Top Calgary Art & Culture in 2026

Each year, more than one million guests from around the world come to Calgary to experience the heart-pounding action of the world’s largest outdoor show featuring breakaway racing, barrel racing and more! The Calgary Stampede is also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with four stages and 100 performers, including a slate of international music headliners. Worldclass agricultural events and adrenaline-pumping Midway rides will entertain guests of all ages. Experience First Nations culture and traditions at Elbow River Camp in Calgary Stampede’s beautiful ENMAX Park. Tickets purchased in advance admit the ticket holder to Stampede Park on the date that the ticket is valid.

Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for the natural beauty of the rugged Badlands on a skip-the-line tour to Drumheller and the Hoodoos from Calgary. Marvel at dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum; hike to the floor of Horseshoe Canyon; explore the surreal landscape of the Hoodoos; and visit the World's Largest Dinosaur, a towering roadside attraction. Enjoy hotel pickup for added convenience on this day trip.

Discover the highlights of Calgary on this tip-based guided walking tour. Learn about Calgary’s history as you walk around to iconic attractions, including the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, Central Library, City Hall, and more. Learn about Calgary’s must-do experiences and receive recommendations for food, entertainment, and nightlife from your guide.

From geological wonders to some of history’s most iconic beasts, dinosaurs, Alberta is home to plenty of prehistoric marvels. Set out from Calgary on an 8-hour small-group tour to the Drumheller Badlands. Explore one of the world’s most famous collections of dinosaur fossils, visit the ghost town of Wayne, witness the ancient wind-sculpted Hoodoos, and more.

With diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are a great spot for nature enthusiasts. On this full-day guided tour, head to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to see the mountains reflected in crystal-clear waters, take in panoramic views from the Banff Gondola, and grab some souvenirs in Banff Town with free time to wander around its boutique alpine stores and restaurants.

Become a detective in a thrilling outdoor murder mystery Solve 10–15 interactive puzzles and challenges Explore Calgary with a GPS-guided storyline Great for couples, families, or groups of friends Play anytime at your own pace, pause and resume freely Approx. 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of walking on city sidewalks; minimal elevation change.

Savor Calgary's culinary delights on a guided food tour through downtown. Sample iconic dishes like bánh mì from Chinatown, Alberta brisket, and Afghan dumplings. This 3-hour journey includes six unique stops, culminating in a delightful drinking chocolate experience. Enjoy insider knowledge about Calgary’s food scene, curated by local experts. Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike, this small-group tour guarantees a maximum of 12 participants for an intimate experience. - Explore six delicious stops in downtown Calgary - Taste local specialties, including ginger beef and buñuelo - Benefit from insider insights from knowledgeable local guides - 3-hour small-group tour with a maximum of 12 participants

Experience Calgary's Beltline District with this private self-guided smartphone tour. Explore historical landmarks, parks, and the renowned Stampede grounds. Highlights include St. Mary's Cathedral, Central Memorial Park, Senator Lougheed Residence, and Chinook Arc. Enjoy the flexibility to start and stop anywhere along the route, with GPS navigation guiding you seamlessly, and enjoy a location-based trivia game for added fun.

Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies on the Classic Banff and Lake Louise Explorer tour. This full-day adventure showcases stunning mountain landscapes and the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louis. With opportunities for optional hikes and guided sightseeing, nature lovers and photographers can capture the beauty of Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge. Enjoy free time to explore the charming town of Banff, making this a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation amidst the breathtaking wilderness. Full-day tour from 7 AM to 7 PM, covering major highlights Visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and Banff Town Comfortable transportation and park fees included Ideal for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers

Discover the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies on this full-day tour featuring iconic sights like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Enjoy convenient shuttle service from Calgary, Banff or Canmore, eliminating the hassle of parking. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, then soak in the breathtaking views at Moraine Lake. Visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park for a serene experience before hiking through Johnston Canyon’s picturesque waterfalls. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a guided exploration of Canada’s natural beauty. - Full-day tour with dedicated shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - Enjoy scenic walks along turquoise lakes and stunning mountain vistas - Visit Emerald Lake and Johnston Canyon for tranquil and accessible nature experiences - Small group tour led by a local expert guide for personalized insights

The Military Museums in Calgary invites you to dive into Canada’s military history with an engaging experience across eight unique museums. Explore a First World War trench, navigate a Second World War ship’s wheelhouse, and participate in a bomber squadron’s mission. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of galleries, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, this destination is ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to learn about the sacrifices and triumphs of those who served.

Experience Calgary like never before with complete freedom to discover the city's treasures at your own rhythm, diving deep into exclusive historical narratives and hidden stories that guidebooks never reveal. This immersive audio experience delivers authentic local insights through expertly crafted storytelling, allowing you to choose which attractions captivate you most while skipping those that don't match your interests. Unlike rigid group tours with fixed schedules, pausing to photograph stunning architecture, lingering at fascinating exhibits, or simply absorbing the atmosphere without rushing. The professional narration brings Calgary's past to life with engaging voices that make complex history accessible and entertaining, while rich descriptions help you notice architectural details and cultural nuances you'd otherwise miss, creating a personalized journey that transforms ordinary sightseeing into an extraordinary exploration of Calgary's soul.

This audio tour service takes visitors on an incredible journey through craggy mountains, sparking lakes, and colossal glaciers. Spot exciting wildlife along one of the world’s most scenic drives. This self-guided audio tour allows visitors to go beyond the surface and discover behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions invaluable to understanding the area like a local.

Travel Alberta’s Cowboy Trail from the Calgary area to Lundbreck Falls through ranchland, foothill towns and mountain views. Allow 3–4 hours for roughly 200–230 km of driving, plus time for optional detours. This self-guided smartphone tour has 28 mapped itinerary entries and 30+ GPS-triggered Tripvia stories, including the Okotoks Erratic, Diamond Valley, Bar U Ranch, Chain Lakes and the Livingstone Range. Start at either end and drive in your own vehicle at your own pace. Download the tour before departure for offline audio and a live GPS route map; pause whenever you like. There is no in-person guide. Optional historic-site tours, attraction admission and interior access are separate and may be seasonal.

Embark on a winter adventure to Waterton National Park, starting with a scenic drive from Calgary. First, visit the Bison Paddock to see these majestic animals in a snowy setting. Next, marvel at the frozen beauty of Cameron Falls and enjoy a meal or afternoon tea in the charming Waterton townsite, with options including the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. For the adventurous, hike the Bear's Hump Trail for panoramic views, and finish with the striking Red Rock Canyon. Return to Calgary with unforgettable winter memories from this unique tour.

Avoid crowded group tours and rigid itineraries in Calgary with a private, app-based scavenger hunt designed for flexible exploration. Instead of following a fixed route, you solve clues that guide you through local landmarks while keeping the experience interactive and self-paced. It’s an easy way for groups to stay engaged together without the pressure of a traditional tour schedule.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on this full-day private tour. Leaving from Calgary, explore Lake Louise and Banff National Park with friends or family. Enjoy a hike, stroll, or canoe (at own expense) around the turquoise Lake Louise; continue to Banff to admire the surrounding mountains; and take in Lake Minnewanka on a boat cruise (at own expense).

Explore Calgary's Bow River at your own pace on an 8 km, self-guided audio tour you can walk or bike. Allow about 2.5–3 hours for 31 narrated points of interest, from the Peace Bridge and Prince's Island Park to The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), Inglewood and Harvie Passage. Your smartphone's GPS triggers the stories as you go, while a live route map shows where you are and what comes next. Download the tour before setting out for offline use, pause whenever you like, and return to it later—there is no in-person guide or fixed schedule. The route is mainly outdoors, with exterior and pass-by views of landmarks; admission and interior access are separate. Check current pathway conditions and follow signed detours, as riverside construction or seasonal closures may affect individual segments without preventing you from enjoying the tour.

Drive from the Calgary area along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail into Waterton Lakes National Park, where ranchland gives way to mountain lakes and waterfalls. Allow 6–7 hours for the roughly 350 km route, with more distance and time for optional parkway detours and stops. This self-guided smartphone tour has 56 mapped itinerary entries and 60+ GPS-triggered Tripvia stories, including the Okotoks Erratic, Bar U Ranch, Lundbreck Falls, Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake. Download the tour before departure for offline audio and a live GPS route map. Drive in your own vehicle, pause whenever you like and explore at your own pace; there is no in-person guide. Park admission and optional attraction entry are separate. Red Rock Parkway, the Bison Paddock Loop and vehicle access to Cameron Lake are seasonal, so check road conditions before travel.

Discover Calgary’s downtown on a 4 km self-guided smartphone audio walk with 28 points of interest. Pass Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue, the Fairmont Palliser, City Hall, Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), The Bow and striking public art. GPS-triggered stories play as you walk, and a live route map shows your location and the way ahead. Download the tour before setting out for offline use, then pause or return whenever you like; there is no fixed schedule or in-person guide. Olympic Plaza and Glenbow are undergoing redevelopment, so enjoy their stories from nearby public streets. Attraction admission and optional interior visits are separate.

Instead of trying to work out how to navigate Banff National Park on your own, join your guide for a full-day minivan tour from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. Take in panoramic views of craggy mountains and lush forests from the Banff Gondola or relax in the region’s natural hot springs (seasonal closure applies). Snap photos from Sulphur Mountain and enjoy more natural wonders throughout the day.

Discover dinosaur facts you won’t find in guidebooks on this full-day small-group tour of Alberta’s Drumheller Badlands. After setting out from Calgary, enjoy a 2-hour 15-minute visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s paleontology displays, visit Drumheller's Little Church, stop briefly at the Welcome to Drumheller Sign for a photo, wander among the towering mushroom-shaped rock pillars at The Hoodoos, and much more.

Visit Studio Bell in Calgary, the home of the National Music Centre. The attraction opened in 2016 with five floors of music focused and interactive exhibits--it's like a music festival in a museum. In addition to the museum dedicated to Canadian music icons, Studio Bell houses the impressive Kimball Theatre Organ, over 22 stages and studio spaces, and the opportunity for visitors to try their hand at being a musician themselves.