I’m spilling the beans. Here are 10 of Calgary’s best-kept secrets that you wouldn’t want to miss.
I remember my first trip to Calgary. I was excited to explore the city, but I was let down by some popular tourist spots that didn’t live up to the hype.
I think we’ve all been there—standing in front of a landmark, wondering what all the fuss is about, and wishing we’d spent our time elsewhere. It was a real wake-up call that made me realize there’s so much more to this city than the usual attractions.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of Calgary’s best-kept secrets you can’t miss! Trust me, you’ll want to read on and discover what makes this city special beyond the tourist traps.
1. Explore Canadian history at Heritage Park Historical Village.
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Website: http://www.heritagepark.ca/
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3, Canada
Contact details: +14032688500
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Heritage Park Historical Village feels like stepping into a time machine that takes you from the 1860s to the 1950s. The park covers 127 acres alongside the Glenmore Reservoir and has over 200 exhibits showcasing eras of Western Canadian life.
The coolest part is that they’ve brought historical buildings from their original locations, so you’re returning in time. The park is divided into areas, like the Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort and the Railway Prairie Town.
My favorite part was visiting the Gasoline Alley Museum, which has an incredible collection of antique vehicles. The museum also has great amenities, like the Railway Café for a good meal and even a paddleboat ride on Calgary’s only paddlewheel ship.
Pro tip: Arrive early to catch a guided tour. They provide fascinating insights that enrich your experience! |
2. Experience the thrill of rodeo events at the Calgary Stampede.
– Media credit: calgarystampede
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com/
Address: 1410 Stampede Trl SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada
Contact details: +14032610101
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Calgary Stampede is one of the best outdoor shows ever! Picture this: vibrant cowboy hats, the smell of popcorn, and live country music setting the scene for a fun-filled day. It’s an annual festival in Calgary, Alberta, and a blast.
The Stampede started in 1912 and has grown so much since then. It now welcomes over 1.3 million visitors each year! There’s a huge rodeo, parades, concerts, and cultural showcases of the rich heritage of Western Canada and its Indigenous peoples.
From free pancake breakfasts to thrilling rides and live performances at the Grandstand, there’s something for everyone. I especially loved hanging out in the Indian Village, where I interacted with local artisans and enjoyed traditional dance performances.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot for the Stampede Parade—a spectacular kickoff that draws huge crowds! |
3. Catch live music and interactive exhibits at Studio Bell.
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Website: http://www.studiobell.ca/
Address: 850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1, Canada
Contact details: +14035435115
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, has over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts. Can you believe they’ve got the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio and one of Elton John’s pianos there?
When I visited, I was blown away by the five floors of interactive exhibitions. I got to play around with vintage synthesizers and classic guitars—it was so cool! The King Edward Hotel, part of the center, serves delicious Southern cuisine and hosts live performances.
The best part was the ambiance—it’s so vibrant and welcoming. There’s a real sense of community, and I felt right at home jamming on the instruments and listening to live music.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit, check out their schedule for live performances at the King Eddy; attending one of these shows can tremendously enhance your experience! |
4. Explore the scenic trails of Fish Creek Provincial Park.
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Website: http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/fish-creek-pp/
Address: Calgary, AB, Canada
Contact details: +14032975293
Operating hours: 8 AM–10 PM
Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second-largest urban park in Canada. Can you believe it was established in 1975, and the valley formed around 13,000 B.C. by retreating glaciers? That’s some serious history right there.
It’s a beautiful spot that preserves the natural beauty of the Fish Creek valley, which flows into the Bow River. The area has everything from lush forests to open grasslands, so it’s a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural wilderness.
There are picnic shelters, a visitor center, and even an aquatic facility at Sikome Lake where you can go swimming. I rented a bike and cruised along the paved paths that connect to Calgary’s extensive pathway system.
Pro tip: Bring bug spray if you plan to visit during the summer months! The mosquitoes can be quite active as dusk approaches, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying the stunning sunsets over the creek. |
5. Spend a day at Prince’s Island Park.
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/princes-island-park.html
Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4, Canada
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Prince’s Island Park is a beautiful park on an island in the Bow River, just north of downtown. The park has a really cool history—it was named after Peter Anthony Prince, who was a big deal in Calgary’s early days.
Now, it’s an awesome spot for all kinds of events, like the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Canada Day celebrations. It’s a huge draw for over 150,000 visitors every year.
You’ve got picnic areas, playgrounds, and nice walking trails. There’s also this Chevron Learning Pathway that’s all about local wildlife and wetlands, which is fun and super informative.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit during one of the major festivals, arrive early to snag a good parking spot nearby, as vehicle access can be limited during events! |
6. Watch world-class show jumping at Spruce Meadows
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Website: https://www.sprucemeadows.com/
Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, AB T2X 4B7, Canada
Contact details: +14039744200
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Spruce Meadows is an equestrian facility founded in 1975 by Ron and Marg Southern. It started as a family retreat but quickly became a world-renowned sports complex.
The place is huge, covering 505 acres, five competition rings, and room for over 1,000 horses! It’s no wonder it draws in about half a million visitors annually.
There’s much to do – from watching top-notch equestrian events like the Masters Tournament to catching those adorable prairie dog races. There are cool shops and comfy grandstands for chilling out and enjoying the competitions.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit during one of their major tournaments, arrive early to secure good parking and grab a prime spot in the grandstands—trust me, you won’t want to miss a moment of the action! |
7. Explore the wonders of wildlife at the Calgary Zoo
– Media credit: thecalgaryzoo
Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/
Address: Enmax Conservatory, 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, Canada
Contact details: +14032329300
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Calgary Zoo is a whopping 120 acres big. They’ve got seven different zones, including the Penguin Plunge and Prehistoric Park, where you can see life-sized dinosaur replicas in a re-created environment. How cool is that?
But what I love most about the zoo is its commitment to conservation. They’re all about protecting endangered species and teaching visitors about biodiversity. It’s not just a fun place to hang out; it’s also a place to learn and connect with wildlife.
I enjoyed chilling out in the picnic areas and exploring the Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens when I visited. And oh, the ENMAX Conservatory is a must-see, especially the butterfly garden. It’s like something out of a fairy tale!
Pro tip: Arrive early to catch the animal feedings; it’s a great way to see the animals active and engaged! |
8. Explore hands-on exhibits at TELUS Spark.
– Media credit: telus_spark
Website: https://www.sparkscience.ca/
Address: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary, AB T2E 5T2, Canada
Contact details: +14038176800
Operating hours: 9 AM–4 PM
TELUS Spark is a science and technology hub, Canada’s first purpose-built science center in over 25 years. It’s huge—145,300 square feet—and it’s all about sustainability, with LEED Gold certification.
There’s a 3D dome theatre, interactive galleries, and an outdoor Brainasium park, perfect for kids—they can play and learn simultaneously. One of my favorite parts was the Open Studio, where my kids and I tinkered with real tools and materials.
Let me tell you about the daily live science shows—they were so exciting! The experiments had everyone on the edge of their seats. It’s the perfect place for families, school groups, or anyone who’s curious.
Pro tip: Be sure to check the schedule for live science demonstrations; they often feature spectacular experiments that are both entertaining and educational! |
9. Ride up to the observation deck of the Calgary Tower.
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Website: https://www.calgarytower.com/
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Contact details: +14032667171
Operating hours: 10 AM–9 PM
The Calgary Tower is such an iconic spot in downtown Calgary. It’s 191 meters tall and was originally called the Husky Tower. Can you believe it was finished in 1968 as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations?
It was a big deal at the time because it was the first Canadian structure to use a base isolator for earthquake protection. It held the title of Canada’s tallest structure until 1976!
Today, they’ve got this awesome Sky 360 revolving restaurant with amazing food and stunning views. The observation deck has this crazy glass floor that lets you view the streets below. It’s such a rush!
Pro tip: To make the most of your visit, try to go during sunset; the views are magical as the city lights twinkle against the backdrop of the fading sun. |
10. Bike along the scenic Bow River Pathway.
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Address: Calgary, AB, Canada
The Bow River Pathway is an awesome network of paths along the Bow River, stretching about 48 kilometers from Bearspaw Dam to Fish Creek Provincial Park. It’s been around since 1975 and is a big part of the city’s recreational scene.
The best part is that it connects different parks and green spaces, making it a great spot for all outdoor activities. You’ll find well-maintained trails for cycling, jogging, or just taking a leisurely walk when you’re there.
There are picnic areas, exercise parks, and spots for barbecuing. In addition, informative signs along the pathways tell you about the local plants and animals and provide some cool historical facts about the river.
Pro tip: Consider bringing a portable chair or blanket to relax in one of the many beautiful spots along the riverbank. It’s a great way to unwind and connect with nature while watching kayakers navigate the waters or enjoy the view! |