With the Van to Calgary. A Little City Tour and More...

Calgary is a city that is talked about far too little. Yet this city is the fourth largest city in Canada, has a very well-connected airport, and is the perfect gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Banff National Park is only an hour away from Calgary, but Calgary itself has quite a few things you shouldn’t miss. We’ll show you how to visit Calgary comfortably by car or van.

Parking and Overnight Stays

As in any city, parking is a money issue. In Calgary, parking is divided by district. The most expensive parking was near the Peace Bridge (Downtown/West End), costing a whopping 8 CAD per hour. So, be careful where and how long you park. There is no shortage of affordable parking in Calgary. We didn’t go for the free parking spots as searching for them would have taken us too long.

As in any city, free camping in Calgary is also quite a challenge. On IOverlander, there are some spots where it might be possible. However, we preferred to drive out of the city.

Tips in Calgary

Places & Attractions

The best viewpoint in the city is Scotsman Hill, especially during a beautiful sunset. In summer, many people gather here to watch the spectacle. The best part for travelers with a camper: get a pizza beforehand and enjoy it while the sun sets behind the city!

Peace Bridge and Prince’s Island Park: Both are not far from each other and can be easily combined. The bridge is a famous photo spot due to its unique architecture. However, parking here is limited and VERY EXPENSIVE because you are in the most expensive district of Calgary.

Calgary Tower: I find it almost strange to mention this attraction here, even though it is Calgary’s landmark. You don’t need a special spot (except maybe Scotsman Hill) to see the tower because it is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

Olympic Park: Our highlight was visiting the bobsleigh track in the Olympic Village, located on the western edge of Calgary. The 1988 Winter Olympics were held here, and if that doesn’t impress you, maybe this will: Two unique events that year even made it to the big screen. In 1988, the first Jamaican bobsleigh team competed here. This story was so incredible that it was made into the movie Cool Runnings, one of Georg’s most-watched films. In front of the WinSport Center, you can still see the bobsleigh used for the filming. The bobsleigh track used for the filming can also be viewed for free!

The second event involves ski jumping. The ski jumps here in Calgary tower over the village, and just standing up there would make my mouth dry. I would be terrified to jump from there. Michael Edwards did it back then and wasn’t even a professional ski jumper. He dreamed of competing in the Olympics and did just that. Eddie the Eagle is the nickname he earned, along with a large number of fans. He didn’t win a medal, but for him, just being there was his greatest triumph. The 2016 film Eddie the Eagle: Everything is Possible stars Taron Egerton as the endearingly clumsy Eddie and tells the story of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Food and Drink

Leopold’s Tavern: This cozy, rustic tavern in pub style also serves the best poutine we’ve had in all of Canada. If you still have some money left, you can try the Poutine Bowl!

T&T: While there are plenty of supermarkets in Canada, this one is our favorite. The vegetable selection is excellent and the prices are unbeatable. They also have hot meals to go.

Lina’s Italian Mercado: A little piece of Italy in the middle of Canada! Especially a highlight for cheese lovers, because let’s be honest: Canada can’t really compete with cheese specialties!

Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe: Not just for a sweet stop. Georg had the vegan sausage baguette here, which was really, really delicious. Also, the coffee is fantastic. What we didn’t know: The matcha latte seems to be famous. Everyone (except us) was drinking it here.

Cinnaholic: Do you want it so sweet your teeth will fall out? Then Cinnaholic is the place for you. You can choose the topping for your cinnamon rolls. But be warned: It is really very sweet!

Good to Know

Too Good to Go: Not only in Calgary, but in all major cities in Canada, it’s worth checking out the app Too Good to Go. Here you’ll find a wide range of foods that are, literally, “too good to waste.” Whether it’s baked goods or maybe even a pizza – you’ll definitely find something. By the way, Lina’s Italian Mercado is also included! So, the chances of getting something tasty from their range are high!

Surrounding Calgary

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary: This is where wolfdogs (with varying degrees of wolf content) find a home. The wolfdogs living here were mostly bred by private individuals as supposed guard dogs out of ignorance. However, wolfdogs are not suitable for this purpose as they are too much wolf. Here, they get to live a peaceful life. The entrance fee is 33 CAD, which is really expensive, but we enjoyed our afternoon here. More info at:

https://www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com/visit/self-guided-sanctuary-walk

WARNING!!!: Dogs are not allowed on the entire grounds, not even in the car. So, we parked our van here: N 51°13'291 W 114°37'482 and walked to the sanctuary.

Banff National Park: Many dream of hiking in Banff National Park and seeing the beauty of the Rockies with their own eyes. From Calgary, Banff is only a 1 1/2 hour drive away. Remember, you need a Parks Canada pass. You can get it at the Visitor Center or online: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/passer-passes

Kananaskis: A real insider tip is Kananaskis Country, which is also in the Rocky Mountains. Unlike Banff, it’s not as crowded but just as beautiful! If you prefer more peace with equally beautiful spots as Banff, drive along Hwy 40 through Kananaskis Country.

For the provincial parks here, you need a different park pass than for the national parks. However, you can also buy it at the Visitor Center there and it is valid for all provincial parks in Alberta! More at: https://albertaparks.ca/

Our highlights:

• Panoramic Route Hwy 40
• Upper Kananaskis Lake
• Troll Falls

There are many more hiking routes and tips. It’s best to ask at the Visitor Center which hikes are currently open. We were there in April and couldn’t do all the hiking routes due to snow and ice.