Three Days in Calgary: A Towering Adventure

  • Day 1: Calgary Tower
    16 minutes (7.9 km) from Calgary International Airport

    Calgary Tower is a must-see attraction for first-time visitors offering a stunning 360-degree view of the city from the top. Enjoy a casual lunch at Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant located within Fish Creek Provincial Park, a 30-minute drive from the tower, offering a delicious menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.

  • Day 2: Heritage Park Historical Village
    20 minutes (11.4 km) from Calgary Tower

    Travel back in time and experience western Canadian history by visiting Heritage Park Historical Village. The park has over 200 exhibits and attractions, including a steam-powered train, antique midway rides, and a working 1860s fur trading fort. End the day with a hearty meal at The Guild, located in the heart of downtown and offering farm-to-table dining.

  • Day 3: Banff National Park
    1 hour 36 minutes (129 km) from Heritage Park Historical Village

    Start the day early and take a scenic drive to the Banff Gondola located within Banff National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and surrounding picturesque landscape. After the ride, explore the small town of Banff and shop for unique souvenirs. Lunch at The Bison Restaurant featuring local meats in a Canadiana-style dining room.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Calgary Tower (1-2 hours, $18.00-22.00)
  • Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant (1-2 hours, $15.00-30.00)
  • Heritage Park Historical Village (3-4 hours, $10.00-26.00)
  • The Guild (1-2 hours, $25.00-50.00)
  • Banff Gondola (2-3 hours, $64.00-88.00)
  • The Bison Restaurant (1-2 hours, $25.00-50.00)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $160.00-266.00

Transportation

Calgary has a reliable public transit system and taxi services. Travellers can take the CTrain, the city's light rail transit system, to get around downtown and major attractions. The fare cost is $3.50 for a single-use ticket or $10.00 for a day pass. Taxis are also widely available, starting with a base fare of $3.80CAD and an additional $1.90CAD per kilometer travelled. Rentals cars are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, with an average daily cost of $30-50CAD.

Useful Tips

For those with more time to explore, visit Glenbow Museum, one of Western Canada's largest museums, with over a million artworks, artifacts, and photographs. Another must-see attraction is the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world.

For travellers with less time, consider taking a scenic walk or bike ride along the Bow River Pathway, a beautiful trail running alongside the Bow River, with stunning views of the city and surrounding nature.

Airports

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the primary airport serving Calgary, located 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary. The airport offers various amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Calgary International Airport is accessible via taxi, car rental, and public transit.

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