How Many Days In Calgary Is Enough?

If you’re planning a trip to Calgary, you might be wondering how many days in Calgary is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while in the area.

If you’re interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least two or three days in Calgary.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Canada has to offer, such as learning more about Calgary’s culture and history or admiring the city’s street art.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Calgary might be enough for you.

But if you’d like to slow things down and have a little more time to spend at each attraction, you might want to consider 3 days in Calgary instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Calgary you’ll need.

You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Calgary’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit and enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Calgary

Deciding how long to spend in Calgary can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Calgary, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure.

Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how long to spend in Calgary.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

If not, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.

If you want to get to Calgary early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, so it should not be a problem. However, if you want to be sure, verify with your accommodation first.

Activities In Calgary

As with most major cities, Calgary is full of things to see, do, and explore.

This means you must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

That said, we also recommend taking some time to enjoy nature’s beauty by going hiking at Nose Hill Park.

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Calgary you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 3 days in Calgary will definitely suit you better than 2.

However, if you wish to visit the Canadian Rockies while in Alberta, you may want to consider a day trip from Calgary if you’re on a rush or you could spend less time in Calgary and spend more time in Banff or Jasper National Park.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by public transportation or by car?

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit, and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Calgary.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

That said, if you’re going to Calgary directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.

Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

What To Do In Calgary

Here are some of the best sights and experiences to enjoy in Calgary, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

The Calgary Stampede

If you visit Calgary during the beginning of July, you must check out the Calgary Stampede. Known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, this festival celebrates Calgary’s Western heritage and culture.

Rodeos, live music, rides, fireworks, and more await. It’s one of the biggest yearly events in Calgary, so it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re in Calgary at this time of year.

Alternatively, if you visit Calgary at a different moment, you can come and see the iconic building. Its shape is unique, and you’ll find other attractions and sights nearby.

Suggested time: Full day

Calgary Tower

From its 191-metre height, the Calgary Tower offers an impressive 360° view of the city, the Rocky Mountains, the foothills, and the prairies.

The most courageous will be able to take in the city from above, standing on the glass floor.

Suggested time: 30 to 60 minutes

Gasoline Alley Museum

Located at the Heritage Park Historical Village, the Gasoline Alley Museum will win over car lovers.

This museum features a vast collection of restored classic automobiles manufactured between 1900 and 1950 and vintage oil and gas artifacts.

This museum will take you on a journey through time.

Suggested time: Half a day

Final Thoughts On Calgary Getaways

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Calgary is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting any time!

Calgary is a great destination for learning more about the city’s culture and history or exploring nature.

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