Calgary Winter Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Restaurants & Where to Stay

Planning a winter getaway to Calgary, Alberta? Whether you’re visiting for a romantic couples’ trip, a girls’ weekend or a Canadian winter adventure, Calgary has so much to offer! From cosy coffee shops and incredible restaurants to outdoor winter activities and beautiful mountain views, there are plenty of reasons to add this Canadian city to your travel bucket list. Zach and I had the opportunity to spend two weeks exploring Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Banff. While we loved discovering everything Alberta has to offer, Calgary quickly became one of our favourite stops! Between the delicious food, charming downtown atmosphere and fun winter activities, we had the best time exploring the city together.

If you’re wondering what to do in Calgary in winter, where to eat, or which downtown hotel to book, I’ve rounded up our favourite experiences from our trip. Consider this your Calgary winter travel guide, filled with restaurant recommendations, date night ideas, sightseeing activities and a few helpful tips for visiting during the colder months.

Best Things to Do in Calgary During Winter

One of the things I loved most about visiting Calgary in winter was the variety of activities available. Whether you enjoy exploring outdoors, discovering local attractions or spending an afternoon somewhere warm and cosy, there’s something for everyone. We only had a limited amount of time in Calgary, but these were some of our favourite things to do during our visit.

1. Experience Calgary’s Winter Light Festivals

If you love twinkling lights, outdoor festivities and magical winter evenings, keep an eye out for seasonal light festivals in downtown Calgary! During our visit, we happened to be staying downtown when the Glow Downtown Winter Light Festival was taking place, and it was such a fun surprise. Downtown Calgary was transformed with beautiful illuminated art installations, glowing displays, live entertainment and festive gathering spaces. There were even heated outdoor patios and fire pits, making it easier to enjoy the atmosphere despite the chilly temperatures. Walking through downtown surrounded by colourful lights made the city feel extra magical. It’s a fun activity for couples, families or anyone looking for something different to do on a winter evening.

2. Spend an Afternoon at the Calgary Zoo

One of our absolute favourite Calgary attractions was the Calgary Zoo! If you’re looking for a fun activity that combines wildlife, education and plenty of photo opportunities, this is a must-add to your itinerary. The Calgary Zoo features an impressive variety of animals, from penguins to lions, along with indoor and outdoor habitats. I especially loved learning about the zoo’s conservation initiatives and the importance of protecting wildlife and biodiversity. There is so much to explore that you could easily spend several hours wandering through the exhibits. And while we visited during winter, the combination of indoor spaces and outdoor animal habitats made it a great cold-weather activity.

3. Watch a Calgary Flames Hockey Game

If you’re visiting Calgary during hockey season, catching a Calgary Flames game is such a fun way to experience the city’s sports culture! The Calgary Flames are one of Canada’s NHL teams, and attending a live hockey game is an exciting experience whether you’re a huge hockey fan or just there for the atmosphere. From the energy of the crowd to the excitement of the game, it’s a great option for a winter date night or an evening out with friends.

4. Take a Scenic Walk Along the Bow River

One of the prettiest places we discovered in downtown Calgary was the Bow River walking paths. And the best part? We stumbled upon them completely by accident! After grabbing coffee from Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, we decided to explore the area and discovered a beautiful riverside walking path. There’s something so peaceful about strolling along the river with a hot latte in hand, especially when the city is covered in snow. It’s the perfect way to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy a little quality time together. If you’re searching for free things to do in Calgary during winter, exploring the Bow River pathways is a great option when weather and trail conditions allow.

5. Shop for an Authentic Cowboy Hat at Smithbilt Hats

Did you know Calgary is famous for its cowboy culture? If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from your Alberta vacation, I highly recommend checking out Smithbilt Hats. This iconic Calgary hatmaker has been around since 1919 and is known for its beautifully crafted cowboy hats. The shop itself is small but filled with character, and the craftsmanship is seriously impressive. Zach isn’t usually someone who splurges on clothing or accessories, but he made an exception during our visit and purchased a gorgeous cowboy hat. He still says it was worth every penny! Whether you’re shopping for a cowboy hat or simply want to experience a little piece of Calgary’s western heritage, this is such a fun stop.

Best Places to Eat in Calgary: Coffee Shops, Brunch & Restaurants

Let’s talk about one of my favourite parts of travelling: the food! Calgary has an amazing restaurant scene, with everything from trendy coffee shops and adorable brunch spots to upscale dining and delicious international cuisine. During our visit, we made it our mission to try as many restaurants as possible, and we discovered some seriously delicious places along the way. If you’re wondering where to eat in Calgary, these were some of our favourite spots.

Best Coffee Shop in Calgary: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

If you love discovering cute coffee shops when you travel, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters deserves a spot on your Calgary itinerary. Not only did I love the stylish interior and welcoming atmosphere, but the coffee was incredible. It’s the kind of place where you want to settle in with your favourite drink, catch up with a friend or simply enjoy a relaxing morning. My recommendation from our visit? The dulce latte! It was genuinely one of the best coffee drinks I’ve ever had. In fact, I loved it so much that I insisted we return the following day for another one. If you’re a fellow coffee lover, this is definitely a café worth checking out. Just confirm the current menu and location before visiting.

Best Brunch in Calgary: Yellow Door Bistro

Calling all brunch lovers! If there’s one thing I take seriously while travelling, it’s finding a good brunch spot. And Yellow Door Bistro absolutely delivered during our trip. First of all, the decor was adorable. The restaurant featured charming interiors, unique themed spaces and plenty of Instagram-worthy details. It was the perfect setting for a cosy breakfast date. But the real star of the show? The food. Their brunch menu had so many delicious options, but my absolute favourite was the giant stuffed cinnamon raisin French toast. Picture fluffy French toast filled with cream cheese custard and topped with walnut caramel sauce. It was heavenly. We loved our brunch experience so much that we ended up dining there twice during our Calgary visit! If the stuffed cinnamon raisin French toast is available on the current menu, give it a try. You can thank me later!

Best Calgary Restaurants for Dinner and Date Night

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with girlfriends, Calgary has plenty of dining options. These three restaurants were some of our favourites during our visit.

Cactus Club Cafe: Trendy Atmosphere and Delicious Food

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a stylish lounge atmosphere, delicious food and great music, Cactus Club Cafe is a fun option. I loved the modern interior and lively vibe. It’s a great place for a casual date night, dinner with friends or an evening out when you want to get a little dressed up. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but my favourite was the prawn crunch roll. And trust me, as someone who takes sushi very seriously, I was impressed! Check out the sushi selections if they’re available during your visit.

Earls: Upscale Casual Dining in Calgary

I’d heard so many great things about Earls before our trip, so naturally, we had to check it out. And I’m happy to report that it lived up to the hype! Earls offers an upscale casual dining experience with beautiful interiors, a lively atmosphere and a menu with plenty of variety. From sushi and burgers to salads and bowls, there’s something for just about everyone. During our visit, I ordered the Mother Earth Bowl and added chicken for extra protein. It was fresh, filling and absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a Calgary restaurant that works for both date night and dinner with friends, Earls is worth considering.

OMO Teppan & Kitchen: A Fun and Interactive Dinner Experience

If you’re searching for a unique Calgary date night idea, OMO Teppan & Kitchen was one of the most entertaining restaurants we visited. This Japanese steakhouse offers a teppanyaki dining experience where talented chefs prepare your meal right in front of you on a hot grill. And it’s not just about the food. The chefs put on a hilarious and interactive performance while cooking! We laughed throughout dinner and loved watching our food being prepared. The menu featured delicious combinations of meat, seafood, rice and vegetables, and the portions were generous. My recommendation: I ordered the seafood lover teppanyaki, which included lobster tail, scallops, calamari and jumbo shrimp during our visit. It was unreal! If you’re looking for a memorable dinner experience in Calgary, this is a fun restaurant to add to your list.

Where To Stay: Hotel Arts

Finding the right hotel can make such a difference when planning a winter getaway, especially when temperatures drop and you want somewhere comfortable to relax after a day of exploring. During our Calgary vacation, Zach and I stayed at Hotel Arts in downtown Calgary, and we absolutely loved our experience. From the beautiful rooms to the relaxing atmosphere and impressive amenities, Hotel Arts was one of the highlights of our trip. If you’re looking for a stylish downtown Calgary hotel for a couples’ getaway, here’s what we loved about our stay.

Our Deluxe King Room at Hotel Arts

We stayed in a deluxe king room, and it was everything we wanted for a cosy winter escape. The room featured modern decor, a comfortable bed and a spacious bathroom that felt luxurious without being over the top. One of my favourite features was our balcony overlooking downtown Calgary. There’s something so beautiful about seeing the city skyline during winter, especially from the comfort of your hotel room. After spending hours exploring the city in the cold, having a warm, comfortable space to return to was amazing.

Beautiful Hotel Lobby and Relaxing Atmosphere

The lobby at Hotel Arts was another standout feature. It had a modern, sophisticated design with beautiful artwork, comfortable couches and multiple fireplaces. I loved that there were plenty of places to sit and relax. Whether you wanted to enjoy a quiet conversation, read a book or warm up by the fire, the lobby felt welcoming and peaceful. It was such a lovely place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Hotel Arts Pool and Lounge Experience

Now, let’s talk about my favourite part of our hotel stay: the pool! During our visit, Hotel Arts had a stunning pool and lounge area that felt like a little escape from the winter weather. The space featured comfortable lounge chairs, tables, fire pits and a beautiful atmosphere. We loved being able to relax by the water and order food directly to our table. In the evening, the lighting created a romantic lounge vibe that was perfect for couples. It was such a memorable part of our stay and definitely one of the reasons we’d consider returning. Travel tip: Check the hotel’s current pool setup, seasonal availability and amenities before booking, as these can change.

Friendly Staff and Helpful Hotel Amenities

The staff at Hotel Arts were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout our stay. Everyone we interacted with was professional, welcoming and happy to help. One small detail that made a big difference was being able to request a mini fridge for our room. Since we were constantly bringing back restaurant leftovers, having somewhere to store them was so convenient! It’s little touches like these that can make a hotel stay feel extra comfortable.

Calgary Winter Travel Tips: What to Pack and Know Before You Go

If you’re planning your first winter trip to Calgary, there are a few things you should know before packing your suitcase. Alberta winters can be beautiful, but the cold temperatures and dry air definitely require a little preparation.

Here are my top Calgary winter travel tips based on our experience.

1. Prepare for Calgary’s Cold and Dry Winter Weather

One thing I noticed almost immediately was how dry the air felt. My skin, lips and hands needed a little extra TLC throughout our trip. If you’re travelling to Calgary during winter, I highly recommend packing a rich facial moisturizer, hydrating lip balm, hand cream, body lotion and leave-in hair conditioner. You may also want to bring a moisturizing face mask for a little hotel self-care night. Trust me, your skin will thank you!

2. Stay Hydrated Throughout Your Trip

Between the dry air, indoor heating and spending time outdoors, it’s easy to forget how important hydration is during winter travel. I found myself waking up with a dry mouth almost every morning during our visit, so I made a point of drinking extra water throughout the day. Bring a reusable water bottle, keep water beside your bed and take regular hydration breaks while exploring. A small travel humidifier may also help make a dry hotel room feel more comfortable, provided the hotel permits one.

3. Pack Warm Layers and Winter Accessories

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you for visiting Calgary in winter, it’s this: don’t underestimate the cold! Winter temperatures can drop to -20°C or -30°C during cold snaps, and wind can make it feel even colder. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, warm clothing is absolutely essential.

Some of my Calgary winter packing essentials include:

• A warm, insulated winter jacket
• Thermal base layers and fleece-lined leggings
• Wool socks and insulated winter boots
• Waterproof gloves or mittens
• A cosy scarf or neck warmer
• A warm hat that covers your ears
• Snow pants for extended outdoor activities
• Hand and foot warmers
• Moisturizer, lip balm and sunscreen

We used hand and foot warmers several times throughout our trip, and they were lifesavers! Travel tip: Check the weather forecast before leaving your hotel each morning. Calgary temperatures can change quickly, so dressing in layers makes it easier to stay comfortable.

4. Plan a Winter Day Trip From Calgary to Banff

If you’re visiting Calgary, I highly recommend setting aside some time to explore the Canadian Rockies. Banff is approximately a 90-minute drive from Calgary under favourable driving conditions, making it a popular destination for a day trip or overnight getaway. The mountain scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially during winter when everything is covered in snow. Think towering mountains, frozen lakes, cosy mountain-town cafés and endless opportunities for beautiful photos. Whether you love outdoor adventures or simply want to enjoy the views, Banff is one of those destinations that truly feels magical. Just remember to check winter road conditions before heading into the mountains, as snow and ice can affect travel times.