Begin your Calgary adventure by exploring the heart of the city. Start at Stephen Avenue Walk, a vibrant pedestrian mall that has a variety of shops, restaurants, and unique street performers. Next, head to the Glenbow Museum, one of western Canada's largest museums, showcasing art, history, and culture. For lunch, try the famous Calgary-style pizza at Bottlescrew Bill's Pub & Buzzards Restaurant. After lunch, make your way to the top of Calgary Tower to get a panoramic view of the city. End the day at Prince's Island Park, located on an island in the Bow River, which has walking paths, gardens, and summer festivals.
Calgary is situated near the Rockies, which is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Begin your day by heading to Banff National Park, known for its stunning mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. Take a gondola ride to the top of Banff Sulphur Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Rockies. For lunch, grab a bite at Wild Flour Cafe, which offers fresh-baked bread and pastries. After lunch, head to Johnston Canyon and walk alongside the creek to see the majestic waterfalls. End your day at the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to Lake Louise, a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains that is about a 2-hour drive from Calgary. Additionally, if you're a beer lover, check out Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant, which offers locally brewed beer and hearty pub food. If you have less time, shorten the Banff National Park visit to just the Banff Sulphur Mountain gondola ride. Whatever you do, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary in the mountains.