Calgary tours and excursions

Calgary tours

Walking tours

Long-time Calgarians lead CalgaryWalks tours, giving you local insight into famous landmarks and secret spots. The main tour takes place in the downtown core, exploring Stephen Avenue Mall and the Bow River Pathway. Tours run from mid-April to mid-September and are limited to eight participants, so book ahead.

Tel: +1 855 620 6520.
Website: http://www.calgarywalks.com

Minibus tours

The XperienceCalgary Tour takes you by minibus to the city's top sights, including Fort Calgary, Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. You can either choose to do a half-day tour on its own, or you can combine it with entry to Heritage Park. Tours run from mid-May to mid-October.

Tel: +1 855 595 1855.
Website: http://rtbtours.ca/package/calgary-city-tours

Calgary excursions

Alberta Badlands

About 140km (87 miles) east of Calgary, the Alberta Badlands are a moon-like landscape of hills and flats peppered with hardy brush and scrubby grass, formed by the waters of the last Ice Age. What makes the area unmissable is the Royal Tyrrell Museum near Drumheller, which features dozens of full-size dinosaur skeletons.

Tel: +1 403 823 7741.
Website: http://www.canadianbadlands.org

Banff National Park

Just over an hour's drive west of Calgary, Banff National Park entices outdoor enthusiasts to explore the stunning beauty and splendour of the Canadian Rockies. Rising from the plains, the dramatic snow-covered peaks abound with wildlife, glacial lakes, forests, rivers and hot springs. The park is home to wolves, mountain goats, eagles and grizzly bears and elk.

Tel: +1 403 762 8421
Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Elan

Handy for the bars and eateries along nearby 17th Avenue, Hotel Elan has bright, modern rooms, plus one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and separate living areas. Rates include an extensive continental breakfast and 15MB Wi-Fi. If you're here during Calgary's chilly winter, you're sure to appreciate the heating toilet seats.

Hotel Le Germain

This Montreal hotel has 101 designer rooms. Everything is eye pleasing from the minimalist furniture to the low-lit hallways. If you own an iPad and appreciate nice shoes, this trendy hotel should tick your boxes. Rooms are loft style and have superior cotton sheets, goose down duvets and – ladies will appreciate this - Aveda bathroom products.

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites University

This place does what it says on the tin: it's cheap. Free Wi-Fi breakfast and parking make it an even more attractive proposition to the budget traveller. All rooms come with a fridge and microwave while some have a kitchenette. Plus there's an indoor pool and fitness centre. The hotel is near the university and light rail.

Kensington Riverside Inn

In trendy Kensington (a short walk from the business district), overlooking the Bow River and downtown Calgary, this 19-room hotel is a real gem. The spacious rooms are individually decorated, with plush bedding and free Wi-Fi. Some have fireplaces or garden patios. The Chef's Table restaurant features grain-fed, fresh, organic food.

Hotel Arts

Setting foot in Hotel Arts on a hot day is like arriving at a Miami beach party, with the cool and the beautiful draping themselves, cocktails in hand, by the outdoor pool. Calgary's chic, sexy and independently owned designer hotel is within walking distance of all downtown venues. Rooms are stylish, and the hip Raw Bar serves 'Vietmodern' cuisine.

Fairmont Palliser

The grande dame of Calgary's hotels, the Fairmont Palliser has been welcoming guests since 1914. Rooms are elegant and luxurious, and there's a posh health club and spa with an indoor pool. You can enjoy cocktails and craft brews in the sophisticated Oak Lounge or treat yourself to a fancy afternoon tea.

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