Calgary, The Quiet Side Of Canada
Calgary, Alberta Canada is one of my least visited cities. I’ve connected through it at least once or twice before and actually been there once before as well, but haven’t really explored any of it at all. That first time I stayed overnight, it was New Years Eve and it was freezing cold! Bad time to visit Calgary.
This time though, I had an eight hour layover en route to Paris on WestJet so I decided to head into the city for a bit.
In case you have a similar layover and want to check out the city or you’re actually visiting for say the Calgary Stampede which is going on now (July 7 to Sunday July 16, 2023), you’ll have some helpful information.
The Calgary Tower, Calgary, AB Canada
Home Airlines
Although Calgary is served by many airlines, Lynx Air, Swoop and WestJet calls it home.
WestJet Disney Plane
Lynx Air iCheck-in Area in YYC
Airport Information
The city is served by the Calgary International Airport (YYC). It is located about 17 km northeast of the city and is accessible by bus, taxis and ride shares. You can find driving directions here.
The lounges at this airport are:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf
- Aspire Lounge (Priority Pass)
- WestJet Elevation Lounge
You can find more information about the lounges here.
Welcome to Canada
Scheduled Service Airlines Serving Calgary International Airport (YYC)
The following airlines serve Calgary:
Air Canada-Star Alliance (AC), Air North (4N), Air Transat (TS), Alaska Airlines-oneworld (AS), American Airlines-oneworld (AA), Canadian North (5T), Delta Air Lines-SkyTeam (DL), EW Discover GmbH (4Y), Eidelweiss Air (WK), Flair Airlines (F8), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines-SkyTeam (KL), Lynx Air (Y9), Porter Airlines (PD), Sunwing Airlines (WG), Swoop (WO), United Airlines-Star Alliance (UA) and WestJet (WS).
WestJet Boeing 787 Coming Into The Gate at YYC
From The Airport To The City of Calgary
They have a bus that goes from the airport to the city; it makes limited local stops and takes about 30 minutes or so. It’s a great way to get into the city and see a little bit of local life in Calgary.
Of course there are taxis, limousines and ride share services.
The 300 Bus Into The City of Calgary AB Canada
Airport Hotels
There is a Marriott located inside the airport and the Delta Hotel is located across the roadway still on airport property. Both are easy walks once you arrive. They are both accessible from the departure side of the airport.
The Marriott can be accessed from inside the arrival level of the airport as you exit Customs as well as the departure and arrival levels as you enter and exit the airport.
Marriott Calgary Airport Lobby
Delta Hotels at YYC
You can book a hotel at the airport using the map below:
Trains Serving Calgary
There are no trains serving Calgary, however, you can take a bus that connects you to the Via Rail service. This is bookable on Via Rails website. I’ve taken Via Rail twice and really enjoyed the service; once was Buffalo to Toronto as a part of the new York City to Toronto Amtrak service and also the Toronto to Montreal service.
Buses Serving Calgary
Calgary Transit operates the Calgary bus service.
There are a number of bus services that operate intra-Canada bus services:
Currency
The currency of Calgary is the Canadian dollar.
Language
English and French.
Visa Information
No visa is required for U.S. citizens. Plus your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure date. Other citizens should check with the Canadian consulate/embassy in your region for specifics. Alternatively, you can use the IATA Web site for visa/health requirements.
Calgary AB Canada
Places To Eat and Drink In Calgary
Calgary has many places to eat, just follow your nose :-). There are especially good eats in Chinatown as well.
Bubble Tea; this is one of the better places, hence the line.
Soluxe Restaurant Calgary AB Canada
Places To See And Things To Do in Calgary
The main attraction in the city is the Calgary Tower; you can’t miss it :-). Plus Chinatown and the Calgary Zoo. In addition to the Heritage Park and the Peace Bridge. It is a walking city, so get those walking shoes out.
The Visit Calgary website has a list of things to do as well. Check them out.
The Calgary Stampede is also a big draw.
Calgary Tower
There’s also Lake Louise and Banff in the area to explore as well.
Centre Street Bridge Calgary AB Canada
Recommended Hotels
Calgary has many hotels to choose from just pick your favorite brand or go with a local brand.
You can check the hotels using the map below.
Tourism Information
Centre Street Bridge Calgary, AB Canada
Now, it’s your turn. When will you visit? Or if you’ve visited before, let me know how was it?