A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary to See the Best of Calgary

  1. 9:00 AM: Calgary Tower
    Located in the city center

    Start your day at the iconic Calgary Tower. Built-in 1968, this observation tower is over 190 meters tall and provides a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy the incredible views in every direction.

  2. 10:30 AM: Glenbow Museum
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Calgary Tower

    The Glenbow Museum is home to one of the largest art collections in Western Canada. The exhibitions showcase the history of the Canadian West and the indigenous peoples of the region. The museum also houses temporary exhibitions and features a significant collection of contemporary art.

  3. 12:00 PM: Lunch at River Cafe
    5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Glenbow Museum

    For a delightful lunch, head to the River Cafe, located on Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary. The restaurant has stunning views of the Bow River and a lovely patio for diners. The menu features fresh locally-sourced ingredients, and the restaurant is committed to sustainability.

  4. 1:30 PM: Calgary Zoo
    7 minutes (1.7 miles) from River Cafe

    The Calgary Zoo is one of the best zoos in Canada and features over 1,000 animals from all over the world. It is divided into several zones, including the Canadian Wilds, the African Savannah, and the penguin plunge. Visitors can also see giant pandas Er Shun and Da Mao.

  5. 3:30 PM: Stephen Avenue Walk
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Calgary Zoo

    End your day with a stroll down Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrian street in the heart of downtown Calgary. Lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it's a great place to grab some souvenirs or a snack. The area is also home to some of the city's best nightlife, so stick around if you're up for a late night out.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Calgary Tower (1 hour, $18)
  • Glenbow Museum (1.5 hours, $16)
  • Lunch at River Cafe (1 hour, $25)
  • Calgary Zoo (2 hours, $30)
  • Stephen Avenue Walk (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $89

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the nearby cities of Banff or Canmore, both known for their stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. For those with less time, skip the Glenbow Museum and head straight to the Calgary Zoo. Alternatively, you could visit the popular Heritage Park Historical Village, where you can experience life as it was over 100 years ago in Western Canada.

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