Calgary is the largest Alberta’s city and the 4th largest metropolis in Canada. It is strategically located only 1-hour drive from the popular Canadian Rockies. In 1988, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games. It is well-known for the famous Calgary Stampede – rodeo, exhibition and festival taking place at the beginning of July every year. Neither I witnessed the Olympic Games nor see the Calgary Stampede, I fell in love with the city and people anyway. Continue reading and learn what are my 5 reasons why to visit Calgary.

I think this is the greatest advantage Calgary offers and its citizens can enjoy. It is a gate to the popular Canadian Rockies. Therefore, tourists heading to the most famous Canadian national parks start their trip right in Calgary. By Trans-Canada Highway, it is only 1,5-hour drive to Banff Town. You can either rent a car (and drive around Banff and Jasper National Parks) or take a bus. Shuttle Brewster Express seems to be the fastest, yet the most expensive choice. We rented a car at the Alamo Rent A Car Downtown and were very satisfied.

As a traveler who wants to see as much as possible without being in a rush, I appreciate how small Calgary downtown is. There are reasonable distances among all the points of interest. You can see all the major attractions in 2 days, most of them are reachable by foot. To save some time and energy, you can take C-train. It is free fare zone in downtown for both Red and Blue line between 8th Street SW and City Hall.

Compared to bigger cities, you don’t feel claustrophobic in Calgary. There are only couple skyscrapers (very good for better orientation 😉), lots of greenery and light traffic.

Canadians are amazing. I heard that from my friend before, however I fully understood only when I get off the plane in Toronto. All the stereotype memes picturing Canadians as being extra polite all the time and saying sorry for no reason, are completely true. During our stay, everyone was so nice, easygoing and always smiling. Whenever people realized we come from Europe, they started a conversation and were so eager to learn more about Slovakia. In the Canadian Rockies, everybody was so talkative and always helpful. From time to time even strangers on the street started talking to us and it was very nice.

Whether you love wandering around the city, sightseeing, or taking beautiful photos to store memories, Calgary has a lot to offer. Excited traveler or passionate photographer, everyone will enjoy this amazing city 😉 Peace bridge from every side, view from Scotsman Hill on Scotiabank Saddledome and downtown, Calgary Tower offering the view on the Canadian Rockies, Wonderland Sculpture and the Bow Tower, Voltage Garage and Prince’s Island Park belong to my favorites. However, you can get creative and find that perfect photo spot elsewhere. When visiting Calgary, do not forget to walk the Stephen Avenue, see Rundle ruins, check out the colorful Olympic Plaza, or visit one of many city’s museums. Keep your eyes wide open, as you never know behind which corner something unique will be hidden 😉

To learn more about my favorite places in Calgary and see more photos, visit my blog on my favorite photography spots in Calgary.

I guess this is not that surprising. Calgary, as any other Canadian city, is a hockey city. Therefore, I recommend to every hockey fan visit the Scotiabank Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames. If you are visiting during the hockey season, you definitely have to see the game. During the off season, you can check out the arena at least. Tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during summer months. To see the tour times and prices, visit the official website of Scotiabank Saddledome.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions that popped up in your head during reading, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below 😉