48 hours in Calgary: fall guide

Fall in Calgary means the arrival of sweater weather. The season is full of harvest festivals, spiced drinks, and dazzlingly colourful hikes. Here’s how to experience the best of the city over a fall weekend.

Morning in Altadore

This inner-city neighbourhood is on the south side of Calgary, situated near the Elbow River. The community offers cozy cafés, neat shops, and laid-back pubs. Start the day by taking a leisurely stroll through River Park — an idyllic spot to admire the stunning fall colours.

Where to eat: breakfast

• Neighbour Coffee : Open seven days a week, this homey café is the perfect spot to start your morning. Order a freshly made coffee to go with a smoothie, sandwich, or tostada. Dine inside or enjoy the crisp morning air on the patio.

• Bell's Cafe : A welcoming and rustic café, Bell's is a local favourite. Read a book from the “take one, leave one” shelf while enjoying some of the delicious pastries and breakfast bagels on offer. Plus, choose from a selection of tasty drinks, which includes rotating seasonal features.

• Monogram Coffee : From a pop-up coffee cart to an established café with locations across Calgary, Monogram Coffee has earned a reputation for its aromatic and delicious coffees. Breakfast options are available, from avocado toast to loaded breakfast sandwiches.

What to do: visit the Military Museums

The Military Museums of Calgary is the second-largest military museum in Canada. The museum spans 200 years of Canadian military history through eight separate museums, showcasing art and exhibits about local and international history. Afterwards, head to the Wild Rose Brewery , a microbrewery taproom in a former airplane hangar with tasty pub eats and drinks.

Afternoon in Aspen Woods

A 15-minute Uber ride from Altadore, this westside neighbourhood earned its name for the lush forest of Aspen trees that grow around the area. It features a relaxed, village-like atmosphere with meandering forest trails — expect plenty of golden hues this time of year as the Aspen trees change colour.

Where to eat: lunch

• The Park Kitchen & Bar : Enjoy fresh meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients, with plenty of options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. The menu features daily specials, such as pasta and wine pairings, burger and beer combos, and ‘kids eat for $5’ deals.

• Han Chao : Since it opened in 2015, Han Chao has delivered authentic tastes of Asia to the Aspen Woods area. Every dish is made with only the freshest ingredients, and its menu includes staples like pho, soups, curry, and pad thai.

• Onion Korean Noodle & Kitchen : This Korean restaurant delivers flavourful dishes with an emphasis on soup noodle dishes. Test your spice tolerance with the spicy seafood noodle soup or try a black bean sauce noodle dish. There are also hearty meat and rice options to enjoy.

What to do: explore Aspen Landing Shopping Centre

This shopping destination is designed around a village concept where visitors can shop, dine, or enjoy a stroll around the man-made lake and waterfall feature. The centre also hosts seasonal events and activities, which at this time of year, could include some Thanksgiving and Halloween fun.

Evening in Glamorgan

Located in Calgary's southwest, Glamorgan is a scenic neighbourhood with views of the Rocky Mountains. Stop in before 6 p.m. for a pre-dinner snack at local favourite Glamorgan Bakery, a family-owned business that brings a "touch of Dutch" to Calgary with its freshly baked bread, Danish pastries, Florentines, tarts, quiches, and other European delights. Don’t miss its famed cheese buns, oozing with real butter and cheddar cheese.

Where to eat: dinner

• Momoyama Sushi Japanese Cuisine : Delicious and traditional Japanese fare awaits with fresh seafood, sushi, rolls, and more. A few not-to-be-missed house specials include the sunomono, dishes of cucumber, yam noodles and seafood of your choice with house-made sweet and sour dressing, and the New York steak teriyaki.

• Hanni’s Restaurant : As a family-run business, Hanni’s relies on good, old-fashioned, homemade Italian recipes to bring a unique flavour to its pizzas. Create your own pizza, try a chef-inspired creation, or browse the pastas and appetizers for more Italian creations, like the bruschetta or cheesy garlic bread.

• Golden Bell Richmond : This Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional dishes, including Vietnamese subs and vermicelli bowls. Its must-try dish is its famous satay peanut noodle soup. Warm up on a chilly fall day with a special treat for dessert, like Vietnamese-style coffee made with a slow-drip filter and sweetened condensed milk or the fried banana.

What to do: bowl the night away

Splitsville Glamorgan offers double the bowling fun with 10 lanes of five-pin bowling and 10 lanes of 10-pin bowling. The full-service lounge provides plenty of delicious food and drink options to refuel. Up the fun even more with the glow-in-the-dark “Glow 'N' Roll” experience that runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Where to stay

• The Inn on Officers' Garden : Formerly the Officers’ Mess of Currie Barracks, a military building built in 1936, The Inn on Officers' Garden is now a boutique hotel and dining establishment blending luxurious suites with historic charm.

• Grey Eagle Resort & Casino : Stay and play at the Grey Eagle, a resort-style hotel and casino. The hotel offers different package options, from Indigenous-inspired cuisine experiences at Little Chief Restaurant to weekend getaways — you can even catch a live show.

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South : Enjoy a night of comfort and relaxation at this well-serviced property. Upgraded rooms on the club level include lounge access with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, non-alcoholic drinks, and business services.

Morning in Willow Park

Shop to your heart’s delight in Willow Park, home to an open-air boutique shopping village with more than 50 locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and service providers. Check out destination stores like Willow Park Wines and Spirits , the largest private liquor retailer in Canada. Peruse its massive selection of wines, whiskeys, spirits, and more.

Where to eat: brunch

• Belmont Diner Willow Park : Serving all-day breakfast and brunch classics in a retro setting has been a specialty of Belmont since it opened in 2000. Load up on fluffy omelettes, pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, or indulge in the Montreal smoked meat Benny.

• Spinelli’s Bar Italia : Located in the Italian Centre Shop, Spinelli’s serves up ready-to-eat Italian classics. Start your morning with a fresh focaccia, a loaded torpedo sandwich, and a steaming latte or energizing espresso to put a real pep in your step.

• Southland Yard : This fun bar serves upscale comfort food and encourages play with its bocce court, pool table, and selection of board games. Its brunch menu features both lighter fare, like a granola power bowl or avocado toast, and heartier options like chicken and waffles or house-smoked steelhead trout.

What to do: explore Fish Creek Provincial Park

A short drive from Willow Park, Fish Creek Park is one of Canada's largest urban parks. Fall might be the most scenic time to explore the park as the poplar trees turn a warm golden shade. Bird watchers can keep an eye out for migratory birds like green herons or teals, while fitness fans can explore the paved trails by bike or foot. The Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre has park information, exhibits to explore, and an upscale restaurant.

Afternoon in McKenzie Towne

Head southeast from Fish Creek Provincial Park to McKenzie Towne. Take in its small-town charm while offering all the amenities of an urban community. High Street is the heart of the community’s shopping scene, with a variety of shops, services, cafés, and pubs.

Where to eat: lunch

• Cowtown Beef Shack : Specializing in Alberta beef, Cowtown Beef Shack offers a unique lunch experience with a variety of smoked beef sandwiches and homemade sides that embrace Alberta's meat tradition.

• Haru Sushi & Grill : Experience traditional Japanese cuisines, like sushi and sashimi, as well as inventive signature dishes like seafood edamame soup, tofu crostini, almond shrimp, and specialty rolls.

• J Club Grill & Bar : This contemporary restaurant with Asian flair has a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and a diverse menu featuring local ingredients. Choose from a delicious variety of salads, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches along with several Asian dishes including pad Thai, curries, and rice bowls.

What to do: yoga and hot stone massage 

Breathe Hot Yoga is a wellness studio offering yoga classes for everyone. It's the perfect activity to fit in some exercise, stretching, and relaxation. The studio offers Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, or Restorative Yin candlelit classes. After class, take advantage of the studio's wellness services and treat yourself to a Thai or hot stone massage.

Evening in Mahogany

Mahogany features a mix of parks, public open spaces, and the city's largest lake. It’s also home to 74-acre naturalized wetlands, with a ring of pathways and interpretive areas to explore as well as a village market, chock full of amenities.

Where to eat: dinner

• Alvin's Jazz Club : Transport yourself to 1930s and ’40s New York when you visit this funky venue. Experience fine dining, curated wine, and seasonal cocktails, which all pair perfectly with live jazz music.

• Chairman's Steakhouse : This upscale steakhouse offers the best cuts of meat and an unparalleled wine selection designed to elevate each dish's flavour. A few signature dishes include black truffle gnocchi, petite filet, and New York steak.

• Toscana Italian Grill : This inviting eatery is celebrated for delivering top-notch Italian cuisine within a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it more than just a place to eat but a locale to thoroughly relish and connect.

What to do: corn maze

Less than a 15-minute drive from Mahogany, the Calgary Farmyard is a not-to-be-missed addition to a Calgary fall visit. The farm features a giant corn maze, mini golf, a petting zoo, a low ropes course, farm games, and zip lines. It also hosts seasonal fall festivities, which kick off with pumpkin carving. As the sun starts to set, the Harvest Lights event illuminates the farm with a colourful display of thousands of lights.

Where to stay

• Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary South : Enjoy a rejuvenating visit to the hotel spa, swim some laps in the indoor pool, and enjoy a free hot breakfast in the morning.

• Courtyard by Marriott Calgary South :  Find the refinement in each detail of your stay, from elegant furnishings to premium amenities in every room. Plus, the modern-day spa, inspired by Turkish baths, offers a unique sanctuary for relaxation, wellness, and tranquility.