Everybody loves a free activity and there are plenty of options in Calgary. There are so many free attractions, tours, parks, and festivals to explore whether you are visiting for the first time or hosting friends and family. It’s a great way to save money and find family friendly fun in the city. Ready to discover the best free things to do in Calgary?

Devonian Gardens at The CORE Shopping Centre.

Free Attractions in Calgary

Find free admission and activities at the top attractions and public spaces in Calgary.

Central Library

Details: Explore four floors of the beautiful Central Library in the East Village.

Devonian Gardens

Details: One hectare of botanical gardens with over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, 900 square foot living wall, fountains, fishponds, and a playground.

Esker Foundation

Details: Admission is free to this contemporary art gallery in the neighbourhood of Inglewood.

Glenbow at The Edison

Details: Free admission to the downtown satellite gallery, The Edison, with touring exhibitions at the museum. Advance online ticket reservation is required.

Rocky Mountain Show Jumping

Details: Free admission and parking to international horse-riding events for all ages and skill levels.

YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre

Details: Admission is free to Calgary’s police museum with interactive displays and photo opportunities for all ages.

Calgary Central Library (Photo credit: Neil Zeller).

Free Tours in Calgary

Book a free tour with local guides and learn more about the history of Calgary.

Central Library Tours

Details: Join free daily general or free architectural tours of the Central Library.

Baitun Nur Mosque Tours

Details: Book a free tour of Western Canada’s largest Ahmadiyya Mosque.

Scotiabank Saddledome Tours

Details: Book a free tour of the Scotiabank Saddledome on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on non-event days in June, July, and August.

Walk the YYC

Details: Calgary’s only pay-what-you can free walking tour company.

Wild Rose Adventures Self-Guided Cycling Adventures

Details: Explore the longest street pathway network in North America with Wild Rose Adventures free bike route collection.

St. Patrick’s Island (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Roth & Ramberg).

Free Parks & Outdoor Activities in Calgary

Explore the great outdoors with splash pads, skate parks, and trails, for free family fun in Calgary.

St. Patrick’s Island

Details: Explore walking trails and natural play areas in this popular East Village park.

City of Calgary Wading Pools, Spray Parks, and Outdoor Pools

Details: Beat the heat with free wading pools, spray parks, and outdoor pools open from June until fall, open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Details: Discover one of the largest urban parks in North America with a Visitor Centre and over 100 kilometres of walking, hiking, and biking trails.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Details: Discover over 270 species of birds, 21 mammals, 347 species of plants, and Nature Centre for free.

Prince’s Island Park

Details: Largest festival park in the heart of downtown Calgary with picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, flower gardens, and outdoor skating.