Arrive at Calgary International Airport and take a short taxi or rideshare to Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE to drop your bags and freshen up — the sleek lobby and friendly staff set a relaxed tone for the trip. If time and energy allow, enjoy a late-morning coffee at a nearby café like Phil & Sebastian or Monogram Coffee on 9th Avenue, then stroll down nearby 8th Avenue to get your first glimpses of downtown Calgary’s skyline and bustling pedestrian life.
After settling in, head out for a leisurely lunch on Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW) where you can sample local fare at a gastropub such as Model Milk or the rooftop patio at The Guild, then pop into the Glenbow Museum for a quick orientation to Alberta’s art and history. Walk off lunch with a riverside stroll along the Bow River Pathway toward Prince's Island Park — the island’s spring buds and river views offer a peaceful first taste of Calgary’s outdoor character.
Return to the hotel to relax briefly before an easy evening of exploration: grab dinner in the lively Beltline neighbourhood (try Charbar or Ten Foot Henry for memorable food) and finish with a nightcap at a cozy cocktail bar like Proof or the Rooftop at the Fairmont (short taxi away) to toast the start of your Rockies adventure. If you’re not too jet-lagged, enjoy a twilight walk along Stephen Avenue to see the city lights and plan tomorrow’s itinerary.
Start your day with breakfast steps from Acclaim Hotel at Phil & Sebastian or Monogram Coffee, then head to Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW) to watch the city wake up—browse boutique shops, catch street performers, and admire heritage buildings like the Hudson’s Bay façade. Pop into the Glenbow Museum mid-morning for rotating contemporary exhibits and compelling displays on Indigenous and Alberta history; allow time for the photography and Indigenous art galleries to get a strong sense of the region’s culture.
For lunch, choose a Stephen Avenue classic such as Model Milk or the Market at Calgary Tower for variety, then take a guided 90-minute Glenbow tour or explore on your own before strolling down to Olympic Plaza and the nearby Devonian Gardens for a restful, light-filled break. Continue the cultural thread with a short walk to the National Music Centre at Studio Bell (if open) to experience interactive exhibits and hear stories of Canada’s musical heritage.
Return toward the Beltline for dinner at one of the neighbourhood’s lively spots—Ten Foot Henry for vegetable-forward cuisine or Charbar for wood-fired flavours—then enjoy a relaxed post-dinner walk along the Bow River Pathway toward Prince's Island Park to see the city skyline at dusk. Finish with a cocktail at Proof or a cosy beer at a West End brewpub, reflecting on the day’s art and urban discoveries before heading back to Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE to recharge for your Banff day trips.
Start your day with breakfast near Acclaim Hotel at Phil & Sebastian or Monogram Coffee, then make your way to Calgary Tower to ride the glass elevator up for panoramic views of the city and the distant Rockies — the observation deck and glass floor are perfect for photos and orientation. After descending, stroll across to Olympic Plaza and the nearby Devonian Gardens to enjoy the warm, plant-filled atrium before wandering toward the Bow River for the start of your riverside walk.
Follow the Bow River Pathway west toward the Riverwalk area, crossing the pedestrian bridges and pausing for skyline- framed photos of the Peace Bridge and reflective riverbanks; stop at the historic Simmons Building for a light lunch or try the Market at Calgary Tower if you prefer variety. In the afternoon, join a guided local food tour (many depart from Stephen Avenue) to sample Calgary favourites—think Alberta beef sliders, pierogies, and craft beer tastings—while a guide weaves in neighborhood stories and culinary tips.
As daylight fades, continue your food-focused evening with dinner in the Beltline: book a table at Ten Foot Henry for inventive, vegetable-forward plates or Charbar for wood-fired specialties and river views. Finish with a relaxed drink at Proof Cocktail Bar or a craft beer at Village Brewery, then take a final twilight walk along Stephen Avenue back toward Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, reflecting on the city vistas and flavours you discovered today.
Leave Calgary early for the scenic 1.5-2 hour drive to Banff, following the Trans-Canada Highway past foothills and snow-dusted peaks; park near Banff Avenue and grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery before heading to Lake Louise. Arrive at Lake Louise to admire the famous turquoise waters and Victoria Glacier (in April the lake may still show winter ice and dramatic reflections), stroll the lakeshore or take a short, crisp walk toward the Fairview Lookout for iconic photo views.
Return to the town of Banff for lunch at Park Distillery or the Bison Restaurant where you can taste local game and Alberta beef, then explore Banff Avenue’s shops and galleries and visit the Whyte Museum to learn about Rockies history and mountaineering. In the afternoon consider a gentle hike or gondola ride — take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for sweeping valley panoramas and interpretive boardwalks, or if snow conditions make trails tricky, enjoy the Banff Upper Hot Springs viewpoint without committing to a long trek.
Before driving back to Calgary, unwind with an early dinner in Banff—try Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub for comfort food or Saltlik for steaks—and stroll the Bow River and Cascade Gardens to soak in the mountain twilight. Head back toward Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE with memories of alpine vistas and stop at a roadside viewpoint if the light is especially striking; arrive in Calgary in the evening ready to relax and plan the next day’s deeper Banff adventures.
Depart Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE early for the drive to Banff, stopping for a coffee and pastry at Wild Flour Bakery in Banff townsite before taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain; ride the cable car to the summit for sweeping views of the Bow Valley, interpretive boardwalks and excellent photo opportunities of the surrounding peaks. Spend time exploring the boardwalks and learning at the interpretive centre—if weather allows, follow the short path toward Sanson’s Peak for even bigger panoramas and an invigorating alpine breeze.
Descend to town for a relaxed lunch at The Bison or Park Distillery, then head to nearby Johnston Canyon for a gentle, well-maintained walk to the lower and (if conditions permit) upper falls—on the way back, detour to the picturesque Bow Falls viewpoint and snap more glacier-fed river scenes. Alternatively, if trails are snowy, substitute a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka with a lakeside stroll and a wildlife watch; either choice deepens your appreciation of Banff’s dramatic landscapes and mountain ecology.
Unwind at Banff Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak with mountain views—arrive as the light softens to enjoy the warm pools and the calming alpine atmosphere—then dine in town at Saltlik or Eddie Burger + Bar for a casual finish. On the drive back to Calgary, pause at a roadside lookout if the sunset paints the peaks, and return to Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE relaxed and recharged from a full day of Rockies highlights.
After a few glorious days in Banff, ease back into city life with a relaxed breakfast near Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE—try Phil & Sebastian for a craft coffee and a flaky pastry—then head to the eclectic Inglewood neighbourhood to browse vintage shops, Keystone Alley galleries, and the historic Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for an early taste of local wildlife and riverside trails. Pop into the Inglewood Brewery or the historic Deane House for a quick look around and soak up the neighbourhood’s artsy, small-town charm within the city.
Make your way to the Calgary Zoo for the afternoon, arriving mid-day when the animals are active; prioritize the Canadian Wilds and Destination Africa exhibits and catch any scheduled keeper talks or feeding sessions to learn about conservation efforts firsthand. After exploring the zoo’s trails and indoor conservatory, enjoy a late lunch at the zoo café or return toward the East Village for riverside dining at Festival Hall or one of the cafes along the Bow River Pathway.
Wind down with a gentle Bow River stroll toward Prince’s Island Park at sunset or return to Inglewood for dinner at Una or the Nash for creative, regionally inspired plates in a neighbourhood setting. Finish the night back at Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE with a nightcap in the hotel lounge or a relaxed rooftop view, reflecting on mountain memories while preparing for Heritage Park and more Bow River adventures tomorrow.
After breakfast near Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, head to Heritage Park Historical Village for a nostalgic morning among restored buildings, a working steam train and costumed interpreters — don’t miss the Midway and the authentic 1920s street for great photo ops and hands-on demonstrations. Wander the park’s riverside trails to see living-history exhibits and sample treats at the soda shop before taking the short drive back toward the Bow River for the afternoon.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Bow River pathways: rent a bike in Eau Claire or from Bow Cycle to ride the scenic route past Prince’s Island Park, cross the pedestrian bridges for skyline views, and pause at the Peace Bridge and Simmons Building for café breaks or lunch. If the weather cooperates, book a guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental from a riverside outfitter to experience the city from the water and keep an eye out for swans and early spring migratory birds.
As daylight softens, enjoy a riverside dinner in the East Village or on Stephen Avenue — consider Charbar for wood-fired fare with river views or Alloy for contemporary Canadian plates — then take a twilight stroll along the Bow River Pathway toward Prince’s Island Park to watch the city lights reflect on the water. Finish back at Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE with a relaxed nightcap in the hotel lounge or a rooftop spot, savoring the contrast between Calgary’s living-history charm and its modern riverside energy.
Leave Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE after breakfast and join a guided Rockies wildlife tour that departs from Calgary — many operators run comfortable minibus excursions that head west toward the foothills, increasing your chances of spotting elk, deer, bighorn sheep and, with luck, a distant moose or wolf while a naturalist guide narrates habitat and animal behaviour. Alternatively, if you prefer self-driving, set out along the Trans-Canada toward Canmore for a preview of mountain scenery and a coffee stop at Communitea Cafe before continuing to scenic pullouts near Bow Valley Parkway for morning light and wildlife watching.
If you’re on a guided tour you’ll continue deeper into Banff National Park with stops at prime wildlife corridors and short walks — look for views at Castle Mountain viewpoint or the wetlands near Morant’s Curve for classic photo ops — or pivot to an Icefields Parkway preview by driving north from Lake Louise toward the start of the Parkway, pausing at Peyto Lake viewpoint (seasonal access permitting) and the Columbia Icefield interpretive areas to feel the scale of the glaciers. For a more relaxed pace, lunch in Canmore at The Sensory or Crazyweed Kitchen offers hearty mountain-infused dishes before heading back to Calgary with scenic stops along the way.
Return to Calgary with alpine memories and unwind with a riverside dinner near the Bow River — try Charbar for wood-fired plates or Alloy for contemporary Canadian cuisine — then cap the day with a low-key stroll along Stephen Avenue or the Peace Bridge to watch city lights reflect on the water. Back at Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, enjoy a nightcap in the hotel lounge and flip through your photos to compare the wildlife and glacier glimpses from the day, planning tomorrow’s deeper exploration of the Icefields or another Banff outing.
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast near Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, then head to the CORE Shopping Centre and the nearby +15 network to browse Canadian brands and pick up souvenirs; don’t miss the Hudson’s Bay for heritage pieces and the niche boutiques along 8th Avenue for locally made goods. If you prefer independent shops, detour to Kensington for a cozy, pedestrian-friendly stretch of vintage stores, art galleries and specialty food shops where you can sample local chocolates or pick up unique gifts.
After lunch on Stephen Avenue—try Model Milk or the Simmons Building food options—set out on a self-guided brewery hop through the Beltline and East Village: start at Village Brewery for light, approachable beers, continue to Cold Garden for funky, experimental brews, and finish at Last Best Brewing Co. for fuller-flavored ales; many spots offer tasting flights and lively taproom atmospheres. If you want a calmer break between pours, stroll the Bow River Pathway toward Prince’s Island Park or stop at the National Beer Hall for a well-curated pint and shareable plates.
Reserve an early dinner near the Scotiabank Saddledome—consider Charbar for wood-fired dishes or Alloy for contemporary Canadian fare—then make your way to the Saddledome for an evening event, whether it’s a Flames game, concert or show (check the schedule and book tickets in advance). After the event, cap the night with a nightcap back in the Beltline at Proof or a relaxed post-show snack at one of the nearby pubs before returning to Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE to rest up for your departure day.
Savor a relaxed final breakfast near Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE—return to Phil & Sebastian or try Monogram Coffee for a last Calgary pastry and a strong brew—and take a gentle riverside walk to Prince's Island Park to breathe in fresh air and photograph the Bow River one last time. If you have a short window before checkout, pop into nearby Stephen Avenue for any last-minute souvenir shopping or a quick visit to the Glenbow Museum gift shop for artful mementos.
After checking out, stash your bags with the hotel if needed and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Beltline—Model Milk or Ten Foot Henry offer memorable final meals—or choose a riverside bite in the East Village at River Café for scenic fare. If time allows before your flight, make a brief stop at the Peace Bridge and the Simmons Building for one last skyline photo, then arrange a taxi or rideshare (or the Calgary Airport Express shuttle) to Calgary International Airport, allowing at least 90-120 minutes for domestic departures and a bit more for international check-in and security.
If your flight departs later, relax at the airport lounges or enjoy a calm pre-flight dinner at one of the airport’s eateries while reflecting on your Rockies highlights; otherwise, once airborne, toast the trip and flip through your photos of Banff’s peaks and Calgary’s riverfront to keep the memories vivid. Safe travels—plan a quiet evening at home to unpack and reminisce, or start sketching your next Canadian adventure while the mountain vistas are still fresh.