgary

Calgary Travel Guide

Calgary is one of Western Canada’s gems. Nestled near the Canadian Rockies, it’s the gateway to the wilderness, making it a perfect destination or a great stop on a Canadian road trip. No matter why you visit Calgary, you’re certain to have a great time, enjoy incredible food and see some views you can’t get anywhere else.

If you’re a AAA member, you can use your member benefits to get exclusive discounts on rental cars, flights, lodging and more! With that extra money, you can stay another few days in Calgary or go on an outdoor adventure that you and your family will be talking about for years to come!

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EDITOR PICK5 Calgary Restaurants to Add to Your Trip ItineraryAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome04/05/2023 : Despite the cow town nickname, Calgary has more to its dining scene than steakhouses. Here are Calgary restaurants recommended by AAA inspectors and editors.

ARTICLE25 Best Things To Do in CalgaryAAA Travel Editor, SMT11/30/2023 : The incredible city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, is a great place to visit any time of the year, and we have 25 of the best things to do during your stay.

EDITOR PICK8 Free Things to Do with Kids in CalgaryAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome04/05/2023 : Wondering what to do in Calgary with kids in tow? Find free parks, museums, play areas and fun activities for kids that are not only family friendly but budget friendly, too.

EDITOR PICK7 Best Tips for Visiting Calgary On a BudgetAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome04/05/2023 : Looking for cheap things to do in Calgary? Here are recommendations from AAA for fun things to do on a budget, from free art galleries to free walking tours.

EDITOR PICK7 Things to Do in Calgary Off the Beaten PathAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome04/05/2023 : A hands-on music museum, a state-of-the-art library and a few fun shopping neighborhoods - check out our favorite off-the-beaten-path things to do in Calgary.

Editor Pick9 Things to Know Before Visiting BanffAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome04/06/2023 : Everything you need to know before planning a trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, including where to go to escape the crowds and how to get around.

Editor PickWhy You Should Visit Banff, Canada, in Winter04/06/2023 : Banff is a great place to visit in the winter. Skiing, tubing and ice walks are available. There are also plenty of things to do after skiing.

Editor PickBest Activities at National Parks for KidsAAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims02/01/2024 : Find the best things to do with kids in 101 national parks.

Editor Pick6 Things U.S. Travelers Should Know Before Going to CanadaAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome01/16/2025 : Wondering if you'll need a passport to go to Canada? From entry requirements to tips on using your credit card, here are some things to keep in mind before you travel to Canada from the U.S.

Editor PickHow to Plan the Perfect Western Canada Road TripAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome07/09/2025 : Everything you need to know about planning a Western Canada road trip, with recommendations for scenic drives from Vancouver, Calgary, Banff and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about visiting Calgary? AAA has answers to your questions.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Calgary?

How Many Days Do I Need in Calgary?

What Is the Currency in Calgary?

What Are the Must-See Calgary Attractions?

Is Calgary Expensive to Visit

Calgary is fairly affordable, especially when compared to other cities in Canada. While the cost of any vacation can add up, if you’re looking for things to do in Calgary with kids that won’t break the bank, you have a lot of fun and educational options, like visiting Prince’s Island Park and checking out the art at the Esker Foundation Art Gallery. You can also take advantage of the C-Train’s fare-free zone downtown or head out on a downtown walking tour if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options.

Where Should I Stay in Calgary?

What Is the Food Scene Like in Calgary?

How Far Is Calgary from Banff?

Is Calgary Worth Visiting?

Calgary is definitely worth a visit if you want to check out a beautiful city that has one foot firmly planted in the modern world and one foot planted in nature and the past. If you’re adventurous, there’s an almost limitless number of outdoor activities in the area. If you prefer the hustle of the city, you’ll love finding the shopping, dining, and nightlife the city has to offer. Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty of off-the-beaten-path fun if you go beyond the big attractions.

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Visit Calgary, Canada: Where City Meets Mountains

Beyond the Stampede: Endless Things to Do in Calgary

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