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Calgary

The site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary offers the perfect blend of winter sports, breathtaking scenery and a fascinating range of museums in its hospitable city centre. Calgary’s popularity is enhanced by being the gateway to the spectacular Rocky Mountains and the Banff National Park, a vast outdoor space where you can revel in the natural variety that Canada has to offer. It is also within driving distance of Drumheller in the ‘badlands’, home to hiking trails and dinosaur bones. With an attractive downtown area containing plentiful green spaces and upmarket areas filled with boutiques and bars, Calgary is an essential stop on any Canadian itinerary.

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What you’ll love most about Calgary

  • Experience the excitement of the Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s largest rodeos and western festivals. Enjoy rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live music, and delicious food, and immerse yourself in cowboy culture
  • Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Calgary Tower, Calgary’s most iconic landmark. Take the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of downtown, the Rocky Mountains, and beyond
  • Relax in the heart of the city at Prince’s Island Park, a beautiful urban oasis along the Bow River. Explore scenic pathways, enjoy picnics and concerts in the park, and admire the lush gardens and public art installations
  • Step back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum. Explore over 180 exhibits and attractions, including historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and vintage rides like the steam train and paddlewheel boat
  • Discover the art and culture of Western Canada at the Glenbow Museum. Explore exhibitions on Indigenous history, Canadian art, and world cultures, and learn about the rich heritage of Alberta and the Canadian Rockies
  • Explore the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Visit exhibits like the Canadian Wilds, African Savannah, and Penguin Plunge, and enjoy interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and riding the zoo train
  • Rafting the Bow River in Calgary - Travel Alberta/George Simhoni

  • Steam boat in Calgary Heritage Park Historical Village

  • Fun at the Family of Man sculpture in Downtown Calgary - Travel Alberta

  • Poppy Plaza in Downtown Calgary - Tourism Calgary

  • Bow River and Downtown Calgary viewed from underneath Peace Bridge - Youn Park

  • Aerial view during Calgary Folk Festival - Tourism Calgary

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • -7℃
  • -5℃
  • -1℃
  • 10℃
  • 16℃
  • 20℃
  • 23℃
  • 21℃
  • 17℃
  • 12℃
  • 3℃
  • -1℃
  • 3
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 8
  • 7
  • 9
  • 7
  • 6
  • 2
  • 3
  • 3

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

January brings the chill of winter with temperatures often dipping to around -7°C, though it can feel colder with wind chill. This is prime time for winter activities, especially in nearby Banff and Kananaskis, where skiing and snowboarding are in full swing. Calgary also hosts the popular GlobalFest event, a perfect opportunity to experience local culture.

February

February continues the cold trend, with average highs of about -5°C. However, the longer days begin to hint at the approaching spring. Visitors can enjoy the Calgary Winter Festival, which showcases ice sculptures, winter sports, and local artisans, making it an exciting time to embrace the outdoors.

March

March signals the end of winter as temperatures slowly rise to a more manageable -1°C. Skiing is still excellent in the nearby Rockies, while the city itself begins to experience a shift with the arrival of early spring festivals, like Calgary’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, adding a festive vibe to the chilly air.

April

As April rolls in, the city starts to thaw with average highs reaching between 8-10°C. Springtime activities like hiking in the nearby foothills begin to take centre stage, and you can enjoy the first hints of colour as flowers start to bloom in Calgary's many parks.

May

By May, the city feels much milder, with daytime temperatures hovering around 16°C. This is a fantastic time to explore the many outdoor spaces Calgary has to offer, including the Calgary Zoo, which features blooming gardens. With longer days and pleasant weather, it’s a perfect month for strolling through the downtown core or biking along the Bow River Pathway.

June

June brings full-on summer vibes, with highs averaging 20°C or so. Locals flock to outdoor patios and festivals, and the Calgary Stampede starts gearing up for July, though early-bird events pop up in June. The days are long, and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and river rafting are in full swing.

July

In July, summer reaches its peak, with temperatures often exceeding 20-25°C, though it can be breezy, keeping it pleasant. The Calgary Stampede, the city's biggest event, dominates the month with rodeo shows, concerts, and a fantastic carnival atmosphere. It's the ideal time to experience Calgary's country-western spirit.

August

August sees similar temperatures to July, but the crowds begin to thin out as the summer season winds down. The Calgary Folk Music Festival adds a cultural touch, and it's a great time to visit the Heritage Park Historical Village or take a boat tour of the Bow River to enjoy Calgary's scenic beauty.

September

By September, the fall air sets in with temperatures dipping to around 17°C. The city is quieter, and locals enjoy the crisp, refreshing weather. It’s a perfect time for hiking in the nearby mountains, and the Calgary International Film Festival brings a lively cultural scene to the city.

October

October ushers in more noticeable fall temperatures, around 11-12°C during the day, and the foliage begins to change colours. Visitors can explore Fish Creek Provincial Park or take a drive to nearby mountain towns to experience the full beauty of the season.

November

November brings colder temperatures once again, hovering near 0°C, with snow starting to make its presence known. It's a quieter month in Calgary, but it’s still a good time to enjoy indoor attractions like the Glenbow Museum or indulge in the city’s diverse food scene, which thrives throughout the colder months.

December

As December arrives, the cold sets in, with daytime temperatures averaging -5°C, but it’s the holiday season that truly defines the month. Christmas lights sparkle throughout the city, and visitors can enjoy ice skating at the Olympic Plaza or a Christmas market for some local gifts. The nearby mountains offer world-class skiing, making Calgary a great base for winter sports.

Our Ratings

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Where to book


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