While I was in Canada, one place I really didn’t want to miss was Banff. It’s known for its stunning lakes and mountain views, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
Since I was staying in Abbotsford and traveling solo, the easiest way for me to get to Banff was to fly into Calgary first, then take a shuttle from there. I arrived in Calgary around midday and planned to leave early the next morning, so I only had one afternoon and evening to explore the city.
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| Calgary Tower |
I checked in to my hostel in the city center. Thankfully, they let me check in early and then I went straight out to explore on foot. Downtown Calgary is pretty compact and easy to walk around, so I was able to see a good amount in just a few hours.
What to See in Calgary in One Day: A Quick Walking Tour of Downtown
Calgary City Hall
This wasn't technically a stop in my walking tour as I didn’t go inside. I did pass by and liked the look of the building. I’ve always liked older buildings, and this one stood out a bit among all the modern ones nearby.
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| Calgary City Hall |
Calgary Tower
This is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Tickets cost CAD $19 for adults, and it takes you up to an observation deck that's 191 metres high. From the top of Calgary Tower, you get a great view of the whole city, and if the weather’s clear, you can even see the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
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| view of the city from Calgary Tower with the Canadian Rockies as a backdrop |
There’s a glass floor section, which is fun if you’re not scared of heights—it lets you look straight down to the street below. It’s a bit nerve-wracking at first, especially if you’re not used to heights, but it’s also one of the highlights of visiting the tower. Standing on it gives you a cool perspective of the city and makes for a fun photo spot. If you're feeling brave, it's definitely worth stepping onto.
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| view from the glass floor |
You can also grab a drink or snack at the small café up there if you want to stay a little longer and enjoy the view. There's also a rotating restaurant called Sky 360, which slowly spins to give you a full panoramic view while you dine. I skipped this as it's a bit more upscale and usually requires a reservation.
Stephen Avenue Walk
After that, I walked over to Stephen Avenue Walk, which is a pedestrian street in the downtown area. It’s lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, and has a mix of newer spots and historic buildings. It’s a nice place to just walk around and soak up the feel of the city.
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| Stephen Avenue Walk |
Devonian Gardens
Lastly, I went to CORE Shopping Centre and stumbled upon Devonian Gardens. It is an indoor garden inside the mall. It's free and surprisingly peaceful for being right in the middle of downtown—lots of plants, a few fountains, and some seating areas to relax for a bit.
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| Devonian Gardens |
I then spent the rest of the evening just looking around at shops in the city center. Calgary has a good mix of local boutiques and familiar international brands, so it was easy to pass the time browsing. I ended up buying a couple of clothes and had a quick dinner nearby before heading back to the hostel. It was a chill end to a pretty packed day, and I wanted to get enough rest before leaving early the next day.
Even though I only had one day in Calgary, I felt like I got a good feel for the city. It’s not huge, but it’s clean, easy to get around, and has a few cool spots to check out. It made for a great quick stop before heading to Banff.
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