calgary october travel

Calgary   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit Calgary

The best times to visit Calgary are June through August, when most of the city's special events take place; and November through March when skiing conditions are in their prime. The winter months mark the city's low season with freezing temperatures that deter sightseers and force room rates down. You can expect to find hotel prices at their highest come summertime. You  will  find some good deals; however, if you book a few weeks in advance. If you're looking to save money without facing arctic temperatures, plan a visit for April or October when the city is free of tourists and winter's icy grip.

Weather in Calgary

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Calgary

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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Things to do in Calgary in October

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Looking for a different month?

October is a good time to visit Calgary . The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 31—52°F (-1—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Calgary during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm, attend the Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival, visit the Calgary Farmers' Market for fall produce, and more!

Calgary has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Calgary. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Calgary in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Calgary in October

Top experiences in october, explore the calgary corn maze and fun farm, attend the calgary rocky mountain wine and food festival, visit the calgary farmers' market for fall produce, take a scenic hike in fish creek provincial park, visit the calgary ghost tours for a spooky experience, take a scenic drive through kananaskis country, holidays in calgary in october.

• Thanksgiving Day ( October 14 )
• Halloween ( October 31 )

Other notable holidays

• Labour Day ( September 2 )
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ( September 30 )
• Remembrance Day ( November 11 )
• Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster ( December 11 )
• Christmas Eve ( December 24 )
• Christmas Day ( December 25 )
• Weather in Calgary in October

Temperatures on an average day in Calgary in October

The average temperature in Calgary in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 31°F (-1°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Calgary , August, has days with highs of 76°F (25°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 11°F (-12°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Calgary in October based on historical data.

Visiting Calgary? See our Calgary Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October

General weather summary, what to wear in october, best attractions for calgary in october.

Top searches in Calgary

Popular road trips from calgary, what's the weather like in calgary.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Calgary for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Calgary in January
• Weather in Calgary in February
• Weather in Calgary in March
• Weather in Calgary in April
• Weather in Calgary in May
• Weather in Calgary in June
• Weather in Calgary in July
• Weather in Calgary in August
• Weather in Calgary in September
• Weather in Calgary in November
• Weather in Calgary in December

All road trips from Calgary

• Calgary to Banff National Park drive
• Calgary to Las Vegas drive
• Calgary to Banff drive
• Calgary to San Francisco drive
• Calgary to Seattle drive
• Calgary to Vancouver drive
• Calgary to Jasper National Park drive
• Calgary to Los Angeles drive
• Calgary to Chicago drive
• Calgary to San Diego drive
• Calgary to Jasper drive
• Calgary to Drumheller drive
• Calgary to Victoria drive
• Calgary to Yellowstone National Park drive
• Calgary to Portland drive
• Calgary to Glacier National Park drive
• Calgary to Denver drive
• Calgary to Lake Louise drive
• Calgary to Branson drive
• Calgary to Colorado Springs drive
• Calgary to Sedona drive
• Calgary to Saint Louis drive
• Calgary to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Calgary to Salt Lake City drive
• Calgary to Page drive
• Calgary to Santa Fe drive
• Calgary to Edmonton drive
• Calgary to Tucson drive
• Calgary to Phoenix drive
• Calgary to Monterey drive

Explore nearby places

• Chestermere
• Redwood Meadows
• Bragg Creek
• Millarville
• Black Diamond
• the Turner Valley
• the Water Valley

All related maps of Calgary

• Map of Calgary
• Map of Chestermere
• Map of Balzac
• Map of De Winton
• Map of Priddis
• Map of Airdrie
• Map of Langdon
• Map of Cochrane
• Map of Redwood Meadows
• Map of Lyalta
• Map of Bragg Creek
• Map of Okotoks
• Map of Millarville
• Map of Black Diamond
• Map of Irricana
• Map of the Turner Valley
• Map of Strathmore
• Map of Carseland
• Map of Beiseker
• Map of High River
• Map of Morley
• Map of Carstairs
• Map of Longview
• Map of Cremona
• Map of Acme
• Map of the Water Valley
• Map of Mossleigh
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• Map of Nanton
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• Map of Torrington

Calgary throughout the year

• Calgary in January
• Calgary in February
• Calgary in March
• Calgary in April
• Calgary in May
• Calgary in June
• Calgary in July
• Calgary in August
• Calgary in September
• Calgary in October
• Calgary in November
• Calgary in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Calgary?

Get inspired for your trip to Calgary with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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25 Best Things to Do in Calgary This October

This month, ride a robot roller coaster, try a giant claw crane game, attend a 12-hour horror movie marathon and more.

Check out thousands of carved pumpkins at Pumpkins After Dark

When:  September 22 to October 31

These are not your average jack-o’-lanterns. At Pumpkins After Dark, you’ll see more than 10,000 pumpkins with incredible carvings. Walk through the experience to see all the displays, enjoy some treats and check out live pumpkins carving demonstrations.

Read more: Check Out More Than 10,000 Hand-Carved Pumpkins at Pumpkins After Dark

88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W.,   pumpkinsafterdark.com

See Vertigo Theatre’s adaptation of the gothic horror story The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

When: September 30 to October 29

Vertigo Theatre takes on a gothic classic this month with its adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde . Running from September 30 to October 29, the play’s small-but-mighty four-person cast transports audiences to London as they bring Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde’s struggle of good versus evil to the stage.

The Playhouse, 115 9 Ave. S.E., vertigotheatre.com

Sample soups at the Soupalicious fundraising event

When: October 1

A celebration of harvest season and delicious soup, this fundraiser supports Highfield Farm programs and development. Local farmers and chefs have teamed up to offer more than a dozen soups to sample, which guests can then vote on. Plus, you can go on self-guided walking tours of Highfield Farm, do a tractor ride, listen to live music and more. Tickets come with three soup samples, and extra soup tickets are available for $2 each.

Highfield Regenerative Farm, 1920 Highfield Cres. S.E., highfieldfarm.ca

Play chess at Aggüdo Coffee in Kensington

When: Mondays (October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31)

If you love playing chess, check out the Monday chess nights at Aggüdo Coffee in Kensington. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each week and is a great way to get in a game over a delicious coffee and pastry.

6, 338 10 St. N.W., 403-690-3773, aggudoroasters.com

Ride a robot roller coaster at Telus Spark

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TELUS Spark (@telus_spark)

Telus Spark has a thrilling new addition in the form of Ro5ie, a robot roller coaster with five different levels set up in the science centre’s lobby. This is the first roller coaster of its kind in Canada, so be sure to check it out. Ro5ie tickets are not included with general admission.

220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca

Sign up for a theatre-meets-shopping experience by Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre

When: October 5 to 14

Swallow-a-Bicyle Theatre’s latest production, Clothing , is a unique event that combines theatre and a shopping trip. The participatory experience invites 10 guests per session to sign up for a fashion journey where they’ll get to fill out a survey about their style and complete tasks to create an outfit. The event explores our relationship with clothing, how we express ourselves and fashion ethics.

Good Thrift, 149 5 Ave. S.E., swallowabicycle.com

Eat at a pop-up restaurant specializing in wagyu beef

When: October 6 to 28 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

The team behind Modern Steak and Modern Ocean have launched a new pop-up restaurant called Modern Wagyu. Taking place inside the Stephen Avenue location of Modern Steak, the pop-up offers five- and eight-course tasting menus all centered around wagyu beef. Make a reservation to snag a spot from Thursdays to Saturdays in October.

Second floor, Modern Steak Stephen Avenue, 100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3600, modernwagyu.com

Go on a hike to see the larch trees change colour

Thanks to the larch trees, it’s one of the best times to go for a hike in the mountains. Here are some trails you can take to see the leaves changing colours.

Read more: 3 Fall Hikes Near Calgary to See the Larch Trees Changing Colour

Check out structures made from non-perishable food items

When: On display from October 6 to 19

The Calgary Food Bank is holding Canstruction this month, an event that sees cool structures created out of non-perishable food items that later go to the food bank. This year’s structures will be built and judged on October 5, and you can see them on display in downtown Calgary for two weeks.

Eau Claire Tower, 600 3 Ave. S.W., calgaryfoodbank.com

Eat some vegan dim sum and hot pot at Homey Cafe

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Homey Cafe (@homeycafeyyc)

Starting October 1, you can enjoy vegan hot pot and dim sum at Homey Cafe in northeast Calgary. Pop in for a bite and pick up some vegan grocery items to enjoy at home later, too.

19, 1410 40 Ave. N.E., @homeycafeyyc 

Meet soccer stars at the Allstate Soccer Show

When: October 8

Calling all soccer fans! The Allstate Soccer Show is your chance to meet some of your favourite players, hear athlete panel discussions, win prizes and more. There will be some major athletes in attendance, including stars from Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team like Christine Sinclair, Janine Beckie and Quinn.

BMO Centre, Stampede Park, soccershow.ca

Spend your lunch break at a performance of Lunchbox Theatre’s The Dark Lady

When: October 10 to 29

Who is the “Dark Lady” that Shakespeare describes in his sonnets? Lunchbox Theatre and The Shakespeare Company aim to explore just that in their co-production of The Dark Lady by Jessica B. Hill. This is only the second-ever production of The Dark Lady , which imagines the titular character as Emilia Bassano, the first published female poet-musician in England.

The Studio, 161, 115 9 Ave. S.E., lunchboxtheatre.com

Get early-bird tickets to Avenue ‘s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 Party

Every year, Avenue celebrates some of Calgary’s most innovative and interesting Calgarians at its Top 40 Under 40 party. This year, the event takes place on November 2, and tickets are available now . If you purchase an early-bird ticket before October 2, you can get some special perks, too.

Read more: Get Your Early-Bird Tickets to Avenue’s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 Party

Hear from celebrated authors at Imaginairium by Wordfest

When: October 11 to 15

Imaginairium by Wordfest is back, and the literary festival promises plenty of interesting conversations with celebrated authors over the five-day event. This year’s author lineup includes names like Susan Casey, Ashley Audrain, Brent Butt, Emma Donoghue, Anne Berest and more.

Multiple locations, wordfest.com

Try mochi doughnuts from Sweet Rice

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sweet Rice (@sweetriceyyc)

There’s a new spot to satisfy your sweet tooth in Calgary. Sweet Rice specializes in mochi doughnuts and you can officially order a half-dozen or dozen box of them in flavours like strawberry sprinkle, ube coconut, mango float and maple dip.

4204 12 St. N.E., 825-437-4237, @sweetriceyyc

Eat and drink at the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival

When: October 13 and 14

Full of wine, beer, spirits and a mix of sweet and savoury snacks, the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is just as fun and delicious as it sounds. Back for its 26th year, this event at the BMO Centre draws foodies from around the city and beyond. This year’s lineup of vendors includes Japanese desserts from Pablo Cheese Tart, beers from local breweries like Citizen Brewing Company, spirits from Two Rivers Distillery and more. Along with an admission ticket, guests will need to purchase sampling coupons at the festival.

BMO Centre, Stampede Park,   rockymountainwine.com

Attend the new Beltline Community Fridge and Pantry Launch

When: Launches October 14

A new community fridge and pantry is launching in the Beltline and you can check out the launch event on October 14 at 1 p.m. There will be snacks, music and family-friendly activities. Food donations will also be accepted.

221 12 Ave. S.W., @beltlinefridge

Try a giant claw crane game at a new Contemporary Calgary exhibition

When: October 19, 2023 to March 17, 2024

It’s not very often that art gallery attendees get to be part of the art they’re witnessing, but that’s certainly the case at Three Dimensions , a multidisciplinary exhibition by Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins on display at Contemporary Calgary starting October 19. The exhibition offers three installations that encourage viewer participation: Balancing Act, with a large-scale claw crane game that participants control to create sculptures of their own; ABCD, which explores realities with mediums like virtual reality and artificial intelligence; and THX2020, which uses an interactive headset, narrative video and paintings. However you take part, this interactive installation promises a fascinating exploration of culture, reality and the digital age.

701 11 St. S.W., 403-770-1350, contemporarycalgary.com

Watch a movie at the Calgary Arab Film Nights Festival

When: October 20 to 22

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Calgary Arab Film Nights Festival. Held at Globe Cinema, the festival features a full weekend of films that include documentaries, dramas, comedies and short films.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W.,   calgaryarabartssociety.ca

Cheer on the Calgary Flames at a home game

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Calgary Flames (@nhlflames)

When: Home games on October 2, 11, 24 and 26

The Calgary Flames are officially back for another season of hockey. The team plays in Calgary four times in October (October 2, 11, 24 and 26), so snag tickets now if you want to see them on home turf. Alternatively, if you love a good ol’ Battle of Alberta, you can see them take on the Oilers on TV on October 4 and 29.

Scotiabank Saddledome,   nhl.com

Watch a fairy tale ballet set in the Canadian Rockies

When: October 26 to 28

A classic fairy tale comes to life in Alberta Ballet’s rendition of The Sleeping Beauty . In an inspired local touch, this production transports beloved fairy tale characters to a Canadian Rockies setting, and it’s all set to the incredible score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Don’t miss the short yet sweet Calgary run of this production.

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., albertaballet.com

Go out for wings with some friends

It’s never a bad night for wings, and thankfully, there are places where you can get a deal on them every day of the week in Calgary. Here’s a look at where to go for wings with your friends the next time you have a craving for them.

Read more: Where to Find Wing Specials Every Day of the Week

Check out Workshop Theatre’s adaptation of Dracula

When: October 27 to November 4

Workshop Theatre’s upcoming adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula might just be the perfect Halloween theatre experience. The company’s 2023-24 season opener follows the infamous Count Dracula and the London residents he pursues.

Pumphouse Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W., workshoptheatre.ca

Spend all night watching Halloween movies at a 12-hour horror movie marathon

When:  October 28

Love scary movies? This year, get in the Halloween spirit by watching them all night during the Calgary Underground Film Festival’s 12-hour Halloween Horror Movie Marathon. The movie night at Globe Cinema features seven horror films that start playing at 7 p.m. on October 28 and run until 7 a.m. the next day. There will be a costume contest, you can buy concession food all night and there will be a free breakfast in the morning.

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W.,  calgaryundergroundfilm.org

Cheer on the players at the 2023 World Ringette Championships

When: October 29 to November 4

Later this month, talented ringette players from around the world will assemble in Calgary for the 2023 World Ringette Championships. Calgary’s role as host city is particularly exciting given that 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the ice sport’s invention. Get your tickets to watch teams battle it out for the title of World Champions at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre.

Markin MacPhail Centre, 151 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., worldringettechampionship.com

Want more suggestions for the best things to do in Calgary? Sign up for our Weekender Newsletter.

Related posts, quiz: which upcoming calgary theatre production should you check out, say goodbye to this iconic calgary mall, summer night markets in calgary.

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Weather & Climate

Calgary International Airport Guide

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The Best Time to Visit Calgary, Canada

Bryan Mullennix / EyeEm / Getty Images

The best times to visit Calgary are either June through August when the weather is at its best and most of the city's special events and festivals take place and November through March when ski season is in full swing. The winter months are considered the low season as the city’s sub-zero temperatures may not be appealing to those not interested in winter sports. As temperatures drop though, so do rates for hotel rooms, which can come as a plus for the budget traveler (so long as you don’t mind the cold). There will also be far fewer crowds in the winter aside from on the ski hills.

Hotel prices are at their highest during the summer when the temperature is ideal for outdoor sightseeing. If you're hoping to save money without having to be in the city during the coldest months, it may be best to plan your visit for April or October when visitor numbers are still down, but the weather is more favorable.

Popular Events and Festivals

Calgary has a number of worthwhile events throughout the year that attract visitors from all around the world, especially during the summer. These events cover everything from art and culture to food and local beer (and so much more). Not to mention, Calgary's wide array of things to see and do are a draw for all ages. No matter what you might be interested in, there will likely be a summer event that piques your interest. If you’re interested in visiting Calgary but not planning on attending any summer events, it might be better to time your visit with shoulder or off-peak season (April and May, September and October) to see the city without the crowds.

Weather in Calgary

Toronto has four distinct seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring with temperatures dipping quite low in the wintertime. Daytime highs during the summer are normally 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) but can reach the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius). While in the winter, the coldest months are January and February where daytime temperatures range from 5 to 23 degrees F (-15 to -5 degrees C). They can drop as low as -22 to -40 degrees F (-30 to -40 degrees C) for short periods of time.  

While many might prefer to visit during the warm summer months, each of Calgary’s four seasons offers something different, depending on your interests. For example, snow sports enthusiasts may want to take advantage of Calgary’s proximity to Banff for excellent skiing during the winter months.

This is the off-season for Calgary (unless you’re a skier) so crowds should be relatively minimal and hotels and other accommodations are usually cheaper. Attractions are open and much less busy than during warmer months. But the city is cold, so pack accordingly.

Events to check out:

• Get your fix of music, local beer and art at Calgary’s Big Winter Classic , which happens towards the end of the month in January.
• High Performance Rodeo , Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, takes over the city’s downtown area for three weeks in January with events including theater, dance, music, film, free lunchtime concerts, late-night cabarets and more.

February tends to be the coldest month of the year in Calgary so remember to dress in layers. Other than avid skiers, snowboarders, or anyone else interested in winter activities, this remains the low season for Calgary.

• Winefest is the ideal festival for those who want to sip a wide variety of wines and enjoy tasty food samples.
• Bundle up and embrace the colder weather at Glow Winter Festival , a free family-friendly event featuring live music, winter activities, outdoor lounges and light displays.

While temperatures begin to inch up in March, this month can still be quite cold in Calgary with the possibility of snow still fairly high. There are warm days, but it’s still important to come prepared for inclement, unpredictable weather. Ski season is still going strong in March.

• The YYC Food & Drink Experience is perfect for foodies or anyone interested in trying a meal (or two) from some of Calgary’s top restaurants. The festival features multi-course prix fixe value-priced menus, chef collaborations, and winemaker’s dinners.

The city is slowly warming up in April, but the weather can still be unpredictable. You might get some sunny days, but April also sees rain and sometimes snow. Because the weather is decent, schools are still in session and it's not yet peak season for tourists, this is a good time to check out local attractions while they are less busy.

• Calgary Expo is a four-day pop-culture convention held in Stampede Park that occurs each April. Visitors have the chance to shop hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, check out panels and workshops and meet various stars and creators. Editor's Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Calgary Expo was rescheduled for July 30 - August 2, 2021.
• The Calgary Dance Stampede is Canada's largest and longest-running country, west coast swing and line dance event featuring international dance competitions as well as of instructional workshops led by world-class instructors.

The spring season starts up in May in Calgary when the temperature begins to climb, but is considered part of shoulder season. There are still fewer visitors to the city making May an appealing time to plan a trip. But do note that as the weather warms up, parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces can get muddy.

• Calgary International Beerfest is the city’s largest beer festival and brings together over 700 beers from more than 200 breweries.
• Runners take note: the Calgary Marathon takes place towards the end of May. The annual event also includes a half marathon as well as 10K run and a 5K family walk/run. Editor's Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Calgary Marathon was rescheduled for September for the 2021 year.

June is much more reliable weather-wise in Calgary, with more consistent sunshine and warmer weather. While June doesn’t represent peak season, the city does begin to see more tourists at this point in the year.

• Early June marks the start of festival season in Calgary, which kicks off with the Lilac Festival . This free one-day event along pedestrian-friendly 4th Street features musical talent, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and more.
• Calgary’s Sled Island Music & Arts Festival brings together over 200 bands as well as comedians, films, and artists in over 30 venues throughout the city.

Summer has arrived in Calgary by July and as such, tourist season will now be in full swing. Expect a wide variety of events and festivals, pop-ups, and packed patios.

• Starting the first Friday in July after Canada Day is the annual Calgary Stampede , known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Expect thrilling rodeo shows, live music, midway rides, agriculture showcases, chuckwagon races, and much more.
• The last weekend July is when visitors can enjoy the Calgary Folk Music Festival , with over 70 artists.

Like July, August is a warm month in Calgary and remains a popular time for visitors eager to spend time sightseeing outdoors and soaking up the sun in and around the city.

• The Calgary International Blues Festival is a week of blues music from around the world, which takes place over the last weekend of July and first week of August.
• Chasing Summer is an outdoor electronic music festival that brings popular DJs to Calgary for a two day festival over the August long weekend.

The fall shoulder season in Calgary is another good time to visit if you are hoping to see the city while the weather is still decent, but while summer’s crowds have thinned out. You may see lower room rates during this time.

• Celebrate Pride in Calgary over the long Labour Day weekend which attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year.
• Film fans will want to consider checking out the Calgary International Film Festival , which brings over 200 feature and short films to the big screen each fall at the end of September.

The weather gets steadily cooler during the end of September and into October, but weather-wise, this is still a good time to visit the city, minus the crowds.

• Imaginairium by Wordfest is an annual October event featuring writers from around the world for ten days of live experiences, talk-show style conversations, variety shows, and live storytelling.

This time of the year, the weather grows steadily cooler as fall starts turning into winter, getting windier and often rainy. You may even see some snow in Calgary in November.

• For four days in November, you can get your fill of holiday lights, crafts, hayrides, and music at the Millarville Christmas Market .
• Early November is when you can enjoy the Calgary European Film Festival at the Globe Theatre, which features international films from more than 20 countries.

December starts to get cold in Calgary and there is a likelihood of snow. Days can still be milder and remain relatively comfortable if you’re dressed in layers. Expect holiday lights and festive events throughout the city.

• Get into the holiday spirit and do some shopping at the Granary Road Christmas Market which also offers fun family activities during the festive season.
• Ring in the New Year in Calgary at the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration with a fireworks display at midnight from the Calgary Tower.

The best times to visit Calgary is either June through August, when the weather is at its best, or November through March, when ski season is in full swing.

June is the rainiest month in Calgary, with an average of 17 days of rain and an accumulation of 2.5 inches (65 millimeters) of precipitation.

Calgary one of Canada's most expensive cities and a tough place to visit on a limited budget. However, if you stick to free activities, you can save some money.

Current Results. "Calgary AB Average Temperatures by Month." Retrieved February 16, 2021.

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• What to do in Calgary in October 2024
• North America

Why you should visit Calgary in October

Calgary weather in october, calgary events in october.

• Calgary's top places to visit in October

Flights, tours, and hotels in Calgary

Video guide.

October is a fantastic time to visit Calgary with its vibrant fall foliage, crisp cool air, and a wide range of activities and events to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Calgary in October.

Calgary experiences diverse weather in October, with temperatures typically ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain, making it important to dress in layers and bring an umbrella.

Calgary International Film Festival

The Calgary International Film Festival showcases an outstanding selection of local and international films, offering a unique cultural experience for movie enthusiasts. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema and discover thought-provoking stories.

Oktoberfest at Calgary Olympic Plaza

Experience traditional German culture with live music, Bavarian food, and, of course, a wide selection of beer at the Oktoberfest event held at Calgary Olympic Plaza. It’s an exciting and lively event that’s perfect for embracing the spirit of Oktoberfest.

Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm

Get lost in the seven-acre corn maze, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, and savor the joys of fall at the Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm. It’s a family-friendly destination that offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in a picturesque countryside setting.

Calgary’s top places to visit in October

Calgary zoo.

Immerse yourself in a world of wildlife and conservation at the Calgary Zoo, where you can see a diverse range of animals and explore lush botanical gardens. It’s a perfect place for a day of family fun or a peaceful solo stroll.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Step back in time and experience life in the 1800s at Heritage Park Historical Village. With interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and a vintage amusement park, it’s an engaging and educational destination for all ages.

Calgary Tower

Gain a bird’s-eye view of Calgary ‘s stunning fall landscape from the Calgary Tower’s observation deck. The panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding natural beauty are a sight to behold, making it an essential stop for any visitor.

Prince’s Island Park

Enjoy the tranquility of nature in the heart of the city at Prince’s Island Park. With its riverside pathways, colorful foliage, and peaceful ambiance, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and photography sessions.

Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre

Explore Canadian music history and marvel at interactive exhibits at Studio Bell. With its diverse collection of musical instruments and engaging displays, it’s a must-visit destination for music lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Calgary Farmers’ Market

Indulge in the flavors of fall at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, where you can find an abundance of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods. It’s a food lover’s paradise and a great place to sample seasonal treats.

Glenbow Museum

Delve into Calgary ‘s art and history at the Glenbow Museum. With its captivating exhibitions and extensive collections, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the region.

For an immersive cultural experience, consider visiting some of Calgary’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Inglewood and Kensington, known for their charming shops, galleries, and eateries.

Tours in Calgary

On our website you can compare prices at 120 of the most popular travel agencies

Hotels in Calgary

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Flights in Calgary

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The Best Time to Visit Calgary, AB, Canada for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Calgary for ideal weather are

June 25th to September 9th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Calgary Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Calgary Travel Info

Weather in calgary.

Average temperatures in Calgary vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for most of the year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 37th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Calgary, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid July where highs are regularly around 75.7°F (24.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 52°F (11.1°C) at night.

Calgary Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Calgary temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Calgary Perceived Temperature (F)

Calgary perceived temperature (c), average calgary temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Calgary are December, February, and then January. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid January. For example, on the week of January 8th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid June with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of June 11th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Calgary.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Calgary (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Calgary has some slightly muggy months, with moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The least humid month is May (44.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (62.4%).

Wind in Calgary is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is December, followed by January and February. December’s average wind speed of around 0.5 knots (0.5 MPH or 0.9 KPH) is considered “very calm.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late December where average top sustained speeds reach 6.6 knots, which is considered a light breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Calgary.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to calgary, the busiest and least crowded months.

The busiest month for tourism in Calgary, AB, Canada is July, followed by June and August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Calgary in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall calgary travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 63.6°F (17.6°C) and 26.5°F (-3.1°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 2 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with 5 to 7 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Calgary, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 68.4°F (20.2°C) and 30.5°F (-0.8°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 3 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Calgary to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 35.7°F (2.1°C) and 26.5°F (-3.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Canada › Calgary, AB, Canada

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Calgary Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

While the city itself isn’t particularly pretty — it’s full of skyscrapers and doesn’t have a lot of historic buildings — underneath all that glass is a cosmopolitan destination with a rough and wild cowboy charm to it. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting, and camping all around Calgary and the city itself is one of the liveliest in the country, especially during the Stampede.

There’s a ton of greenspace here too. Add in a rotating roster of food trucks, craft beer bars, and top-notch museums, and you’ve got a recipe for one of my favorite cities in Canada.

From here, you can head out to Banff National Park or Canmore to get up close and personal with nature and explore one of Canada’s most scenic regions.

This travel guide to Calgary can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in Calgary!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Calgary

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Calgary

1. Celebrate the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is the world’s largest open-air rodeo held every year in July. The Stampede celebrates Canada’s western heritage with chuckwagon races, bull riding, concerts, carnival rides, and endless fair food (deep-fried butter, anyone?). It’s also a crazy party. Daytime rodeos start at 66 CAD and evening rodeos start at 84 CAD. There’s even a Drag Queen brunch in case you didn’t know you could combine a Western theme with a drag show! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up fast!

2. Walk Stephen Avenue

Stephen Avenue is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Calgary. It’s lined with antique stores, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It’s best in the summer when the outdoor patios are overflowing with locals enjoying an after-work drink. This street is a great place for food trucks, outdoor festivals, and live music. In February, it turns into a snowy wonderland during the Downtown Glowfest light festival with performances and beautiful art installations. At the same time, you can warm your hands with delicious hot chocolate served both with and without alcohol at the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival.

3. Relax in the many parks

Calgary makes incredible use of its green spaces and there are many beautiful places where you can lounge and relax or enjoy the area cycling the numerous trails around the city. Visit Bowness Park, one of the city’s most popular parks in warm weather alongside the Bow River, where you can enjoy walking the paths, swim in the lagoon, BBQ, or rent a boat for the day. In winter, it’s a popular spot for ice skating and cross-country skiing, and the popular Canadian winter sport of crokicurl (hybrid of curling and crokinole). Prince’s Island Park is where people gather for Canada Day and Calgary’s Folk Festival celebrations in July. The Winter Music Folk Festival also happens there as well. In short, there is a ton of greenspace that can help you enjoy the city and take in the local pace of life on a budget.

4. Visit the Calgary Zoo

Not only is the Calgary Zoo home to tons of interesting wildlife, but it also houses the Centre for Conservation Research. There are currently around 900 animals from all over the world. Go see the penguins splashing around or check out the ‘Canadian Wilds’ area with moose, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and more. Or explore the indoor ‘Destination Africa’ pavilion with giraffes, monkeys, hippos, and more. Every month there are different special events. If you’re here at Christmas, attend the Zoolights, a spectacular light show composed of three million lights. And if you want to splash out, you can even sit inside a warm ‘Snowglobe’ in their Garden of Light and enjoy a hot cup of mulled wine and an artisan cheese board (175 CAD for two people). Regular admission is 30 CAD.

5. Go to the Rockies

Calgary is close to the Rocky Mountains, and the highlight of this region is the spectacular Banff National Park. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and both Canada’s first national park and its most famous due to its picturesque turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. There are over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of stunning mountain trails with all sorts of activities, from hiking, skiing, and horseback riding, as well as places to camp. You can certainly visit as a day trip from Calgary, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t spend a few days here. There is something for every budget when it comes to how much you want to experience nature. You can pitch a tent at a campsite, rent a cabin, try glamping, or stay in Banff town at a hotel. Even without a car, it’s easy to get here via bus (though renting a car is the best way to explore this area).

Other Things to See and Do in Calgary

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the highlights and meet a local expert guide who can answer all your questions. Walk the YYC runs a solid free tour that can introduce you to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! There’s also Calgary Greeters, a free local greeting program that connects you with a local who can show you around (advanced bookings required).

2. Hang out in Prince’s Island Park

Right on the Bow River, this park spans 50 acres and is the most popular park in the city. There are free festivals and events year-round, such as the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Shakespeare in the Park. It also has running and hiking paths, cross-country skiing trails, picnic areas, flower gardens, and lots of space to simply lounge and relax. In the winter, people go skating on the lagoon.

3. Check out Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek also sits along the Bow River and is perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. In the summer, people come here to fish, swim in Sikome Lake, and have barbecues. Locals also hit the trails in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Just be aware the park closes between 6pm-10pm depending on the time of year.

4. Explore the nightlife of Kensington

Located in the northwest part of the city, Kensington is a tiny business district full of trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Whether you’re seeking a quiet pub, an outdoor patio, or a fun-filled night of dancing, you’ll find it here. Kensington Pub, Winebar Kensington, and Container Bar are all great spots to hang out for their cozy atmosphere and unique decor.

5. Go brewery hopping

If you’re a craft beer lover, Calgary has a huge number of brewpubs, small breweries, and even a Craft Beer Market. Citizen Brewing Company, Cold Garden Beverage Company, and Big Rock are some of my favorites. You can also do a brewery hopping tour with Canadian Craft Tours to 3-4 different breweries for 109 CAD.

6. Watch the Calgary Flames

Hockey is a religion in Canada, and the folks in this city take their hockey very seriously. Calgary has one of 7 Canadian teams in the NHL so check and see if there’s a game on during your visit. Tickets start around 37 CAD but you can also just find a busy pub or bar to grab a beer and watch the game with locals.

7. Wander Eau Claire Market

This indoor market has something for everyone, including a variety of upscale shops, restaurants, and a food court. In the summer, there’s a playground and a wading pool for kids. Buskers are everywhere making balloon animals, performing music, or even putting on puppet shows. Eau Claire is also the festival district, so there is often some sort of community event taking place (usually concerts). It’s a bit cheesy, but it’s a fun spot if you’re traveling with family.

8. See the Family of Man Sculptures

This collection of ten aluminum cast sculptures (some weighing as much as 1,500 pounds and measuring 21 feet tall) makes for quite the sight to see surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings in downtown Calgary. Originally designed by Mario Armengol and displayed at the Expo 67 World’s Fair in Montreal, these sculptures were later presented and dedicated to the city in 1969.

9. Check out the Canada Olympic Park

Calgarians are an active bunch. On Friday afternoons in the winter, you’ll see SUVs and trucks loaded up with ski gear leaving town for the mountains. The Olympic Park is where many of them get their start with winter sports. This ski hill and training/competition complex serves as a tribute to the 1988 Olympic Games and is mostly used as a training ground for young athletes. If you’re here in the winter, sign up for a downhill or cross-country ski lesson, which costs about 75 CAD for 90 minutes. You can even try the bobsled or luge!

10. Head to the top of the Calgary Tower

Built in 1967, the Calgary Tower stands 191 meters (626 feet) and commemorates Canada’s Centennial. It’s the centerpiece of the city and at the top, you’ll get uninterrupted views straight to the Rocky Mountains. Plus, the glass floor at the observation deck is thrilling (and terrifying). A ticket to the top is 19 CAD if you buy online and 21 CAD at the ticket window.

11. Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village

This heritage park is like a living museum. It showcases Western Canadian history from the 1860s to the 1950s. You can ride a steam train, learn how to make old-fashioned ice cream, chat with actors dressed up as prairie settlers, explore First Nations history, and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. It’s another one of those somewhat cheesy experiences, but you’ll learn a lot and it’s fun for kids. Tickets are 30 CAD.

12. Take a food tour

If you want to sample the finest foods that Calgary has to offer, take a food tour with Alberta Food Tours. They have several different excursions, including a Calgary Farmers’ Market tour and a walk through the Inglewood neighborhood. You can try poutine, cheeses, charcuterie, sweet treats, a few drinks, and more throughout the evening. Food Tours run during the high season until October and cost 95 CAD. There is also a self-guided tour all year round using their app for only 45 CAD, which is 2.5 hours long and includes some tastings as well as discounts from several of their business partners.

  For more information on other cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Calgary Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are only a couple of hostels in Calgary. A bed in a room with 4-6 beds is 30-45 CAD per night while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs about 40 CAD.

Private hostel rooms start from 90 CAD per night for two people but can go as high as 175 CAD. During the Stampede, prices shoot up by about 50% and sell out months in advance, so make sure you book ahead.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for 30 CAD per night. This gets you a basic plot without electricity. RV plots cost around 55 CAD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 90 CAD, but these aren’t near the city center. For something closer to downtown, expect to pay at least 120 CAD per night. Free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a coffee/tea maker are usually included.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Calgary, with a private room starting at 50-65 CAD per night. An entire home/apartment averages 90-125 CAD per night. Prices double when not booked in advance.

During the summer months, there is also the option of renting a dorm room from a university. Rooms are generally available from early May to late August and offer access to on-campus services (laundry, parking). Mount Royal University has single rooms starting from 109 CAD per night.

Food – Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. In Calgary, beef is the go-to meat since half of the entire country’s beef supply comes from Alberta. Bison is also common, as are fresh berries in the summer. More general Canadian staples include beaver tails (fried dough with fresh maple syrup), Canadian bacon, poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curd), and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

For the city’s best eats, hit the food trucks. Calgary has an epic food truck scene, and their locations change daily. Download the Street Food Calgary app to follow the trucks in real time.

You can find pizza by the slice for 4 CAD. Larger meals like taco salad or curry cost around 11 CAD.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 12 CAD. Pubs and chain restaurants are very reasonable at about 20 CAD for a meal with a drink.

Higher-end restaurants set you back around 60 CAD if you also order an appetizer and a drink.

A glass of wine is around 9 CAD while beer is 7 CAD. A latte/cappuccino costs around 4.75 CAD. Bottled water costs 2 CAD.

If you cook for yourself, expect to spend around 50-60 CAD per week on groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Calgary include CRAFT Beer Market, Holy Grill, Bridgette Bar, and Peters’ Drive In.

Backpacking Calgary Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Calgary, expect to spend about 75 CAD per day. This budget assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, taking public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hanging out in the parks and wandering Stephen Avenue. Add 10-15 CAD extra per day if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 155 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out more (but still cook some meals), rent a bicycle to get around and take the occasional taxi, enjoy a couple drinks, and visit more attractions like the zoo. If you plan to visit during the Stampede, add in another 66 CAD per day.

On a “luxury” budget of 315 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Keep in mind that many of these prices (especially accommodations) increase by 50% during Stampede time!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Calgary Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Calgary is not a cheap city. If you stick to mostly free activities, you’ll save some money but otherwise, things here are pricey. It’s one of the more expensive cities in Canada and it’s tough to visit on a limited budget. Nevertheless, here are some tips to help you save money in Calgary:

• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host to give you a free place to stay. You’ll not only save money but you’ll get to connect with a local insider who can share their tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with a city and its culture. Walk the YYC is the only free walking tour in town, but it’s a good one! You can also book a Calgary Greeter — a local volunteer who walks you around the city.
• Avoid the Calgary Stampede – If you’re not dying to see the Stampede, avoid the dates around this event. Prices are higher everywhere. On the other hand, if you are here during Stampede, take advantage of the city’s many free pancake breakfasts (stampedebreakfast.ca).
• Look for free events – Most of Calgary’s street festivals are free to attend, and there are free events year-round. Check out Visit Calgary’s website for their up-to-date event listings!
• Spend your time in nature – With its abundance of outdoor activities, walking/biking trails, and relaxing parks, if you spend most of your time soaking up Calgary’s big nature you’ll save a lot of cash.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Calgary

There are only a few hostels in Calgary so be sure to book early if you can. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• HI Calgary City Centre
• Wicked Hostels Calgary
• HI Kananaskis (located west of Calgary, near the mountains)
• HI Lake Louise (Banff)

How to Get Around Calgary

Public transportation – Calgary has a well-connected bus system. Use cash to purchase a ticket on the bus (exact change required), or buy tickets at many drug stores, supermarkets, and corner shops. Fares are 3.60 CAD one way, or you can pay 11.25 CAD for a day pass (which is the best deal). One-way fares are valid for 90 minutes.

Calgary also has two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines known as the C-Train. You can buy tickets with cash or credit card at any C-Train station, and ticket prices cost the same as the bus. You can ride the C-Train for free in Calgary’s downtown core between the City Hall Station and Downtown West/Kerby Station, but make sure you have a ticket as soon as you leave the free zone (a section downtown where fares are free between 3rd Street East and 11th Street West along 7 Avenue).

Taxi – Taxis are not cheap here. Their base rate is 4 CAD, and it’s an additional 1.93 CAD per kilometer afterward. Prices add up fast so skip the taxis here if you can!

Ridesharing – In addition to taxis, you can also use Uber to get around Calgary. It’s cheaper, but it’s still going to break the bank if you use it often, so stick to public transportation as much as possible.

Bicycle – Calgary has more cycling paths than anywhere in North America, with nearly 850 kilometers (528 miles) of pathways! Plus, most major streets have designated biking lanes. Lime Bike is a public bike-share program that lets you rent an e-bike to get around. Just download the app, search for a bike nearby, and unlock it for 1 CAD. After that, it’s 0.30 CAD per minute to ride, meaning a 30-minute journey costs about 10 CAD. If you’d like to take a bike out for longer, Sports Rent offers rentals for 35 CAD per day.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for around 40 CAD per day for a multi-day rental. However, unless you’re leaving the city to explore I wouldn’t suggest renting one. Parking adds up and the bus can get you anywhere you need to go on a budget!

When to Go to Calgary

Late spring and summer in Calgary are the best times to visit, especially between May and early September. There’s so much going on in the city, and everyone is outdoors making the most of it. The average daily temperature is around 23°C (73.4°F), but it’s often higher than 30°C (86°F). Calgary is never really overcrowded with visitors compared to places like Toronto and Vancouver (except during Stampede in July).

Things start cooling off considerably in the fall; don’t be surprised if you see snow in September. Winters are cold, with average temperatures hovering around -11 to -14°C (12-6.8°F). This doesn’t discourage Calgarians in the slightest, however, and you’ll find most people hitting the slopes around Kananaskis and Banff on their time off.

If you’re into winter sports, embrace the cold and take advantage of the near-constant perfect snow conditions.

If the national parks are your priority, aim for a spring or fall visit. The parks are bursting with people in the summer. Additionally, try to skip weekend visits as that’s when the parks are busiest.

How to Stay Safe in Calgary

Calgary is a very safe city. Violent crime here is very rare. Your greatest risk is petty theft, such as pickpocketing, but even that is rare. Just keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

The eastern part of downtown (east of City Hall) is a bit sketchy at night, so avoid walking through that area alone.

If you’re not used to severe winter weather, make sure you bring lots of layers and appropriate clothing if you’re visiting in the winter. Avoid staying outside for too long if you’re not adequately protected. It gets cold!

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Calgary Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Calgary Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Canada and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Calgary will surprise you with its beauty, cool eateries, nightlife beyond honky-tonk, and long, worthwhile to-do list. Calgarians aren’t known for their modesty; it’s their self-love and can-do attitude that got them through disastrous flooding in 2013 and, in 2016, saw them helping residents of wildfire-stricken Fort McMurray with unquestioning generosity. We mustn’t forget – Calgary also hosted the highly successful 1988 Winter Olympics, elected North America’s first Muslim mayor, and throws one of Canada’s biggest festivals, the Calgary Stampede.

Leave the planning to a local expert

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Attractions

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National Music Centre

Looking like a whimsical copper castle, this fabulous new museum is entirely entertaining, taking you on a ride through Canada's musical history with…

Calgary Zoo

More than 1000 animals from around the world, many in enclosures simulating their natural habitats, make Calgary's zoo one of the top rated in North…

Heritage Park Historical Village

Want to see what Calgary used to look like? Head down to this historical park (the largest in Canada!) where all the buildings are from 1915 or earlier…

Prince's Island Park

For a little slice of Central Park in the heart of Cowtown, take the bridge over to this island, with grassy fields made for tossing Frisbees, plus bike…

Calgary Tower

This 1968 landmark tower is an iconic feature of the Calgary skyline, though it has now been usurped by numerous taller buildings and is in danger of…

Telus Spark

You'll wish science class was as fun as the Telus Spark. Kids get a big bang out of this user-friendly and very interactive science center. There is a…

Contemporary Calgary

This inspiring modern-art gallery has three floors of temporary exhibits that change every four months. The gallery is now in the former Centennial…

Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery

This small, private art gallery hosts fabulous temporary exhibitions in its beautiful 4th-floor location. Past exhibitions have considered everything from…

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What to do in Calgary this October

Is everybody ready for the “Monster Mash?” Because when October hits that is when all the spooky sights hit the streets and beyond. This year is no exception and not just because of the pumpkin spice lattes. So, whether you have your costume ready or not, the excitement is going to come in full force all month long. Get your pumpkins bumpkins because in our beautiful city, we got a whole lot of haunting to do. Here is a list full of fang-tastic fun to look forward to.

Pumpkins After Dark – September 22- October 31 – Winsport, Canada Olympic Park

Who says that Halloween only starts in October? This is what the good people at Winsport thought when they set up these pumpkin art installations for people of all ages to enjoy. As it turns out this is the largest fall and Halloween festival in all of Canada. You will see all kinds of Halloween characters carved into pumpkins both big and small. With creepy sound effects, and spooktacular lighting a person can have an enchanting evening of exploration. They have snacks there, so you can take your time.

Screamfest – October 6-31 – Stampede Park

You will scream! That is a promise from the good ghouls of this festival . With six haunted houses, monster truck rides, carnival games, and even a nightmarish mini-golf, this is the perfect way to ring in every “bodies” favourite fearful holiday. So, if you are feeling brave and ready to face down the undead that lurks on the stampede grounds there is no better way to get some thrills and chills. Don’t worry the zombies may chase you but they won’t bite.

Halloweekend – October 7-9 – Calaway Park

As the summer comes to an end, Calaway Park gives it a last howling hurrah and welcomes the next season before closing down for the year. For a short time, everyone’s favourite local amusement park is transformed into Hallotown. A place where there are magical meet-and-greets in the enchanted forest, spooky scenes that are “dying” to be sightseen, a parade of fun characters that entertain one and all. Say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn with one last rollercoaster ride.

Spark After Dark: Fear – October 13 – Telus Spark Science Centre

Just in time for the world’s scariest holiday; Telus Spark looks into what frightens us the most. For one night only, patrons will learn the science behind phobias, fear, and why we are so afraid of the things that make us shiver. No need to be frightened because Spark after Dark is anything but boring. This adults-only event has themed cocktails for all to enjoy, free rein of all the activities without the little ones getting in the way, and entertainment that dazzles the eyes thanks, especially to Cirque de la Nuit.

Rocky Mountain Food & Wine Festival – October 13-14 – BMO Centre

Are you a foodie or an alcohol connoisseur of some renown? This is the festival for you. Since 1998, this treasured event has showcased local chefs in their element. Beverages are ever-flowing while the food is plentiful and delicious. Over 25,000 people visit this party every year to bite and sip the city’s best cuisine. What better time to test your tastebuds than this weekend? You never know what new dish or drink you will discover.

Ghost Tea – October 14-15 & October 21-22 – Heritage Park

Ever have a “high-spirited” tea? Here is your chance to hear some ghostly tales on a tour, then have some tea and treats to warm yourselves up after such chilling tales. Their menu has many “horror-able” bites that would sate the appetite of even the pickiest of vampires that happen to be in your company. So, if you can join in for a “witches” brewed tea, you might just spot one of Heritage Park’s friendly ghosts.

Harvest Lights – Open until October 31 – Calgary Farmyard

After the sun goes down and the moon comes up, the harvest lights go on. The Calgary Farmyard is a chilling albeit easygoing attraction that makes for an enjoyable evening for guests of all ages. The entire farm is lit up in a whimsical display to highlight their activities and give a good chance for some photo-ops. However, the corn maze is not illuminated anyway so the people who are travelling through it, have to bring a flashlight in order to make it out. Make sure you dress warm.

ZooBoo – October 29- 31 – Calgary Zoo

Trick-or-treating for a whole weekend? Yes, please! Treat stations are set up all over the zoo for the kids all dressed up in their costumes. This is also a great way to support wildlife conservation. So if you and your family are environmentalists, this is a wonderful opportunity to help the world and have fun in a special way. Besides, what is Halloween without travelling into the “dangerous” depths of Calgary’s own wild animal haven.

Field of Screams – October 13-14, October 19-21, October 28-29 – Cobb’s Adventure Park

If it isn’t too spine-tingling and you love to be outdoors then why not come to this Cowtown treasure? Anyone who loves the morbid, macabre, or just mayhem in general will find that this place is right up their alley. Not only does it harbour some uniquely grotesque haunted houses but has the added joy of archery tag, pedal carts, and a kangaroo petting zoo. And if you are peckish after facing down such fearful feats, you can make a quick nosh stop at their food truck and/or candy store.

Any month where you get to dress up in costumes, eat candy, and go ghost hunting is always a great time. Who knew that an ancient Celtic festival could turn into one of the most enjoyable holidays that we celebrate today? Tomorrow we are going to have to pull out our winter jackets, warm sweaters, and woolly boots. But for right now, lets enjoy the Thriller dance, costume contests, and carnivals of crazies. Watch those cauldrons folks because you don’t want them to over boil and bubble.

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12 of the best things to do in Calgary this weekend (October 27-29)

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It’s here! The Halloweekend has arrived and with it, a ton of spooktacular events! From haunting houses and ghost tours to productions and displays, it’s going to be an absolute blast, but if you’re not sure where to start – here are 12 fantastic things to do in Calgary between October 27th and the 29th. Enjoy!

Harvest Lights

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Calgary Farmyard (@calgaryfarmyard)

Whimsy and fun! This weekend, check out the Calgary Farmyard for Harvest Lights, a magical event that will give you more time to snuggle with their animals, get lost in their giant corn maze, challenge each other to a game of mini-golf, or make a fool of yourself in their giant rat rollers.

When:  Fridays and Saturdays Where:  284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky Mountain Couty Time:  until 9:30 pm Cost::  $19.95 +

12-Hour Movie Marathon

Up for the challenge? This Saturday, catch a scary flick … or several during the CUFF Horror Movie Marathon! This spooky tradition will forever be one of our favourites not only because it’s a ton of fun – but also because it only costs $20!

When:  Saturday, October 28th, 2023 Where:  617 8 Ave SW, Calgary Time:  7 pm Cost:  $20

Trellis Society Soirée

The Trellis Society is hosting its annual Soirée this weekend, and it’s a party that you can feel good about attending. The Trellis Society Soirée is one of Calgary’s most impactful parties with a purpose — supporting over 7,000 children, youths and families who experience homelessness in Calgary. The event will be hosted at The Hudson, offering glittering views of downtown Calgary, delectable bites, and live music by The Hello Darlins. Plus all food and drinks are included in the ticket price.

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2023 | 6 PM – Late Where: The Hudson, 200 8th Avenue, Calgary Cost: $250 per person

Are you ready to scream? This weekend, hit Screamfest for a night of spooks, frights, freaks and fun! The first person to cover their eyes has to buy the drinks afterward. Good luck, folks! 

When: Until October 31st, 2023 Where:  2200 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB Cost:  $30+

Train of Terror

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aspen Crossing (@aspencrossing)

Halloween weekend is here and one of the year’s freakiest events is back and spookier than ever. Want to feel chills up your spine? Hit the Aspen Crossing Train Of Terror – a full-contact, horror house on wheels just outside of Calgary.

When:  Various dates until November 4th, 2023 When:  Box 30 Mossleigh, AB Time:  See times  here Cost:  $89.99

Haunted Calgary

Hoping to save? We’d recommend hitting New Horizon Mall. This weekend, enjoy a terrifying series of events including a haunted house, spooky selfie museum or zombie survival game.

When:  Until, November 3rd, 2023 Where:  260300 Writing Creek Cres, Balzac Cost:  $15+

Calgary Ghost Tour

October’s final weekend is finally here and in celebration of ghouls, ghosts, wince, cringe, mix and mingle when you visit Calgary’s most “active” sights on an exciting tour in and around town! Prepare to be spooked, friends! 

When: Various dates Where:  Various locations Time:  Various times Cost:  $23+

Sleeping Beauty 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alberta Ballet (@albertaballetcanada)

When:  Thursday, October 26th – 28th, 2023 Where:  1415 14 Ave NW Cost:  $69+

Fairytale Halloween Party at Charmed Resorts

This weekend, have an enchanted Halloween! Charmed Resorts south of Calgary is hosting an interactive event where guests will be challenged to help storybook characters break free from a dangerous curse. Dress warm, have fun and good luck!

When: Friday, October 27th, 2023 Where: 13029 25 Avenue Blairmore, AB Time: 4 pm – 9 pm Cost:  $11.98+

Pumpkins After Dark

Good gourd! This weekend, Calgarians are encouraged to check out Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event featuring enchanting displays, lights and exciting activities.

When:  Until October 31st, 2023 Where:    88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary Time:  See times above Cost:  $18+

Calgary Stampeders

Bundle up, Calgary! This weekend you can grab a beer and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!

When:  Friday, October 27th, 2023 Where:  1817 Crowchild Trail NW Time:  7 pm Cost:  $26+

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vertigo Theatre (@vertigotheatre)

How will you kick things off this weekend? Based on the 1886 Gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, enjoy Vertigo Theatre’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  For more information or tickets, visit the link above and enjoy!

When:  Until October 29th, 2023 Where:  115 – 9th Avenue SE, Calgary Cost:  $69+

Well, there you have it, Calgary – the 10 best things to do this weekend. Now get out there and enjoy yourselves, you deserve it.

Curiocity Staff

Read more in things to do.

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Best Time to Visit Calgary

Calgary is a thriving city in southern Canada, close to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Rocky Mountains and Dinosaur Provincial Park. The climate in the city is humid continental, with warm summers and bitterly cold winters. The best time to visit Calgary is during the summer when temperatures average 17°C. July is the warmest month of the year, with highs reaching 23°C. The winters are cold, and icy winds can whip through the city. Temperatures drop to -8°C, but the weather is dry, with only 11mm of rain falling on average per month. Westerly winds known as "chinooks" can cause winter temperatures to rise rapidly. Winter is also the best season for snow sports. (Calgary was home to the Winter Olympics in 1988).

If you don't like the cold, the best time to visit Calgary for warmer weather is in the summer or early autumn when temperatures are milder and there is little chance of rain.

Planning a trip to Calgary? Our Canadian Train Vacations team is here to assist you. Read our guide to find out the best time to visit Calgary.

Unlike the rest of western Canada, Calgary has dry weather for the majority of the year, as opposed to the humidity combined with rain and snow that is common in British Columbia and other western provinces. The months of June through August are ideal for visiting Calgary because they host the majority of the city's special events, and November through March are ideal for skiing. Expect snowfall in November. Despite the cold, visitors continue to flock to Calgary.

Calgary abounds in winter sports, providing a strong pull for winter tourism. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for a low-key vacation because crowds are low, and lodgings give off-season rates. Spend some time at the Calgary Beerfest, a must-see early May event. Shoulder season, from September to October, necessitates warmer clothing but rewards with better prices and quieter streets.

Don't be afraid to visit Grassi, Hector, and Chester Lakes, which are especially lovely in the fall. If you want to save money and avoid arctic temperatures, visit in April or October when the town is free of tourists and winter's icy grip.

[ Explore: Train from Calgary to Vancouver ]

July and august are considered the best months for good weather in calgary.

Despite the crowds and higher prices, June through August are considered the best months to visit Calgary. The months of July and August are the most likely to have pleasant and warm weather, with average temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) to 26 degrees Celsius (79°F). With the warm weather comes a slew of tourists looking for the city's great hiking, biking, and fishing. It's the perfect time to plan a summer vacation as this is also Calgary's festival season, with big events such as the Calgary Stampede taking place. 

Key Events: 

• Calgary Stampede (July) Since 1923, the Calgary Stampede has been an annual exhibition and stampede (rodeo) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Guy Weadick, a former Wyoming cowboy, founded the world-famous rodeo festival in 1912 with the support of major Alberta cattlemen. It is a colorful 10-day Old West celebration held in July that includes many rodeo events, a parade, musical performances, and other festivities; attendance exceeds one million visitors each year.
• Calgary Folk Music Festival (July) The Calgary Folk Music Festival (also known as the "Calgary Folk Fest") takes place each year in late July at Prince's Island Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Since 1979, the Calgary Folk Music Festival has taken place. The four-day Calgary Folk Music Festival, held every July at Prince's Island Park, features 70 icons and newcomers from 16 countries on 7 stages in over 100 different concert and cooperative programming performances to a 53,000+ audience. It's a genre-bending affair with global roots, country, old-time, funk, world, and indie icons and upstarts.
• Calgary Fringe Festival (August) Calgary's Fringe Festival is an annual non-mainstream theatre festival. The Calgary Fringe Festival showcases over 150 performances over 9 days of local, national, and worldwide productions. Blair Gallant, the founding member of the Calgary Fringe Festival, was struck by the community spirit, understanding, and community identity based on tolerance that he witnessed while touring Rocky Horror at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. And the spark for a new ethnic identity for Calgary was lit! The foundations for making the Calgary Fringe a sustainable and culturally open festival were laid with a unique mix of artistic and entrepreneurial commercial backgrounds.
• Calgary International Blues Festival (July-August) Calgary Bluesfest is a blues celebration that culminates in four days and nights of the best in blues. In the heart of downtown Calgary, you can experience smoking hot blues! The festival is held at Shaw Millennium Park and features nonstop main-stage performances, a beer tent, and nightly dance parties that last until the early hours of the morning. This family-friendly event attracts visitors from all over the world.
• Calgary Pride (August-September) Calgary Pride is an annual LGBT pride festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event is hosted by Pride Calgary, a non-profit association, and is currently held in the last week of August, with the closing parade taking place on the first weekend of September if necessary.

The warmest months are July and August

From June 6 to September 14, the warm season lasts 3.3 months, with an average daily high temperature above 66°F. July is the hottest month in Calgary, with average highs of 74°F and lows of 52°F. Summer is a peak season for tourism all over the world, and Canada is no exception. The sun shines brightly across the country, and the pleasant weather lends a relaxed air to most days. Calgary is the gateway to the Rockies, which is a popular Canadian destination in July and August. Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise are an easy drive from Calgary.

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The coldest month of the year is february.

In Calgary, Canada, the last month of winter, February, is a cold month, with average temperatures ranging from -3.9°C (25°F) to -11.3°C (11.7°F). Calgary's weather in February produces an average daytime high temperature of 1°C. At this time of year, the weather can be quite variable, with temperatures as low as -10°C on some extreme days. In Calgary, February is often the coldest month of the year, though it could also be in January. The coldest temperature in Calgary history was -45.0 °C, recorded on February 4, 1893.

Because the Rocky Mountains are so close, this city makes an excellent home base for powder hounds looking to test their skills on the steep slope. It's also fun for sightseers looking to see a winter wonderland. Hotel rates are also at their lowest, so if you're looking for a good deal, now is the time to go. Keep in mind that mild westerly winds known as "chinooks" can cause winter temperatures to rise rapidly in a matter of hours. Apart from avid skiers, snowboarders, and anyone else interested in winter activities, this is Calgary's low season.

Key Events:

• Big Winter Classic At the Big Winter Classic , you'll find the arts, music and local beer for a five-day winter wonderland weekend. This festival is an opportunity to embrace winters in Calgary as well as support the thriving music scene. Happening at the end of January, it includes 70+ bands, comedy, workshops art and more, and is great fun and entertainment for all ages. There are a variety of ticket options for festival goers.
• Glow Winter Festival This six-day event ignites imaginations with a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of our downtown core, showcasing interactive light displays, art, entertainment, food trucks, and activations. Since its inception in 2017, Glow has been illuminating Calgary's frosty February nights, igniting the community, economy, and culture. Glow is a free family-friendly festival open to Calgary residents of all ages.

[ Explore: Luxury Trains in Canada ]

The best things to do in winter in calgary:, 1. visit the calgary zoo.

Even without leaving the city, you can go animal watching in Calgary in the winter. While the Calgary Zoo is open all year, the winter season provides the best visitor experience because many of the animals are more active in colder temperatures. The Calgary Zoo's main attraction is the penguin walk, which takes place every day, weather permitting, at 10:30 a.m. The penguin walk is a short 15-minute walk through the park that allows you to follow the king penguins as they go about their daily business. It's an excellent photo opportunity! Amur Tigers, African Lions, Grey Wolves, Bison, and other animals can be found at the zoo. Be aware that some animals, including bears, will be hibernating during the winter.

2. Go hiking

Nose Hill Park, l ocated in the North West, is the largest City of Calgary park and offers hiking trails in Calgary, even in the winter. The Nose Hill Lake Loop is a 5 km loop trail near Calgary, Alberta. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an hour and 20 minutes on average to complete. This is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking and is open year-round. But don't stop there; there are many more trails to explore within the park.

3. Hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are without question, the most popular winter activities in Canada. Although Calgary is situated in the prairies, there are a few downhill skiing options in the city and nearby. Those looking for larger downhill runs will need to travel at least an hour from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains. Nakiska Ski Area is the nearest ski resort. This large ski hill is situated one hour west of Calgary in the Kananaskis Valley. It's a full-service ski resort with a 735-meter vertical descent and a 3.3-kilometer longest run. Nakiska is a popular ski resort among Calgary residents and one of the more affordable resorts in the Rocky Mountains.

# Travel Tip: Motorcycle Tour

Cruise around Calgary on a motorcycle sidecar tour. You’ll learn about the city’s top sights as you ride around downtown and can even stop for photo opportunities.

June is the rainiest month

June is the wettest month in Calgary, with an average of 9.9 days that have at least 0.04 inches of rain. Rain falls for 17 days, totaling 65mm (2.56") of precipitation. The weather can be pleasant during the day, with highs of 20°C in the afternoon, plenty of clear skies, and 11 hours of sunshine per day. It still gets quite cold at night, and the city expects a lot of rain this month, so if you go on vacation to Calgary in June, you'll need a waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers. If you visit Calgary in June, whether you stay in the city or venture out into the surrounding countryside, you should be prepared for all weather conditions. While June is not peak season, the city does see an increase in tourists at this time of year.

• Lilac Festival The Lilac Festival is a street festival held annually in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Every spring, the festival attracts over 100,000 people. This free one-day event kicks off Calgary's vibrant festival season. At the Lilac Festival, there is something for everyone. This could mean jumping in the bouncer with the kids, discovering a great new band, selecting the ideal summer patio, or looking for trendy fashion; there is no shortage of things to do.
• Calgary’s Sled Island Music & Arts Festival The Sled Island Music & Arts Festival , founded in 2007, is an annual independent music and arts festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Every June, the five-day festival features a community of bands, visual artists, filmmakers, and comedians, as well as over 30,000 attendees in various venues throughout the city. Sled Island chooses a guest curator each year to help set the direction and tone of the festival through customized programming and their presence at the event.

Things to Consider When Visiting Calgary

What to see and do in calgary .

Calgary is located near the western edge of the Canadian prairies, about 80 kilometers east of the Canadian Rockies. The city has a quaint feel to it, merging the modern with the historic. It shares many similarities with Dallas, Texas.

As one of Canada's largest cities, Calgary has plenty of exciting things to do. From a breathtaking view from the top of Calgary Tower to a trip back in time at the Heritage Park Historical Village to feasting on delicious Alberta beef, Calgary has a wide range of attractions and activities to offer. Visit Calgary Tower, Olympic Plaza, The Military Museums, Heritage Park Historical Village, Prince's Island Park, and Big Rock Brewery.

#Travel Tip: Visit Gasoline Alley Museum

If you’re an auto enthusiast, you’ll love the Gasoline Alley Museum - It features antique vehicles, oil and gas-related artifacts, and Canada’s largest collection of restored gas pumps.

  Where and what to eat in Calgary 

The best Calgary restaurants are locally owned and farm-to-fork, so prepare for appetizing and wholesome dining experiences. There are farmers' markets with a variety of options and great bargains, as well as cool spots to enjoy top-quality comfort food. Looking for a romantic location? Consider booking a table for two inside a restored 19th-century mansion, at Rouge. Calgary Farmer's Market South, Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey, Cravings Market Restuarant, Model Milk, Rouge, Blue Star Diner, The Selkirk Grille, The Coup, The Beltliner, and Holy Grill are some of the best local spots.

Where to shop and what to buy in Calgary

The best places to shop in Calgary range from neighborhoods teeming with independent shops and restaurants to sprawling malls stocked with international brands. There are also numerous local markets open on weekends, with dozens of shops selling fresh produce and specialty items from all over Alberta.

Fourth Street, Kensington, 17th Avenue, Victoria Park, CF Chinook Centre, CrossIron Mills, CORE Shopping Centre, TD Square, CF Market Mall, and Southcentre Mall are some shopping destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calgary worth visiting.

Calgary, Canada's fourth largest city, has a plethora of things to do and places to visit throughout the city. Calgary is worth a visit whether you are on a trans-Canada long drive or passing through on your way from or to Banff National Park.

What month is the hottest in Calgary?

The hottest month in Calgary is usually July when temperatures reach around 23°C (73°F) in the middle of the day or early afternoon.

Why is Calgary so popular?

Calgary combines the energy of a major metropolitan city with the warmth and welcoming spirit of a small town. Calgary's popularity stems from its closeness to the beautiful foothills and Rocky Mountains.

What is Calgary's coldest month?

February is Calgary’s coldest month.

Is Calgary very cold?

Calgary is a mountain city with a dry climate due to its elevation. Temperatures are mild; the average high in July is around 23.2 degrees Celsius (73.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Regardless of how cold Calgary is, it's sunny in comparison to the rest of the country.

Is Calgary colder than Montreal?

Except in the far north, Alberta is not subarctic. In January, the average temperature in Montreal is -9°C (16°F), while the average temperature in Calgary is -7°C (19°F), indicating that Montreal is possibly a bit colder in winter than Calgary.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the...   Read more

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Sunday, May 12th 2024

"I'm a travel junkie who's hooked on deals from YYC." - Chris Myden

Recent Posts   

• •  Calgary to Paris, France - $491 to $539 CAD roundtrip including taxes [Nonstop Flights]
• •  Calgary to Deer Lake, Newfoundland - $222 CAD roundtrip including taxes [Nonstop Flights, New Record!]
• •  Calgary to Reykjavik, Iceland - $452 to $552 CAD roundtrip including taxes | Nonstop Flights
• •  Calgary to Rome, Italy - $663 to $749 CAD roundtrip including taxes | Nonstop Flights
• •  Calgary to Hawaii for under $395 CAD roundtrip including taxes

As Featured On...

Best travel sites - my picks, best local deals, other great sites, 2024 7 may calgary to paris, france - $491 to $539 cad roundtrip including taxes [nonstop flights].

WestJet has dropped the price of their flights from Calgary to Paris, France down to between $491 and $539 CAD roundtrip including taxes.

The flights are nonstop both ways.

One way flights from Calgary to Paris are also available for ~$270 CAD. And Paris to Calgary for ~$237.

Update - October 2024 through March 2025 dates have become available for $495 CAD roundtrip. BUT, it only seems to work when searching for 1 passenger, not 2 or more.

Availability for travel

April, May, June, September, October, November 2024

January, February, March 2025

How to find and book this deal

1. Start with the following Google Flights search:

Google Flights: Calgary to Paris, France

- Click on the departure date box to open up the calendar view and browse for cheap date combinations.

- Adjust the trip length at the bottom.

- Look for the dates that are $507-$575 roundtrip

2. Go to Kayak or Skyscanner or FlightHub

3. Search for a flight from Calgary (YYC) to Paris, France (CDG)

- Try the same dates you found on Google Flights.

[Dates to Try]

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The best holiday destinations in October 

By Sarah James

October can be many things. It can be the dreamy scent of bonfire smoke on restorative air; pumpkins on porches; blazing leaves. Or, Down Under, it might be the abundance of spring – and a fine time to explore new Aussie cooking . In much of Asia , rains and humidity are abating, so both riotous cities and off-grid escapes are at their best. And with the steamy, congested summer a distant memory, it’s the savvy traveller’s time for a classic California road trip , or an in-demand beach break. We’ve got October holiday ideas for sustainable touring, shopping, stays and getting around, too. For more, see our guide to where is hot in October .

Our choices for the best holiday destinations in October

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

Perfect autumn beach destination: Europe, a Mediterranean island, but so far south-east it has the climate of the Middle East. Enter Cyprus. A rich history and eclectic culture, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches. Away from the dramatically beautiful coastline and the beachfront hotels is the lesser-explored interior, the Troodos mountains – the Cotswolds of Cyprus – with their vineyards and hillside villages and friendly tavernas.

Where to stay: Anassa is one of our favourite hotels in Europe, particularly for families. For a more adult stay, try the glossy beachside Amavi in Paphos. For more options, see our pick of the best hotels in Cyprus .

Los Cabos, Mexico

Temperature: 33°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 15 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT-7

Beachy Eden ‘Cabo’ is all about switching off in style. This sun-drenched spot is always hot hot hot: where smart hotels such as the One&Only have restaurants by elite chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and host birthday parties for starry guests including Jennifer Aniston. In winter, all and sundry come for the weather (it rains in summer). Praise be for October, then, when the mercury’s high but occupancy low. Los Cabos is actually two towns at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The latter retains more traditional charm, and has the chicest hotels: mid-century fans will love Thompson’s The Cape. Don’t miss Puerto Raiz in San José del Cabo, an outdoor foodie hub with two restaurants and a distillery, set within 13 acres of orchards and gardens. All produce is sourced onsite – including for the distillery’s spirits and cocktails – while cheese, meat and seafood come from local purveyors in neighbouring Baja towns such as La Paz and Todos Santos.

Where to stay: One&Only Palmilla , an elegant retreat and one of the best hotels in Los Cabos .

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Temperature: 25°C high; 20°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+3

It's springtime in Mauritius in October; the weather is warming up after a long, warm winter. But it's not yet humid or rainy. Huge Indian Ocean-sized flowers are bursting in bloom and animal hoots and chattering come riffling out of the rainforest. There’s not a lot you can do about the carbon-belching flight to Mauritius, but, once you’re there, you can opt for a sustainable stay. Mauritius Conscious Travel offers solar-powered glamping with vegetarian meals sourced from an onsite garden, plus motor-free day trips by sea kayak, mountain bike and climbing rope. If anyone offers you a trip to Mauritius at any other time of year, we urge you not to turn it down. But October is definitely a goodie.

Where to stay: For a private stay, Maradiva is a smart all-villa resort. At Shangri-La Le Touessrok , guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private island. See more of the top hotels in Mauritius .

Provence, France

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours by plane; 6.5 hours by Eurostar Time difference: GMT+1

Everybody goes to Provence in summer. But for food, for tranquillity, for scenery, October is deeply delicious, its vineyards a vibrant ochre, morning mists shrouding the glades of the Luberon at dawn. Autumn is the season of wine and truffles and food festivals, when Provence’s slow-paced villages are uncrowded except for locals, markets heaped with harvest spoils. And the weather is still largely warm and dry – ideal T-shirt weather for country walks and bike rides.

Where to stay: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is a classic favourite; while Coquillade has just reopened after a facelift, a restored Provençal village in the Luberon, with spoiling suites, a destination spa, and its own vineyards.

Málaga, Spain

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

On Spain ’s sunniest costa, Málaga’s exuberant young crowd has injected a fresh energy into this little seaside city, earning it a reputation for being a pocket-sized Barcelona , where you’ll find sizzling art and food scenes and late-summer heat. Its charming old town, though small, is packed with buzzy little restaurants and boutiques selling artisan-made fashion and homewares; there’s a museum dedicated to Picasso and a theatre run by Antonio Banderas, both Málaga natives. More modern kicks are found at the regenerated port with its Rubik’s-Cube-like Pompidou Centre. And why not explore Málaga carbon-free – Urban Bicycles rents out the most beautiful handmade mint-green bikes for cruising along the promenade, which runs from the city centre to the beach bars north of the city.

Where to stay: At the 18th-century Palacio Solecio , which opened in 2020 after a full overhaul to become the city’s most beautiful hotel, and the latest in Pablo Carrington’s stable (along with Formentera’s Gecko Hotel & Beach Club and Mallorca’s Cap Rocat).

The Greek islands, Greece

Temperature: 24°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

The more southerly of the small Greek islands – the Dodecanese and the Cyclades – are still hot and sunny well into October – and there are some sensational beaches on which to enjoy it. Rhodes, with the lovely cobbled Lindos and parties in its ancient ruins. Milos , which has some of the best beaches in the Greek Islands. We love unspoilt Symi, Nisyros and Patmos ; while Santorini and Mykonos are eternal big-hitters. Pick any one, they're all lovely. Or go island-hopping around them all. Just remember: cruise ships are an issue on the Greek islands, disgorging thousands into small port towns and diverting visitors to just a small number of shops and restaurants. If you’re island-hopping, opt to do it by sailboat instead: this is not only more environmentally friendly, but smaller vessels can take you to more off-the-beaten-track beaches, coves and towns.

Where to stay: We have a long list of the best Greek island hotels to choose from. In terms of the newest openings to know about, Once in Mykonos Luxury Resort is a chilled hideaway for young families and dapper partygoers. Another name to note is Oku Kos , which effortlessly combines local culture with relaxation.

Japanese Alps, Japan

Temperature: 20°C high; 9°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT +9

The masses might go mad for cherry blossom season, but arguably Japan ’s most arresting sight is its Alps in autumn. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows sprawl across the ranges, reflected in jade-green lakes and rivers. Hiking trails get very busy, but the outstanding vistas more than make up for it, and the ever-organised Japanese excel at high-altitude mountain huts, where you can get a private room and bento box-style dinner. Afterwards, the spa towns around Takayama are adept at soothing aching limbs. Upmarket ryokans, such as Fukuji Onsen’s Yumoto Choza, offer both outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, fine-dining kaiseki dinners and gorgeous traditional rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper screens.

Ningaloo Reef

Temperature: 33°C high; 16°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 16 hours 45 minutes to Perth direct, then 1 hour 50 minutes to Learmonth for Ningaloo. Time difference: GMT+8

Off the coast of Western Australia , the country’s most pristine coral reef has become known as a marine superhighway. Diving and snorkelling trips are technicolour dreams, teeming with fish, turtles and sharks, and Ningaloo Reef is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales, when they journey alongside the reef on their on their way to feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Or take a boat out as they breach, dramatically, out of the water around you.

Where to stay: Guests can walk straight from their safari tent at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – the only hotel in the Cape Range National Park – into the marine-rich waters of the reef. The tented camp’s local guides will unearth the wonders of sea and bush, and arrange experiences such as swimming with whales.

Lee Marshall

Condé Nast Traveller

Vivienne Dovi

Chloe Sachdev

Temperature: 14–26ºC Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13h 30m (one change) Time difference: GMT+2

Marking the turn of winter into spring, October is a wonderful month to visit this storied Indian Ocean island. The weather is dry and warm, the nights are cool, the jacarandas are in bloom, and it is egg-laying season for turtles and birthing season for lemurs – poster girls for Madagascar’s unique and diverse indigenous wildlife, which is found in abundance from the country’s ancient forests to its dreamy white-sand beaches.

Where to stay: On cast away fantasy Nosy Ankao off Madagascar’s north coast, Miavana is the best eco-lodge in the country: a five-star private-island resort dedicated to conservation, with expert guides to take guests lemur-and turtle-watching, fishing and diving. Abercrombie & Kent offers the 13-night Classic Madagascar trip from £5,960pp.

Darjeeling, India

Temperature: 17°C high; 10°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +5.30

This month marks the end of monsoon season, and an excellent time to visit India’s most famous hill station as the rain and fog peel back to reveal extravagant Himalayan views. Top of the list should be a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, to see the frosted peaks of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in a peachy glow. The effect is said to be best in mid-October; keep your eyes peeled and you’ll even spot Everest on the left. Other than that, it’s a relaxing time tasting the ‘Champagne of teas’ at local plantations, riding the UNESCO-listed steam railway (affectionately known as ‘the toy train’) and taking afternoon tea in Victorian-style heritage hotels.

Where to stay : Ging Tea House is among the oldest tea estates in the region, from which you can take lovely guided hikes. Or see more hotels across India for gorgeous monsoon views . Do remember that water scarcity is a huge problem in Darjeeling, so look for hotels with responsible practices around conservation (such as rainwater harvesting), and be mindful of how much you use.

Vienna, Austria

Temperature : 15°C high; 5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2hrs 25 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Though Austria’s capital is better known for grand imperial palaces and an even grander musical legacy (Mozart and Beethoven), one of the city’s finest assets is its urban vineyards. Forget a designated driver, just take the tram to the pretty outer suburbs, where rows of vines spread across grassy slopes, as skyline views and the Danube stretch out below. October marks the harvest, when the vineyards are at their greenest and winemakers open up their operations to enquiring minds (and mouths). There are several designated wine trails to follow, where vintners hand out samples from both cellar and kitchen, and autumn’s mild, sunny days are ideally suited to frolics in the fields. Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna , a magnificently grand stay – one of our favourite hotels in Vienna .

Austin, Texas

Temperature: 27°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours 25 minutes Time difference: GMT-6

Austin’s other festival happens in October: Austin City Limits , in Zilker Park – an altogether easier shebang to negotiate than SXSW if you’re not in the industry. And autumn brings glorious weather to Texas – blue skies, mild warm days, low humidity – which is just right for a road trip out of the USA’s coolest, weirdest state capital across the high Texan desert to find historical charm in San Antonio and more weirdness, along with knockout art and sensational food, in Marfa. Rent bikes at Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop , fired up by a farm-sourced, single-origin, Fair-Trade, shade-grown, home-roasted coffee from the shop’s Juan Pelota Cafe.

Where to stay: The Texas-based Bunkhouse group has places to stay in Austin and San Antonio, including Austin’s  Carpenter Hotel  in a former union hall near Zilker Park and beautiful  Hotel Havana  in a riverside house in San Antonio, while avant-garde hotelier Liz Lambert, a true original, is behind the out-there trailer park  El Cosmico  in Marfa.

Churchill, Canada

Temperature: 1°C high; -5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 21 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

Better to be a visitor than a resident in Arctic Churchill, which in autumn earns the dubious honour of becoming “polar bear capital of the world”. As the surrounding Hudson Bay freezes, these massive mammals – male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 men – invite themselves over, in search of seals. Great news for wildlife watchers, who can board specially reinforced tundra buggies to get up close to earth’s largest land carnivore; not so great for the people of Churchill, who are apt to find polar bears hanging around like delinquent youths at the local bus stop. The largest groups gather in October. Consider a tundra buggy safari with Frontiers North Adventures , respected locally for thoughtful initiatives including creating the town’s first recycling programme; employing staff and sourcing supplies from within the community; and investing in causes such as Churchill’s Canadian Junior Rangers and non-profit conservation outfit Polar Bears International .

Atacama Desert, Chile

Temperature: 25°C high; 5°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21hrs Time difference: GMT -4

The world’s driest desert isn’t the hottest, but it is perhaps the most starkly beautiful – so Mars-like that actual Mars rovers are brought here for test drives. Red canyons and sand dunes, whooshing geyers and steaming volcanoes, salt flats and hot springs stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s largely devoid of a drinking water supply or any natural shade, so there are few settlements, which means no pollution, explaining why it has also lately garnered buzz as a premier stargazing destination. The fabulously remote Explora Atacama, for example, has a private observatory as well as a spa and bespoke-bred horses. October, shoulder season, offers a holy trinity: empty vistas unspoiled by fellow visitors, lower room rates and temperate daytime conditions. Don’t ignore the highland hamlets and historic sites in the Atacama region – spending your tourist dollars here helps to sustain local and indigenous communities and preserve their heritage. Where to stay: Hotel Wara , a spacious and rambling escape in the desert. Explora Atacama , meanwhile, is a gorgeously rugged ranch turned spoiling escape, with a spa, an observatory and an exemplary restaurant.

Watch a video of a dramatic ride across the Atacama Desert

Rome, Italy

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Tutti Italia is on holiday all month long in August. You might think that would make Rome relatively quiet, with every Roman gone to the beach, but it's not; it's unbearably busy and unbearably hot. July, too, is unbearably busy and hot; so is much of June. May and September used to be quieter, but lots of people realised that and now they are busy too. Winter can be a bit miserable, though Christmas is quite busy. So October, by default, becomes our month of choice to visit Rome , when it is less busy, still lovely and warm, and you can selfie at the Trevi Fountain in that magic late-summer sunlight without quite so many tourists ruining the view.

Where to stay: Hotel de' Ricci , a retro-cool hotel in an artsy neighbourhood and one of the best hotels in Rome .

The Lake District, UK

Temperature: 10°C high; 2°C low Season: autumn Travel time from UK: 3 hours by train from London Time difference: GMT+0

Even when it rains – and it does rain here, a lot – the Lake District must be one of the most wistfully beautiful places in the world. Never more (many would say) than in fiery autumn, when mist and woodsmoke mix in the morning and good days are pin-sharp, bright with red-gold trees and bracken covering the fells. If only someone could capture such beauty in words.

Where to stay: Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurant at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House . For a quant village stay, check in to The Black Bull Inn . For a private stay, we love the look of this cosy Airbnb near Ullswater . For more, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District .

New England, USA

Temperature: 17°C high; 7°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 7 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

As above, except with less rain, and leafpeepers (for that is what they call them here) tend to drive to look at the Fall foliage rather than put on walking boots. Combine the fiery Vermont countryside with a Boston city break.

Where to stay: Castle Hill Inn , the best places to watch the boats become silhouettes against the Atlantic Ocean, one of the best things to do on Rhode Island .

Temperature: 35°C high; 16°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT+1

You can make a convincing case for Botswana as the world’s greatest safari destination. The government’s “low impact, high experience” mandate makes for more intimate camps; Serengeti-like jeep scrums just aren’t a thing. Then there’s the Okavango Delta, an immaculate wetland wilderness teeming with life. (Conservation is so successful that South Africa relocates endangered rhino here.) Tourism tails off in October because of rising heat, but the flooded Okavango is water-cooled, while a lack of vegetation – munched over the dry winter – puts game-viewing at its peak. Prices drop towards the end of the month, and the new, solar-powered Qorokwe Camp by Wilderness Safaris, sitting on its own lagoon, is a slick pick. A bush walk with the San – the indigenous people of the Kalahari desert – conserves their culture in more ways than one, fostering both education for visitors and employment for the San. But do your research before booking: some tours can be less than respectful. Where to stay: Xigera Safari Lodge , a lodge putting a swish edge on sustainability, or read about the best Botswana safari holidays in the Okavango Delta .

Seville, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

A hot destination right now, the winds of change are finally blowing through old Seville – and October is the best time to visit for fresher air, when the winding streets are a little less sultry but no less romantic. Culturally there's a lot happening, from pop-up galleries and cafés to a gastronomic revolution.

Where to stay: For a taste of truly regal extravagance, book in to Hotel Alfonso XIII . For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Seville .

Temperature: 29°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 18 hours Time difference: GMT-11

With the summer crowds gone, low rainfall and mellowing prices before the winter holidays, what better time to head for Hawaii? Of course, there’s more to the archipelago than Big Island: Kauai for secret swimming holes and charming local bars; Oahu for top food and surf; and even Maui, with its ever-popular 30 miles of beach, has some hush-hush stuff up its sleeve – seek out the rural artists’ community at Makawao, or go on an agri-visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a farm on the slopes of a volcanic crater. Given the amount of importing that goes on here – and that goes for hotels, restaurants and shopping chains as much as groceries – shopping local helps the Hawaiian people maintain an identity that is uniquely their own. Buying locally made fashion not only guarantees designs that are true to the culture, but supports master weavers and artisans: see the likes of Hana Hou (Big Island); Native Intelligence (Maui); Na Mea Hawaii (Oahu); and Ohana Shop (Kauai). Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Lana'i , an alluring escape.

Perugia, Italy

Temperature: 18°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK : 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

It’s not difficult to get excited about a place that holds an annual 10-day festival celebrating the world’s favourite sweet treat. Every October, Umbria’s capital in central Italy hosts cooking classes, exhibitions and (most importantly) tasters to celebrate the town’s most famous export – chocolate. It’s a diabetic’s purgatory, a sweet lover’s dream and a local staple. The Belgians have their pralines, Oaxaca has its drinking chocolate and the Swiss have Lindt – but Perugia is home to baci. The word translates as “kisses”, and the story goes that a young chocolatier created a special sweet for her paramour, wrapped in a love letter and – naturally – sealed with a kiss. Today, baci somewhat seductively resemble a nipple, and still come wrapped in romantic proverbs and poems. Perugia is also a town rich in history and art, set on a hilltop peppered with medieval aqueducts, curious cobbled staircases and views that appear out of nowhere.

Where to stay: Find boutique hotels in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

The Galapagos Islands

Temperature: 25°C high; 19°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 13 hours Time difference: GMT-7

Out of this world all year round – there is no other wildlife like this on earth. However for maximum nature shows, it's peak season for fish and birds from June until the end of October in the Galápagos Islands . It's also when there's least rain. Wait until October and most of the other tourists will have gone back to work; plus the sea should have warmed up a bit in case you were thinking of taking a dip (and you should) to get up close to the phenomenally varied marine life. And while most visitors explore the Galápagos via small cruise ships, it is possible to book land-based tours, where you’ll stay on several islands and take small- boat excursions by day. This means eating at locally run restaurants, visiting land-based businesses (such as farms), and exploring the human history of the islands, too.

Where to stay: Finch Bay , one of the island’s longest-standing hotels as recommended in our expert's guide to the Galapagos .

Taipei, Taiwan

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+7

Yet to draw the trend-obsessed like Tokyo , or shoot to relevance like Seoul , the Taiwanese capital is a broadly undiscovered, just-as-thrilling blend of both. From Taoist temples to record-setting skyscrapers, flashy shopping malls to throbbing, neon-lit night markets, it’s a fascinating cultural smash: all cheap street-side beers and grilled cuttlefish on a stick one minute; a bonkers club with a waterfall on the dance floor the next. Towards the end of October the rain stops, humidity dials down and skies clear, so you can take in the glitzy cityscape, best viewed from the 230ft Miramar Ferris Wheel, or the 89th floor of once-world's-tallest tower, Taipei 101.

Where to stay: There’s more bling at the W , where room categories have names like Fabulous and Extreme Wow.

Temperature: 31°C high; 25°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+6

October is the beginning of dry season in Vietnam’s north and south, where monumental natural spectacles and buzzing city scenes both abound. Up top, hill station Sapa is the gateway to misty treks; the capital Hanoi is all chaos, condensed-milk coffees on low plastic stools and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Down at the bottom, the Mekong Delta is a whole world bobbing on canals and streams; and Ho Chi Minh City is where the bohos go – don’t miss The Café Apartment, a nine-storey block stuffed with fairy-lit mini-boutiques and craft coffee stores. High season creeps up in November, so it’s also the last chance for lower rates. In Sapa, the most popular activities are trekking the terraced slopes and staying with hill tribes, and the best way to do both is with Sapa O’Chau . This social enterprise, founded by a single mother from the Black Hmong tribe, is a nonprofit homestay and trekking service, which puts funds back into the community: improving village schools, providing English classes to Hmong guides and street vendors, distributing winter clothes to local children, and more. Where to stay: An Lam Retreats in Ninh Van Bay , one of the best hotels in Vietnam .

Adelaide, Australia

Temperature: 21°C high; 12°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21 hours Time difference: GMT+8:30

Sydney and Melbourne – so yesterday. It’s Adelaide’s time to shine, and how. The wine-producing Adelaide Hills had long overshadowed South Australia’s coastal capital, but a vital new food scene is changing all that. And thank the Hills’ surrounding farms for fresh finds that Adelaide’s urban rivals can only covet. All that natural bounty is paired with October’s crisp air, as the beginnings of spring slough off winter’s edge. If you fancy getting off-grid, CABN has a number of tiny houses tucked into the South Australian wilderness, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD. These solar-powered minimalist escapes also have composting loos and rainwater catchment, and sit close to conservation parks, heritage bushland and wine country.

Read more about the best restaurants in Adelaide

Mendocino, California

Temperature: 14°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 11 hours Time difference: GMT-8

October is when Northern California finally gets its act together, dropping the fog and chilly winds that never fail to surprise under-dressed tourists, opting instead for more Cali-appropriate shimmering sunshine and bright, blue skies. It’s also the ideal time to make the road trip to one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Mendocino County: a thrilling coastal drive 160 miles north of San Francisco, with enough dramatic sea cliffs, lanky redwoods and crashing ocean to put Big Sur to shame. Mendocino town looks like a slice of New England picked up and dropped off on a California headland, and recalls its 1950s bohemian heyday with a surplus of art galleries and no chains. That hippie spirit also lives on in the Mendocino wine region, known for the country’s biggest haul of organic vines. Try a true taste of Mendocino at Harbor House Inn , where the 25-seat dining room hosts an ever-changing, hyper-local menu that has been awarded the county’s first-ever Michelin star. Everything you eat here has been sourced from within a 30-mile radius.

Where to stay: Half an hour up the coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a place of wild extremes. Or see more of the best hotels in California for more ideas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Temperature: 35°C high; 24°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 7 hours Time difference: GMT+3

Summer is when Dubai hibernates: as the desert city heats up to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond, even skyscrapers seem to perspire, the al-fresco fun packs up and everyone bolts for the AC-cooled inside. But in October Dubai springs to new life: beach clubs reopen, restaurant terraces are jammed and a dip in the Arabian Gulf no longer feels like swimming in a scorching-hot spring. Temperatures in the high 20s also make a desert excursion less like an episode of Bear Grylls ’ Born Survivor. Enough of the world’s biggests and tallests? Poke into the boutiques, galleries and Foster + Partners-designed buildings of the freshly minted Dubai Design District. Where to stay: Al Maha , an exclusive desert haven set within a conservation reserve. See more of our favourite hotels in Dubai for more ideas.

Temperature: 19°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours Time difference: GMT+5

The remote Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness Index, pristine peaks and precariously perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery, makes a point of exclusivity – foreign visitors face a hefty daily tariff for the privilege of stepping within its borders. The payoff, of course, is the rare purity of a nation largely untouched by the outside world. Given that much of Bhutan’s pleasures are found in hikes to sacred mountains and remote temples, the cool mountain air and clear skies of October make it a prime time to visit. The Six Senses Bhutan – comprising five different lodges – adds a touch of luxury to some of the country’s most scenic valleys and forests. The daily tariff ensures that Bhutan only deals in sustainable tourism – limiting visitors in this way protects the kingdom’s culture, land and traditions. But you can make sure the money you spend goes directly to the Bhutanese you meet by shopping in local markets, eating in neighbourhood restaurants and sleeping in heritage properties or homestays.

Where to stay: Read our spa review of COMO Uma Paro, Bhutan .

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 5 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Perhaps the most captivating country in the Middle East, Jordan has an embarrassment of spectacular things to see: ancient and awe-inspiring Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, great desertscapes where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. In October there are still bright sunny days that light the rock of Petra up rose-red; but it is cool enough to journey into the Valley of the Moon on camel or horseback by day, and warm enough to sleep out under the starry sky by night. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp out in Wadi Rum. A co-operative of Bedouin tribes runs the majority of trekking and camping trips, and they rely on tourism to hold onto their traditional way of life.

The Turkish Coast

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Turkey's beautiful Aegean and Bosphorus coasts are still hot in October, the beaches uncluttered by holidaymakers. There's a distinctly Greek feel to these regions, and between the coves you'll find dreamy boutique hotels that are good value for money out of season, and unexpectedly boho fishing villages. Alaçati is one of our favourites; and picturesque Selimiye, an hour from Dalaman, tipped (by us) as the new Kalkan. Likewise Istanbul – too prickly, too hot in summer – is more pleasant to explore out of season.

Where to stay: Mandarian Oriental in Bodrum , a glamorous, starry beach base. Alaçati is a good spot for small boutique hotels – a better bet for eco-friendliness than a sprawling coastal resort. The Stay Warehouse is a super-cool, adults-only converted brewery built from regionally sourced, recycled wood, bricks and glass, and the restaurant serves platters of local fruit, olives and cheese.

Temperature: 23°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 25 Time difference: GMT+1

Mallorca and Ibiza get the lion’s share of the Balearic spotlight. But little Menorca is just as beautiful. In the summer, this tiny island’s roads are largely closed to private vehicles to avoid congestion and protect the natural environment – especially around the most beautiful beaches. By October, things have calmed down, and most summer tourists have left. More fool them: Menorca is still warm and sunny well into the autumn, and the sea – warmed by the Mediterranean sun all summer – is still pleasant to swim in. In shoulder season, you can explore at your own pace.

Where to stay: at Menorca Experimental , a handsome, pared-back hideout from the Parisian Experimental Group, or at Christine Bedfor , a smart townhouse in Mahon.

Temperature: 21°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 20 Time difference: GMT+1

Sicily’s long been drawing Italo-philes after something a little different to the mainland – more rugged, more fierce – but the White Lotus effect has really ramped up tourism to this little island over the past few years. See what all the fuss is about by planning a trip in October when the oppressive summer heat has finally died down, and the peak-season crowds have melted away. The landscape here is extraordinary; cities plonked at the bottom of smoking volcanoes, glossy islands cast away in the sea, and gently crumbling grandiose architecture that hints at a patchwork of influences from Moorish to Norman. You’ll also find some of Europe’s best food here; fat tubes of cannoli and refreshing granita that you won’t stop talking about even after you leave.

Where to stay: In Palermo, we love Villa Igea (which was featured on our 2023 Gold List ) or stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo , set against the backdrop of Mount Etna.

Calgary tops list of 10 cities Canadians are travelling to for summer 2024

Calgary has nabbed first place on a new list examining the top 10 Canadian cities that people from across the country are looking at travelling to this summer.

According to Kayak's 2024 summer travel trends report , released on Wednesday, more people have been using the travel website to search for domestic flights to Calgary than any other Canadian city.

The report is based on searches made on Kayak.com between Nov. 1, 2023, and March 15, 2024, for travel dates between May 17 to Sept. 3, 2024.

"While Calgary is always a hot spot for Canadian summer travel with must-see events like the Calgary Stampede, the city has also made it on the top trending list, with searches growing 30 per cent from last summer," said Kayak in a news release.

The top searched Canadian destinations for this summer are as follows:

• Calgary, Alta.;
• Vancouver, B.C.;
• Toronto, Ont.;
• Halifax, N.S.;
• St. John's, Nfld.;
• Montreal, Que.;
• Edmonton, Alta.;
• Victoria, B.C.;
• Kelowna, B.C.; and
• Winnipeg, Man.

The average airfare for a round-trip economy flight to Calgary this summer from anywhere in Canada is $389, according to Kayak.

The travel site says prices for domestic travel in Canada are nine per cent more expensive this summer than last.

The most popular spot for international travel this summer, according to Kayak, is London, England, followed by Paris, France, and Tokyo, Japan.

Calgary Top Stories

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It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.

'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering

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Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition

An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.

Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping

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Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place

The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.

Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.

Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding

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WATCH | Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

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Shopping Trends

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U of A defends decision to involve police in teardown of campus protest encampment

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2 arrested after man's dead body found in northeast Edmonton home Saturday: EPS

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Medicine Hat, Alta., police arrest local man in child luring case

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Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall

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VPD officer suspended 5 days for drunk driving crash; watchdog orders review

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Vancouver Island

Northern lights put on a show across B.C.

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Saskatoon police say violent crime is up 10 per cent since last year

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'It would change my life': Saskatchewan singer vying for $1 million on Canada's Got Talent final

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No one injured in residential blaze, Saskatoon fire department says

The Saskatoon Fire Department says no one was injured in a fire in the Queen Elizabeth neighbourhood on Saturday evening.

Death investigation underway after injured man dies in hospital

Regina police have launched an investigation into the death of a man officers found gravely injured in the northwest of the city on Sunday.

'Genuine optimism': Riders open 2024 training camp with Harris at the helm

Sunday marked day one of training camp for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon. The team was ecstatic to be back on the field for another year with quarterback Trevor Harris being no exception.

Sask. social services mobile outreach team doubles in size, expands access to community locations

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$5 million worth of stolen watches recovered during search warrants: Toronto police

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UQAM students join McGill and set up second pro-Palestinian encampment in Montreal

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Ottawa church advocating for universal basic income as federal bills consider the issue

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Northern Ontario

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Gunshots ring out in Kitchener neighbourhood

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Mother’s Day tea party with alpacas

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Fire crews tackle east end blaze early Sunday morning

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Teachers among those charged in underage prostitution investigation

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Stay Connected

Boredom busters: 10 family-friendly things to do over spring break

Spring break is here for Calgary students, spanning over the next two weeks between both school divisions. Here are 10 kid-friendly activities to keep the whole family busy.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

As the weather warms up, enjoy the last of the snow with a walk around Fish Creek Provincial Park. The urban park — one of the largest in North America — features 30 kilometres of paved walkways, so it’s an easy outing for young kids. Fish Creek is home to birds and other wildlife, so keep an eye out on your stroll (no feeding the animals, though!).

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash to protect themselves and the local wildlife.

Where:  Fish Creek Provincial Park

When:  Any day

Cost:  Free

Journey into space at the Telus Spark Science Centre

Learn all there is to know about space at the Telus Spark Science Centre. Space: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond, is ongoing until October. The exhibit looks at the future of moon exploration, and peers at the galaxy through the James Webb Telescope.

While you’re there, check out Steven’s Lab, where kids can get some hands-on experience with real scientific tools.

Where:  Telus Spark Science Centre

When:  Now until October

Cost:  $19-$26

Spring Movie Break

If you’re all played out and need a low-key, indoor activity, Landmark Cinemas is showing select family-friendly movies for $5 a ticket, with $1 from each ticket donated to Kids Help Phone. The selected movies are: Rocket Club: Across the Cosmos, Wish, Trolls: Band Together and Super Mario Bros.

The discounted prices go throughout both school boards’ spring breaks, so everyone has a chance to take advantage of a movie day.

Where:  Landmark Cinemas locations

When:  March 22 to April 7

Cost:  $5

Mirror Mirror: An immersive art experience

Mirror Mirror at Chinook Centre has been extended through spring break. There are nine interactive installations which tap into your imagination using lights, music and mirrors. Mirror Mirror offers a unique experience for everyone and is fun for all ages.

Read Eric Volmers’ feature story on the installation .

Where:  Chinook Centre

When:  Now until April 14

Cost:  $18-$22

Mastermind Toys spring break

Mastermind Toys stores in Calgary are hosting a week of free activities for kids:

• Monday: Aquabeads make and take
• Tuesday: Our Generation accessories-making kit
• Wednesday: Play-Doh make and take
• Thursday: Playmobil story time and take away
• Friday: Litehawk Rebel demo and giveaway

Where:  Mastermind Toys locations in Calgary

When:  March 25-29, 1-3 p.m.

Story time at Heritage Park

Taking place in Heritage Village, volunteers share family-friendly stories, both classics and modern. After story time, kids can participate in activities and crafts, which they can take home.

Story time is every Wednesday until April 24, and at a different site in Heritage Park each week.

Where:  Heritage Park

When:  Now until April 24, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cost:  $8.95-$14.95

Horse-drawn carriage rides

Heritage Park is hosting 25-minute horse-drawn carriage rides that will take you through the entire park, offering beautiful views and a glimpse of Calgary history. With the ride, you’re also granted entry into Gasoline Alley Museum, which has a line-up of family-friendly activities planned. The museum is also hosting a scavenger hunt, crafts and competitions with classic toys.

When:  March 27-29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost:  $20-$140

Easter Eggstravaganza

Over the Easter long weekend, the Calgary Zoo is hosting Easter Eggstravaganza. Aside from the regular fun that the zoo offers, this event will also feature treats (for kids and the animals), games and Easter-themed photo opportunities.

For added fun, you can get a ticket to an Easter-themed brunch that will have a specialty menu and crafts for kids.

Where:  Calgary Zoo

When:  March 29 to April 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost:  $26-$36 (brunch tickets sold separately)

Calgary Kids Comic Con

Calgary Kids Comic Con, hosted by the Calgary Public Library, is a kid-friendly event promoting reading and imagination. Kids will get a chance to learn through comics, activities and special guest appearances, including the puppeteers from Fraggle Rock. Food trucks will be on hand to feed the kids after a day of learning.

You’ll also get the chance to sign up for a free animation workshop.

Where:  Central Library

When:  March 30, Noon-4:30 p.m.

Cost:  $10-$18

Calgary Roughnecks Tiki Party

The Calgary Roughnecks lacrosse team takes on the Saskatchewan Rush on this tiki-themed game night. There will be giveaways, a specialty theme jersey and a fire show during intermission. Arrive early to get in on the rib night and slushie drink special, and stick around after the game for a post-game party with Calgary musical duo, Kinjo & Young.

Where:  Scotiabank Saddledome

When:  April 5, 7 p.m.

Cost: Included with admission to the game

Calgary listed as top Canadian travel destination for summer 2024

The Kayak report is based searches made for travel dates between May 17 and Sept. 3, 2024

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Article content

Kayak, a travel search engine, has released its annual summer travel trends report , showing Canadians’ are looking at Calgary and South America for travel this summer.

According to the report, domestic travel has become more expensive, up nine per cent from summer 2023. Even with the price increase, Canadians are still considering local vacations, with searches for Canadian holidays up 29 per cent from 2023. Calgary is listed as the top domestic destination.

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Canadians are searching flights to Calgary more than any other city in Canada. The Calgary Stampede brings in tourism every summer, but Kayak predicts more travel to the city in 2024. Searches for Calgary are up 30 per cent from summer 2023, placing it on the top trending list.

For Canadians looking into U.S. destinations, Kayak is seeing low-cost fares to Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Renting a vehicle is another budget-friendly option to get to domestic or U.S. vacation spots, as the average daily rate of a vehicle rental is down 22 per cent.

The report shows South America as a popular vacation destination for Canadians, seeing searches for the area up 31 per cent from 2023. This coincides with a 14 per cent year-over-year drop in average airfare for the region.

London is Kayak’s most-searched-for international destination, but the cost for a vacation in the British capital remains high. The report recommends Athens, Lisbon, Rome, and Amsterdam as affordable Europe destinations this summer.

Kayak suggests booking vacations mid-May, when average airfares are at their cheapest. Prices steadily increase until they peak in late June going into July. Another cost-saving tip is to avoid travel on holiday weekends, with Victoria Day and Canada Day both seeing price increases on airfare and overnight stays.

For the list of the top 10 Canadian destinations for this summer, click here .

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Philanthropists say they'd never have created current Glenbow Ranch Park if they knew it could be flooded

Stoney trail collision kills teen, injures others, 'out of nowhere': two big dogs attack and kill small dog out for a walk in forest lawn, alberta university encampment removals likely violated protesters' constitutional rights, legal experts say, more northern lights likely in calgary this weekend, aurora forecasters say.

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