The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Calgary, Alberta Now
Calgary, Alberta is a vibrant city known for its Western heritage, stunning landscapes and numerous cultural attractions. Check out Heritage Park Historical Village, a iving history museum that gives you a glimpse into Western Canada's past. You can explore various historical buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about the region's history. Then, get a bird's-eye view of the city from the Calgary Tower. The tower offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Source: Tourism Calgary
Explore Calgary's vibrant Chinatown for delicious dining, unique shops, and cultural experiences. Home to a wide range of animals from around the world, the Calgary Zoo is a great place for families and animal lovers. If you visit during early-July, the Calgary Stampede is a must-see event. It's one of the largest rodeos in the world, celebrating Western heritage with rodeo competitions, exhibitions, concerts, and more. These are the top five reasons why Calgary, Alberta should be on your bucket list.
1. Where to Eat in Calgary: The Cuisine + Cocktails
Welcome to the final chapter on the 27th floor — The Wilde on 27 is a beverage-forward hideaway on the cutting edge of cocktail culture. Situated within The Dorian, Autograph Collection, stylish sips are complimented by 7-foot glass walls with rooftop skyline views, fine dining, and an energetic alfresco patio. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, Duchess of Monmouth — concocted with Eau Claire Dorian gin, St. Germain, Campari, fresh-squeezed lime and egg white, or the Bunbury with El Gobernador Pisco, passion fruit, Galliano and egg white.
Led by Executive Chef Joshua Dyer, the menu at The Wilde on 27 features imaginative and upscale dinner fare with an abundance of dramatic elements. This decadent dining experience will transport you 27-stories up to a world of bold flavors in the heart of Downtown Calgary. Favorite dishes include Brome Lake Duck with fermented plum, duck croquette, soy glaze, orange glazed endive, foie tartlet, and citrus jus, Vegetable Charcuterie with organic root vegetable charcuterie, herb sponge, goat cheese dust, pistachio crumble, potato tuile, and pickled chanterelles, Tomato Mousse with cherry balsamic gel, basil sponge and "trellis,” Modern with honey mascarpone cremeaux, brie, walnut cake and honey gel, as well as Elk (from the Chef’s Tasting Menu) with heirloom carrot, juniper and garden herbs.
You will be enticed by exquisite food, heightened cocktails, and an over-all imaginative mood. The Wilde on 27 is a destination where social cocktailing and fine dining collide. Sit back and select an after-dinner dessert and specialty cocktails. It’s a place where you come as you are, but don’t leave as you came.
2. Artistic Flair: Galleries Amidst Mountain Majesty
The Glenbow Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, art and culture of Western Canada. It aims to inspire and educate visitors about the diverse stories and experiences of the region. The museum boasts an extensive collection that includes artifacts, art pieces, archival documents, photographs, and historical objects that highlight the rich heritage of Alberta and the Canadian West.
Source: Tourism Calgary
The Glenbow Museum regularly hosts a variety of exhibitions covering a wide range of topics, from Indigenous history and contemporary art to cultural exploration and global issues. It places a strong emphasis on Indigenous art and culture, providing insights into the histories, traditions, and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples. Many exhibits at the are interactive, offering hands-on and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Source: Tourism Calgary
The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most populated communities and home to hundreds of colorful murals that span the neighborhoods of West Connaught and East Victoria Park. The area is a hub for art, culture and entertainment and nowhere is this more visible than through the Beltline Urban Mural Projects. Artists have transformed dozens of public walls into thought-provoking and whimsical murals that celebrate the diversity, talent and vibrant character of the community. Take a neighbourhood tour of these murals by jumping on one of the many bike lanes that zip you throughout the area.
3. Luxury Shopping: Elegance in the Canadian West
Calgary, Alberta is packed with fantastic malls and shopping centers to satisfy your retail therapy needs. Keep everyone in the family entertained with everything from luxury department stores and big screen entertainment to outlet deals and delicious dining. Get your best pair of walking shoes ready and add a day of shopping to your next trip to Calgary.
Source: Tourism Calgary
Chinook Centre is Calgary’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with over 250 stores such as Burberry, Canada Goose and Louis Vuitton. Major department stores like Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue, make it easy to spend the day at Chinook Centre.
Source: Tourism Calgary
Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrian-friendly street that spreads across over three blocks of Downtown Calgary’s 8th Avenue — the Stephen Avenue Walk is one of the city's most popular shopping venues. This pedestrian-only shopping area, and National Historic District, is lined with trendy stores, delectable restaurants and even several nightclubs. The combination of visitors spilling out from the hotels and workers taking long lunches and leaving early for happy hour mean that on a sunny day, the patios on Stephen Avenue are packed.
4. Botanical Oasis: Peaceful Retreats
Located on 8th avenue S.W. between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Devonian Gardens is an urban oasis in the heart of Calgary that offers one hectare of botanical gardens including over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, a living wall, fountains, and koi ponds. Explore 2.5 acres of foliage at any time of the year in a bright, peaceful escape. Science meets nature with a living wall over 900 vertical square feet. On top of being a popular selfie spot, this botanical wonder acts as a natural bio-filter.
The gardens include small waterfalls, fountains, and reflecting pools filled with koi that enhance the tranquil atmosphere, while pathways wind through the foliage, allowing you to take leisurely strolls and explore different sections of the gardens. This is a wonderful place to escape the urban environment, enjoy nature, and find tranquility within the heart of downtown Calgary.
5. Urban Landscape with a Mountainous Backdrop
The Lougheed House offers visitors a glimpse into the city's history, architecture, and cultural heritage. The house was built in 1891 as the residence of Senator James Alexander Lougheed and his family. The mansion is a prime example of sandstone mansion architecture from the turn of the 20th century. The house features a blend of Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship of the era.
Source: Lougheed House Museum
Today, the Lougheed House serves as a museum and cultural center that offers exhibitions and tours. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the house frequently hosts rotating art exhibitions featuring works from local and national artists. Guided tours are available to provide insight into the history of the house, the Lougheed family, and the architecture.
Where to Stay in Calgary, Alberta
From the moment you step through the lobby door, get ready to embark on a brand new chapter — The Dorian, Autograph Collection is a true lifestyle hotel, combining the tasteful with the bold. With design-driven accommodations, unforgettable dining, picturesque event venues, and more, this luxurious Calgary, Alberta hotel delivers on a dream to stand out among the crowd. Why deprive yourself of the finer joys in life? From distilled gin cocktails in the evening and fresh pastries in the morning to intimate celebrations spent with friends, this is a destination built for the experience.
Whether you’re an early riser or you prefer to doze the day away, you’ll find The Dorian, Autograph Collection features the most phenomenal hotel rooms and suites in Calgary, Alberta. Many guest rooms come complete with a king bed, modern amenities, a touch of British charm, and scenic views overlooking the Calgary skyline. One-Bedroom Suites feature a separate bedroom and living room, creating a spacious and sophisticated escape. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
