Overview
Yeehaw! 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.
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, 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 holiday.
Things to do
One of the top things to do on a Calagary 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 four world UNESCO heritage parks, 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 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
£14 per adult
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. Enjoy a complimentary tour and learn about Calgary's history, landmarks, and future plans for the city. Admission includes an audio guide with information in English, French, German and Mandarin.
Departures: Daily from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2016. Except Dec 25. -
Calgary Stampede Tickets
Starting from £54pp
A Wild West double-header that needs two days to fit it all in. Not only do you get two days of all the great on-park events and entertainment, you'll also get a prime Stampede Rodeo ticket for one day and an Evening Show ticket for the next day along with mementos that will help you relive the thrill forever. Alternatively enjoy two great days on Stampede Park - catch all the heart stopping Rodeo and Evening Show action from great seats and enjoy special Stampede mementos including vouchers and discounts, all in one great package.
Departures: Daily between 8 to 17 July 2016 -
Calgary Walking Food Tours
Wed & Thur tour £55pp, Sat Farmers Market £17pp
Sample Calgary's culinary gems while strolling at a leisurely pace through the city.
6 to 8 stops are included on each tour, all while learning about art, architecture and historical landmarks along the way. On Wednesday’s tour visit Inglewood - one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods - where you will get to enjoy an Italian lunch, see a knife skills demonstration, learn about blending spices, savour a chocolate tasting plus a private tour of Rouge restaurant and garden with wine, honey and sweets plus lots more. On Thursday it is off to Kensington to enjoy fine French food, Albertan poutine, pizza, cheese, savvy wine and delicious cupcakes and cookies. Saturday is a special day as you head to Calgary Farmers’ Market, where you can taste the flavours of Alberta and meet the ranchers and farmers who bring their food to your table.
Maximum 14 guests per tour
Departures: Between 20 May – 09 Oct 2016 -
Heritage Park Historical Village
£10 per adult, £7 per child (3-14)
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.
This excursion is a Signature Experience with Destination Canada.
Departures: Daily between 21 May – 10 Oct 2016 -
Winsport Canada - Adrenaline Combo
£59 per person
Experience the Summer Bobsleigh Ride and Zipline at the Park for one low price.
This excursion is a Signature Experience with Destination Canada.
Zipline: Soar from the top of Canada Olympic Park’s ski jump tower on North America’s fastest zipline! Fly down the unique cable system in a comfortable harness, reaching speeds between 120 and 140km/h. As Calgary’s highest vantage point, the ski jump tower provides a zipline that is 500 metres long with a vertical drop of more than 100 metres.
Summer bobsleigh: Experience the thrill of the summer Bobsleigh Ride at Canada Olympic Park. Accompanied by a professional driver, each rider and three friends will soar down the Olympic track, twisting and turning around 14 turns, traveling at speeds up to 100km/h while reaching 4G Forces. This will be 60 seconds you will talk about for the rest of your life!
Minimum age 14
Departures: Daily between 16 May – 7 Sep 2016 (Excluding 19,21,28 Jun)
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Calgary
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Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre
from £33
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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International Hotel Calgary
from £64
Located in downtown Calgary, close to shopping and entertainment districts, the rooms are spacious and neutrally decorated with light wood furnishings. ...see more
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Delta Calgary Downtown
from £65
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 £114
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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Coast Plaza Hotel
from £50
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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Executive Royal Hotel Calgary
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 Hotel Downtown Calgary
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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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 Calgary Airport
from £67
The Delta Calgary Airport couldn’t be much better placed, connected by indoor walkway to the terminal itself, and also just a twenty minute drive ...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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Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport
from £38
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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Travelodge Calgary Airport
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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Calgary Stampede Extravaganza Holiday
from £1,663
Embrace the western spirit with this fantastic holiday taking you through the stunning scenery of the Rockies before embracing the Stampede spirit in ...see more
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Canada Wildlife & Vancouver Island Holiday
from £3,149
Experience both the highlights and lesser visited areas of Canada’s wilderness on this group tour. Spend time in the Rockies and rural BC before ...see more
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Rocky Mountain Wild Holiday
from £3,885
Embark on a breath-taking adventure from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the peaceful Vancouver Island, in one of the most remote yet alluring areas of ...see more
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Sky to Sea Rail Tour
from £2,327
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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Western Journey Holiday
from £1,475
Experience the wonders of Alberta and BC on this escorted tour. Feast your eyes on striking Mountain scenery, local wildlife including bears and whales, ...see more
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Journey Through the Clouds Explorer & Alaska Cruise Holiday
from £3,625
Formerly known as 'Western Explorer & Alaska Cruise Holiday' for 2017
An exciting tour of Canada’s West with so much ...see more -
Journey Through the Clouds Explorer Holiday
from £2,695
Formerly known as 'Western Explorer'
An exciting tour of Canada’s West taking in all the highlights including ...see more -
Roaming the Rockies Holiday
from £677
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 Trail Holiday
from £2,068
The Rocky Mountains are your gateway to Canada. Marvel at the spectacular views of mountains and coastlines as the tour takes you from the rugged scenery ...see more
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Unlimited Adventures Holiday
from £2,106
This two-week holiday is the perfect way to experience the highlights of the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia. Marvel at the sights of waterfalls, ...see more
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Western Delights Holiday
from £1,875
Taking you on a quest through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll experience the incredible scenery of the National Parks and all of their ...see more
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Western Highlights Holiday
from £1,491
Enjoy the best of the west on this magical fly-drive journey from the Stampede City of Calgary, through the Rocky Mountains taking in its most popular ...see more
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Calgary and Banff Short Break
from £709
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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Canadian Rockies By Rail Holiday
from £1,971
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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First Passage to the West Highlights 5 nights Holiday
from £
2,246
Tour formerly known as 'Canadian Rockies Highlights'
Enjoy the major highlights of Canada’s West with this trip. ...see more -
Rainforest to Gold Rush Explorer Holiday
from £2,911
Formerly Known as Northern Explorer
The Rainforest to Gold Rush Explorer takes you on an epic journey beginning on the Sea to Sky ...see more -
Rocky Mountain Getaway Holiday
from £1,855
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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Western Rail Experience Holiday
from £2,428
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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Canadian Rockies Journey Holiday
from £2,759
This wonderful train tour takes you to all of the most popular areas in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Head deep into the Rockies to the glistening coastal ...see more
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Mountain Express Ex Vancouver
from £1,166
Ideal for those who have limited time to travel but want to see as much of western Canada’s highlights as possible. In just a week, this tour takes passengers ...see more
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Coastal Passage Excursion Holiday
from £2,979
Formerly known as Coastal Passage Canadian Rockies Excursion
Journey West on this exciting 7 day tour of the Canadian Rockies through ...see more -
First Passage to the West Excursion Holiday
from £2,108
Formerly known as Canadian Rockies Excursion
Commencing in the Stampede city of Calgary, enjoy a full day tour and enter the Canadian ...see more -
First Passage to the West Highlights 6 Nights Holiday
from £2,538
This relaxing week-long tour has many highlights but one that will most definitely stand out is the two day rail journey from the Canadian Rockies resort ...see more
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Journey Through the Clouds Excursion Holiday
from £2,229
Formerly known as Western Explorer Excursion
The Rocky Mountaineer train route was created over a century ago and today this historical ...see more -
Mountain Explorer Holiday
from £1,599
Depart on a unique journey, combining some of the most sought after destinations in Western Canada. This tour promises to delight with its vibrant energy ...see more
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Mountain Rails Holiday
from £2,569
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 at Leisure Holiday
from £3,156
This leisurely tour includes time spent in Banff National Park, including a helicopter flightseeing over the Rockies, magnificent Lake Louise and Jasper ...see more
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Rockies Rail Adventure Holiday
from £2,186
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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Rockies Winter Escape Holiday
from £874
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 £1,275
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
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Calgary
Top Tip 1
• Visit the Calgary Stampede. Yee-haw! 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 four UNESCO world heritage parks, 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 on board 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
• Pick up your chopsticks. Calgary is home to Canada’s fourth largest Chinatown, which means delicious Asian food is just a few steps away. Located in the northeast area of Downtown Calgary, Chinatown is definitely worth a visit.
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 6 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!


