Things to Do in Calgary

This list covers 20 popular things to do in Calgary, based on Google ratings and reviews as of October 2026. It includes museums, parks, a zoo, and an amusement ride. Southwest Calgary is the most common area, appearing for 10 places, followed by Northwest Calgary with 8. All places are free, as no price levels are listed.
Prince's Island Park has the most reviews at 9006, while The Military Museums and North Glenmore Park also have high ratings of 4.8 from thousands of reviews. Heritage Park has 8523 reviews and a 4.7 rating. The list shows a strong preference for outdoor and family friendly activities across the city, with many places open from early morning until late evening. The Calgary Zoo has 1806 reviews and a 4.7 rating, with reviewers often mentioning specific animal exhibits.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Military Museums | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 2,897 | |
| 2 | North Glenmore Park | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 2,626 | |
| 3 | Prince's Island Park | Eau Claire | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 9,006 | |
| 4 | Heritage Park | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 8,523 | |
| 5 | Gasoline Alley Museum | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 1,212 | |
| 6 | Bowness Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 7,466 | |
| 7 | Nose Hill Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 5,153 | |
| 8 | Downhill Karting by Skyline | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 3,839 | |
| 9 | South Glenmore Park | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,839 | |
| 10 | Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park | Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 910 | |
| 11 | Pearce Estate Park | Southeast Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,644 | |
| 12 | St. Mary's Cathedral | Southwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 888 | |
| 13 | Sue Higgins Park | Maple Ridge | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,432 | |
| 14 | Carburn Park | Riverbend | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,319 | |
| 15 | Confederation Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,865 | |
| 16 | Calgary Zoo | Southeast Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,806 | |
| 17 | Baker Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,605 | |
| 18 | Bowmont Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,519 | |
| 19 | Shouldice Park | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,377 | |
| 20 | McHugh Bluff | Northwest Calgary | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,372 |
The Military Museums
The Military Museums in Southwest Calgary is an army museum with a 4.8 rating from 2897 reviews. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Reviewers often mention military history, the cold war exhibit, and tanks.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-17:00
- Mon 10:00-17:00
- Tue 10:00-17:00
- Wed 10:00-17:00
- Thu 10:00-17:00
- Fri 10:00-17:00
- Sat 10:00-17:00
North Glenmore Park
North Glenmore Park is a park in Southwest Calgary, rated 4.8 from 2626 reviews. Reviewers often mention biking, the reservoir, and skating on its paths.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Prince's Island Park
Prince's Island Park is a city park in Eau Claire, open 24 hours. It has a 4.7 rating from 9006 reviews. Reviewers often mention festivals, a relaxing atmosphere, and its downtown location.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a history museum in Southwest Calgary, open weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. It is rated 4.7 from 8523 reviews. Reviewers often mention friendly staff, a train ride, and historical buildings.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-17:00
- Sat 10:00-17:00
Gasoline Alley Museum
Gasoline Alley Museum in Southwest Calgary has a 4.8 rating from 1212 reviews. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Reviewers often mention old cars, vintage trucks, and knowledgeable staff.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-17:00
- Mon 10:00-17:00
- Tue 10:00-17:00
- Wed 10:00-17:00
- Thu 10:00-17:00
- Fri 10:00-17:00
- Sat 10:00-17:00
Bowness Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 7466 reviews. Reviewers often mention picnic sites, a train ride, and canoeing on the lagoon.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Nose Hill Park
Rated 4.7 from 5153 reviews, it is known for hiking and biking. Reviewers often mention city views and deer.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Downhill Karting by Skyline
Downhill Karting by Skyline is an amusement park ride in Southwest Calgary. It has a 4.7 rating from 3839 reviews, with hours varying by day. Reviewers often mention it is fun for all ages and the chair lift.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-18:30
- Mon 10:00-18:00
- Fri 10:00-18:30
- Sat 10:00-18:30
South Glenmore Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 2839 reviews. Reviewers often mention the spray park, reservoir, and activities like kayaking and fishing.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park
It has a 4.8 rating from 910 reviews. Reviewers often mention trails, biking, and bird watching.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Pearce Estate Park
It is rated 4.7 from 2644 reviews. Reviewers often mention the river, picnics, and the fish hatchery.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Southwest Calgary. It has a 4.8 rating from 888 reviews.
Opening hours
- Sun 06:00-17:30
- Mon 06:30-18:00
- Tue 06:30-18:00
- Wed 06:30-20:30
- Thu 06:30-18:00
- Fri 06:30-18:00
- Sat 09:00-09:30, 16:00-18:00
Sue Higgins Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 2432 reviews. Reviewers often mention it as a dog park with river access for swimming.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Carburn Park
Rated 4.7 from 2319 reviews, it features ponds and paved paths. Reviewers often mention deer, kayaking, and bird watching.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Confederation Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 1865 reviews. Reviewers often mention a creek, BBQ pits, and paved pathways.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Calgary Zoo
It has a 4.7 rating from 1806 reviews. Reviewers often mention polar bears, penguins, and red pandas.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Tue 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-17:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Baker Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 1605 reviews. Reviewers often mention the disc golf course, the river, and its use as a wedding venue.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Bowmont Park
Rated 4.7 from 1519 reviews, it features river access. Reviewers often mention biking, waterfalls, and an off leash area.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Shouldice Park
It has a 4.7 rating from 1377 reviews. Reviewers often mention the river, a playground, and tennis courts.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
McHugh Bluff
It has a 4.7 rating from 1372 reviews. Reviewers often mention stairs, views of the city, and sunset views.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Tips before you go
- Most parks are open from 5:00 to 23:00, while museums and the zoo typically open at 9:00 or 10:00 and close by 18:30.
- All listed activities are free, as no price levels are indicated in the data.
- Southwest and Northwest Calgary are the most common areas, offering many options for outdoor and indoor activities.
- For the Calgary Zoo, the data suggests getting tickets ahead is recommended.
- Check specific hours for places like Downhill Karting and St. Mary's Cathedral, as they vary by day.
- Many parks have features like picnic areas, BBQ grills, and wheelchair accessible amenities.
How we made this list
A weighted rating was applied so places with very few reviews do not rank unfairly high. Only places with at least 500 Google reviews were considered. The list also includes only places that are currently open to the public. This method ensures the list reflects consistently popular and accessible destinations based on verified user feedback.
Questions about things to do in Calgary
Are these places free to visit?
Yes, all 20 places listed have no price level indicated in the data, meaning they are free to enter. This includes museums like The Military Museums and Heritage Park, as well as all city parks and the wildlife park. The Calgary Zoo and Gasoline Alley Museum are also listed without a price, though the zoo suggests getting tickets ahead. There are no paid admission fees mentioned for any entry.
Which area of Calgary has the most things to do on this list?
Southwest Calgary has the most entries, with 10 places including museums and parks. Northwest Calgary is next with 8 places, mostly parks. Other areas like Eau Claire, Southeast Calgary, Maple Ridge, and Riverbend have one or two places each. The data shows a concentration of activities in the southwest and northwest quadrants of the city, with fewer options in the central and eastern areas.
What are the best places for outdoor activities?
Many parks are great for outdoor activities. Reviewers often mention biking and hiking at Nose Hill Park, North Glenmore Park, and Weaselhead Flats. For water activities, Bowness Park offers canoeing and Pearce Estate Park has kayaking. Parks like Carburn Park and Sue Higgins Park are also noted for wildlife viewing and dog walking respectively. Most parks have long hours from 5:00 to 23:00 for extended visits.
Are these places good for families?
Yes, many places are family friendly. Features and reviews mention welcomes_children or welcomes_families at places like Heritage Park, Gasoline Alley Museum, and the Calgary Zoo. Parks often have playgrounds, picnic areas, and wide paths suitable for all ages. Downhill Karting is also noted by reviewers as being fun for all ages. The Military Museums and other sites also have features indicating they welcome families.
More in Calgary
Things to do in other cities
Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.