Calgary is full of amazing things to do, which can make it hard to know where to start. From the moment you wake up to when you’re ready for bed, the city is buzzing with energy and fun.

Whether you’re visiting for a quick trip or just want to play tourist in your own city, here is a guide to the ultimate 24 hours in Calgary.

Get some breakfast

Calgary is home to plenty of excellent restaurants, like cozy breakfast and brunch spots, and there is no shortage of places serving up all your breakfast favourites. 

OEB Breakfast Co.

 

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OEB has several varieties of its signature dish, the Breakfast Poutine. One of our favourites is the Gold Digga, made with poached eggs, duck fat-fried herb potatoes, Saint-Cyrille curds, Berkshire roast pork, black truffles, and brown butter hollandaise. In addition to the breakfast poutine, you’ll find plenty of traditional staples at one of OEB’s four Calgary locations.

Red’s Diner

Red’s Diner is a Calgary staple. There are four locations across the city known for their hearty breakfasts, including pancakes, benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, and scrambles, all made with farm-fresh ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a go-to spot in Calgary.

Grab a local coffee

Calgary is home to many amazing coffee shops. Whether you’re starting your morning or needing an afternoon boost, the city has plenty of amazing spots to get your caffeine fix.

Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters

Phil and Sebastian is a Calgary favourite, with eight locations across the city and their own doughnut brand (hello, Hoopla!) Each cafe has its own unique design and vibe, making each location the perfect place to stop in and grab a nice coffee.

Deville Coffee

Deville’s 14 Calgary cafes are each steeped in connection, boasting friendly staff, handcrafted lattes and other espresso beverages, pastries delivered daily by the city’s best bakeries, and a menu of fresh, creative sandwiches and goodies.

Explore the city

There is so much to do in Calgary that it’s hard to choose just a few things to see, but we’ve narrowed it down to a couple of key activities to make the most of your trip.

Wander through Calgary’s unique neighbourhoods

Calgary has plenty of quirky, cute, and unique neighbourhoods, each offering its own charm, with tons of options for shopping, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Historic Inglewood (home to Calgary’s first Main Street), trendy Kensington, and lively 17th Ave SW are a few of our favourite local areas to explore. We compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods to check out.

Devonian Gardens

You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise within downtown Calgary at Devonian Gardens. Perfect for a rainy day or for anyone looking for a more humid, airy option. The gardens are located on the fourth floor of the CORE Shopping Centre, so you can spend some time shopping after you wander through the gardens.

Address: 317 7th Ave. SW

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

Learn about talented Canadian artists at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Check out new and updated exhibits, catch instrument show-and-tells, and delve into the history of iconic musicians.

Address: 851 4th St. SE

Take a scenic walk

Calgary is full of beautiful trails and paths, allowing you to take in everything the city has to offer. We rounded up some of the most scenic trails to check out this fall.

Calgary Tower

Get the best vistas of Calgary, the foothills, and the snowcapped mountains on a clear day from the Calgary Tower. Standing 191 metres/627 feet tall with 360º views, this is a great way to see “all” of Calgary from one place!

Address: 101 9th Ave. SW, Calgary

Check out some of Calgary’s restaurants

River Cafe

River Cafe is set in a magical place where guests must take a scenic walk through Prince’s Island Park to get to it. Chefs prepare regional, seasonal cuisine with local ingredients and serve it to you on their river-facing patio. A true oasis!

Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-261-7670

Peters’ Drive-In

 

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Peters’ is practically a Calgary institution, and you’ve just got to try one of its burgers paired with a milkshake. The drive-in allows patrons to choose up to three of their many flavours for milkshakes, meaning that there are over 4,500 flavour combinations available.

Address: 219 16th Ave. NE
Phone: 403-277-2747

Major Tom

Located on historic Stephen Avenue, 40 storeys above the streets of downtown Calgary, Major Tom offers stunning vistas, a glamorous atmosphere, and, of course, drool-worthy eats. You’ll find the MT Burger, Slow-Roasted Duck, Gnocchi pasta, Beef Tartare and much more on the menu, paired with creative cocktails and an extensive beer and wine menu.

Address: #4000 – 700 2nd St. SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-990-3954 (text only)

Sky 360

For more amazing views of the city (and even as far as the mountains on a clear day!), head to Sky 360 at the top of the Calgary Tower. Find the best seat in the city at one of Calgary’s most notable landmarks, while you dine in style at this revolving restaurant. Don’t forget to head to the observation deck after your dinner to check out a majestic view of the city streets.

Address: 101 9th Ave. SW, Calgary
Phone: 403-532-7966

With files from Elle McLean

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