Travel Notes

Welcome to Calgary, the 5th most livable city in the world!

We are so excited to host you in our city. Calgary is a vibrant, young city with plenty of things to do and just a short drive away from the stunning Rocky Mountains. 

We have people flying and driving in from all over the world! Please plan to arrive at least one day before the event if you are coming from out of town and let us know if you plan on coming earlier. Those coming by air should fly into the Calgary International Airport.

Calgary is a city that is notorious for being able to dabble in all four seasons in a single day! While we are praying and preparing for sunny, clear skies, it's essential to always have a light jacket or sweater with you as it tends to cool down in the evenings.

If you are planning on coming early or staying for a while, check out our list of some things to do while you are here!


Things to Do

The Calgary Tower

Every major Canadian city has an impressive means to get a birds-eye view of all the action and Calgary is no different. One of the best ways to orient yourself around any city is to get above it all and the Calgary Tower, some 1228 meters above sea level gives you a 360 view of the city. The 62 second trip from the bottom takes you to the first observation deck where you and 249 of your closest friends can enjoy sweeping, uninterrupted views. And once your breath has been completely stolen, head to the second observation deck and enjoy a cocktail, some appetizers and the best view in town.

The Calgary Zoo

Canada is home to a number of highly respected zoos, and the Calgary Zoo has not only joined the ranks, it leads the charge in terms of successful breeding programs, diversity of animals, research dollars and educational programs. The Calgary Zoo will take you on a journey through the heart of Africa with Hippos, Mountain Gorillas, Giraffes and anything else you might find on the Serengeti. Come get a feel for Canada’s wilderness and watch playful grizzlies and mischievous mountain goats. There are more than 1000 animals, along with botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and Centre for Conservation and Research. If you have little ones along, this is one of the most entertaining things to do in Calgary.


The Mountains!

Calgary is just a short drive away from the spectacular Rocky Mountains. 

No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to Banff National Park. Even if you landed in Toronto, thousands of miles away, a trip to this part of the world would be worth every penny, but you only have to travel and hour and a half! The town of Banff is the gateway to the Rockies, an unrelenting 6,641 km2 of absolutely pristine, rugged wilderness. Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Canada’s very first National Park. As you may have guessed, this is a proverbial mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone from hardcore mountain climbers, cyclists, hikers, backcountry skiers and kayak junkies can be found in and amongst Canada’s greatest playground.

Take a Horseback Riding Tour

You know what they say, when in Rome! Alberta is cattle and ranch country, and Calgarians are all cowboys and cowgirls at heart. Why not spend the day feeling like the real deal and head to explore wide open spaces on a horseback riding tour. There are plenty of companies a short drive from the city, and with the Rocky Mountains to the East and West, and nothing but rolling hills in front of you, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Shop 17th Ave and the Entertainment District

Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are generally more renown for their calibre of shopping, however, with Calgary’s young demographic, just about anything you would find in the larger cities you’ll find on Calgary’s famed 17th Ave, plus a few quirky shops you won’t find elsewhere. From mainstream favorites like Gravity Pope, West Elm and Frank & Oak, to cool record shops, chic knitting boutiques and glitzy jewelry shops fit for any Manhattanite. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, punctuated with cocktails at the hottest wine bar in town, this are over 400 shops, restaurants and services at your beck and call.

Studio Bell - National Music Centre

No other place tells the stories of music in Canada quite like this. And it is housed in one of the most architecturally stunning spaces in the city.
Spanning over 450 years of music history and innovation, NMC’s collection is comprised of more than 2,000 pieces that help tell the stories of music in Canada. Our collection is the foundation for many programs offered at Studio Bell, and provides artists and visitors with unprecedented access to music history and technology.
Many unique pieces from the collection can be found on display throughout Studio Bell, while our “living” collection provides visiting artists and artists in residence with access to more than 200 fully functional historic instruments maintained by NMC’s in-house technicians.

Car Pool

Sharing is Caring!

We highly encourage carpooling! People will be coming from all over the country, some flying and some driving. If you have a vehicle and some extra space, please sign up to carpool! Click this link to sign up to give a ride or get a ride!

Dining

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Did you know Calgary is home to some of Canada's top restaurants? Who would have thought this land-locked province could compete with its seemingly more populated big brothers to the West and East. Calgary’s multicultural demographic and strategic location (surrounded by farm lands) makes it a hotbed for fusion restaurants, farm-to-table trends, the evolution of mixology and a burgeoning food truck presence. The restaurant and dining options here are endless, and every month it seems, there is some hot, new eatery making national headlines.

CarRentals.com

Car away from home?

Expedia

Flight and travel booking

Fly. Drive. Stay. Book your travel.

Uber
Uber

Ride In Style

Use promo code APPYCOUPLE when requesting your ride. New customers get $15 off your first ride with Uber.

Emergency Info

Get Travel Insurance

Hopefully, no one will need to use this, but with so many people coming in from out of the country, we thought we would add a quick blurb. 

Even though healthcare cost is covered for Canadians and permanent residents, it is not covered for visitors. Please make sure that you have travel insurance when you come. There are many affordable options to choose from and many credit cards will cover your first 7-10 days of travel if you book your flights with the card (make sure you check). One option for insurance is listed below.