7 Hidden Gem Spots For Tourists Who Want To Experience Calgary, Alberta Like A Local
Recently, I had the chance to travel to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a week while on vacation. I was super excited, but when I was looking around online for things to do, every guide seemed to recommend the same four places. I don’t know about you, but when I travel I hate being stuck in crowds at tourist-trap locations. I would much rather chat with locals and check out their favorite hidden-gem spots that no tourist would ever stumble across. So that’s exactly what I did, and I’m pleased to say that it totally worked!
I had a fantastic trip, with just the right amount of adventure, relaxation, and seriously yummy food. So, if you’re like me and you want to get the most out of your trip to Calgary, check out my list of the top seven things that I think every tourist should do. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!
A Bus Tour Through Banff
If you’re going to Calgary, you’re probably aware that Banff National Park is just a short drive away. In fact, you can see the mountains from the top of the Calgary Tower and the Bow River, which flows through Calgary, starts in Banff. With some of the most stunning nature in the country only a short drive away, don’t miss your chance to get out and see it.
My way of choice? A bus tour! Look for tours that pick-up and drop-off in downtown Calgary to make travel easy, and make sure that all of the iconic Banff stops are included: Lake Louise, Emerald Lakes, Canmore, Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls, the list goes on! It’s the best way to see all the incredible sights that Banff has to offer without having to rent a car and drive yourself. Plan for a full-day excursion and don’t forget snacks and your camera!
Eat in Chinatown
Most big cities have a Chinatown, and Calgary is no different. Established over 100 years ago, this totally unique neighborhood is found right in the heart of downtown Calgary, making it walkable from most downtown hotels and AirBnBs. While I didn’t get to spend too much time exploring, I had some of the best meals of my trip here.
Paper Lantern, an incredible Vietnamese restaurant and cocktail bar, looks unassuming from the outside. But once you get inside, it has some of the best ambiance and cocktails anywhere in the city. I personally recommend the Vietnamese coffee affogato if you’re in the mood for dessert. If you’re looking for something a bit more warm and comforting, Pho City has incredible pho and caters to all types of dietary restrictions. Honestly, you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for authentic, high quality food.
The Calgary Tower
Okay, so I know I said that this was going to be a list of non-touristy things to do in Banff, and the Calgary Tower might be the most touristy thing to do in the city, but hear me out! It was way too good of an experience to leave off of this list, and it didn’t feel like a tourist trap. Sure, you do exit through the gift shop, but I was pleasantly surprised by a lack of crowds, and the fact that I didn’t have to wait in a line to take the elevator up to the top.
And let me tell you, the view from the top was something else. You don’t just get to see the entire city, you also get an amazing view of the mountains, the Bow River, and the farmland surrounding Calgary. Unless you’re afraid of heights, I’d say it’s a must-do for anyone visiting the city.
Visit the Calgary Library
I know I’m going to have my work cut out for me trying to convince some of you to visit a library on vacation, but I promise the Calgary Library isn’t just for book lovers. While talking to locals, people kept recommending the library to me as one of their favorite spots to go hang out in the city, so I had to go check it out. And wow, it totally lived up to the hype.
First, the architecture of the building is incredible. Located in East Village, the 286,000- square foot library was built in 2018, and is one of the coolest places you can go to read a book. I’m not the only one who thinks that either. In 2019 it was recognized as one of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019” by Time magazine, and the design of the building won a 2020 Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects. It’s totally free to enter and explore, and I found it was the perfect place to go relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
Walk (or Float) Along the Bow River
As I’ve already mentioned, the Bow River is a river that starts at the Bow Glacier in Banff National Park and flows all the way to Hudson Bay. The river flows right through downtown Calgary, where you can walk or bike along it on well-maintained paths. I was blown away by how clean and clear the water was, and walking along the river quickly became my favorite way to get around the downtown.
But, if you’re looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush, you can also kayak or canoe down the Bow River. Depending on where you launch from, this can take anywhere from one to seven hours, and looks like the perfect way to cool off on a hot day in the city.
Visit the National Music Center at Studio Bell
When you think about Canadian musicians, who do you think of? For me, it’s Joni Mitchell first, then Justin Bieber second. But I have to admit I had no idea that so many of my favorite musicians were Canadian! Studio Bell is home to the National Music Centre, which is a really cool mix of a concert venue and a museum, housing the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Think Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, just smaller and only about Canadian music.
The many exhibits featured memorabilia, costumes, and instruments from some of Canada’s biggest music stars. And if you’re a country music fan, you’re in luck. The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame has it’s own dedicated wing. If you like music and want to spend an afternoon learning about artists like Shania Twain, Sum 41, or Neil Young, don’t skip Studio Bell!
Picnic in Prince’s Island Park
The last experience I would recommend to anyone visiting Calgary, is to have a picnic in Prince’s Island Park. An urban oasis in the middle of downtown Calgary, Prince’s Island Park is home to beautiful walking trails, flower garden, and large fields where you’ll see tons of people out having picnics.
The park is built on Prince’s Island, right on the Bow River, and you can get to it by crossing one of the many bridges that connect to the downtown walking trails. Grab a sandwich or some charcuterie, a few drinks, and a picnic blanket, and head down to the park to enjoy your meal outside with stunning views of the Calgary city skyline. It’s a great way to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Get The Most Out Of Your Vacation
And there you have it! These are all of my recommendations for things to do in Calgary if you want to skip the crowds and experience the city like a local. I had a blast going to all of these spots, and I hope that if you give any of my recommendations a try, you have a great time as well. Enjoy your trip and everything that the beautiful city of Calgary has to offer.