Overview
Yahoo! Discover Canada’s Wild West with holidays to Calgary, where urban cowboy meets city glamour. This iconic city is home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede and is just a stone’s throw away from the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Canadian Affair’s travel experts can help you plan a tailor-made holiday, explore latest holiday offers, latest travel advice and more.
No matter whether you plan to travel the west by car, train or coach, Calgary holidays are the perfect start or finish to your western Canada holiday.
Calgary is not only the gateway to the legendary Canadian Rocky Mountains, but it also has a wealth of exciting attractions and activities to offer. In July every year, the world-famous Calgary Stampede takes over the entire city and is definitely one for you to tick off your bucket list! For over 100 years, the city has been celebrating its wild western heritage with Chuckwagon races, live rodeos, concerts, fairground attractions, and so much more to enjoy.
The Calgary Stampede takes place in July, so book your tickets quickly to make sure you have a front-row seat to all the action. It is one of the biggest events in Canada, with tickets and hotel availability scarce as you get closer to the event. So make sure you don't miss out when planning your Calgary flights and holiday.
Things to do
One of the top things to do on a Calgary holiday is to visit the Calgary Stampede, which is aptly named ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. Every year in July the city of Calgary transforms into one big celebration of all things Western, so be sure to pack your cowboy boots and Stetson and join in the party. But Calgary isn’t just about cowboys and cowgirls, there is a lot more to enjoy around this fantastic city.
Step back in time and discover “How the West was Once” at Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park Historical Village. Tread the boards of a real Western town, meet the voyagers who made famous journeys into Canada's wilderness and hear the fascinating stories of the First Nations people. Plus you can spend some time wandering around Gasoline Alley, one of the finest collections of old cars anywhere in the world, with some dating back to the 1920s.
For those who enjoy a little adrenaline rush, head up to WinSport Calgary, located at the Canada Olympic Park. Here you can ride a zip line from the top of the Olympic Ski jump made famous by Eddie the Eagle, or travel down the Bobsleigh track with a professional driver reaching speeds of 100km/h!
Calgary is the only city that is surrounded by five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so your choice of epic scenery is endless. Venture out of the city for a day trip to the Rockies, the Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump or visit a ranch; whatever you choose to do, Calgary is the perfect base to explore.
Holidays to Calgary during the winter are popular with winter sports enthusiasts as Alberta is renowned for offering great skiing conditions. The Rocky Mountain range and in particular Banff and Banff National Park is home to three of Canada’s best ski resorts. Visitors during this time of year can expect wide open and quiet trails as well as breath-taking scenery.
Popular things to do in Calgary
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Admission to Calgary Tower
from £18pp
Located 191 metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower observation deck offers a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the rolling foothills, and the expansive prairie landscape. If you dare, stand on the amazing glass floor for a birds-eye view of the city streets directly below.
Departures: Daily (except Dec 25)
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Heritage Park Historical Village
from £18 pp
Explore Heritage Town Square, which includes restaurants, shopping and the world-class Gasoline Alley Museum. Discover how the introduction of the automobile changed Canada's culture. Seasonally, from May until October, step back in time to the lively Historical Village. Meet friendly pioneers, visit the First Nations encampment, ride an authentic steam train, enjoy the antique midway and immerse yourself in the old west. All rides are included with admission.
Departures: Selected dates between May 16 - Dec 31
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Calgary
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Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
from £34
A comfortable and conveniently located hotel in the heart of downtown Calgary. The rooms are spacious with dark wood furnishings. Some rooms offer a small ...see more
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Delta Hotels By Marriott Calgary Downtown
from £69
Located in downtown Calgary but close to the Bow River, the hotel’s guest-rooms are comfortable and classy, neutrally decorated with dark wood furnishings. ...see more
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Westin Hotel Calgary
from £59
The Westin is an elegant hotel in a great central location on Calgary’s vibrant West Side.
Rooms are fresh and bright with calm neutral ...see more
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Fairmont Palliser
from £120
The Fairmont Palliser is a stunning hotel in an excellent location, right next to the Calgary Tower in the heart of downtown. Rooms are beautifully decorated ...see more
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Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
from £47
Situated between Calgary International Airport and the city centre, Coast Plaza Hotel is one of the largest hotels in the city and offers great amenities ...see more
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Sheraton Cavalier Calgary
from £54
The Sheraton Cavalier is a stylish hotel with fantastic amenities in a great location.
Accommodation ranges from traditional rooms to Club Level ...see more
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The Royal Hotel Calgary, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
from £49
The Executive Royal Hotel has a convenient position fifteen minutes from both Calgary Airport and the downtown shopping and attractions.
Rooms ...see more
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Calgary Marriott Hotel
from £59
In a great location for the downtown attractions, the Calgary Marriott is an excellent base from which to explore the city.
Accommodation is ...see more
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Hotel Le Germain Calgary
from £90
The Hotel Le Germain is a luxury boutique hotel with a good location in the heart of downtown Calgary.
Rooms are contemporary and chic, with ...see more
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Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown
from £43
The Ramada enjoys a great location right in the heart of Calgary’s shopping district and offers some excellent amenities.
With a choice ...see more
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Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South
from £38
The Sandman South offers a great location close to the parks on the shores of Bow River, while still a short drive from downtown Calgary.
Guest ...see more
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Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary West
from £37
The Sandman Calgary West enjoys a location away from the bustle of the city centre, but being on the Trans-Canada Highway allows convenient navigation ...see more
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Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport
from £51
The Acclaim Hotel is a contemporary hotel in a good location just a few minutes from the international airport, and twenty minutes into downtown Calgary.
Rooms ...see more
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Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
from £85
The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel is located just steps from the airport gates, situated between the international and domestic terminals ...see more
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Clarion Hotel Calgary Airport
from £37
The Clarion Hotel is in a good location between the airport and the centre of Calgary and offers excellent amenities.
Guest rooms are spacious ...see more
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Airport- In Terminal
from £67
The Delta hotels by marriott Calgary Airport in Terminal couldn’t be much better placed, connected by indoor walkway to the terminal itself, and ...see more
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown
from £71
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is situated in the centre of downtown Calgary featuring many guest rooms and suites with great city views. Rooms are equipped ...see more
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Holiday Inn Macleod Trail South
from £49
Situated to the south of Calgary, the hotel is in a great position for the Calgary Stampede and Calgary Zoo and just ten minutes from the centre of ...see more
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Red Roof Plus & Suites
from £37
The Travelodge is conveniently situated just a few minutes from the international airport, while still just a short drive to downtown Calgary and other ...see more
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Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport
from £40
Just a few minutes’ drive from the airport and fifteen minutes from downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is a great starting point whatever your plans. ...see more
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Roaming the Rockies Holiday
from £1,580
Get to know the majestic Rocky Mountains on this 13-night motorhome holiday. Start in the Stampede City of Calgary before delving into the mountains and ...see more
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Rockies Winter Escape Holiday
from £1,655
The Canadian Rockies are renowned for the perfect powder snow that draws skiers from far and wide but you don’t have to ride the piste to have a white ...see more
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Rockies Winter Rail Holiday
from £1,583
You may have visited the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and coastal city of Vancouver during the summer months, when the days are warm and long, but there ...see more
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Mountain Express (Begins in Vancouver)
from £2,118
The ultimate adventure perfectly designed to showcase key highlights of Western Canada for those who want to see as much as possible in a short time. ...see more
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Calgary Stampede Extravaganza Holiday
from £2,529
Embrace the western spirit with this fantastic holiday taking you through the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies before embracing the Stampede ...see more
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Western Journey Holiday
from £2,631
Marvel at sparkling glaciers, plunging canyons and fierce rivers search for elk, mountain goats, bears and whales. Experience the romance and hospitality ...see more
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Calgary and Banff Short Break
from £1,467
Aside from the Stampede, year round Calgary celebrates many diverse cultures with an impressive festival and events calendar. There is always something ...see more
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Western Highlights Holiday
from £2,408
Take in all the West Coast’s best attractions on this magical fly-drive journey. The adventure begins in the Stampede City of Calgary discovering stunning ...see more
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Rockies Trail Holiday
from £4,042
The Rocky Mountains are your gateway to Canada. Marvel at spectacular mountainous views and coastlines as you journey through rugged scenery of Alberta. ...see more
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Journey through the Clouds Discovery Banff
from £4,748
Experience the magical West through the Rocky Mountains! This journey takes you between Vancouver and Calgary, and includes the stunning mountain towns ...see more
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West Coast Wonders and Alaskan Cruise
from £5,909
Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with the pristine Canadian Rockies. Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, ...see more
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Canadian Rockies By Rail Holiday
from £3,024
This action packed itinerary takes you on a wonderful journey right through the heart of the Rockies to the popular mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, ...see more
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Rocky Mountain Getaway Holiday
from £3,263
This is one of our most popular tours as you can easily fit it into whatever you have planned for your holiday ...see more
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Unlimited Adventures Holiday
from £3,783
A spectacular adventure packed with world-class resorts. A mosaic of landscapes awaits you as you travel from the towering mountains of the Rockies to ...see more
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Ranchlands and Prairies Holiday
from £3,044
Discover a world of fossils, cowboy culture & central Canada treasures, on a unique package combining ‘off the beaten-track ‘destinations in Saskatchewan ...see more
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Western Delights Holiday
from £3,416
A quest through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to experience the true delights of Western Canada at your own pace. From scenic coastal roads, picturesque ...see more
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Rockies Rail Adventure Holiday
from £3,472
A classic itinerary travelling through the Canadian Rockies with visits to Banff and Jasper National Parks, before taking the VIA Rail train ‘The Canadian’ ...see more
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Sky to Sea Rail Tour Holiday
from £4,110
This action packed itinerary takes you on a wonderful journey right through the heart of the Rockies to the popular mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise ...see more
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Mountain Rails Holiday
from £4,038
The Rocky Mountaineer train will bring you through a dramatically-changing countryside whilst travelling through valleys, canyons and mountain passes. ...see more
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Rainforest to Gold Rush Grand Adventure
from £9,060
Enjoy the extreme and diverse landscapes of the Northern Rockies. From temperate rainforests to desert canyons, you will travel from the cowboy city of ...see more
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Journey through the Clouds Discovery & Alaska Cruise
from £5,123
An exciting tour of Canada’s West with so much to explore, including Banff, Jasper and Vancouver and so many ways to enjoy with the Banff Gondola ...see more
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Rocky Mountain Wild Holiday
from £8,752
A carefully blended itinerary creates an unforgettable adventure, pairing two iconic experiences into one, the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains meet a ...see more
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Bones, Boots, Beats & Bears
from £3,483
Journey through diverse landscape of mountains, prairies, forests, and badlands. Drive the Cowboy Trail with picturesque rolling hills, ranch land and ...see more
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Majesty of the Rockies Luxury Gold Holiday
from £11,839
This journey guarantees to be nothing short of magical. Explore the majesty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, as you travel in exceptional comfort to the ...see more
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Roaming the Rockies with Campgrounds
from £2,623
Get to know the majestic Rocky Mountains on this motorhome holiday. Start in the Stampede City of Calgary before delving into the mountains and exploring ...see more
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Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta Holiday
from £6,231
This spectacular guided tour is perfectly packaged to discover the true spirit of adventure, as you discover the breath-taking treasures of Canada’s Rocky ...see more
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Calgary
Top Tip 1
• Visit the Calgary Stampede. Yahoo! Our number one tip for visiting Calgary is to go to the Stampede. This exhilarating event happens annually in July and takes over the entire city. For more than 100 years Calgary has been celebrating its wild western roots with live rodeos, concerts, fairground attractions, chuckwagon races and much more.
Top Tip 2
• Become one with nature. Calgary is surrounded by five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so stunning scenery is on your doorstep. Visit the Rocky Mountains, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, or a traditional ranch. No matter where you want to explore, Calgary is a great place to start.
Top Tip 3
• Sit back and enjoy the view. If you’re visiting Calgary as part of a wider Western adventure why not travel part of your journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. This legendary two-day train ride, with overnight accommodation, will take you directly through some of Canada’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife!
Top Tip 4
• From the shops and restaurants of 17th Avenue to the live music venues of Inglewood, there is no better way to experience Calgary than to explore its neighbourhoods. Wander the different neighbourhoods in the city, meet the locals, and get an insider's view into what makes Calgary such a vibrant place.
Top Tip 5
• Take nature indoors. Visit Devonian Gardens, Calgary’s newly renovated indoor garden and Botanical Park. With a living wall, koi ponds, fountains, children’s play areas, over 550 trees and a restaurant, this is a great attraction for families.
Top Tip 6
• Get a bird’s eye view of the city. Take a trip to the Calgary Tower and discover the city from 525 feet in the air. The observation deck offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and surrounding area, including the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
Top Tip 7
• Visit Calgary Zoo. Discover wildlife from around the world at the Calgary Zoo. Home to over 800 animals, this is the second-largest zoo in Canada and one of the most popular. With six different destinations, animal experiences, gardens and cafes this is a great outing for any visitor.
Top Tip 8
• Learn about Calgary’s history. Canada’s largest living history museum, The Heritage Park Historical Village, is a great day out for families in Calgary, designed to give visitors a taste of the past. Set in the city’s beautiful Glenmore Reservoir, the park combines history, adventure, discovery and fun – it’s a wonderful attraction for people of all ages.
If you’d like more information about booking your holiday to Calgary, call one of our dedicated team who will help you plan the trip of a lifetime!