Nestled where the great Rocky Mountain Range meets the wide-open prairies, Calgary is a thriving urban centre in Western Canada. Founded in 1875, the city has a rich history from North America's pioneering days and a close connection with the history of the area's indigenous tribes. This heritage is reflected in many of the traditions and festivals of the city.
Due to its location, Calgary is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the draw of the Rocky Mountains luring visitors year round. Calgary serves as an excellent base for those looking to enjoy relaxing city breaks, and the surrounding areas of natural beauty are ideal for longer trips through package holidays.
Before booking your flight and hotel in Calgary, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Whereas British visitors to Canada usually do not require a visa for a short stay, all British travellers entering Canada by air will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which can be obtained in advance through the Canadian Government's website.
For your city break in Calgary, you'll likely arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) if you're flying from London or Manchester. While Canada is an officially bilingual country, the language spoken in Calgary and surrounding area is English. The currency is the Canadian dollar, however most retailers will accept payment through credit and debit cards.
Calgary is a great destination year round. With the Rocky Mountains situated nearby, there are activities for outdoor enthusiasts at any time of the year. Visiting in the winter is recommended for the best skiing and snowboarding conditions and many package holidays are available to Calgary for these outdoor activities. Travellers should be aware that it does get very cold in Calgary in the winter months, so be sure to pack your warm clothes.
Calgary is an excellent summer destination, especially for those looking to enjoy a city break in the sun. The city has a beautiful river valley and downtown core with lots of outdoor restaurants, cafés, and walking and cycling trails.
Calgary offers plenty to see and do for international visitors. With spectacular mountains only a short drive away, the city is a dream destination for hikers, cyclists, skiers and equestrians. Within the city itself, there are many cultural highlights. Calgary is home to:
Lying at the heart of Western Canada, Calgary offers plenty to see and do, both indoors and outdoors. Fort Calgary, the original base of the city, is a great place to begin your weekend in Calgary. You can expand your learning with a visit to the city's largest art collection at the Glenbow Museum and then go for a walk around the city's outdoor pedestrian mall, Stephen Avenue. Enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along the Bow River, making use of the city's network of more than 500 miles of cycling pathways.
If visiting in July, make sure to check out Calgary's two biggest festivals. The Calgary Stampede, the world's largest rodeo, celebrates the best of Western Canadian culture with a fun fair, live music and rodeo competitions. The Calgary Folk Music Festival, also hosted in July, brings some of the world's best music stars to the city for outdoor performances.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Calgary.
Calgary is home to a thriving gastronomy scene. The city has many award-winning restaurants to be proud of, including the River Café and Pigeonhole, both considered among Canada's top restaurants. Additionally, the city has many food-based small businesses that have become local institutions. Some to try during your city break in Calgary include Crave Cupcakes and Fiasco Gelato.
The city is also famous for traditional cowboy fare. A visit during the Calgary Stampede means a pancake breakfast with sausages, bacon and lots of maple syrup. The traditional drink of Calgary is the caesar, a spicy beverage made with vodka, spices and Clamato juice, which is a mix of tomato and clam brine – strange but delicious.
After enjoying a pancake breakfast while in town, be sure to pick up a bottle or tin of famous Canadian maple syrup as a souvenir. Another tasty treat to bring home is beef jerky, a dried cut of meat that is often flavoured with spices such as paprika, red pepper and garlic. With treats like these, you'll be eager to book more city breaks in Calgary or package holidays in the area!
Planning on flying to Canada? If a city break in Calgary doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Canada ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!