Top reasons to visit Downtown Calgary
- Vibrant Urban Experience: Downtown Calgary combines shopping, dining, and nightlife, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors.
- Cultural Attractions: Explore iconic sites like Calgary Tower, Calgary Chinatown, and Theatre Calgary for a rich cultural experience.
- Beautiful Parks: Enjoy outdoor activities in scenic urban parks that provide a relaxing escape from the city bustle.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses catering to various traveler needs and preferences.
- Entertainment Venues: Experience exciting events at local arenas and entertainment spots that enhance your visit.
Find great hotels in and around Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from modern hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly option, a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQIA guests, or facilities tailored for business needs, you'll find a variety of hotels in the heart of the city. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience during your stay in Downtown Calgary, where exceptional hospitality awaits.
- Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Downtown Calgary, this 4-star hotel is perfect for families, business travelers, and those seeking an LGBTQIA-friendly experience. The hotel boasts a welcoming atmosphere and provides a range of amenities tailored for children. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and proximity to popular attractions. With its dedication to inclusivity and comfort, the Sandman Signature offers a memorable stay for all.
- Emerald Hotel & Suites: Located a short distance from Downtown Calgary, Emerald Hotel & Suites is a cozy lodging option that emphasizes an LGBTQIA-friendly environment. The hotel features comfortable accommodations and is affiliated with LGBTQI travel guides, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. While slightly away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, it offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to the vibrant city life, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
- Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG: A 3.5-star hotel situated close to Downtown Calgary, the Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport is ideal for families and business travelers alike. This property offers a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQIA guests and provides family-friendly amenities, including complimentary cribs. With convenient access to the airport and downtown, guests can easily explore the city while enjoying a comfortable stay. The hotel’s modern rooms and attentive service make it a solid choice for your Calgary visit.
Where to stay near Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary offers a vibrant blend of urban experiences perfect for family vacations or weekend getaways. Explore the Calgary City Center, where you can enjoy unique shops, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions. Stroll through beautiful parks or visit local art galleries, soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. Just a short distance away, you can discover charming neighborhoods that enhance the romantic and scenic vibes of your trip, making it an unforgettable experience.
- Calgary: As a vibrant metropolis, Calgary serves as the heart of Alberta and is home to the bustling Downtown Calgary. Visitors can experience a rich blend of family-friendly activities, urban adventures, and outdoor experiences. From shopping at the local malls to enjoying entertainment at the arena, there’s something for everyone. The city's proximity to stunning natural attractions such as national parks and racetracks makes it a great base for exploration. Calgary's seasonal visitor patterns peak from July to September, making summer the prime time for travelers looking to soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere.
- Calgary Chinatown: Located a short 644m from Downtown Calgary, Calgary Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a unique cultural experience. This area is ideal for families and business travelers alike, with a variety of shopping centers and educational venues. Visitors can explore urban parks, modern towers, and monuments that reflect the rich heritage of the community. The seasonal influx of tourists peaks in the summer, particularly from July to September, allowing for a lively atmosphere filled with cultural festivals and events.
- Beltline: Positioned 966m from Downtown Calgary, the Beltline neighborhood presents a lively mix of family fun, sports, and adventure. With its array of shopping areas and arena entertainment facilities, it’s a hub for those seeking an active urban lifestyle. The local landmarks, including a racetrack and convention center, provide plenty of options for exploration. While visitor numbers peak in April and during the summer months, the area maintains a steady flow of tourists year-round, making it a consistent choice for an exciting getaway.
Things to do in and around Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary is perfect for family and business-themed vacations, offering a vibrant mix of activities. Enjoy outdoor experiences, explore shopping options at various malls, and immerse yourself in the nightlife at local bars and entertainment venues. The area features an arena for additional entertainment, making it a lively destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and excitement in the heart of the city.
Shopping
In Downtown Calgary, visit Eau Claire Market Mall for a vibrant shopping atmosphere with diverse shops and dining options. TD Square offers a mix of retail and entertainment, perfect for families. Don't miss the CORE Shopping Centre, which features a variety of stores in a lively setting.
Recreation
Explore McMahon Stadium for an energetic sports atmosphere, or glide across the ice at Max Bell Centre for exhilarating skating fun. For a soothing escape, visit Foothills Athletic Park, where you can unwind in a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of skiing at Canada Olympic Park, located 11.3km from Downtown Calgary, where you can enjoy outdoor adventures and winter sports. Alternatively, visit The Shooting Edge, 6.4km away, for an exciting shooting experience that will surely get your adrenaline pumping.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife in Downtown Calgary with a visit to Theatre Calgary for a captivating performance filled with romance and culture. For family-friendly entertainment, the Discovery Dome offers an engaging planetarium experience. Alternatively, enjoy another enchanting show at GRAND, where the atmosphere is equally rich in entertainment and romance.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Calgary
To save money on your trip to Downtown Calgary, consider visiting between December and February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to set your budget and filter options, such as Eco-certified hotels, to find affordable accommodations. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Take advantage of Calgary's efficient public transport system for economical travel around the city, and explore free attractions to maximize your experience without breaking the bank.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Calgary are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Calgary is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Calgary is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Downtown Calgary with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary is perfect for family, city, and business-themed vacations, offering attractions like urban parks, modern towers, and event conference venues. Visitors can explore cultural experiences at the heart of Calgary, including Calgary Chinatown, Calgary Tower, and Theatre Calgary, along with various venues throughout the city. This vibrant area caters to travelers seeking a rich city experience and family-friendly activities.
- Calgary Tower: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Calgary from this iconic 191-meter tower. Take a glass-floored observation deck stroll for a unique perspective of the vibrant cityscape below, capturing the essence of Calgary's modern vibe.
- BMO Centre: As a premier event and conference venue, the BMO Centre buzzes with business energy. Attend trade shows, exhibitions, or corporate events while enjoying state-of-the-art facilities in this bustling hub of commerce.
- Calgary TELUS Convention Centre: This lively arena offers a variety of entertainment options, perfect for families. Enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and community events in a space that fosters fun and connection for all ages.
Best time to go to Downtown Calgary
The best time to visit Downtown Calgary can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Calgary falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Calgary falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Calgary
Flying into Downtown Calgary is convenient via Calgary International Airport (YYC), located 9.7km away. Several excellent hotel options are available nearby, including the 4-star Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, situated 1.6km from the airport, and MOD A Sonesta Collection, also 1.6km away. Both hotels provide easy access to the airport. The Westin Calgary Airport is another great choice, located just 1.4km from YYC. These hotels offer comfortable accommodations and are well-connected to the airport, ensuring a hassle-free arrival for tourists visiting Calgary.