6 Ways to Staycation in Calgary

You don’t need to go far from home to experience the perfect getaway. Plan your very own Calgary getaway with six unique staycation ideas, sure to help you escape the daily grind.

Urban oasis staycation

Pampering yourself on a staycation is a great way to change your routine and come home feeling revitalized. Book a special hotel experience for your very own urban oasis in the city at The Hyatt Regency in the heart of Downtown. Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation and book a massage or body aesthetics treatment at the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency, followed by dinner at Thomsons Kitchen & Bar .

For an inner oasis away from the hustle & bustle, stay at Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire to enjoy views overlooking the Bow River. Enjoy dinner at Flower & Wolf , a sophisticated but casual bar atmosphere with globally inspired dishes and a classic cocktail list. Try the Chicken Dinner for 2, with southern fried chicken, triple cooked chips, and house chop salad, with a cucumber gimlet on the side. Give yourself a break from your phone and explore the great outdoors at Prince’s Island Park . With easy access from Eau Claire, enjoying a picnic in the park, game of frisbee, or a good book, might be just what you need. Take a deep breath and enjoy the staycation in Calgary.

Trendy neighbourhood staycation

Looking to explore a different neighbourhood while staycationing Calgary? East Village has become popular for locals to explore with a mix of historic charm and fresh new businesses. Trendy accommodations like Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown , Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown , and Alt Hotel Calgary East Village are ready to welcome you for a weekend getaway.

At the heart of East Village is the Simmons Building , home to morning coffee at Phil & Sebastian , fresh baked pastries at Sidewalk Citizen , and the award-winning cuisine of Top Chef Canada finalist Connie Desousa at charbar . It’s a food paradise right at your doorstep, all in one building, with some serious historic charm.

Architecture has come to define the skyline of East Village with internationally recognized buildings adding to the neighbourhood at every step. The Central Library has redefined what a library can be and was even named one of the New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2019 . Spend the day at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre , exploring an impressive collection of musical instruments, costumes, props and regularly rotating exhibits.  All this modern architecture has popped up next door to The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary) , a National Historic Site with stories to tell.

Sports & adventure staycation

Looking to add some adventure to your Calgary staycation? Make WinSport your home away from home and check-in to Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West or Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary West .

WinSport is your one-stop sports and adventure destination. Home to the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, you can ski, snowboard, and tube in the winter or mountain bike and mini golf in the summer. Gear rental is available on location or at nearby Sports Rent .

Downhill Karting is a gravity fueled adventure everyone in the family will love, with 1,800 metres of track and over 50 twists and turns. Make sure you get a multi-ride family pack. One ride isn’t enough, and you’ll be glad your staycation hotel is so close. Add a budget-friendly day at Bowness Park to your staycation plans, a popular picnic spot and Bow River floating launch in the summer, and ice skating destination in the winter.

Date night staycation

Make your staycation an extended date night in Calgary in the Beltline neighbourhood . Lush accommodations, boutique hotels, dining, and fun activities, are all within walking distance. Check-in to Fairfield Inn and Suites , Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown/Beltline District , or Hotel Arts , to get away from your regular routine and start your romantic getaway in Calgary.

Some of the best food and drink in the city is just a short walk away. Make a reservation at veggie-focused Ten Foot Henry , indulge in drinks and games at Home & Away , and try the brunch buffet at Yellow Door Bistro inside Hotel Arts. Take a walk down Stephen Avenue , home to great restaurants like Saltlik , Teatro Ristorante , and The Guild , or venture further south to 17th Ave to find local favourites like Pigeonhole , The Living Room , and Lulu Bar .

For a dose of art & culture, see a live performance at Arts Commons . Treat yourself to a shopping spree at The CORE or plan a personal photo session at Snap Foto Club to capture long-lasting memories of your Calgary staycation.

Check out more of the best things to do in the Beltline neighbourhood or Downtown Calgary.

Craft beer staycation

Craft beer fan? Plan your Calgary staycation around the almighty pint. The Manchester neighbourhood is home to some of the best craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the city. Book a budget-friendly room at the Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn  for easy access to your very own craft beer tour.

The Manchester area is seven kilometres of craft beer tap rooms in South East Calgary. That’s a good place to start this staycation. You can tour by foot or bike when the weather is right. Check out great local breweries like Annex Ale Project , Banded Peak , Born Brewing , Cabin Brewing , The Establishment , and Village Brewery .

Looking for more local craft makers? Add some spirits to your trip with Confluence Distilling , makers of gin, vodka, and collaborative cocktail mixes and finish it off with a small batch scoop of Village Ice Cream at their Britannia Plaza location.

Find the best spots to find craft beer in Calgary.

Family adventure staycation

North East Calgary is packed with family-friendly adventures right in your city. It’s the perfect Calgary staycation with kids. With no rush to the airport or jet lag to worry about, you can focus on getting to the fun stuff. Great accommodations are available close to all the adventure with Hyatt Place Calgary Airport or Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport . Start the family Calgary staycation vibes as soon as you check-in.

Try out fun experiences in Calgary, like the indoor trampoline park at Flying Squirrel or arcade games and dinner at The Rec Room . Feeling really adventurous? Go airborne with iFLY Calgary , an indoor skydiving experience you will be sending postcards home about. It’s the action packed staycation your family has been waiting for.

Take the fun outside with nearby Nose Hill Park , 11 square kilometres of hiking trails, off leash areas, and views of the Rocky Mountains and Bow River Valley. Or check out the redeveloped Prairie Winds Park , with everything from playgrounds, wading pools, spray parks, and cricket pitches in the summer to outdoor skating rinks and toboggan hills in the winter.