Staycation in downtown Calgary
#EXPLOREDOWNTOWNYYC Downtown Staycation
Welcome to Choose Your Own Downtown Adventure, where you design your itinerary and #ExploreDowntownYYC your way!
This itinerary is based on all things “Staycation." Unwind and experience something new without having to leave the city. Downtown offers plenty of opportunities to be a tourist in your own city from boutique hotel experiences, to amazing attractions, local shopping and top restaurants. Ready, set, explore!
Wander through a day downtown! Click the red hyperlinks or pictures below to learn more about each activity.
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Downtown hotels
Need to get away but don’t have the time to board a plane? Don’t stress! Check out the great deals offered by local hotels downtown that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Couples Spa Package with Le Germain Hotel
Escape to an elegant oasis with the relaxing Couples Spa Package at Le Germain Hotel Calgary. This offer includes one night accommodation, a 60-minute couple massage at the RnR Wellness Spa onsite, Wi-Fi, parking, and late checkout.
Where: 899 Centre St. S
Website: Le Germain Hotel
Celebration Package with Fairmont Palliser
Plan a spontaneous getaway and discover the grandest of feelings at Fairmont Palliser. Enjoy sparkling wine paired with a sweet treat upon arrival and reconnect over an intimate dinner for two in Hawthorn with a $50 dining credit. Retire to your luxury guest room and wake up refreshed knowing you have some time to linger with a late check-out.
Where: 133 Ninth Ave. S.W.
Website: Fairmont Palliser
Awaken Package at Hyatt Regency Calgary
Treat yourself to the Awaken Package at the Hyatt Regency Calgary with the most important meal of the day. Start your day off right with breakfast for two in Thomsons Kitchen & Bar along with a late 1:00 p.m. checkout.
Where: 700 Centre St. S
Website: Hyatt Regency Calgary
Bed & Breakfast at The Westley Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing morning with a bed and breakfast stay at The Westley Hotel. This package includes breakfast at Fonda Fora, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the lobby of The Westley Hotel, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Where: 630 Fourth Ave. S.W.
Website: The Westley Hotel
SKA Hydrotherapy Retreat at The Westin
Enrich your soul and enjoy breakfast for two, complimentary parking and hydrotherapy access for two people!
Where: 320 Fourth Ave. S.W.
Website: The Westin
Boutique Retreat at The Dorian Hotel
Looking to experience a one-of-a-kind hotel stay at one of Calgary’s most luxurious hotels? Look no further than The Dorian Hotel. With its “One Key” designation (equivalent to a Michelin Star for hotels), this accommodation is like no other. Enjoy 15% off when you stay three nights or more over the weekend and enjoy some fine dining at the in-house restaurant, The Wilde on 27.
Where: 525 Fifth Ave. S.W.
Website: The Dorian Hotel
Photo credit: Gabe Roth
Downtown tourist attractions
Be a tourist in your own city and rediscover Calgary’s top attractions with fresh eyes during your staycation experience!
Calgary Tower
Where: 101 Ninth Ave. S.W.
Website: Calgary Tower
Why visit: Offering a stunning 360-degree view of the city, the Calgary Tower is a must-see for anyone looking to get a unique perspective on the downtown skyline. Don't forget to check out the glass floor!
Calgary Central Library
Where: 800 Third St. S.E.
Website: Calgary Central Library
Why visit: Known for its stunning architecture, this library offers more than just books. It's an iconic space that often hosts local events, live performances, and workshops.
Prince’s Island Park
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave. N.W.
Website: Prince’s Island Park
Why visit: Take a stroll along the Bow River, enjoy a picnic, or take part in one of the seasonal festivals held here. Prince’s Island Park offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city.
The Calgary Zoo
Where: 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E.
Website: The Calgary Zoo
Why visit: A short trip from downtown, the Calgary Zoo offers an engaging and educational experience with over 1,000 animals and several special exhibits. It’s the perfect family-friendly attraction.
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Where: 850 Fourth St. S.E.
Website: Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Why visit: Explore five floors of interactive exhibits, musical instruments, and memorabilia celebrating Canadian music history.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary)
Where: 750 Ninth Ave. S.E.
Website: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary)
Why visit: Learn about Calgary’s founding and Indigenous history at this cultural and historical site located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
Sam Centre
Where: 632 13th Ave. S.E.
Website: Sam Centre
Why visit: Dive into the history of the Calgary Stampede with interactive exhibits and multimedia shows.
The Palace Theatre
Where: 219 Eighth Ave. S.W.
Website: The Palace Theatre
Why visit: Step into a vibrant world of live music with performances ranging from pop to punk in a historic venue. The Palace Theatre’s stunning architecture and incredible acoustics offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night out.
Globe Cinema
Where: 617 Eighth Ave. S.W.
Website: Globe Cinema
Why visit: Movie lovers will adore the Globe Cinema’s vintage charm. This beloved theatre screens classic films, as well as indie flicks and features during the annual Calgary International Film Festival.
Arts Commons
Where: 205 Eighth Ave. S.E.
Website: Arts Commons
Why visit: Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Calgary with performances from local theatre companies like Alberta Theatre Projects and One Yellow Rabbit. Whether it's a classic or contemporary show, Arts Commons offers a dynamic theatre experience that captures the essence of Calgary's creative spirit.
Contemporary Calgary
Where: 117 Eighth Ave. S.W.
Website: Contemporary Calgary
Why visit: Discover the innovative world of contemporary art at Contemporary Calgary, where global art installations and rotating exhibitions bring new ideas to life. Explore their open-studio residency and speaker series for a deeper dive into the creative process.
17th Ave & The Entertainment District
Where: 14th St. to 17th Ave. S.W.
Website: 17th Ave & The Entertainment District
Why visit: This bustling area is a local favorite, offering a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, boutiques, and nightclubs. The best time to visit is in the evening when the area truly comes alive with energy, making it a must-see for both locals and tourists.
Stephen Avenue Walk
Where: Eighth Ave. S.W.
Website: Stephen Avenue Walk
Why visit: This vibrant street is lined with heritage buildings, cafes, shops, and galleries. It's a great spot to enjoy a leisurely walk while exploring Calgary’s downtown.
Public Art Tour
Where: Throughout Downtown Calgary
Website: Public Art Tour
Why visit: Explore Calgary’s creative side with a self-guided public art tour showcasing sculptures, murals, and installations throughout the city. It’s a free, fun, and cultural way to learn about the city’s artistic spirit, perfect for a summer evening stroll.
The Bow Wonderland Sculpture
Where: 500 Centre St. S
Website: The Bow Wonderland Sculpture
Why visit: Check out Calgary's most iconic skyscraper and its impressive art installations. Stop by for a photo op with the famous “Wonderland” sculpture located at the base of the tower.
Peace Bridge
Where: Bow River, Downtown Calgary
Website: Peace Bridge
Why visit: Designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the Peace Bridge is a stunning architectural landmark. Walk or cycle across for incredible views of the river and downtown skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.
Devonian Gardens
Where: Fourth Floor, CORE Shopping Centre
Website: Devonian Gardens
Why visit: A lush indoor garden escape in the heart of the city, complete with over 500 trees, a koi pond, and a vertical living wall. It’s a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding and a must-visit year-round.
Photo credit: Colin Way
Support local shopping
Support local and experience downtown Calgary’s best shopping, from high-end boutiques to sustainable consignment finds.
Explore The CORE Shopping Centre for high-end brands and flagship stores, stroll along Stephen Avenue Walk for charming boutiques and unique local shops or embrace sustainable fashion by visiting some of downtown Calgary's top consignment stores.
Discover the best spots and plan your perfect shopping day with these guides:
Photo credit: Jesse Elliot
Top downtown restaurants
Downtown is more vibrant and dynamic than ever, day and night. The spirit of the city pulses through its bars and lounges, live music venues, and entertainment hotspots. Passion and originality are found in every kitchen, creating an unmatched culinary scene. Enjoy these downtown restaurants that celebrities love and have received top accolades!
Model Milk
Where: 308 17th Ave. S.W.
Website: Model Milk
Celebrity sightings: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Pedro Pascal and Billy Boyd
CHARCUT
Where: 899 Centre St. S
Website: CHARCUT
Celebrity sighting: Matty Matheson
GRETA
Where: 213 10th Ave. S.W.
Website: GRETA Calgary | Arcade · Bar · Streetfood
Celebrity sighting: Calgary’s own Tate McRae
Ten Foot Henry
Where: 1209 First St. S.W.
Website: Ten Foot Henry
Celebrity sightings: Elliott Lester and Trevor Noah
Monogram
Where: 420 Second St. S.W.
Website: The Best Coffee in Canada! – Monogram Coffee
Celebrity sighting: Leslie Grace
Aggüdo Coffee Roasters
Where: 338 10th St. N.W. #6,
Website: Aggudo Coffee Roasters
Celebrity sighting: Jon Hamm
Photo credit: Sofia Gauvin
Award-winning spots
Bridgette Bar
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Bridgette Bar
Where: 739 10th Ave. S.W.
Eight
Awards: 2024 Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants, 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Eight Restaurant
Where: 631 Confluence Way S.E.
Fortuna’s Row
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Fortuna's Row | Calgary's Contemporary Latin American Food
Where: 421 Riverfront Ave SE
Model Milk
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Model Milk
Where: 308 17th Ave. S.W.
Rouge
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Rouge Restaurant
Where: 1240 Eighth Ave. S.E.
Shokunin
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Shokunin
Where: 2016 Fourth St. S.W.
Major Tom
Awards: 2024 Canada’s top 100 Restaurants, 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Major Tom
Where: 700 Second St. S.W.
Teatro
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Teatro Ristorante | Teatro Restaurant Calgary | Fine Dining In The Heart of Downtown Calgary
Where: 200 Eighth Ave. S.E.
River Café
Awards: 2024 Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants, 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: River Cafe
Where: 25 Prince’s Island Park S.W.
Nupo
Award: 2024 Avenue Magazine Best Calgary Restaurant
Website: Nupo
Where: 631 Confluence Way S.E.
Getting here
Learn how you can get downtown by driving, taking Calgary Transit or walking, wheeling, running.