If you’re traveling to or from Banff via Calgary, do yourself a favor and carve out a little time for the city. Calgary often gets treated like a brief stopover—somewhere between the airport and the mountains—but it’s absolutely worth slowing down for. Whether you’ve got a few hours before your flight or you’re easing back into city life after the Rockies, here are the best things you can do in one day in Calgary.

Calgary Tower – Starting the Day on a High Note

Start your one day in Calgary with the most iconic viewpoint: the Calgary Tower. Every city has that observation deck, and this one delivers—sweeping prairie skies, a crisp downtown grid below, and the Rockies standing tall in the distance, quietly reminding visitors how close the mountains really are.

The glass floor adds a dose of adrenaline, offering a heart-racing moment 600 feet above the city that quickly turns into a must-do bragging right.

Beyond the views, the tower carries serious history. June 30, 2018 marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating a journey that began in 1968 as the tallest structure in Canada. In 1987, a cauldron was added to the top, transforming the tower into the world’s tallest Olympic torch for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

First lit when the Games opened, the flame burned day and night and is still re-ignited for special events today—proof that the Calgary Tower isn’t just a lookout, but a landmark that continues to watch over the city’s past, present, and future.

The Wonderland Sculpture at The Bow – A Quirky Mid-Morning Stop

A short wander through downtown leads to The Bow and one of Calgary’s most recognizable public artworks: Wonderland. Created by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the sculpture was installed in 2013 with the idea of bringing a sense of humanity and reflection into the heart of the business district.

At over 12 metres tall, the wire-frame head is unmistakably large—but its calm, closed-eyed expression gives it a peaceful presence that feels almost meditative amid the glass-and-steel skyline.

What makes Wonderland special is how it invites interaction. Unlike most sculptures meant to be admired from a distance, this one is designed to be walked through. The mesh structure allows the city to peek through from every angle, creating a constantly shifting view of Calgary’s architecture and sky.

Standing inside the sculpture’s “face,” looking out through the lattice, feels quietly surreal—one of those moments where art, city life, and curiosity collide. It’s no wonder this piece has become one of Calgary’s most photographed landmarks, proving the city has a playful, creative side it doesn’t always advertise.

Peace Bridge – Where Calgary Shows Off a Little

From The Bow, it’s a quick drive toward the river before the bright red Peace Bridge comes into view—less like a typical crossing and more like a modern art installation stretching confidently over the Bow River.

The bridge was designed as a landmark pedestrian and cyclist connection, continuing the city’s long-standing priority of linking communities across its rivers, a tradition that dates back to Calgary’s earliest bridges in the late 1800s. Today, it stands out among more than 50 vehicle and pedestrian bridges spanning the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava Architects and Engineers, the Peace Bridge is as technically impressive as it is photogenic. Its single-span, helical structure has no supports in the river—protecting fish habitat—while still being engineered to withstand one-in-100-year flood events. Calatrava has described it as the most challenging bridge he has ever designed.

With its glass-covered openings, sculptural form, and dedicated cycling lane flanked by pedestrian paths, the Peace Bridge has become a true Calgary landmark—and one that looks good from every angle, whether admired from the riverbank or crossed slowly for the views.

Calgary Public Library – A Stunning “Just Wandering In” Kind of Place

Leaving the river behind, the route leads straight to the Calgary Central Library, a building that routinely stops people in their tracks—even those who didn’t plan on visiting a library at all. Opened in 2018, the library was designed by Snøhetta (the Norwegian architecture firm behind Oslo’s Opera House) in collaboration with Dialog.

Built above a light-rail line, the structure represents a major investment in public space and accessibility, continuing Calgary’s long tradition of civic architecture that puts community first.

The exterior resembles a faceted puzzle of pale wood and glass, while the interior feels unexpectedly serene—soft curves, warm materials, and natural light pouring in from nearly every angle. Spread across multiple levels, the space is designed as much for lingering as it is for learning, with reading rooms, quiet corners, and sweeping views of the city.

It’s the kind of place that quietly inspires ambition, where study groups settle in, laptops open with good intentions, and visitors leave thinking that maybe—just maybe—this is the environment where big ideas finally get finished.

Stephen Avenue – Calgary’s Daily Parade

Early evening brings Stephen Avenue to life, and this is where Calgary’s personality really comes out. Designated as a pedestrian mall in the 1970s, the avenue follows one of the city’s original east–west routes and has long been a central gathering place for locals.

Today, it hums with office workers heading out for the day, shoppers drifting between boutiques, street performers claiming prime corners, and patios glowing with that unmistakable happy-hour energy.

What makes Stephen Avenue special is the contrast. Historic sandstone buildings from the early 1900s—many now protected heritage sites—stand comfortably alongside modern storefronts, creating a streetscape that feels both rooted and current.

There’s always something happening: a violinist drawing a small crowd, or a juggler working the sidewalk. It’s the kind of place that invites lingering, perfect for light snacking, people-watching, and soaking up the easygoing rhythm of downtown Calgary.

First Street Market – Ending the Day With a Feast (and a Caesar)

As evening settles, First Street Market emerges as a lively destination—part food hall, part social hub, and fully irresistible after a day of exploring Calgary. The space hums with energy: friends gathering over small plates, visitors deciding which stalls to try first, and the constant clink of glasses from the bar creating a welcoming, communal vibe.

Among the standout vendors, Saffron Street draws attention with bold, aromatic spices and dishes that perfectly showcase Calgary’s diverse culinary scene. Paired with a proper Canadian Caesar—a local twist on the classic Bloody Mary, infused with personality, attitude, and a signature spiced rim—the market experience captures the essence of Calgary evenings. It’s a place to linger, toast the day, and savor the city’s combination of flavor, creativity, and easygoing charm.

Final Thoughts – One Day, Big Impressions

Spending one day in Calgary proves that this city is full of surprises, seamlessly blending urban energy with cultural charm and a touch of western flair. Even in just few hours, the city leaves an impression: approachable yet striking, modern yet grounded, and full of little experiences that feel authentic rather than staged. Calgary isn’t just a stop on the way to the Rockies—it’s a city worth wandering, observing, and tasting, where every view, street, and bite tells part of its story. One day is enough to get hooked; the Rockies are just a reason to come back.

Planning a Calgary stop on your Banff trip? Pin this guide to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the city’s highlights!