5 Days of Adventure in Calgary

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Explore downtown hot spots in Calgary then get away to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. You can even be home in time for dinner in the city. Get ready for adventures in the city and the mountains you will never forget.

Day 1

City Views

Start your adventure at the Calgary Tower to capture views from the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. The highest 360° observation deck in the world gives you a bird’s eye view of the streets and avenues below so you can map out the next 5 days of adventure.

City views from the Calgary Tower.

Downtown by Foot

Step outside the Calgary Tower and discover the joys of a stroll down Stephen Avenue Walk. Local shops, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues line this charming pedestrian friendly favourite. Make time for a trip to Hudson’s Bay Company before enjoying the luxury of shopping at the CORE Shopping Centre, Calgary’s only downtown shopping centre.

Culinary Adventures

Discover the local chefs and ingredients making Calgary a new culinary destination. Calgary Food Tours offers guided journeys through the best restaurants and markets in the city, making connections with the personalities and neighbourhoods that bring Calgary’s culinary scene to life. Check dinner off your list and head to the big game.

Olympic Plaza in Downtown Calgary.

Calgary Food Tours

Get into the Game

Feel the energy and excitement of live hockey action at a National Hockey League game and cheer on the Calgary Flames. It is easy to see why passionate fans of the Flames are called the C of Red when you experience an arena full of red jerseys jump for joy when they score a goal. Bars, restaurants, and shops are a short walk away on 17th Avenue for post-game drinks and entertainment.

Craft beers at Trolley 5 in Calgary.

Day 2

Local Beer

Raise a glass and meet the people making Calgary a hub for craft beer with Calgary BreweryTours. Get away from the ordinary and enjoy a truly unique vacation experience with a pint glass in hand. Try the Calgary Craft Beer Tour for a beginner’s guide to the local beer scene or choose your own adventure for a custom experience a true beer drinker can appreciate.

Farm to Table

After the last stop on your beer tour, stroll through the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood before treating yourself to a fresh dining experience at Rouge Restaurant. Head chef Paul Rogalski brings farm to table with a backyard garden that finds its way to every plate. Start with the Braised Pork Belly and don’t miss the Smoked Major Steak with a side of autumn root vegetables straight from the garden. Fresh ingredients and historic charm make this one of the best restaurants in Canada.

A Calgary Food Tour at Rouge.

Day 3

Adventure awaits just 90 minutes from the Calgary city centre in Banff National Park and is the perfect way to find adventure everyone can enjoy. Discover your wild side with a Canadian journey you will never forget.

Hot Springs

Warm up in the natural hot springs of the Canadian Rockies surrounded by stunning views. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are fed by natural mineral water and has become a popular stop for visitors from around the world for over 100 years.

Mountain Top Views

Heighten your senses and get a new perspective with the Banff Gondola. The newly renovated mountain top experience starts with a stunning ride to the summit in a heated gondola and includes a 360° observation deck and a boardwalk 2,900 feet above the town of Banff.

The Banff Gondola.

Explore Banff by Foot

Strap in and experience Banff by foot with a new adventure waiting around every corner. Grab a pair of snowshoes, a set of cross country skis, or walk the post card perfect main street for a shopping trip surrounded by mountain vistas. This country is made for winter adventures.

Campfire Dining

Warm up by the fire and recharge with dinner at Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar. Campfire-inspired cooking, house made spirits, and expedition décor make this a dining experience fit for the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Try the Rotisseries Chicken Sandwich or take home a bottle of their Bird’s Eye Chili Vodka at the gift shop on the way out.

Scenic Ice Skating

From public skating to frozen lakes and outdoor rinks, Banff is an ice skating paradise. Feel the cold air on your cheeks and enjoy the outdoor lights of the Banff Train Station rink or the picture perfect sheet of ice at The Fairmont Banff Springs. You will only need a few minutes by the fireside before you are ready for another lap around the ice.

Skating on Lake Minnewanka in Banff.

Sleep in Style

Make your stopover in Banff one to remember with a night at The Fairmont Banff Springs. The world famous hotel has been called the “Castle in the Rockies” with golf in the summer, skiing in the winter, and stunning views year around.

Day 4

Keep the adventure going with a 40 minute drive to Lake Louise.

Ski Lake Louise

Hit the slopes and experience the world class runs at Lake Louise Ski Resort. This legendary spot has over 4,200 skiable acres with incredible views of the Canadian Rockies and runs for everyone in the family. Test your skills on the Showtime Terrain Park or end the day with race down the Sunny Tube Park.

Skiing and snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Lake Louise Ski Resort.

A winter sleigh ride in Banff National Park.

Winter Sleigh Ride

If skiing isn’t your thing, experience the Canadian Rockies wrapped in a warm blanket in the comfort of a horse drawn sleigh ride. Tour the lake side trail of the Victoria Glacier and snap a picture of the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Take the adventure back to the city and enjoy a scenic two hour drive back to Calgary.

Dinner at Una Pizza + Wine

Take a seat at the bar and watch the talented chefs at UNA Pizza + Wine make your California style pizza right before your eyes. Thin crust pizzas and a wine list to match make this a perfect place to warm up after a day on the slopes.

Day 5

Music Heaven

Put your headphones on and listen to the music at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Stumble upon music history on every floor and be sure not to miss Elton John’s song writing piano and The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio along the way.

Explore the history of music in Canada at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

Fireside Dinner

The historic Simmons Building is home to the Argentine wood-fired grill of charbar. Fresh ingredients and globally inspired dishes make this a popular spot for celebrations and after dinner drinks. Warm up by the fire and try the ultra-dry-aged porterhouse steak with a scoop of Fiasco sorbeto for dessert.

River Walk

Cap off your five day adventure with a stroll down the River Walk along the peaceful Bow River. A popular path for pedestrians and cyclists, follow the river to the famous Peace Bridge for an Instagram worthy shot of Calgary. The bright red bridge has become an iconic spot in Calgary and is the perfect place to finish five days of adventure in the city.

The Peace Bridge in Calgary.

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5 Days of Adventure in Calgary

5 Days of Adventure in Calgary