Heading to Calgary? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2-3 days (add 1 more for nature day trips)
- Best for: Urban explorers, festival-lovers, outdoorsy types, foodies
- Why visit: Friendly locals, lively festivals, and easy access to epic nature
CALGARY AT A GLANCE
- Population: ~1.6 million (metro) – Alberta’s biggest!
- Diverse city: Over 120 languages spoken, 25% foreign-born
- Famous for: The Calgary Stampede, Olympic legacy, Bow River, beautiful skyline
- Nicknames: C-Town, Cowtown, Stampede City, Heart of the West
- Solo vibe: Clean, safe, welcoming; easy to meet people at hostels and events
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- 🗣 Language: English (widely spoken, multicultural city)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: June–August for outdoor festivals, patio weather, and lively city vibes; winter for skiing/snowboarding getaways
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: 300 BRT bus to downtown, $11 (buy from driver), ~40 min
- Taxi/Uber: ~$45, about 20 min, available 24/7
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe; just avoid 7th Avenue, Mustard Seed, 10th Ave, Beltline, Forest Heights after dark
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Calgary Stampede in July – book far in advance!
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Cool Runnings” (some Olympic magic and Alberta scenery)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ HI Calgary City Centre: Modern, super clean, right in East Village downtown. Free breakfast, social areas (pool table, TV), perfect for meeting other travelers.
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood: Downtown core (East Village, Macleod Trail, University Gate) – walkable, safe, close to nightlife and transit.
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Kensington – trendy, indie, great cafes, slightly quieter but still very central.
- 💸 Budget option: Toa Vietnamese + cheap motels/hostels near Centre St & Chinatown – close to eats and transit.
- Tip: Always book ahead in July (Stampede month) and aim for accommodations near an LRT/C-Train station for fast city access.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Downtown is ultra walkable with clear signage and pedestrian-friendly +15 Skywalk system (indoor walking superhighway!).
- 🚌 Bus/Transit: Calgary Transit runs buses & C-Train LRT; single ride is $3.60 (includes transfers). All-day/monthly passes available; download Calgary Transit app for real-time info.
- 🚋 C-Train LRT: Covers most attractions and suburbs; easy tap-on, tap-off.
- 🚖 Taxis/Uber: Delta Cabs (403-278-9999), Uber widely used – often better pricing than cabs.
- 🚲 Bike rentals: U-Bicycle, local shops; Bow River Pathway offers scenic and safe biking.
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Calgary Tower: 360° observation deck, glass floor, unbeatable skyline and mountain views – iconic solo selfie spot.
- 🌿 Bow River Pathway: Walk/bike along glacier-blue water, cross the striking red Peace Bridge, soak up the local vibe.
- 🧠 Glenbow Museum: Dive into regional history and changing art exhibits; solo-friendly, never stuffy.
- 🧭 Stephen Avenue: Animated pedestrian-only strip with shops, patios, buskers; lively and safe, perfect for a summer stroll.
- 🎨 Devonian Gardens: Indoor tropical oasis inside downtown mall; free entry, fountains, ponds, and a green break from city buzz.
- 🔀 Wildcard: Heritage Park Historical Village: Meet costumed interpreters, ride a steam train, time-travel Calgary-style.
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Olympic Plaza: Unless there’s a concert or festival, there’s not much to see beyond the open square.
- ❌ 10th Avenue nightlife: Can be rowdy at night; trendier, safer options elsewhere.
- ❌ Mustard Seed area (east downtown): Little of interest and less safe after dark.
UNIQUE OUTDOORS ACCESS (SOLO-FRIENDLY!)
- 🏔 Nose Hill Park: Expansive wild park for panoramic city views and prairie hikes – safe and perfect for a solo ramble.
- 🚶♂️ Fish Creek Park & Carburn Park: Peaceful walking trails, river spots, loads of space for a quiet picnic.
- 🚙 Quick getaway: Day trip to Kananaskis, Canmore, or Banff – stunning hikes, easy bus or car rental options.
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – hip local chain for people-watching, with amazing donuts at Hoopla Donuts next door.
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Vern’s (dive bar) or Major Tom Bar (fancy cocktails + unreal skyline views)
- 🍽️ Try these local food(s): Alberta steak at Vintage Chophouse & Tavern, modern Canadian at CHARCUT Roast House; veggie-forward at Ten Foot Henry.
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Chinatown (Centre St./1st St.) and 17th Ave for ethnic eats; Toa Vietnamese downtown for tasty, cheap meals.
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Ten Foot Henry (vegetarian-leaning, not just for veggies!).
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Shelter Cocktail Bar – sophisticated, cozy, creative drinks; or Palomino for live music with your whiskey.
BEST OF CALGARY IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Grab a coffee/tea and walk the Bow River Pathway; sunrise over the water = magic
- Morning: Ride up Calgary Tower for city views, then quick breakfast at Hoopla Donuts
- Lunch: Explore Stephen Avenue; grab lunch from food trucks or a bistro patio
- Afternoon: Dive into local history/art at Glenbow Museum, pop into Devonian Gardens for a breather
- Evening: Window shop and wander in lively Kensington or 17th Ave (good people-watching, indie shops)
- Dinner: Feast on Alberta steak or anything at CHARCUT, or go global in Chinatown
- Night: Listen to live music at Palomino, then end with a classy cocktail at Major Tom Bar
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Calgary Stampede in July = wild rodeos, music, parades, city-wide party. Insane crowds—book early and embrace cowboy kitsch.
- 📍 Hidden gem: Carburn Park – tucked-away riverside haven, beloved for peaceful walks and a solo picnic.
- 📷 Photo spots: Calgary Tower glass floor, Peace Bridge, Nose Hill Park for panoramic cityscapes.
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Canadians are polite! Hold doors, say thank you, and line up for transit.
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Calgary is very safe, but use common sense and skip sketchy areas at night.
- 👀 One last thing: Grab a cowboy hat (even just for a day), and see how friendly everyone gets!