First-time visitor · Calgary

First time in Calgary — what locals actually recommend

If it's your first weekend in Calgary, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.

Editor's pickPopular local pick

Top spots in Calgary

  • Studio Bell

    Culture

    East Village

    National Music Centre — interactive and fun.

  • Banff Day Trip

    Outdoors

    Rockies

    Lake Louise + Moraine Lake 90 min west.

  • Inglewood

    Food & Drink

    Inglewood

    Calgary's oldest 'hood, now breweries and vinyl shops.

  • Larch Valley Hike

    Outdoors

    Banff

    10 days of golden larches in late September.

  • Prince's Island Park

    Outdoors

    Eau Claire

    River-island park hosting Folk Fest and weekend picnics.

Where to eat

  • Charcut

    $$$

    Modern steakhouse · Downtown

    Albertan beef done right.

  • Model Milk

    $$$

    Canadian comfort · 17th Ave

    Old dairy turned tasting-menu hotspot.

  • Pigeonhole

    $$$

    Wine bar / small plates · 17th Ave

    Natural wine, charcuterie, oysters.

  • Ten Foot Henry

    $$

    Veg-forward · Beltline

    Communal table, killer brunch.

Frequently asked

  • Standouts right now: Prince's Island Park, Inglewood, Studio Bell. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Calgary and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.

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