Hello, dear traveler. Welcome to Calgary! Even if you’re only spending one day in this exciting city, don’t worry – we’ve curated a list that will make your trip your best one yet.
By following this checklist, we’ll make your short visit to the city as smooth as melted syrup on a pancake. From the city’s best attractions to the most exciting hidden gems, we promise you a day filled with laughter, adventure… and lots and lots of cheese buns.
Table of Contents
- 1. Have breakfast at Red’s Diner on 4th
- 2. See the Calgary Tower
- 3. Enjoy various activities at the Bow River
- 4. Enjoy nature views at Fish Creek Provincial Park
- 5. Purchase interesting antiques at Iron Crow
- 6. Have lunch at the Blackfoot Diner
- 7. Shop for records at Recordland
- 8. Grab a cup of coffee at Analog Coffee
- 9. Watch the sunset at Scotsman’s Hill
- 10. Try the best cheese buns in the city at Glamorgan Bakery
- 11. Watch a live gig at the Palomino Smokehouse
- 12. Try a cool cocktail at Shelter Cocktail Bar
1. Have breakfast at Red’s Diner on 4th
Website: https://redsdiner.com/location/4th/
Address: 1415 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0Y2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-266-3448
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Let’s say you arrived in Calgary in the morning. It’s only natural that the first order of business is to get yourself some filling breakfast for the exciting day ahead.
For the most important meal of the day, we suggest trying out Red’s Diner on 4th – a popular dining spot among locals. We bet that a lot of Calgarians will tell you that their bennies are the best – and it’s true!
You can choose from five different kinds, but we’re particularly obsessed with the 58th avenue benny. Aside from eggs, it also comes with a beef brisket made right in their kitchen, BBQ hollandaise sauce, fried onions, and English muffin.
2. See the Calgary Tower
Website: https://www.calgarytower.com
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-266-7171
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
If you’re only spending one day in Calgary, it’s a must to see the Calgary Tower. We say it’s a must-see attraction because it’s one of the structures in the city that will make you point and say, “Yeah, that’s Calgary!”
Additionally, the views from the top are spectacular. Aside from the 360-degree urban views, you’ll also get to indulge in the Rocky Mountains’ beauty.
3. Enjoy various activities at the Bow River
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1fvYhN7HC4evaAxPA
Bow River is one of Alberta’s greatest gems.
A lot of outdoor adventurers will tell you to go on a hike nearby or kayak the peaceful waters of the Bow River. That said, you can also do activities that are more chill… like walking along the trail beside it.
It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the views. Still, whatever activity rocks your boat (hopefully not the one you’ll kayak in), we’re sure you’ll enjoy your time at the Bow River.
4. Enjoy nature views at Fish Creek Provincial Park
Website: https://albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/fish-creek-pp/
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/skU5TEbSjejXHjNB7
Contact details: +1 403-297-5293
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Calgary isn’t the same without its beautiful nature views, which is why we recommend giving Fish Creek Provincial Park a visit.
It’s a popular destination for visitors and locals alike because of its peaceful ambiance, beautiful lake, majestic wildlife, and exciting biking and hiking trails.
Just a reminder before you go – make sure to have a camera in hand if you want to capture a photo of the deers, coyotes, birds, and more! We know for a fact that a lot of people do photo walks here just because of how rich the park is in wildlife.
5. Purchase interesting antiques at Iron Crow
Website: https://www.ironcrow.ca
Address: 5746 Burleigh Crescent SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1Z8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-287-8770
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Ask any antique collector in Calgary for the best spot to shop for unique antiques in the city and they’d most likely recommend the Iron Crow.
We also particularly love this hidden gem because of the assortment of things you can get here. Moreover, every visit is just as exciting as the last.
From toys and accessories to dinnerware and other collectibles, you can find something that will satisfy your love for vintage shopping.
6. Have lunch at the Blackfoot Diner
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BlackfootTruckstopDiner/
Address: 1840 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-5964
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
The Blackfoot Diner is one of the most popular diners in Calgary, which is why if you only have one day in Calgary, this is the one you should go to.
They’re known for their affordable prices and delicious classic dishes. Their double cheeseburger is recommended, though a lot of The Best Calgary staff also love the chicken burger.
By the way, it’s a must to try one of the most popular food items in their menu – the flapper pie. The Blackfoot Diner experience wouldn’t be complete without it.
7. Shop for records at Recordland
Website: https://www.instagram.com/recordlandcalgary/?hl=en
Address: 1208 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T1, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-262-3839
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Audiophiles, run, don’t walk: Recordland, the biggest record store in Canada, is also here in Calgary. If you’re looking for a place that can help you expand your music library, trust us when we say this is it!
Aside from their large array of vinyl collections, you’ll also be blown away by the friendly people walking behind the cashier. Strike up a conversation with them and you’ll surely learn a thing or two.
8. Grab a cup of coffee at Analog Coffee
Website: https://www.analogcoffee.ca
Address: 740 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-910-5959
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 7 AM to 10 PM
Seeing the best of what Calgary can offer in just a day can be a tiring challenge, so it’s important to replenish your energy with the help of caffeine.
Stop by Analog Coffee when you get the chance. After all, it’s one of the best coffee chains in the city.
We like their traditional macchiato the most and we’re sure a lot of frequent customers would also tell you the same. That said, the iced mocha and brewed coffee are also worthy contenders.
9. Watch the sunset at Scotsman’s Hill
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H1zBHxRzFiix6hdV7
Address: Calgary, AB T2G 2Y3, Canada
Before you go, you shouldn’t miss watching the sunset at Scotsman’s Hill.
A lot of Calgarians will tell you that this is the best spot to watch the sunset in Calgary . You’d be surprised how peaceful the place usually is too. It’s the perfect chance to watch the skies turn into a beautiful shade of orange in addition to the city skyline and Calgary’s famous landmarks.
We’re sure that this will turn into an unforgettable memory for years to come.
10. Try the best cheese buns in the city at Glamorgan Bakery
Website: https://glamorganbakery.com
Address: 3919 Richmond Rd SW #19, Calgary, AB T3E 4P2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-242-2800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – closed
After watching the beautiful sunset, we recommend trying the cheese buns at Glamorgan Bakery if you want to taste the best ones in the city.
How to describe their cheese buns? They’re the perfect mix of salty and cheesy – like a party in your mouth! While they’re most popular for the buns, their other stuff is pretty great too.
However, be forewarned: trying the delicious baked goods at Glamorgan Bakery might want to make you stay in Calgary for another day.
11. Watch a live gig at the Palomino Smokehouse
Website: https://thepalomino.ca
Address: 109 7 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3E6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-532-1911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
For an eventful last (and only) night in Calgary, it’s recommended to listen to some underground local bands at Palomino Smokehouse. And by underground, we also mean it quite literally because the performance space is located in the basement.
The genre of music depends on who’s playing but you can expect some country and rock music.
If you have an appetite, we suggest trying out their food as well. Their smokehouse stew is to die for.
12. Try a cool cocktail at Shelter Cocktail Bar
Website: https://shelteryyc.com
Address: 1210 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-233-7730
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 7 PM to 12 AM
End your night in Calgary by trying some cocktails at a local bar with a speakeasy vibe – Shelter Cocktail Bar.
They have an extensive options of alcoholic beverages but as you would expect, they take pride in their handcrafted cocktails.
Their cocktails are placed into different categories namely refreshing & approachable (fruity and floral flavors), intricate & adventurous (with ingredients you never knew will go well together), and spirit-forward & strong (drinks where you can really taste the alcohol).
