Host Recommendations: A Comprehensive Calgary Guide for Your Visitors

Introduction to Hosting in Calgary

Welcome to our detailed guide to host recommendations in Calgary! As a proud Calgarian, it is always a pleasure to host visitors and showcase the best of what this beautiful city has to offer. In this comprehensive Calgary guide for visitors, we will explore everything from local attractions and events to dining and accommodation options, ensuring your guests have a memorable time in Calgary.

Familiarize yourself with the Hosts’ Guide on How to Start an Airbnb Business in Calgary.

Top Attractions in Calgary

Calgary Tower: Standing 191 meters tall, the iconic Calgary Tower offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can walk on the glass floor, dine at the Sky 360 Restaurant, and learn about Calgary’s history through interactive displays.

Heritage Park Historical Village: This living history museum showcases Western Canadian heritage, featuring over 180 attractions and exhibits. Visitors can ride a steam train, interact with costumed interpreters, and explore historical buildings.

Calgary Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, the Calgary Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers. The zoo also features botanical gardens, a prehistoric park, and various conservation programs.

TELUS Spark: This interactive science center offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, and live demonstrations for all ages, promoting curiosity and learning.

Prince’s Island Park: This urban park is a favorite spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor events. Visitors can rent bikes, paddleboats, or canoes to explore the park and its surroundings.

Unforgettable Events in Calgary

Calgary Stampede: Held annually in July, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival that celebrates the city’s Western heritage. With thrilling rodeo events, live concerts, and an extensive midway, the Stampede is a must-attend event for visitors.

GlobalFest: This multicultural festival takes place in August and features a world-class fireworks competition, live performances, and international food booths.

Calgary Folk Music Festival: Held at Prince’s Island Park, this popular music festival features local and international artists performing various genres of music, from folk and blues to world music.

Sled Island: This independent music and arts festival showcases over 250 bands and artists, along with film screenings, visual art exhibits, and comedy shows.

Check out Important Dates When Managing Airbnb in Calgary.

Culinary Delights: Dining in Calgary

Charbar: Located in the historic Simmons Building, Charbar offers an Argentinian-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy rooftop dining with stunning views of the Bow River.

Model Milk: Housed in a former dairy, this trendy eatery offers innovative and seasonal dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Ten Foot Henry: A popular vegetarian-forward restaurant, Ten Foot Henry offers a variety of globally inspired dishes using fresh, local produce.

Una Pizza + Wine: Known for its delicious thin-crust pizzas and extensive wine list, Una Pizza + Wine is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Choosing the Perfect Accommodations

When choosing the perfect accommodations for your visitors in Calgary, consider the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Downtown provides easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining, while the trendy Beltline district boasts vibrant nightlife, boutiques, and cafes. Kensington, with its charming streets and local shops, offers a cozy atmosphere, while the East Village is an up-and-coming area featuring contemporary architecture and urban amenities. Finally, Inglewood, Calgary’s oldest neighborhood, is known for its historic charm, unique shops, and bustling arts scene. Selecting accommodations in one of these neighborhoods will ensure your guests are well-positioned to enjoy the best of Calgary’s offerings.

Top Calgary Neighbourhoods for Airbnb

Getting Around Calgary: Transportation Tips

Calgary Transit: The city’s public transportation system includes buses and the CTrain, providing affordable and efficient travel options for your visitors.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Calgary and the surrounding areas, especially for those who want to venture into the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Bike Rentals and Pathways: With over 900 km of designated bike pathways, Calgary is a bike-friendly city. Renting bicycles is an enjoyable and active way to explore the city for your guests.

Taxis and Rideshare Services: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Calgary, providing convenient transportation options for your visitors.

Exploring Beyond Calgary: Day Trips

Banff National Park: Just 1.5 hours away from Calgary, Banff National Park offers stunning mountain vistas, picturesque lakes, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.

Drumheller: Known for its unique badlands landscape, Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and the world’s largest dinosaur statue. The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary.

Canmore: Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. The town is approximately a 1-hour drive from Calgary.

Kananaskis Country: This vast wilderness area offers scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Kananaskis Country is about an hour’s drive from Calgary.

Outdoor Adventures in and Around Calgary

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Calgary and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature.

Nose Hill Park: One of the largest urban parks in North America, Nose Hill Park provides a natural escape within the city. With over 11 square kilometers of space, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Fish Creek Provincial Park: This expansive park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and swimming at the Sikome Aquatic Facility. The park also features the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, a popular dining destination.

Bow River Pathway: Spanning over 48 kilometers, this scenic pathway follows the Bow River, providing picturesque views and ample opportunities for walking, running, and cycling.

Bragg Creek: Located just a 45-minute drive from Calgary, Bragg Creek offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The quaint village also features charming shops and restaurants.

Shopping in Calgary

Calgary boasts a variety of shopping destinations to suit every taste, from luxury retailers to unique boutiques and local markets.

CF Chinook Centre: As one of the largest malls in Calgary, CF Chinook Centre offers a wide range of retailers, including luxury brands, department stores, and popular dining options.

The CORE Shopping Centre: Located in downtown Calgary, this upscale shopping center features over 160 stores, including high-end fashion retailers, as well as a beautiful indoor garden.

Inglewood: This historic neighborhood is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and antique stores. Visitors can also enjoy dining at local restaurants and exploring the nearby Pearce Estate Park.

CrossIron Mills: Just north of Calgary, this outlet mall offers over 200 stores, featuring discounted designer brands and popular retailers.

Calgary’s Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

From theaters and galleries to museums and public art, Calgary offers a diverse and thriving arts and culture scene for visitors to explore.

Glenbow Museum: This premier art and history museum features an extensive collection of Canadian and international art, as well as historical artifacts and exhibits.

National Music Centre: Home to Studio Bell, this modern facility celebrates Canada’s music history and showcases interactive exhibits, performances, and educational programs.

Esker Foundation: This contemporary art gallery in Inglewood offers free admission and features rotating exhibitions from local and international artists.

Arts Commons: This multidisciplinary arts center hosts a variety of performances, including theater, music, and dance. It is also home to several resident companies, such as the Alberta Theatre Projects and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Creating a Memorable Experience for Your Guests

When hosting visitors in Calgary, it’s important to consider their interests, preferences, and the time of year. From exploring local attractions and events to dining at popular restaurants and choosing the right accommodations, you can create a personalized and unforgettable experience for your guests. By sharing the best of what Calgary has to offer, you’ll ensure they leave with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for this vibrant city.

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