7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Calgary

Tuesday, October 10: Arrival in Calgary

Welcome to Calgary! Start your trip by exploring the vibrant downtown area. In the morning, visit the iconic Calgary Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, head to Prince's Island Park, a beautiful urban park located on an island in the Bow River. Spend the evening exploring Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and vibrant street performers.

• Calgary Tower: Estimated Cost - $18, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Prince's Island Park: Free Admission, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Stephen Avenue Walk: Free Admission, Time Spent - Flexible

Restaurants

• Avenue Diner: A retro-style diner with a cozy atmosphere, offering a wide range of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and French toast. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
• Sweetgrass Deli & Eatery: A charming deli serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups made with fresh, local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• Charbar: A trendy restaurant located in the historic Simmons Building, offering a menu inspired by fire-cooked meats and fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.

Wednesday, October 11: Discovering Heritage Park

Immerse yourself in Calgary's history at Heritage Park Historical Village. In the morning, explore the various exhibits and take a ride on the authentic steam train. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, visit Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and discover Canada's rich musical heritage. Spend the evening strolling along 17th Avenue, known as the "Red Mile," with its trendy shops, restaurants, and bars.

• Heritage Park Historical Village: Estimated Cost - $27, Time Spent - 4-6 hours
• Studio Bell, National Music Centre: Estimated Cost - $20, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• 17th Avenue: Cost Varies (Shopping/Dining), Time Spent - Flexible

Thursday, October 12: Exploring the Calgary Zoo

Spend the day at the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. In the morning, visit the various animal exhibits and catch the daily animal presentations. Enjoy lunch at one of the zoo's dining options. In the afternoon, explore Inglewood, Calgary's oldest neighborhood, known for its vibrant arts scene and unique shops. In the evening, catch a show at the renowned Jubilee Auditorium.

• Calgary Zoo: Estimated Cost - $30, Time Spent - 4-6 hours
• Inglewood: Cost Varies (Shopping/Dining), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Jubilee Auditorium: Cost Varies (Ticketed Shows), Time Spent - Varies

Friday, October 13: Day Trip to Banff National Park

Embark on a scenic day trip to Banff National Park, located just outside of Calgary. Begin your day by driving to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise-colored waters. Take a walk around the lake and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery. In the afternoon, visit the charming town of Banff, explore its shops and galleries, and perhaps take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Return to Calgary in the evening.

• Lake Louise: Free Admission, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Banff Town: Cost Varies (Shopping/Dining), Time Spent - 2-4 hours
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Estimated Cost - $8, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, October 14: Calgary's Cultural Delights

Explore Calgary's cultural scene today. Start your morning at the Glenbow Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre and immerse yourself in Chinese history and culture. Enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner in Calgary's Chinatown. In the evening, catch a performance at the Arts Commons, a vibrant performing arts center.

• Glenbow Museum: Estimated Cost - $16, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre: Estimated Cost - $10, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Chinatown: Cost Varies (Dining), Time Spent - Flexible
• Arts Commons: Cost Varies (Ticketed Shows), Time Spent - Varies

Sunday, October 15: Exploring Outdoor Beauty

Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Calgary. Start your day with a visit to Fish Creek Provincial Park, where you can hike the trails and admire the fall colors. In the afternoon, head to the Calgary Botanical Gardens and explore the stunning gardens and conservatory. For the evening, dine at a restaurant with a patio overlooking the Bow River.

• Fish Creek Provincial Park: Free Admission, Time Spent - 2-4 hours
• Calgary Botanical Gardens: Estimated Cost - $15, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Riverfront Dining: Cost Varies (Dining), Time Spent - Flexible

Monday, October 16: Shopping and Farewell

Spend your last day in Calgary indulging in some retail therapy. Start your day at the CORE Shopping Centre, a downtown mall with a variety of shops and boutiques. In the afternoon, visit the CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall for great deals on designer brands. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Calgary's top-rated restaurants.

• CORE Shopping Centre: Cost Varies (Shopping), Time Spent - Flexible
• CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall: Cost Varies (Shopping), Time Spent - Flexible
• Farewell Dinner: Cost Varies (Dining), Time Spent - Flexible

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While visiting Calgary, make sure to explore lesser-known attractions like the Devonian Gardens, a beautiful indoor oasis located downtown. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is also worth a visit for birdwatching enthusiasts. For a unique dining experience, try the food trucks that gather at various locations throughout the city. Locals love exploring the Peace Bridge, a pedestrian bridge with stunning architecture, and taking a leisurely stroll along the Bow River Pathway.

For more information about hotel and flight prices in Calgary, click here.