Located in Alberta and sharing a land border with the USA, Calgary is a must-visit Canadian city that offers the perfect blend of sparkling city-based mod-cons and reviving outdoor pursuits. Close to both Banff and Jasper national parks, this is one of the most stunning regions in the world, offering hikes and journeys to incredible landscapes with a car rental in Calgary.
What to expect in Calgary
Calgary is a special city that encompasses everything from the dramatic Canadian Rockies, ultra-modern city style, and local stetson-donning cowboy culture. Welcoming and vibrant, the city hosts a number of art galleries, museums, and first-rate eateries. The currency is the Canadian dollar, and the city offers a well-maintained transport hub with access by plane and train, with a well-designed road network which is perfect for a car rental in Calgary.
Things to see and do in Calgary
First-time visitors to Calgary can take in an immersive account of the city of old with the
Heritage Park Historical Village. Including everything from old forts, grain mills, churches, and a steam train, the experience is rounded-out with costumed, in-character staff to interact with and ask questions. The top museum to visit in Calgary is the
Glenbow Museum, offering an impressive combination of historical artefacts and world-class art exhibits. The museum hosts an array of world-traveling exhibitions with permanent collections relating to local history. Other galleries like
Contemporary Calgary and the
Esker Foundation offer more contemporary art and cultural fare.
Dining and eating out in Calgary
With a vibrant single-origin coffee cafe scene and a host of fantastic local produce to be found throughout the city, foodies are constantly drawn to Calgary's vibrant mix of fine-dining and food truck options. For the best cocktails, head to Proof, a cozy old-fashioned bar with inventive drinks. For craft beer, head to one of the city's breweries or pubs, such as Village Brewery, Craft Beer Market, Dandy Brewing Company, Tool Shed Brewing, or Last Best Brewing. When it comes to eating out, you can find everything from ultra-modern cafes (Alforno) and fine-French dining (Q Haute Cuisine) in the city. If you're looking for a taste of Japan, Shokunin Izakaya is a hip place for Japanese skewers and snacks, while interesting seasonal local cuisine can be found in Model Milk, wonderfully set in a former dairy.
