Calgary

Canada

Travel | October 2025

Calgary is located in the Canadian Provence of Alberta about 90 miles from the Rocky Mountains.

It’s a great city for a traveller on a budget. Have a picnic in one of its many parks, dine in fine restaurants or head up to the top of the surrounding peaks. If you are a lover of mountain sports, this city is the place to be. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting and camping here. In July Calgary is host to the famous Calgary Stampede that attracts thousands of people from around the world.

Some Basic Information

ℹ️ TRAVEL: Depending on where you wish to fly into Canada there are many airports that are served from The UK. London Heathrow/Gatwick have daily flights into Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa, and Manchester has daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary and a summer season to Toronto. Calgary is the nearest airport for access to Banff National Park.

Calgary airport is roughly 11 miles (18KMs) from the city. At this time there are no rail network from the airport to the city. Transferring from the airport to the city is relatively easy. The airport offers a bus service that leaves from wither the domestic terminal or the international terminal.

The Route 300 bus has a service every 30 mins and costs CA$8 (GB£7.75). As always there is a line of parked taxis outside the arrivals hall and fares a roughly CA$45 (GB£27). Travelling to the city takes approximately half an hour. For more detailed information on airport transfers click this link

ℹ️ ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: You will need a visa waiver authority before you travel to Canada. It can be applied for online electronically, for some nationals. Check the visa websites to establish whether your nationality can apply electronically. There are various visas that can be applied for depending on the nature of your trip. A Canadian visitor E-Visa is valid for 5 years.

This link will redirect you to the Canadian E-Visa waiver website

ℹ️ WEATHER: best time of year to visit Calgary is from late May to the end of September when temperatures are in their mid 20sC. If skiing is your thing then Winters begin the end of November and can last through to March. Winters are cold and heavy snowfall is expected.

ℹ️ ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation around Calgary is relatively cheap. If you want something close to the town centre then consider the 3* Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites. A standard room will cost roughly GB£100 (CA$165). Of course, there are some cheaper options further out from the city but this hotel seems to tick the boxes for comfort and location.

What Can Calgary Offer?

CALGARY STAMPEDE

For a long weekend in July the annual Stampede brings in cowboys from all over the world. Calgary is considered cowboy country, and it’s quite a sight if you can come in early July. However, the Stampede is simply an excuse to party, and most people come here just to go crazy. Tickets for park entry (not including rodeo attractions) are CA$18 (GB£10.50)

CALGARY TOWER

Ascend the Calgary Sky Tower to find 360 degree views across the city, the Rocky Mountains and the Alberta Prairie lands. tickets cost CA$23 (GB£12.30/US$16.40). For more information CLICK HERE

CALGARY ZOO

Calgary Zoo makes for a nice family trip in this city. It also includes a prehistoric park and botanical garden. Adult admission is CA$38.45 (GB£20.60/US$27.50), with discounts available for students, kids, and seniors.

VISIT THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Calgary is really close to the Rocky Mountains, and there are a ton of guided tours available in the city. Consider renting a car and head out yourself. The mountains in this area have lots of hiking, skiing, scenic views, wildlife, and places to camp.

HAVE SOME TIME TO RELAX AROUND STEPHEN AVENUE

Stephen Avenue is a wonderful location to eat, drink and shop. Walk along its cobblestone streets, and shop at the antique stores and boutiques before sitting down at one the many restaurants’ outdoor patios for a drink.

SEE A GAME

Canadians are crazy for their Ice Hockey. Calgary’s team, the Calgary Flames, finds their home in the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Saddledome. Originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics this stadium has now been transformed into a great sports venue. For more on the Calgary Flames CLICK HERE.

DINOSAUR MUSEUM

Providing you don’t mind driving the 80 miles (140 kms) why not visit one of the best dinosaur museums in the world, right in heart of the Alberta Badlands. If you are interested in prehistoric history then you can easily spend a few hours here. USE THIS LINK to know more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHATS GOING ON IN CALGARY VISIT THEIR TOURISM WEBSITE HERE

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