What to Do in YYC: The Ultimate Guide to Calgary with Discoveringly

Calgary, fondly known by its airport code “YYC,” is more than just a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. It’s a thriving, diverse, and vibrant city with a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Discoveringly has you covered with this ultimate guide to things you can do in Calgary. From its bustling arts scene to picturesque parks, here’s how to make the most of your time in YYC.

1. Explore Downtown Calgary’s Cultural Scene

Start your YYC journey downtown, where modern skyscrapers meet cultural landmarks. Calgary’s downtown core is packed with galleries, museums, and local art displays. A few must-see spots include:

• The Glenbow Museum: Recently revamped, the Glenbow is Calgary’s top art and history museum, featuring Canadian Indigenous art, contemporary works, and artifacts from across Alberta.
• Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre: This architectural marvel is dedicated to Canada’s music history. Try your hand at interactive exhibits or catch a live performance.
• Public Art Walking Tours: The city offers self-guided walking tours to discover murals, statues, and installations peppered across downtown.

Discoveringly Tip: Grab a coffee from one of Calgary’s many artisanal coffee shops, like Monogram or Phil & Sebastian, to fuel your exploration.

2. Soak Up Nature at Prince’s Island Park

Nestled along the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park is a green haven in the heart of the city. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic walk, a relaxing picnic, or an afternoon with friends and family.

• Activities: Rent a bike, paddle along the Bow River, or simply lounge on the grassy banks.
• Seasonal Festivals: In the summer, catch the Calgary Folk Music Festival or Shakespeare by the Bow; in winter, enjoy skating at the lagoon when it freezes over.

Discoveringly Tip: After exploring, stop by the nearby Eau Claire Market for some shopping or grab a bite at River Café, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its picturesque riverside setting.

3. Discover Calgary’s Culinary Scene

Calgary has transformed into a culinary hotspot, with local chefs putting creative twists on traditional flavors and embracing farm-to-table practices.

• Calgary Farmers’ Market: With locations in the southwest and north, these markets are perfect for tasting local produce, artisanal goods, and tasty bites.
• Explore 17th Avenue: Known as Calgary’s “Red Mile,” 17th Ave is lined with top-rated restaurants, cafes, and bars offering global cuisines.
• Chinatown Adventures: For authentic Asian cuisine, Chinatown is a must-visit. Be sure to try dim sum at Silver Dragon or pho at Pho Hoai.

Discoveringly Tip: Don’t miss out on YYC’s iconic “Caesar” cocktail. You can find unique twists on this classic drink at local pubs like National on 10th.

4. Embark on Outdoor Adventures

Surrounded by foothills and close to the Rockies, Calgary is an outdoor lover’s paradise. If you’re seeking adventure, check out these popular activities:

• Hiking and Biking: Nose Hill Park offers panoramic views and endless trails, while Fish Creek Provincial Park provides both beginner and advanced trails.
• Calgary Zoo: Not just for kids, the Calgary Zoo offers immersive experiences like the Canadian Wilds exhibit and the impressive Prehistoric Park.
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum. From old-timey steam trains to a charming paddlewheeler on the Glenmore Reservoir, it’s fun for all ages.

Discoveringly Tip: For breathtaking mountain views, drive the quick hour and a half to Banff. The journey itself is full of stunning landscapes and perfect for a day trip.

5. Immerse Yourself in YYC’s Nightlife

Calgary’s nightlife scene is dynamic and varied, with something for everyone. Whether you prefer a relaxed brewery, a chic rooftop bar, or an all-night dance floor, you’ll find it here.

• Craft Beer and Distilleries: Calgary’s craft beer scene is booming. Breweries like Tool Shed, Banded Peak, and the award-winning Cold Garden are local favorites.
• Rooftop Bars: Get a new perspective on Calgary’s skyline at rooftop spots like Sky 360 (located in the Calgary Tower), the Rooftop YYC, and Cactus Club.
• Music and Dance: YYC hosts countless live music events. For larger acts, check out the Scotiabank Saddledome, and for intimate shows, The Palomino or Ironwood Stage & Grill are favorites.

Discoveringly Tip: Calgary has a bustling casino scene, with Grey Eagle Resort and Casino and Cowboys Casino offering table games and entertainment.

6. Attend Annual Events

Calgary has a calendar full of festivals and events year-round, but here are some highlights:

• Calgary Stampede: Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Stampede in July is Calgary’s biggest event, featuring rodeos, parades, and carnival-style fun.
• Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF): Held in the fall, CIFF showcases films from around the globe, making it a haven for cinephiles.
• Glow Winter Festival: Beat the winter blues with this light festival, where interactive displays, food trucks, and live performances create a magical winter experience.

Discoveringly Tip: Most festivals in Calgary are family-friendly, with free or discounted tickets for kids, making them ideal for a day out with little ones.

7. Shopping in Style

Whether you’re hunting for local goods, unique souvenirs, or luxury items, Calgary has a range of shopping districts.

• The Core Shopping Centre: Located downtown, it’s the main hub for high-end stores and brand-name outlets.
• Inglewood: Known for its boutique shops, this historic area has everything from vinyl record stores to local artisan goods.
• Kensington Village: This neighborhood is trendy and quaint, with vintage stores, quirky bookstores, and unique gift shops.

Discoveringly Tip: Don’t forget to grab a memento of YYC’s iconic Calgary Tower or a souvenir from the Stampede Store!

8. Day Trips Beyond YYC

If you’re in the mood to explore beyond city limits, Calgary’s location offers easy access to unforgettable day trips.

• Banff and Lake Louise: Just an hour’s drive west, these stunning destinations offer turquoise lakes, breathtaking hikes, and mountain towns perfect for an afternoon stroll.
• Drumheller and the Badlands: East of Calgary, you’ll find the dinosaur capital of the world, complete with the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Badlands’ otherworldly landscape.
• Bragg Creek: For a quieter escape, Bragg Creek has scenic trails, charming shops, and cozy restaurants perfect for a laid-back day.

Discoveringly Tip: Discoveringly’s YYC Explorer app features route guides for these trips to help you make the most of your journey.

Final Thoughts

Calgary, or YYC, is a city that has it all—cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and modern conveniences. Whether you’re in town for a few days or a seasoned local looking to discover something new, we hope this guide from Discoveringly has sparked your interest in Calgary’s many sides. So lace up those boots, grab your Discoveringly app, and start uncovering all that YYC has to offer!