calgary travel pass

A first-time guide to Calgary, Alberta

Sep 17, 2024 • 8 min read

The Calgary Stampede is the city’s hallmark event, including rodeo events, Indigenous community spotlights and mega-concerts. Calin Charles, via Visit Calgary

It’s a missed opportunity made by far too many – land in Calgary and then immediately be shuttled off to the Canadian Rockies ever looming to the west, with Banff National Park being within 90 minutes. In reality, Calgary should carry equal weight within any Southern Alberta itinerary.

Very much a cosmopolitan city with the glacier-blue Bow River running through it and a soaring skyline – you can’t miss its red paint-topped Calgary Tower – there is also an undeniable friendliness to it all. This charm perhaps stems best from its reputation as “Cowtown” and “Stampede City” – consider Calgary to be Canada ’s version of a metropolitan Wild West. It’s the heartbeat of Canada’s principal oil and gas producing province, it’s a cattle ranching capital and, for a major city, has an infectious, laid-back vibe.

Tell any Calgarian it’s your first time in the city, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. As for making the most of that adventure, here’s what to know.

When should I go to Calgary?

June through August is summer, event-filled bliss. The Calgary Stampede is the city’s hallmark event, taking place in July. Billed as “the greatest outdoor show on earth,” it’s one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world, attracting well over 1 million guests annually. You don’t have to be a rodeo lover to appreciate the citywide spectacle either – there are also entertaining Calgary-bred chuckwagon races, Indigenous community spotlights, farming exhibitions, mega-concerts, Midway food concoctions and more. High temperatures hover around 21ºC (70ºF) all summer long, making for big crowds and higher prices. For a bargain, eye the November to March timeframe – high temperatures peak around -1ºC (30ºF) and equate to lower city foot traffic, but nearby ski resorts are in their powdery prime.

How much time should I spend in Calgary?

A full three days or long weekend should be the minimum to experience Calgary's cultural musts, including downtown museums, quiet neighborhood strolls and unique Western pizzazz. If you’re looking to pair your Calgary experience with a nearby ski day or two, five days should do it. Those seeking to tack on Banff and/or Jasper National Park excursions should plan for a week to 10 days.

Is it easy to get in and around Calgary?

You may see “YYC” floating on select business signage in Calgary and its surrounding confines. YYC is the airport code for Calgary International Airport , which is tucked approximately 20km (12 miles), which is a 20-minute drive, north of downtown. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are ever-prevalent in Calgary and are the easiest way for getting in/out of the airport.

The city is walkable and bike-friendly. During colder weather, note the “Plus 15” system – it’s a 16km network of raised, covered and climate-controlled walkways to take advantage of. Scooters – from companies like Bird – are permitted with corrals stationed periodically for parking them. Calgary Transit is the city’s public transportation option, with bus and train routes (CTrain). Day passes and one-trip tickets are available, with free fares in select downtown areas. The YYC Transit app is the best for planning a route.

Top things to do in Calgary

Stroll through the heart of the city.

Tucked on the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park is as close to an outdoor museum as it gets. For an urban and educational adventure, within the park is the Chevron Learning Pathway, which explains the local wetlands landscape, wildlife and more with signage along the stroll. If hunger beckons in the park, River Café is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the country for its local and seasonally-focused fare. Calgary’s RiverWalk – which stretches approximately 4km (2.5 miles) between Chinatown and Stampede Park – has benches for scenic breathers and passes by the Confluence  where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet.

Rock out at the National Music Centre

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre , is a work of art itself. Draped in gleaming terracotta tile, the museum spans five floors and is the home to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Taking a stroll through it, you learn just how many Canadian icons there are – Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Neil Young and Justin Bieber among them. The complex houses some prized memorabilia, too, like one of Elton John’s famed songwriting pianos and Randy Bachman’s “American Woman” guitar. Across the street and if schedules align, catch a musical performance at the hotel-gone-venue, King Eddy . Famously, as part of a reconstruction project starting in 2013, it was taken apart and rebuilt brick-by-brick.

Embrace the Western spirit

Sure, July’s Calgary Stampede is the time of the year when everyone in town is decked out in their boots, flannel shirts and cowboy hats. But you can get in on the spirit with a little cowboy-inspired shopping year-round. White cowboy hats are a cultural icon in Calgary – celebrities spanning Oprah Winfrey to the Dalai Lama have been gifted one when they visit the city. Smithbilt Hats has been the place to buy ‘em for more than 75 years. Beyond staple white cowboy hats with a red ribbon, they sell varieties in any color imaginable. For boots, Alberta Boot Co. is a true build-your-own experience with an on-site production shop. Shop for ready-built styles, or you can concoct your own boots from top-tier leathers, soles and stitching to be shipped to you at a later date.

Enjoy a glass floor view from the Calgary Tower

Arguably the city’s most iconic building, Calgary Tower includes the SKY 360 rotating restaurant, a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and an observation deck with glass floor nooks. From the observation deck of the 191m (627ft) structure, you feel like a skyscraper among the skyscrapers, with the Rocky Mountains zigzagging around you. It’s easily one of the best views offered in Calgary and – with the glass floor below – one of the most spine-tingling, too.

My favorite thing to do in Calgary

I’ve lived in Las Vegas , South Florida and Colombia – all places that know how to party. With that, the Calgary Stampede may be the biggest party I’ve ever experienced. The food was nuts – there was pizza topped with Cheetos and pickles. Nickelback, the Jonas Brothers and Motley Crue were all performing. Everyone – absolutely everyone – was dressed like a cowboy or cowgirl, and there wasn’t a single soul in bad spirits. Align your first visit to Calgary with the Stampede, if you can.

Beyond the perfectly timed trip, I’ve enjoyed simply gawking at Calgary’s skyline. For such a bustling city, there is a calmness to it all. Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures offers some cool packages where a motorcycle driver ushers you around the city for a tour as you coast along beside them in a sidecar. Your helmet is equipped with a microphone and audio. On this tour or not, my favorite stop for taking it all in is Scotsman’s Hill , overlooking Scotiabank Saddledome , where the beloved Flames play hockey.

Where should I eat in Calgary?

Breakfast: OEB Breakfast Co. is Canada-renowned for its eggs benedict interpretations, which may include truffled squash of Korean bulgogi. Galaxie Diner serves all-day breakfast with a 1940s diner flair – count on unlimited hashbrowns and toast with your meal.

Lunch: Class Clown Hamburgers has an intimate bar and smashed Alberta beef patties. Ten Foot Henry has a vegetable-focused spread with gems like locally grown marinated beets and a pea purée topped mushroom medley. On the non-vegetable spectrum, its truffle Dijon-flared striploin steak satisfies.

Dinner: Caesar’s Steakhouse has been a Calgary staple since 1972. Emitting an old-school vibe with gleaming wood walls and red booths, steaks are cooked over an open flame in the dining room for all to gawk at. Major Tom is tucked on the 40th floor of a skyscraper with panoramic views. For its Alberta beef selections and creative shareables – like potato doughnuts with a gouda custard – it is a Calgary staple.

Drinks: No Calgary trip is complete without dabbling in its two most famous homegrown alcoholic concoctions. The first, the Caesar, resembles a Bloody Mary but is made with Clamato juice. It was invented at what is the present-day Westin Calgary . The second, the Shaft, was invented at the Living Room . It includes a balance of Kahlua, skim milk and espresso and is traditionally downed via a straw in a couple of quick slurps.

How much money do I need for Calgary?

Bargains and luxe experiences alike are found in the majority of Calgary’s neighborhoods. Chinatown is stellar for on-the-fly and cheaper bites, inclusive of the Calgary-born ginger beef. 17th Ave is another walkable area with experiences catering to any budget, be it vintage shops or higher-end boutiques. The bottom line: just keep strolling – be it in Kensington , Inglewood , Marda Loop or somewhere in between – and there will be a budgetary fit.

• Hostel room: $45-60
• Basic room for two: $100–150
• Airbnb: $150–200
• Day pass on Calgary Transit: $11.60
• A cup of coffee: $4
• A classic hamburger made with Alberta beef: $15
• Dinner for two at Major Tom with cocktails: $130
• A post-dinner Caesar or Shaft: $12

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Frequently Asked Questions

We try our best to answer most frequently asked questions on this page.

What is included in my pass?

Travel to Calgary Pass is your guide and resource that includes list of discounted access to city attractions, tours, restaurants, retail and events. Each attractions and experience has different saving up to 50%. Book Online/in-person any experience once pass is purchased. Instructions with attraction pass, links, vouchers and details will be sent in the email confirmation. Retail VIP Visitor Card & shopping discounts applicable to Visitor or Tourists only.

What is the validity of my pass?

Validity period for Visitor, Explorer and Family passes is each calendar year from the date it is purchased.

Do I need to choose the attractions before I purchase?

You can decide which attractions to visit after purchasing a pass, we suggest making advance reservations where possible once you receive your Travel to Calgary pass.

How will I receive my tickets?

Once you purchase any of our pass, you’ll receive an instant purchase confirmation with rewards list and attraction passport will be emailed within 24 hours. You can download, save or print the PDF instruction if you prefer a hard copy to plan, visit or book any vendors.

What do I need to show to enter an attraction?

Depending on the experience you will either present your Calgary Attraction Passport or vendor pass/tickets, booking reservation, or all. Details will be in your instruction email confirmation.

Do I need to visit attractions or experience in a specific order?

You can visit attractions or experience in any order you would like.

Can I visit more than one attraction in a day?

There is no limit to how many attractions you can visit in a day.

Is Parking included with Travel to Calgary Passes?

No. Please check individual attraction websites to find parking information.

Do Travel to Calgary passes provide any other discounts at attractions?

Travel to Calgary Pass is a guide and resource to discounts, deals, offers and promotions which include a choice of city experience, each vendor may offer other discounts so you may get additional savings with third party vendor.

What about Safety Measures?

Attractions are working hard to ensure a safe, pleasant guest experience. Before visiting, we recommend familiarizing yourself with each attraction’s safety measures, which can be found on their websites or in each attraction’s details on our website and in the Travel Guide.

Information on Reservation's and Planning

Once you purchase your Travel to Calgary be sure to read and follow instructions email that will be sent to you within 24 hours. Download or Save PDF copy to familiarize rewards, deals, discounts that are offered for travel experiences and plan your visit accordingly. You’ll find all of the information you need to reserve your time, plus attraction details such as hours and location, special offers, maps and more. We recommend making reservations as soon as possible for the best availability. To learn more about attractions, please visit our Rewards section.

*Terms and Conditions may apply where applicable.

*Pass is non-transferable. Affiliate/Third Party Vendor Restrictions May Apply.

If you could not find answers to your questions from the FAQs, feel free to drop us a message and we will do our best to answer your questions.

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Travel to Calgary

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Your ticket anywhere, anytime

The city of calgary.

• #78 in Travel
• 2.0 • 420 Ratings

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Description.

Purchase and use tickets instantly on your smartphone. Your tickets/passes are stored directly on your phone and can be activated whenever you're ready to begin your trip. With Calgary Transit My Fare you can: - Conveniently purchase your ticket or pass online before you travel, using your credit or debit card - Activate your ticket/pass - Pay a single fare or multiple fares for a group of riders - Store multiple tickets on your phone for future use - Stop using paper tickets - your smartphone is your ticket

Version 7.8.18

This app update provides faster load times and modernizes the appearance. Along with bug fixes, we’ve made improvements to accessibility features, including greater support for screen readers.

Ratings and Reviews

420 Ratings

If I can give less than 1 star I would

Conceptually, this is a good app that will serve your need. But this app is just so poorly done. Poorly executed and poorly maintained. I don’t know why you have to use azure for this b2c login thing but at least mask it from the public? Your login doesn’t work… so what is the point. This b2clogin issue is technically a bigger issue for the city than just the transit app. What if the person doesn’t use Apple Pay? What happens if you can’t login / does that mean if I ever lose my phone. I will lose my tickets? That’s crazy for the digital ages. If that is your intent. Then remove all the nonsense. If you need consulting. Reach out. This app isn’t even worthy to be a college project. It’s garbage

May 14 2024 update broke Apple Pay

This app was great up until the May 14 update which was supposed to make purchasing tickets easier although I’m not sure how since it worked just fine before. I kept getting “Payment Failed”. I have now added my credit card to the app but will need to remember my CVV with every purchase, which makes no sense. I don’t ride enough to purchase a monthly pass so I often buy tickets 2 or 3 at a time. It worked just fine using Apply Pay within the app but that is now broken. Would give this 5 stars otherwise.

Convenient & Easy to use

Have been using this for a few years now, I can say that it is convenient and easy to use. It’s great for someone who knows they’re about to take the bus and doesn’t want to run to the convenience store to buy a pack of tickets. I always buy 1 ticket right before I leave to go to the bus stop, if I wanted to load up on tickets for the week I would buy them at a convenience store. But since I am never 100% sure I will take the bus, this app is perfect for my flexible travel methods. Most of the peoples issues here have to do with tickets expiring, easiest fix is to not buy them in bulk and just buy as you need them.

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The developer, The City of Calgary , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
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Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

3 Day Calgary Itinerary – Adventure In The City To The Mountains

Last Updated August 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 3 Day Calgary Itinerary – Adventure In The City To The Mountains

If you have a weekend or 3 days to work with and you’re looking to do an easy trip to a beautiful west coast city in Canada that has that perfect balance of drop dead scenery, adventure, culture, and culinary, then look no further than Calgary.

This is an adventurous 3 day Calgary itinerary that has you based in the city and allows you to explore the best of Calgary, Canmore, and Banff.

Read more about Canada

• 6 day itinerary for Banff in winter
• The best things to do in Richmond BC
• A 1 day itinerary in St. John’s, Newfoundland
• The Best Weekend Getaways from Calgary
• 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary packed with adventure and wine

Where to stay in Calgary

• Look no further than Booking.com for your place to stay in Calgary. We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Calgary Airport .

In This Article

Map of Calgary Itinerary

Day 1: exploring the city, day 2: caving in canmore, day 3: banff canyons, lakes, and horses, quick calgary travel guide, bottom line, travel resources for your next trip, 3 day calgary itinerary.

With the eastern face of the Rockies as its backdrop, the history of the 1988 Winter Olympics in its wake, and the rowdy rodeo events of the Calgary stampede, there’s actually a lot you can see and do from a city that some nickname “Cowtown”.

If you have a weekend or long weekend to spare and thinking about exploring a new Canadian city, this is a perfect 3 day Calgary itinerary that’s packed with a ton of adventure and answers the call of the mountains. While based in the city, you’ll see what this Alberta cosmopolitan has to offer while also heading to the allure of the Rocky Mountains with visits to Canmore to Banff.

Here’s a map of all the places we visited in this 3 day Calgary itinerary. I’ve found over the years that having something like this with you on-the-go is extremely valuable when paired with a well-planned itinerary.

Maps are a bit of staple when it comes to our itineraries including our 2 week Greek island hopping , 2 days in Istanbul , 2 days in Hong Kong , and 2 weeks in French Polynesia .

TIP: Open this map in a new tab and create a copy. From there, you’ll be able to access this map on desktop, mobile, and in the Google Maps app. Note that you’ll need data to be able to see all the pins on the app.

Whether you’ve arrived in Calgary the previous night or you’re taking an early morning flight, you’re going to hit the ground running!

First things first, make sure you have your rental car picked up from the airport because you’re going to be doing a ton of driving

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

You need to know this trick to make sure you save hundreds on your car rental in Calgary.

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Your first stop is the WinSport Canada Olympic Park .

It may seem like a distant memory but the 1988 Winter Olympics were held in Calgary.  For a place that’s over 30 years old, it’s definitely kept well.  In the summer, ski jumping, bobsleigh, and the ski hill itself are closed for the season but what makes this a great destination are the activities that are available.

Start off by spending some time learning the history of the events that happened here and also the sights of the ski jumping platforms and bobsledding track

Something that you have to do while you’re here is the Downhill Karting at Skyline Luge which features a unique wheeled gravity ride that takes you 1.8 kilometres of twists and turns that drop in over 100 meters of elevation.  

Operated by the same company that runs the downhill karting in Queenstown, New Zealand , you start off with the gondola and make your way up the mountain. With your helmet on and after a quick lesson, your group will line up together on the starting line. Once ready, you’re given the green light to go and you let gravity do the rest.

Steering around wide sweeping corners and evading others on the track, you’ll find this so much fun that you’ll be yelling wildly as you pass (or get passed) around the 50+ twists and turns.

Other activities you can look into doing while you’re here are mini golf , and mountain biking in the summer. Many of these activities require advanced planning so make sure to make reservations in advance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: Winsport Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5R5

Hours: Mon-Fri 1PM-7PM, Sat-Sun 10AM – 5PM (open in the summer subject to weather)

• 2 rides – $24
• 3 rides – $30
• 4 rides – $35
• 5 rides – $39
• Family packages are also available

Website: Downhill Karting with reviews here .

• The karts are pretty safe and even at full speed, never something where you’ll feel out of control or at the cusp of flipping.
• 1 lap of the course takes approximately 15 minutes
• Helmets are provided but you can also bring your own
• The speed of the karts are dependent on you as you have control of the brake as you’re going downhill. The karts are easy to operate but will require the first run to master.
• Children (17 or younger) must be at least 110cm tall to ride alone.
• Children under 110cm tall are considered a PeeWee and can ride in tandem with an adult (20+)

Parking: WinSport Canada Olympic Park has a huge parking lot that’s also free so you shouldn’t have any issues finding parking.

Before you go, make sure to drive your car up to the top of the hill where you can get a different vantage point of the ski jumping towers and also the city down below.

Your next stop is the Calgary Farmers’ Market which will be perfect timing to refuel and re-energize.

Open all-year round, this market features a wide variety of food stalls, fresh produce, and also many crafty boutique shops. Spend your time browsing around and eventually picking up a few yummy dishes and drinks.

There are plenty of tables to eat indoors and also picnic benches outside.

Address: 510 77th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1C3

Hours: Thurs – Sun 9AM – 5PM

Website: Calgary Farmers’ Market

Parking: Parking is free with over 800 spaces all around the market. There are also additional street parking spots on 77 Ave and 5 St. SE.

READ REVIEWS

Next, head into the Calgary downtown core where you’ll get to see up-close a real slice of the city and daily life.

I recommend that you start off around Calgary Tower . You can go up to get panoramic views of the city but personally, I’d skip it if you’ve been up to places like CN Tower, and Top of the Rock.

From there, make your way to Stephen Avenue Walk , a pedestrian street that’s lined with shops, restaurants, and busy office buildings.

After peeking into a few stores and perhaps grabbing a latté on the way, it’s time to start your urban sculpture hunt!

Something that’ll really surprise you about the downtown district is just how many examples of public art there are scattered throughout. These are a few standout ones you’ll find which I recommend that you check out as you roam from Stephen Avenue Walk to Olympic Plaza .

• Galleria Trees – These are easy to spot right at the intersection of 8 Ave SW and 3 St SW and part of Stephen Avenue Walk. LED lights bring these towering trees to life at night.
• Wonderland – Created by Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa, this giant wire sculpture of a young girl’s head stands impressively at 12 metres high and is easy to spot as you wander through Calgary. You can even walk inside the sculpture.
• The Conversation – Two businessmen have an important conversation on Stephen Avenue.
• Sadko and Kabuki – Red and yellow painted bronze sculptures by Sorel Etrog that stands in front of Bow Valley Square.
• Famous Five – In Olympic Park you’ll find this sculpture of 5 important women in Canada that challenged British Canadian law to include women as “person’.
• NEW Van Gogh Monumental – Unveiled in late 2020, this can be found at the corner of 10th Ave and 1st St SE featuring portions of Van Gogh’s body, a common feature to Bruno Catalano’s work.

Beyond these sculptures, you’ll stumble upon many other graffiti and public art works as you meander through.

Before you leave downtown, make sure to drive by Calgary’s stampede area and take a look at the Saddledome. This is where the NHL team, Calgary Flames play, and is a major venue for other events throughout the year. Notice how the stadium is built to look like a horse’s saddle.

• Parking downtown, as you’d expect, is flat out a pain.  You’ll find that the commercial lots in the area are quite expensive.
• If you happen to be here on Friday, you’re in luck! In the Centennial, McDougall, City Centre, James Short, and City Hall (this is the most convenient) Green P lots, the price is only $5 from 11AM to 6AM on Saturday.  
• Weekend and evening rates are the cheapest and those rates typically start after 4PM on weekdays.
• On-street parking is free after 6 pm and before 9 am Mondays through Saturdays.
• Check out SpotAngels or BestParking to find out where the cheapest parking is for the time you’ll be downtown for.

Drive up to the affluent neighbourhood around McHugh Bluff . Perched on an outcrop that overlooks downtown Calgary, this is easily one of the best spots for a view of Calgary and Bow River that runs right north of it.

The bluff has an elevated view that follows Crescent Rd. NW. For an easy walk, you can park on the street and walk along its sidewalk or if you’re looking for a bit more exercise, you can make your way to the Lookout Point and take the wooden stairs down and back up for views of varying heights.

You can’t visit Calgary and not see the Peace Bridge . Spanning the Bow River, this was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This is the same architect that designed the Milwaukee Art Museum, the atrium of Brookfield Place in Toronto , and the architectural wonders of Valencia .

This bridge is a pedestrian walkway with a designated cycling path through the middle.

While it reminds me of a DNA helix, the locals have nicknamed this “Finger Trap Bridge” because from afar, it’s similar to a finger trap puzzle.

Photography: I found that that the best place to photograph it is from the Bow River Pathway on either side of the bridge and getting right down to the rocks by the river.

• There’s no convenient parking to see the Peace Bridge.
• Driving along Memorial Dr. W heading northeast doesn’t have any street parking. There is street parking going the other direction but will require crossing the street and median.
• You can also park on the street along the perpendicular 8 St NW.

End off your first day in Calgary by having an extraordinary meal at Pigeonhole .  A reservation is a must!

I first discovered this restaurant reading the Air Canada EnRoute magazine when it was touted as one of the best new restaurants of 2015. Since then, it’s been ranked the Number 16 restaurant on Canada’s 100 Best .

It sure didn’t disappoint with each dish that came through in rapid succession tapas style.  The highlight of your meal will no doubt the charred cabbage .  The name itself doesn’t quite do it justice but wow were our minds blown when we had it.  Somehow one of my least favourite vegetables turned into this explosion of flavours, erupting from the pan-charred wedges, and healthy dose of grated mimolette cheese on top.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see:

• WinSport Canada Olympic Park
• Calgary Farmers’ Market
• Calgary Tower
• Stephen Avenue Walk
• Olympic Plaza
• Scotiabank Saddledome
• McHugh Bluff
• Peace Bridge

What you’ll do:

• Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Calgary Farmers’ Market – Plenty of food stalls in this market to make you hungry.
• Dinner – Pigeonhole – Easily the best meal of the whole trip. Make sure to order their charred cabbage.

Where you’ll stay:

• Hampton Inn Calgary Airport

After a day in Calgary, it’s time to head west to an area known as Canmore in Alberta. Nestled in the Rockies, this former coal-mining town is open of my favourites because it’s a bit off-the-beaten-path. Surrounded by craggy summits, lakes, trails, canyons, and an underground labyrinth, there’s a ton to do here.

A secret of Canmore’s is the extensive cave systems that sits under Grotto Mountain. There’s one particular cave that you can visit and it’s the Rat’s Nest Cave. While a provincial historic site, its caretaker is Canmore Cave Tours which operate adventure caving experiences inside.

The tour that you want to pick is the Adventure Cave Tour , a 4 hour tour underground, making it their longest tour they offer. This allows you to see all of the main highlights of Rat’s Nest Cave including a couple of fun maneuvers.

The experience starts off at their main office where you’ll be introduced to your guide and fitted with the gear that you’ll need. They provide coveralls, kneepads, gloves, helmet, headlamp, harness, and safety lanyard. The helmet and headlamp stay on and the rest goes into a waterproof backpack they provide.

This is just the beginning though because you then drive your own car and follow your guide to the parking lot and trailhead to the cave.

The hike up to the cave is remarkable and there are a few openings along the way with beautiful vistas of the mountains.

Right outside the cave, they have a temporary shelter set up where you’ll be able to suit up with your technical gear you brought in with you.

From there, the caving experience begins as your guide takes you through a series of walk, crawl, squeeze and repels through a cave. There are times in the cave where it’ll look like there’s no way you can get through a passage but with a simple twist and push through, you manage to find a way.

Along the way, your guide will point out unique geological features inside the cave, examples of local fossils found, and the cave’s history. Eventually you’ll reach the largest room in the cave known as the Grand Gallery and also the Grotto and its crystal clear pool with stalactites and stalagmites.

The whole time you’ll manage your way through with the beam of your headlamp, the echo of your caving-mates, and sometimes even pure silence.

By the end of it, you’ll come out with your jumpsuits completely plastered with dust and physically exhausted.

Without a doubt, this will be the highlight of your 3 day Calgary itinerary. There aren’t many places in the world where you get to do something like this. You’ll come out of it amazed at what you saw and even more impressed that you somehow made it through all of those obstacles.

This is focused on the Adventure Tour package.

Address: 202-129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, Alberta

Hours: There are tour departures all days of the week at 8:45AM, 10:15AM, and 11:45M

• Adult – $175 + tax
• Youth (12-15) – $145 + tax

Website: Canmore Cave Tours . Read the reviews here .

• Total length of time is 6 hours so this is a half-day experience.
• Note that they don’t provide shuttle services from their main office to the trailhead so you’ll need to have your own car.
• Reservations are a must.
• You need to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to start time.
• Difficulty – There’s a 30-40 minute uphill trail to get to the entrance to the cave. Inside the cave, the footing isn’t flat, there is a lot of maneuvering, and there are no handrails or fixed lighting. This is a very raw cave in every sense of the word. I’d classify this as challenging.
• Maximum size – The safety harness fits to a waist size of 46″ (116cm) and leg size of 33″ (84cm). They say that fitness is more a concern over size though.
• Plan on bringing – Energy bar, water, sturdy shoes with good tread and be dressed in layers for warmth (i.e. long pants, long sleeved shirt, etc.) Also, bring outdoor gear for the hike to the cave that is appropriate for the weather.
• Warm clothing – It’s 5 degrees C inside so make sure you have long pants, long sleeves, and sweater/hoodie.
• Photography – You can’t bring any backpacks inside and as a result, cameras aren’t allowed beyond a small point and shoot and/or your smartphone. You can request a helmet with a GoPro mount and that’s how I captured some of the footage that you see in the video. Make sure to bring a couple of extra GoPro batteries. Everything else that you can’t bring inside will go in the backpack they provide which will just hang outside in the staging area outside of the entrance.
• Are there bats or rats? – Our guide, Chris explained to us that the name of the cave came from nests of cute rodents native to the area. Bats are a rare sight here as well as it’s not a location they hibernate in. We saw neither during our caving experience.

Parking: There is easy parking at both the Canmore Cave Tours office complex and the trailhead.

You’ll be pretty exhausted at this point after you return back to the Canmore Cave Tours to drop off your gear and you say goodbyes.

Before you grab dinner though, you’ll have to muster a bit more energy to see another highlight of Canmore.

Grassi Lakes is part of the Kananaskis Country park system and made up of two picturesque turquoise lakes – one upper and one lower. From the Upper Grassi Lake, you get postcard worthy shots of the mountains, Canmore, and Bow Valley.

There are a network if hike trails here and if you had a full day, I’d recommend doing the complete Grassi Lakes Trail but since you’ll only have time to catch the view from Upper Grassi Lake, I recommend taking the shortcut that isn’t so obvious from Google Maps but trust me, it’s there.

Trail Instructions: It might seem like you won’t have time to do this but a local tip we learned was that you can do a short version of the full Grassi Lakes Trail. From your parking spot, head north along the main road until you get to the end of the pond. This is when you can make a right. At this point, you’ll be able to descend into the pass that takes you to the crag where you’ll see limestone walls packed with rock climbers. Keep going and you’ll see the opening to Upper Grassi Lake. The best trail map can be found on AllTrails .

• As you drive south along Three Sisters Parkway, you’ll pass by Whitemans Pond. Eventually halfway things widen and you’ll see many cars parked on the left and right-side of the road. Park by this pond. There’s usually plenty of spots here but may be packed during high season. This spot is marked on the map .

To wrap up the day, head into downtown Canmore and have dinner at Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Company .

Without reservations, there might be a wait so try to do this before you leave for Calgary. That said, a short wait wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world because you’ll be able to explore a bit of the town.

Their flatbread pizzas made in a traditional wood burning oven are hearty, locally sourced, artisanal pieces of thin crust goodness.

Before you head home, grab an ice cream at Old Schol Bus Ice Cream in town.

Day 2 Summary

• Grassi Lakes
• Canmore Cave Tours
• Breakfast – Continental breakfast at the hotel.
• Lunch – Snack bars – There won’t be time for a proper lunch but there will be a snack stop during your caving tour where you’ll be scarfing down your granola bars and other snacks you pack in your pocket.
• Dinner – Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. – Local eatery best known for their pizzas/flat breads. They also have a great selection of local beers and BC wines.
• Dessert – Old School Bus Ice Cream – Fun ice cream shop inside a yellow school bus with tons of flavours.

For your final full day based in Calgary, you’ll be starting off with something that’s so iconic to what the city is best known for – the Stampede. This love affair of horses and cowboys is something you need to experience in person.

During our trip, we visited Griffin Valley Ranch located in Rocky View County however as of Spring 2020, they closed their doors so instead, I have a couple of recommendations for horseback trail riding that will suit equally well for this itinerary.

Depending on interest and skill level, here are the best ones:

• 2-Hour Horseback Ride in Kananaskis with Burger Lunch [9:30AM, 1PM] – This is a rustic Alberta mountain adventure operated by Boundary Ranch. You’ll travel high above the Kananaskis Valley that ends with a delicious BBQ lunch. No previous riding experience is required.
• Covered Wagon or Horseback Ride in Banff with Western Cookout [4PM, 5PM] – Saddle up along the Bow River in Banff like days gone by. This is an afternoon experience that includes a BBQ meal. For this experience you can either ride a horse or you can be in the comfort of a wagon.
• 1-Hour Horseback Trail Ride in Kananaskis [9:45AM, 11AM, 1:30PM. 3PM and 4:15PM] – If you want to spend more time in Banff, choose this horseback riding experience suitable for beginners and children over 6.
• 1-Hour Bow River Ride [11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM]- Similar to the above except you’ll be riding on the trails of the Bow River or Spray River in Banff National Park.

After your epic ride through some of Alberta’s beautiful backcountry, hit the road again and make your way into Banff National Park .

While driving westbound along the main Trans-Canada Highway, you’ll eventually reach the East Banff gate. To your left is a pass-through lane which you can take if you purchased a ticket online already. If not, you can go to the manned kiosks on the right to purchase your day pass. This will allow you explore right away.

Price: Pass prices are calculated per person per day

• Adult $10 (age 18 to 64)
• Senior $8.40 (age 65 and up)
• Youth 17 and under is free
• Family/group $20 (up to 7 people in a single vehicle)

Website: Banff National Park .

• Buy the pass online – This is the most convenient way to ensure you don’t waste any time buying passes on the day of. If your dates are locked in, you might as well buy them online through Banff and Lake Louise Tourism . There are no extra costs for purchasing this online. Day passes can be printed at home.
• Remember to display – Make sure to place your passes prominently on the left-handside of the windshield.

Frequently asked questions:

• Where else can you buy the pass? There’s a Parks Canada Tourist Office in town at 224 Banff Avenue. You can also buy it at Wilson Mountain Sports in the Samson Mall of Lake Louise.
• Should I get a Family/Group pass? This becomes economical when you have 3 or more adult.
• Should I get a Discovery Pass? This is only valuable if you plan on spending 7 continuous days in the Rocky Mountains Parks.
• When do day passes expire? They are valid the day purchased and expires at 4PM the day after.
• Visiting Lake Louise
• Using a picnic area
• Stopping in Banff town to buy food
• Stopping at a viewpoint or pullout
• Driving along Bow Valley Parkway or Icefields Parkway
• Do they check passes? Yes, they definitely do. When we went, there was a checkpoint along Bow Valley Parkway.
• When do I not need a park pass? If you plan on driving right through Hwy 1 without stopping anywhere in the national park, you don’t need to buy a pass.
• Are bears a concern? During the summer, there will be bear warnings for certain trails all around Canmore and Banff. This particularly impacts backcountry hikes such as Lake Morraine and Lake Minnewanka where it’s required you to travel in groups of 4 and to carry bear spray .  This typically does not apply to Johnston Canyon. Make sure to check the weekly bear report by Parks Canada.

With your passes proudly displayed on your dash, exit onto the scenic Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy-1A). There are so many stops along the way that you can take but where I recommend that you invest your time on is Johnston Canyon .

Before that though, you’re probably hungry so an awesome trick to solve two problems is to make reservations at the Blackswift Bistro which is the restaurant that’s part of Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows. This property is literally right next to the trailhead. While you won’t be staying here, this is a great spot to refuel, has dedicated parking, and lets you in if Highway 1A is closed.

Johnston Canyon is composed of two main waterfalls – upper and lower. Much of the trail follows the steeply carved limestone bedrock and fast-running Johnston Creek.

As you walk further in, the first waterfall you encounter is the Lower Falls , roughly around 30 minutes inn. There’s an iconic tunnel that you can walk to which brings you mere metres from the falls.

For the Upper Falls , you’ll have a bit of work ahead of you. Taking roughly around 1 hour with a good amount of elevation gain through the forest, you’ll eventually see where the water you saw earlier came from. Dropping a dramatic 40 metres below to a deep turquoise pool, you’ll be able to see it from a viewing platform at the base of the falls and another at an overhang in the gorge.

While this trail is quite touristy, it certainly doesn’t diminish the beauty of this part of the national park.

If you find that you have a lot of extra time, you can go further in (extra hour) to see the Ink Pots which are a set of emerald pools that bubble and swirl like a witches’ cauldron.

Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2

Hours: 24 hours

Price: Included with your park pass.

Website: Johnston Canyon Day Hikes

Facilities: There are washrooms at the parking lot.

• Go early or late – The best time to visit is right in the morning before 8AM or going after 5PM. Anytime in between during high-season can be a zoo.
• Check Banff Now – Parks Canada has a Banff Now page which marks various events of notice within the park including information about the Johnston Canyon trails, parking, and access to Bow Valley Parkway.
• Take Roam Transit – Instead of dealing with insane parking, take Roam Transit Route 9 (seasonal and starts May 21, 2021) which can be accessed from the Town of Banff. The cost is $10 round trip for adults.
• Book a meal at Blackswift Bistro – If the highway is closed or want to avoid the parking situation, one way to bypass this is by making a reservation here so they’ll let you through.
• Is the hike to the Upper Falls difficult? There is some elevation gain and it’s a long trail but by no means difficult. If you’re planning to do this hike, make sure to bring water and snacks.

Parking: Spots are extremely limited and becomes overwhelmingly busy in the summer months and they’ve clamped down on parking along the highway which means that you’ll have to wait for a spot to open up. However, if you do see a line up of cars parked on the side of the road, you should be safe to do so.

With a few hours of sunlight to spare, you still have time to drive up to iconic Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise .  There’s something majestic about the glistening emerald water and imposing Victoria Glacier that provides the backdrop.

Grab a seat, watch the last few canoes head back to the boathouse as the sun begins to set.

To round out the night, make our way over to the town of Banff which has a welcoming ski-town vibe.  We had a quick stroll along the main street and then head over to The Juniper Bistro for dinner which will seem off-the-beaten path but is quite superb.

Find out more ways to explore Lake Louise and Banff here!

Day 3 Summary

• Johnston Canyon
• Lake Louise & Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Town of Banff
• Horseback riding experience
• Lunch – Blackswift Bistro – A great spot for breakfast or lunch with the bonus of reservations getting you into the area if the Bow Valley Parkway is closed and you get free parking for Johnston Canyon as well.
• Dinner – The Juniper Bistro – You don’t quite expect such a high quality restaurant in a hotel off the main strip of Banff but they consistently serve amazing local-inspired food.

In this weekend in Calgary itinerary, you’ll want to stay in the city for the entire trip. With that, there are a number of hotel recommendations to get you started on where to stay in Calgary.

WHERE WE STAYED

HAMPTON INN CALGARY AIRPORT

This is a no-frills type of hotel that’s conveniently located right by the airport, includes breakfast, and is both modern and comfortable. The property is also one of the most affordable in the city.

BEST WESTERN PLUS DOWNTOWN

Another extremely affordable option is located in the Beltline part of the city and not far from Pigeonhole. This Best Western, similar to the Hampton Inn, is one of those “you know what you’re going to get” – great value, comfy, and convenient.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

LE GERMAIN CALGARY

I’ve stayed at a few Le Germain hotels and they are simply incredible experiences. Located right in the middle of downtown Calgary, you’ll be treated to uniquely modern, clean, and comfy rooms with also superb service.

FAIRMONT PALLISER

The epitome of luxury, this is an iconic 5-star hotel that has great views, is extremely comfortable, features a world-class spa, and is located right in the heart of the city.

Here are a few need-to-knows when it comes to a trip to Calgary that also spans Canmore and Banff.

Money – The local currency in Calgary is the Canadian Dollar or CAD . It’s best to avoid money changers at the airport and in the city. Instead, rely on exchanging for CAD in your home country or use the ATMs in Canada. If you’re using an ATM, just make sure to keep an eye out for machines that charge its own fee.

When is the best time? – Calgary experiences extremely cold winters and since this is a summer itinerary, the recommendation is to come between June and August. This is when the weather is the most pleasant. That said, this is also high-season. For a good balance of climate and crowds, consider coming in late May or in September after Labour Day.

Getting here – Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the primary hub for flights into the city and is not far from the downtown core (17 minutes drive). Calgary is also easily reached by car and can be perfectly paired if you’re coming from Vancouver or interior BC (i.e. Kelowna) as you’re crossing the Rocky Mountains or coming south from Edmonton.

How do I get around? – Due to the distances between sights, lack of tourist-friendly transportation in the city and into the Rocky Mountains, your best bet is to rent a car. This way, you’ll have maximum flexibility to get to where you need to go. Make sure to use this trick to save a lot of money.

Where should I stay? – The above “ Where to stay in Calgary ” section is a good place to start. Overall, I recommend tapping into Booking.com because they have an awesome inventory of properties including B&Bs.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  With the amount of travel that I do, I always get basic travel insurance that’s good for multiple trips and lasts the full year.   World Nomads  is the best balance of coverage and price for anyone looking for travel insurance. Make sure to read my  full review  of why and a breakdown of how they work. For a more broader look at travel insurance, make sure to  read this .

Calgary doesn’t always get the best reputation but as a first-time visitor, I was really surprised with everything the city has to offer. Yes, they’re best known for one of Canada’s biggest festivals, the Calgary Stampede, but come here in the summer and you’ll enjoy an incredibly walkable and friendly city, award-winning restaurants that’ll surprise you, a fresh take on street art, and great green spaces.

While I know some of you will say that this 3 day Calgary itinerary really only includes 1 full day in the city itself, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to answer the call of the Rocky Mountains. The hope was to show that you can absolutely see the gems of Canmore and Banff in a weekend without having to change hotels.

Come to Calgary and do this adventure-driven trip. You won’t regret it!

What you should read next

• Things to do in Richmond BC
• Free things to do in Toronto
• Unforgettable Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 4 day Newfoundland itinerary from St. John’s

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
• KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Calgary Transit Access has upgraded the online Trip Booking tool to provide new features that will make it easier for customers to book and manage their trips, without having to call the customer service or trip booking lines.

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New travel pass offers savings

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Article content

A new travel pass launched Tuesday to help Canadians explore their own backyard.

The Canada Attractions Pass is like a national ticket to travel offers and experiences in a smartphone app. Various events and attractions are loaded on the app all year long with deals and savings.

Launching in Western Canada, pass holders will find savings at dozens of places like the Calgary Tower, TELUS Spark, Many Chief Tours in Calgary, the Columbia Icefields, Maligne Rafting Adventures, Banff Trail Rides, Western Canyoning Adventures at Abraham Lake and Alberta Reynolds Museum. There are also new adventures like the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, Hydrofly Kelowna, Vespa YEG, Journey Bike Guides in Jasper, and exploring northern Saskatchewan on horseback at the Sturgeon River Ranch in Prince Albert National Park.

“There is no doubt this pandemic has dramatically impacted the tourism industry. We decided to provide a boost for tourism with a mechanism that helps our tourism partners promote their venues for free. This is a time when resources will be tight. The Pass also becomes a tool that makes finding fun easy and affordable for our pass holder,” says Sandra Kam, director of venues and tourism for Canada Attractions Pass.

Learn more at www.canadaattractionspass.com

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Getting to Calgary

• Airport & Air Travel No
• Highways No
• Bus Services & Private Shuttle No
• RV Travel No
• Train Travel No
• Crossing the Canadian Border No

Airport & Air Travel

Getting to Calgary is easy with many transportation options to travel from destinations around the world. With one of the world's most modern and welcoming airports, getting to Calgary by air is easy with commercial airline access and other options available to travellers.

YYC Calgary International Airport

The international airport is conveniently located in the northeast of Calgary, approximately 20 minutes from the downtown core. Rental cars, taxis, limousines, and airport shuttles are available at the airport.

Getting to Calgary by car is easy with connections to several major highway systems. Calgary is accessible by the Trans-Canada Highway (also known as the #1 Highway) and Alberta Highway 2 (also known as Queen Elizabeth II Highway). These highways link Calgary to Banff, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Edmonton, and the United States border.

Bus Services & Private Shuttle

Bus tours are a popular way to travel to Calgary and explore surrounding areas, like the Canadian Rockies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Canadian Badlands. Charter a group tour or book a single seat for a safe and reliable way to explore Alberta.

Many shuttle services are available to Calgary and from YYC Calgary International Airport to major hotels and motels. Private group bookings are also a great way to explore Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff, and beyond.

Please note that there is no Greyhound service in Western Canada, including all destinations west of Sudbury.

Getting to Calgary in an RV is a popular and accessible way to travel to the city. The Trans-Canada Highway is a major route for RVs to enter Calgary from the Canadian Rockies and beyond. RV friendly routes with multiple lanes and clearly marked exits make it easy to navigate the city once you arrive: Stoney Trail (Highway 201), Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), Glenmore Trail, and 16th Avenue NE & NW

Train Travel

Regular passenger services that are strictly transportation-based are not currently offered in Calgary. If you are looking only for transportation services as opposed to a luxury train service, you will need to arrive by car, bus, or air.

Crossing the Canadian Border

All visitors to Canada arriving from a different country must cross the Canadian border and pass through customs. Visitors arriving by air travel will complete the customs process at the airport upon arrival in Canada.

Please note, rental cars cannot travel over international borders and be dropped off in a different country. All rental cars must be returned in their country of origin. For example, a rental car from the state of Montana cannot be returned in the province of Alberta.