If you’re looking for free activities in Calgary, look no further! Check out these free walking tours, museums, and shopping opportunities! Calgary has so much to offer! No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone to do. No matter where you’re staying, there’s something for you! This list of free activities in Calgary is sure to inspire your creative side! But before you decide on your next Calgary adventure, make sure to check out our other Calgary attractions.
Free things to do in Calgary
There are so many free things to do in Calgary, but you need to know where to start. Calgary’s nightlife scene is filled with bars, restaurants, and dinner theaters. But, there’s more to Calgary’s nightlife than you might think. Check out some of our tips below! Enjoy!… And don’t forget to pack your camera! Calgary is full of fun and surprises, so be sure to pack yours!
The city’s famous Stampede is a great place to celebrate western culture and heritage. During this annual celebration, you can enjoy live entertainment, food, and beverage stalls, and community programs. You won’t be disappointed, as this festival is free to attend. And, if you’re looking for something more festive, try one of Calgary’s many Christmas markets. The Calgary Stampede is the world’s largest outdoor show.
For families, Calgary’s community summer programs offer fun activities that are free to attend. There are even free walking tours. You can even visit the world-famous Nickle Galleries to see some of the world’s most impressive numismatic collections. Or, head to the nearby community to enjoy a western-themed chilli festival, complete with live music and an outdoor artisan street market.
Visiting the Chinese Cultural Centre and the city’s historic Chinatown is both free and culturally rich. The Chinese immigrants arrived in Calgary after the completion of the CP railway. The Chinese Cultural Centre is modelled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Throughout the year, the city celebrates African, Caribbean, and Latin American culture through the Calgary Latin American Festival. And the city’s vibrant nightlife can be complemented by a variety of music and dance.
Walking tours
If you’re visiting Calgary, consider taking a walking tour! Calgary’s downtown is larger than most cities and is spread out enough to be easily explored on foot. From the Old World to the new, a walking tour will take you from the old to the new. You can take the tour alone or with family and friends to learn about the history of the city. Walking tours in Calgary are fun and informative, and there are plenty of options to suit any taste.
Many Chief Tours is Calgary’s only Indigenous walking tour. Your guide is a member of the Blood Tribe of southern Alberta. She’ll share her culture with you by telling you about her family’s history. Her tour will also teach you about the cultural significance of St. Patrick’s Island. You’ll be amazed at all the fascinating stories and legends that surround this unique island in Calgary. If you’re looking for something a little different, try an Indigenous-led walking tour!
Museums
Whether you’re looking for date night ideas or a fun way to pass a rainy day, Calgary has a museum for you. Whether you live in Calgary or are just visiting the city, there are some great options to visit during your stay. Here are some of our favourites! The Calgary Museum is well worth the trip! Learn about all kinds of topics, including Canadian history, art, science, and more! A museum is a great place for kids of all ages, and it hosts fun activities for families.
The Aerospace Museum is another must-visit. This fascinating museum showcases an impressive collection of WWII Lancaster bombers. Located close to Calgary International Airport, it’s an ideal stopover for those on their way to the Rockies. Listed among the top 10 museums in Calgary, this museum is a great place to spend a day exploring the city. It also contains a simulated space museum that showcases the incredible capabilities of human flight.
The Military Museums are located a few blocks away from downtown Calgary. These museums represent the army, navy, and air force. Its mission is to educate the public about the history of the armed forces and preserve their memory. It’s open daily, except for major holidays, and has free on-site parking. Admission is a modest $3, which includes a guided tour. The Military Museums are also home to several exhibits of national and local art.
The National Music Centre is another great option for families to visit. This museum houses an interactive instrument installation, a vocal booth, and other fascinating artifacts. Famous Canadian musicians have recorded and performed in the museum’s galleries, so you’ll be able to learn something new from this museum. At the same time, you’ll be entertained! There’s something for everyone at the National Music Centre! This unique museum also has an art gallery and a museum shop.
Shopping
Calgary is one of Canada’s top shopping destinations, and it’s no wonder that many people love to shop there. Calgary has a plethora of shopping areas and more shops than any other Canadian city. If you have never been to Calgary before, here’s a quick guide to shopping in the city. First, start by checking out the downtown area, which is home to several famous department stores. You can also check out the Asian Supermarket chain, which has three locations in Calgary and is about to open a fourth location. You’ll find authentic Chinese food, Asian snacks, and beauty products, and even some epic foods such as IKEA and Costco hot dogs.
If you love designer labels, you’ll find a selection of high-end stores and boutiques at the Market Mall, which is home to 200 stores and a food court. Located near downtown, this mall has a cool vibe and has several trendy shops. It has been voted one of the best shopping districts in the city and has a great location to start your shopping spree. If you like organic body products, there are also many organic stores in the market, such as acai and t-rex.
One of Calgary’s main shopping districts is 17th Avenue SW, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with high-end fashion and specialty shops. The street has many hip restaurants and unique boutiques, and is also home to a park for people-watching. Fashion Central is another great place to find designer goods. This place features boutiques from local designers as well as top-end brands such as Fluevog, Betsey Johnson, and more.
Nightlife
The diverse nightlife in Calgary offers something for everyone. It includes traditional pubs, trendy patios, and raucous sports bars. Locals are welcoming and always eager to enjoy a couple of Alberta steaks and a few drinks. Nightlife is particularly alive during the Stampede when Calgary transforms into a party city for the week. Here are some of the city’s top choices. Check out the full list of Calgary nightclubs.
For a raucous night out, visit Eden Nightclub. This 21+ venue features two club rooms, and a VIP area, as well as a rooftop patio with a circular bar in the center. The nightlife here peaks around midnight. Expect to be surrounded by dozens of people and loud music. The Alberta nightlife scene is one of the best in Canada, and it’s sure to keep you entertained.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, retro-style cocktail experience, Calgary has several speakeasies. The popular Betty Lou’s Library is password-only but is warned: it’s worth it. It has live burlesque shows every week. Sub Rosa is a hidden basement bar, but it’s also worth checking out on weekends. For a more laid-back vibe, Shelter Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot. There’s also an extensive seasonal cocktail list at Shelter Cocktail Bar. Paper Lantern has Vietnamese-inspired cocktails and Untitled offers champagne cocktails.
The city’s art scene is also alive, with a diverse range of venues, from grand historic venues to cutting-edge modern performances. In addition to art, dance, and theater events, Calgary also hosts a variety of performances, including live concerts and comedy. Visiting museums and galleries is another fun way to explore Calgary’s culture. Visiting the Calgary Tower for a panoramic view of the city skyline and the surrounding skyline will reward you with a unique perspective of this exciting city.
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