food tours calgary

THE 10 BEST Calgary Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in calgary.

• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Distilleries
• Farmers Markets
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Southeast Calgary
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Big Rock Brewery

2. Calgary Farmers' Market

3. Minhas Brewery

4. Cold Garden Beverage Company

5. Cabin Brewing Company

6. High Line Brewing

7. Avenida Food Hall and Fresh Market

8. Wild Rose Brewery

9. Railyard Brewing

10. Village Brewery

11. Bridgeland Distillery

12. Eighty Eight Brewing Company

13. Annex Ale Project

14. Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market

15. Common Crown Brewing Co

16. Heathen's Brewing Inc.

17. Burwood Distillery

18. The Establishment Brewing Company

19. Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre

20. Farmers and Makers Market at cSpace

21. sunnycider.

22. Blue Flame Kitchen

23. Skunkworks Distillery

24. Calgary Food Tours Inc.

25. Culinary Campus

26. Ollia Macarons & Tea

27. Canadian Craft Tours

28. Canadian Barista and Coffee Academy - Calgary Campus

29. Tool Shed Brewing Company

30. Driverseat Calgary

What travellers are saying.

• 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings
• Calgary Brewery Tour
• Calgary Food Walking Tour: Calgary Farmers Market
• Calgary Farmers' Market
• Big Rock Brewery
• Cold Garden Beverage Company
• Minhas Brewery
• Railyard Brewing
• Canadian Craft Tours
• Tool Shed Brewing Company
• Calgary Food Tours Inc.

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Calgary Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

Calgary's food landscape is diverse and rich. For a rare Cowtown grub perspective, stake your claim to reservations for our Calgary secret food tours.

Of course, Calgary's rodeo culture offers you an array of steak options. Our secret tour will help you discover the best steak in the city. You'll also go where other food enthusiasts cannot. Have you ever peeked into a steakhouse's dry-aging room? Come ready to be impressed!

Next, you will see what's new in local cuisine. Expect to appreciate flavors recent immigrants have brought to Alberta.

Our Calgary food tours are popular, so book your preferred dates while they are still available.

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5 Great Calgary Food Tours

Experience the local food and wine scene with experts who’ll put you on the fast track to foodie-ism

In the Palette to Palate tour, you’ll sample some of chef Duncan Ly’s beautifully plated dishes at Yellow Door Bistro.

One of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of travelling to new cities and countries is exploring new neighbourhoods, sampling new flavours and dishes, and talking to the experts behind the sights, smells and tastes. But the thing is you don’t have to travel a great distance to experience the same kind of adventures in dining. Calgary Food Tours offers a variety of community-based food tours to introduce locals and visitors alike to the best of the city’s food scene. Here are five tours currently being offered.

Chef Guided Tour of the Calgary Farmers’ Market

If you’re interested in eating local, you’ll love this tour and the chance to meet the growers and farmers and talk to them about the bounty of southern Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan. You’ll learn about elk and bison, organic beef and pasture-raised pork, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and even fruit wines. And of course, you’ll get to sample the delicious offerings too. Runs Saturday mornings until October from 9 to 11 a.m., $30 per person.

Craving Kensington

This neighbourhood just northwest of downtown is chockablock with great restaurants and food shops. In the span of two blocks, you’ll get to sample authentic Neapolitan pizza, fine cheese, poutine, cupcakes, tea, wine and more, and hear the stories behind how each of the businesses came to be. Runs Thursdays until October from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $90 per person.

Inglewood’s Edible Enticements

Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood is experiencing a surge of vitality thanks in part to the many new specialty shops and restaurants that have recently opened, nicely complementing existing stores and restaurants. You’ll be treated to a hearty Italian deli lunch, witness a knife-skills demo, learn about spice blending, partake in a chocolate tasting, tour a restaurant garden and take home treats from a bakery. Runs Wednesdays until October from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $90 per person.

Palette to Palate

This tour celebrates the best in art and food in Calgary’s designer district. You’ll start at the Hotel Arts and discover the gallery inside before feasting on executive chef Duncan Ly’s beautifully prepared and plated dishes. From there, you’ll visit a gallery and design shop to learn about art that’s approachable and useful in daily life before moving on to the culinary hub of Cookbook Co. Cooks , MetroVino wines, Brle Patisserie and finishing with something artfully decadent at Decadent Desserts . Runs Fridays until October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $90 per person.

Savouring 17th Avenue

There’s so much to see, do and eat in this hive of activity sometimes called the Red Mile. This tour has pared it down to a five-block stretch that gives you a taste of the rich history, art, culture and great food you can expect to find along this famous road. Your progressive lunch begins with Italian comfort food and continues with cheese, French baking, Mediterranean bistro fare, Spanish tapas and classic Rocky Mountain cuisine. And because it’s a party street, you’ll be treated to artful cocktails, too. Runs Saturdays until October from 12 to 3 p.m.

This story was part of Avenue’s free weekly Food & Drink Newsletter. Sign up now and get fresh dining news in your inbox every Tuesday.

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Related posts, sharon ruyter and erin mcquitty | calgary’s food & hospitality game-changers 2024, filipino restaurant month returns to calgary in april, 6 eye-catching light fixtures in calgary restaurants.

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10 Signature Dishes to Build a Trip to Calgary Around

One of the greatest pleasures in visiting a city is discovering the food that is special to that place. Calgary is full of restaurants offering almost every kind of cuisine imaginable, but there are a few dishes that are uniquely Calgarian. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit to connect with family and friends or planning a trip to explore the city’s vibrant restaurant scene, these 10 dishes are must-tries that are not only delicious but worth building a trip around.

Kale Caesar Salad at Una Pizza + Wine

Una’s  bread and butter is obviously its pizza, but the chic Beltline restaurant’s Kale Caesar Salad is probably its most famous and satisfying dish. The anchovy-rich dressing is an essential part of this dish, but the secret to its success lies in the high ratio of crispy prosciutto and pecorino cheese to hardy kale leaves. Finished off with breadcrumbs and boiled egg, it’s a delicious exploration of flavours and textures.

Lasagna at Teatro Ristorante

Teatro  is one of the jewels of Calgary’s fine dining scene. Located in a historic bank building right adjacent to both  Arts Commons  and  Olympic Plaza , the restaurant has been Calgarians’ special occasion go-to for over 25 years. Many of Calgary’s best chefs and restaurant professionals have come through Teatro’s kitchens. The menu changes regularly, but one of the restaurant’s enduring dishes is its much-loved seafood lasagna. Full of fresh lobster, scallops, and prawns, it’s a surprising signature dish for landlocked Calgary, but easily one of the most luxurious.

Vietnamese Sub at Bánh Mi Thi-Thi

Obviously, Bahn Mi (or as they’re more commonly called, Vietnamese subs) are not a Calgary-specific item, but the city’s robust Vietnamese-Canadian community has resulted in a significant number of excellent Vietnamese restaurants. There are few Calgarian food quests more quintessential than standing in line outside of  Bánh Mi Thi-Thi  to get one of these shockingly affordable sandwiches. The subs are delicious and made to order, dependent on your tolerance for heat. The restaurant is takeout only, which gives sub lovers a chance to sit by the Bow River and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Flapper Pie at Blackfoot Truckstop Diner

Flapper pie is a Canadian prairie classic. The cream pie consists of rich vanilla custard on a graham cracker crust with a meringue topping. The pie has been a highlight of the  Blackfoot Truckstop Diner’s  menu for decades, famous for the six-inches of meringue that towers atop every slice. The diner itself is also noteworthy for its pure authentic kitsch with waitresses in pink uniforms and a model train that circles around a track installed around the ceiling of the restaurant.

Modern Benchmark Black Angus Steak  at Modern Steak

No list of Calgary’s signature dishes would be complete without a perfectly cooked steak.  Modern Steak’s Benchmark Black Angus isn’t just locally sourced from a ranch in Warner Alberta, but the cattle that provides the steaks are exclusively sired by a bull owned by the restaurant. Both dry and wet aged and available in a range of cuts, including a 40-day dry-aged 40-ounce tomahawk for two, this is the most authentically local beef experience in the city.

Benchmark Tomahawk at Modern Steak.

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Red Lentil Hummus at River Café

With the restaurant sitting in one of the most picturesque spots in the entire city, any meal at  River Café  is a signature Calgary experience. But since the restaurant is built on the concept of seasonality and sustainability, not many of its dishes stay on the menu for long. The red lentil hummus is one the few mainstays that has become a true signature of the iconic restaurant on  Prince’s Island Park . Since Canada is the largest lentil producer in the world, this regional dish, served with locally sourced canola seed flatbread and Okanagan sumac is a delicious representation of River Café’s culinary philosophy.

Pig’s Head Mortadella at Charcut

Charcut  is one of Calgary’s most heralded restaurants and while the lively contemporary eatery is also known for its duck fat poutine and deliciously sloppy alley burgers, the house charcuterie board is the star of the show. And the superstar of that board is Charcut’s house-made pig’s head mortadella, studded with pistachios. While the mortadella has long been Charcut’s signature, anything on their charcuterie boards is going to be incredible and made in house.

Sourdough Bread at Sidewalk Citizen

It may seem odd to name a loaf of bread as a city’s signature dish, but  Sidewalk Citizen’s  sourdough captures the soul and spirit of Calgary. The bread was developed by Sidewalk co-owner Aviv Fried who set his mind to learning how to bake the best bread in the world and delivered his small batches to customers via bicycle. These days Sidewalk is a small empire, with a counter in the  Sunnyside Market , a sit-down bakery in the  Simmons Building , and a full service restaurant in  Central Memorial Park .

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery in Calgary.

Hot Dog Bao at Lulu Bar

Creatively-stuffed bao buns can be found at a few restaurants in Calgary but the most fun (and delicious) version is the mini-hotdog baos at Lulu Bar . What looks like a cocktail wiener is actually a very flavourful house-made char siu sausage. It's stuffed into an ultra-pillowy bao along with tangy pickled mustard greens, peanut powder, and some cilantro. It isn't a hot dog without ketchup, and Lulu dresses up this little dog with its own banana ketchup to fit with the chic restaurant's pan-Pacific theme.

Chili Goma Ramen at Shiki Menya

This is another exclusively Calgarian dish that has become a local favourite.  Shiki Menya’s  Koki Aihara got the idea to make this bowl of rich ramen topped with spicy ground pork, mushrooms, pickled radish and bamboo shoots when he tried a similar dish in Japan, then helped to make it a reality at his family’s now defunct Shikiji restaurant. The soup lives on at Aihara’s very popular Shiki Menya noodle bar where patrons line up daily for a bowl made with the restaurant’s deeply flavourful 20-hour pork bone broth.

Chili Goma Ramen at Shiki Menya (Photo credit: Ty Graham).

Elizabeth Chorney-Booth is a local food writer, cookbook author, radio columnist and a lifelong Calgarian.

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THE 10 BEST Calgary Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in calgary.

• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Distilleries
• Farmers Markets
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Southeast Calgary
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. LaTigre Luxury Travel LTD

32. Cozymeal

33. Showpass

34. OT Brewing Company

35. Metropolitan School of Bartending

36. Calgary CityPass Travel & Tours.

37. YYCTOURS

38. Starlink Luxury Transportation and Party Bus Service

39. Urban Pedal Tours Calgary

40. 17th Ave

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Free Walking Tours Calgary

This post provides details about each of the free and paid walking tours in Calgary.

We also include information about a variety of other paid tours you can take as well.

Overview + Schedule

• Food & Beer
• Bike or Bus

Here are some free and paid walking, food, biking, and bus tours available in Calgary, Canada.

Each offers you a striking view of the city's culture, history, art, and cuisine. 

There are some specific themed tours as well such as the haunted theme tours allow visitors to explore the city's spine-chilling tales and mysterious past.

The tour listed below is operated through us. The calendar below lists additional options.

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Although there aren't a lot of free Calgary walking tours at the moment, the few currently offered are pay-what-you-wish, which means you can tip the tour guide as much as you feel the tour was worth.

Most tourists choose to tip $15-$20. Prices will be listed in CAD, the Canadian Dollar.

Downtown Free Calgary Walking Tours

Experience Calgary's rich tapestry of history and vibrant culture with the unique opportunity of complimentary strolls through the downtown area. 

Both Toonie Tours and Walk the YY are programs that introduce you to Calgary's charm and secrets, taking you on an immersive journey through the city's bustling streets.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see and learn about:

• Calgary Tower
• Olympic Plaza
• Stephen Avenue
• Hidden Skywalks

If you're interested in visiting these locations, consider one of the following free Calgary walking tours.

Toonie Tours

A remarkable endeavor, Toonie Tours presents costless guided foot tours within Calgary, offering an extensive dive into the city's most popular attractions.

These tours are hosted by enthusiastic local guides with knowledge about their city.

On this excursion, you'll trek through Calgary's bustling core, stopping at landmarks such as the soaring Calgary Tower, the lively Stephen Avenue, and the symbolic Olympic Plaza.

The guides weave engaging narratives about Calgary's past and present, sharing tidbits about its history, arts scene, and architectural splendor.

The tour is free, but if you feel the experience was valuable, tipping the guide according to your enjoyment level is a welcome gesture.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Constant Availability
• Time to Begin: 10:00 AM
• Book Your Tour or Learn More

Walk the YY

For those eager to delve into the annals of Calgary's history, Walk the YY provides a captivating journey through the historic Stephen Avenue.

This adventure allows you to witness firsthand the stories and myths that have played a role in molding the city.

Accompanied by skilled guides, you'll traverse the scenic Stephen Avenue, with its heritage buildings and quaint retail fronts.

You'll uncover the narratives about Calgary's humble beginnings, its emergence as a thriving frontier town, and its subsequent transformation into a modern city.

Like its counterpart, this tour doesn't demand a fee, but if you appreciate the guide's efforts, a tip reflecting your experience is highly appreciated.

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Days Offered: Saturdays

Street Art Calgary Walking Tours

Are you prepared to engage yourself in the animated essence of Calgary?

You can explore the city's streets and uncover the hidden artistic treasures scattered around the cityscape.

Calgary's neighborhoods are alive with complex murals, and its parks are brought to life with dynamic sculptures.

These tours promise to serve you an artistic banquet that reveals the pulse of Calgary's vibrant heart.

This unique Street Art & Craft Beer Walking Tour invites you to journey through the soulful streets of Calgary, absorbing yourself in a visual narrative expressed through murals and graffiti.

You will not only see incredible things but also taste great beers from Calgary’s local breweries. You can taste Calgary’s culture with every sip.

The tour is fun for your eyes and mouth. Although there's a cost for this tour, the value is reflected in the blend of street art exploration and craft beer sampling.

• $88/Adult | $83/Senior | $83/Military

Self-Guided Calgary Street Art Tour

For those who desire the liberty of exploration at their own pace, the Self-Guided Tour option could be your perfect match.

Armed with a map, you will navigate through Calgary to find 26 Amazing Wall Murals in Calgary.

This tour lets you dive bottomless into an ocean of colors, forms, and narratives. 

What's the best part? The luxury of time is on your side. You can stop for a coffee, take a moment to contemplate, or whatever else pleases you.

You’re the captain of your voyage through Calgary's cultural scene.

Learn more or take the self-guided Calgary Street Art Tour .

Haunted Calgary Walking Tours

The city of Calgary, Canada, has its fair share of spine-chilling tales, and you get the exciting opportunity to explore them through the Haunted Calgary Walking Tours. 

Enthrall yourself in the mysterious whispers of the city's past as you navigate the streets on foot, experiencing the haunting resonance of Calgary's history.

Equip yourself for an uncanny journey with the Haunted Cowtown Tour.

Walking through the historical avenues, you can discover tales of ghostly apparitions and mysteries that continue to perplex residents and visitors alike.

You'll get to visit some of the most notoriously haunted locations in Calgary, feeling a shiver down your spine as you hear stories that have been whispered for generations. 

This tour is not just a walk, it's a suspenseful adventure, a peek into Calgary's paranormal past that you would want to take advantage of.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Time to Begin: 07:00 PM

Calgary Ghost Walks

You will navigate through areas notorious for strange sightings, with hair-raising accounts of the paranormal shared at every corner.

You'll traverse sites of historical hauntings, learn about eerie past events, and might even feel the chills of unseen specters brushing past. 

This walking tour offers a hauntingly good time, an unforgettable journey filled with spooktacular stories that will stick with you long after your visit.

It's not just a tour; it's your own personal ghost story waiting to unfold.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Days Offered: Special days, Full and Quarter Moon days
• Time to Begin: 09:00 PM
• $20/Adult | $15/Youth/ | $15/Child

Calgary Food and Beer Tours

Craving an exciting blend of culinary exploration and locally brewed delights?

Calgary’s food and beer tours are just the correct answer for you. 

Whether you're a food connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone seeking a unique way to explore Calgary, these tours provide an unforgettable immersive experience.

Walk the YY - The Wild West

You can walk through the historical streets, breathing in the old-world charm and bustling energy of the city.

Savor a unique mix of the area's traditional and modern cuisine, delighting your taste buds with each bite.

As a cherry on top, you get to wash down your feast with handpicked local beers.

As the sun sets, you'll find yourself in love with Calgary's flavors, stories, and the golden hues of its skyline.

This tour is free and fun that includes visits to several bars.

• Time to Begin: 04:00 PM

Walk the YY - Beer and BBQ

Enjoy the smoky goodness of Calgary’s best BBQ paired with locally brewed beer.

You can take this palate-pleasing journey across various pit stops, each showcasing its unique BBQ style and craft beers. 

You will not only feast on melt-in-your-mouth meats and refreshing ales but also get a sneak peek into the process behind it. It's a beer and BBQ fiesta you want to take advantage of.

Don’t miss this tour, which combines fun and food in a satisfying and affordable package.

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Days Offered: Tuesday to Sunday
• Time to Begin: Anytime
• $125/Person

Calgary Bike and Bus Tours

Calgary, the heart of Canada's wild west, is best discovered either by pedaling through its streets or riding aboard a comfortable bus. 

These two modes of exploration - Calgary City Bike Tour and Calgary Walks & Bus Tours - provide you with the finest and the most refreshing perspectives of the city.

Toonie Tours - Calgary City Bike Tour

The Calgary City Bike Tour offers you an exhilarating cycling journey along the scenic Bow River.

You'll ride past vibrant public art, explore historical neighborhoods, and soak in panoramic city views. 

En route, you'll get to learn fascinating tales and facts about Calgary's past and present. The bike tour makes you feel like a part of the city, breathing its air, and living its pulse.

• $95/Adult | $88/Senior | $88/Student | $83/Youth

Calgary Walks & Bus Tours

In contrast, the Calgary Walks & Bus Tours lets you experience the city in the comfort of a bus.

You can marvel at Calgary’s iconic structures like the Calgary Tower, witness the energy of its bustling streets, and walk through some of the city's beautiful parks. 

From the bus, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate Calgary's skyline and its lively urban landscape.

A knowledgeable guide narrates the city's colorful history, making the tour an enlightening adventure.

• Time to Begin: 01:30 PM
• $61.95/Adult | $46.20/Youth

And much, much more

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5 Questions with Karen Anderson of Calgary Food Tours

Karen Anderson started Calgary Food Tours Inc. in 2006. She is a journalist with regular columns for print and radio and served on the board of Slow Food Calgary for many years. Anderson’s cutting-edge journalistic research, passion for food and cooking and community connectivity have given Calgary Food Tours Inc. an outstanding reputation for quality in the industry. Calgary Food Tours Inc. offers tours May through October. We asked Karen a few questions...

1. What dishes is Calgary known for?

Calgary is famous for the Calgary Stampede , which is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and celebration of our western heritage and cowboy culture. Alberta beef is famous the world over because of its taste and flavour and for that we have been “branded” as cowtown. This is great and we love that but we are also Canada’s chowtown. Bison and elk are native to the Great Plains and Canadian Rocky Mountains. We are the world’s leading growers of wheat, lentils and mustard and the 5th largest producer of honey. We’ve got sweet fruits and vegetables because of our long days of sun and cool nights. So many wonderful chefs have come here and opened fabulous restaurants because they love the quality of our local produce.

2. What happens on a food tour?

Calgary Food Tours Inc. is about food, fun and adventure. Our guests taste the very best food our city has to offer at six to eight great restaurants, markets or food artisans; they have the fun of meeting chefs and owners of businesses and they enjoy the adventure of strolling through a neighbourhood and learning about its art, architecture and history. The whole things feels like a mini-break spent with a local who will feed the best food and “insider” information that travelers revel in.

3. If it is our first trip to Calgary, which food tour do you recommend?

Inglewood’s Edible Enticements would be great for a first time visitor to Calgary as Inglewood is the cradle of our history and is the site where our city was founded. The partners we visit on this tour really exemplify the maverick spirit of the west and we love to tell their stories. It’s a delicious Wild West tale with immigrants, rebels, importers and lots of homegrown great tasting success.

4. Who are some of the notable Calgary chefs we should keep our eyes on?

Each of our tours has a line up of chefs that could be considered rising stars but I’m most impressed with their more senior peers, as they are chefs that act as mentors. My friend Paul Rogalski of Rouge Restaurant has brought many young chefs up through the ranks and they’ve gone onto open stellar places of their own. We feature J.P. Pedhirney at Muse Restaurant and J.P. honed his skills under Paul’s tutelage. Cam Dobranski of Brasserie Kensington is another chef influencer. Chef Duncan Ly of The Hotel Arts group is a Gold Medal Plates gold medal winner and many up and coming chefs try to emulate the beauty and taste of his food. Many of the city’s great chefs did time on the line at River Café with Dwayne Ennest, Scott Pohorelic or Andrew Winfield so if you can trace a chef back to there you know they’ve got rock solid skills and their food is going to be outstanding. Michael Noble and Catch is another great example of leaders leaving a legacy of fabulous food for our city.

5. Tell us some trivia about the Calgary food scene

Canada’s most famous cocktail is called “ The Bloody Caesar ” and it was invented in Calgary by a bartender named Walter Chell in 1969. It’s tomato and clam juices with a spicy kick. It might be an acquired taste but it’s loved nation-wide.

Calgary has had a chapter of Slow Food International since 2002 and celebrates our connection to local producers annually at a huge event called Feast of Fields.

There are approximately 200 community gardens, 13 urban farms, 400 backyard beekeepers, several restaurants with rooftop gardens, and an amazing 11 acre garden, seed bank and apiary called Grow Calgary that keeps 500 volunteers busy growing food for the city’s food bank.

During the 10 days of The Calgary Stampede there are dozens of free Pancake Breakfasts throughout the city each morning that are a part of our amazing western hospitality. Just put on a cowboy hat and come on out and you’ll get fed.

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The 14 BEST Calgary Tours and Excursions for 2024

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on January 6, 2024

Basing yourself in Calgary on your next Alberta trip is a great plan – there’s a lot to see in the city and within a short driving distance! In just one hour, you can immerse yourself in the foothills and then the Rocky Mountains, see dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Canadian Badlands, and more. Even better, a stay in Calgary can introduce you to all kinds of fun experiences within city limits, and sometimes, the best way to experience any city is through guided tours.

There are plenty of Calgary tours available, but we made the research and selection process more manageable by rounding up some highly recommended experiences. So whether you’re looking for tour operators right in Calgary or one to take you on a side trip to Drumheller or Banff or more, read through this guide to the best Calgary tours for inside the city and beyond.

The Best Calgary Tours

City of calgary sightseeing tour by sidecar – our top pick.

• Tour Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Star Ratings: 5/5 (20+ reviews)

With so many great options it was hard to narrow it down, but because of the unique mode of transportation and the Calgary views, this tour rose to the top.

Take in the sights of the city on a vintage sidecar tour! On this 70-minute guided tour of Calgary, you can relax while your driver takes you around the city and narrates the sights along the way.

There is a brief stop for photos at either Scotsman’s Hill or Crescent Ridge where the driver also doubles as a pseudo-photographer for some tourist shots overlooking the heart of Calgary. Included in the ticket price is the option to choose your pick-up location from one of the downtown Calgary hotels or at the base of the Calgary Tower .

3-hour Bike Ride Through Beautiful Calgary and the Bow River

• Tour Length: 3 hours
• Star Ratings: 5 / 5 (10+ reviews)

Slow down and hop on two-wheeled transportation to connect with the city. See tourist hot spots like the Peace Bridge, Prince’s Island Park, Fort Calgary, the Calgary Stampede grounds, and more! Start your journey at Joe’s Garage Bicycle Rental and Repair in southwest Calgary and embark on a trip to 10 different spots throughout the city, all while hearing tales of conquest, mystery, and First Nations culture before ending back at the bike shop.

The tour operator has infant seats and buggies available for children so that they can join in on the experience, and since there is a cap of 12 travellers in the group, it is guaranteed to be a small, intimate experience. Please note that this tour is moderately physical and not recommended for those with heart problems or other serious medical problems

This tour includes:

• Use of bicycle – no need to bring your own!
• Helmet (if wanted)
• A bicycle lock

Our guide, Dan, was wonderful! Very knowledgeable and accommodating! It was just my husband and I on the tour, and we loved every minute! It was a great way to see the city and learn all about it!! – Viator user Judy_Z

Calgary Brewery Tour

• Tour Length: 3 hours and 30 minutes

The microbrewery scene in Calgary has exploded in the last decade, and there are some seriously good award-winning brews to sample on this tour! You will even have access to your very own self-proclaimed “beer geek tour guide” and get an educational, behind-the-scenes beer sampling experience. The meeting (and end) point is downtown at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, and you will be transported around in style by a branded Canadian Craft Tours van.

There are three stops on this Calgary tour: Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co. Each sharing their story, vision, and of course, some stellar brews!

Private Self-Guided River Rafting Tour in Calgary

• Tour Length: 2 to 4 hours
• Star Ratings: 5 / 5 (70+ reviews)

This experience is rated as Calgary’s number one outdoor activity, so you know it will be a good time! This self-guided experience on the Bow River begins at the launch point in West Baker Park, so all you have to do is show up, and a 4, 6, 8, or 10-person inflatable raft will be waiting for you. Hop in with your crew and enjoy a leisurely float at your own pace as you explore some natural parks and enjoy exceptional views of the cityscape. Depending on the river flow, this journey can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and the final destination is Prince’s Island Park in the heart of the city.

For an even more convenient experience, you can grab a ride in the shuttle from the Lazy Day office in northwest Calgary to the launch point and back for an additional fee of $7 per person.

This is an amazing way to spend a day in Calgary! Pack a picnic lunch, grab your tunes, and head out! So much fun!! You have the rental raft for the whole day, so take your time, stop along the way! We had so much fun the first time, we went 2 more times this summer! TripAdvisor Reviewer

Ghost Tour of Calgary By Sidecar

• Star Ratings: 5 / 5 (3 reviews)

If ghost stories and unique transportation are your jam, look no further than this spooky Calgary tour by sidecar! This adult-only ghost tour takes you to historic parts of the city, places like Fort Calgary, Inglewood, and Scotsman’s Hill, with experienced drivers. Listen to a professional storyteller providing live narration via helmet communication along the way. Stop at historic pubs for non-alcoholic refreshments (or an alcoholic drink at your own expense). Enjoy a fun night in Calgary while learning about the darker parts of the city’s history and some of its notorious residents.

This experience is tailored to small groups tour and only allows a maximum of 6 travellers. It meets and ends at the Calgary Tower with a starting time of 7:30 pm.

We had sooooo much fun. I would do it again. They were the nicest people to have with us. If you’re looking for a great time don’t pass this up ! – Viator user Ann_H

The Best Of Calgary Walking Tour

• Tour Length: 2 hours

The absolute best of Calgary is highlighted in this 2-hour walking tour that begins at the Calgary Tower. This experience is a private tour that comes with a knowledgeable guide who will enlighten your group about the roots and old stories of how Calgary came to be and how it developed into Canada’s Stampede City. Get your listening ears and legs ready for 2 hours of walking and talking!

Calgary Private Food Tour

• Tour Length: 3+ hours

This tour is unique because it is fully customizable! Provided through Alberta Food Tours, you can set up a group of 2-45 people with your very own guide(s), depending on group size. The tour time is customized to fit your needs, whether late morning, afternoon or evening, Sunday through Thursday.

What dining establishments you end up at are customized depending on what you want to experience! Indulging in delicious food with good company – this personalized experience is definitely a fantastic and memorable way to spend a few hours.

Day Tours From Calgary

Horseback trail ride in kananaskis – top pick, horseback trail ride in kananaskis.

The raving testimonials seal the deal on why this horseback adventure is a top pick for Calgary tours found outside Calgary.

• Star Ratings: 5/5 (120+ reviews)

A trip to Alberta will not be complete without a horseback riding adventure! And the spectacular scenery in Kananaskis is some of the best in all of Canada. This wonderful tour is capped at eight people to ensure personal attention by the guides throughout the journey, and it is open to all skill levels of horse experience, from novice to experienced riders. The activity begins and ends in Kananaskis, so a vehicle is required to get there by yourself from Calgary. However, the scenic drive alone is worth it, not to mention the exciting opportunity to leisurely explore the Kananaskis Valley and have many wildlife viewing opportunities.

This tour includes a professional and experienced guide, and the use of a horse and necessary equipment.

It was a great experience. Our trail ride leader was excellent as was the trailing rider. We had a great time. The horses were great. We would recommend it to everyone who wants the experience of doing a trail ride and seeing some awesome country. – VIATOR USER Thomas_O

Kananaskis River Rafting

• Tour Length: 4 hours
• Star Ratings: 5 / 5 (35+ reviews)

Pair fantastic views with some adrenaline-pumping action, resulting in this Kananaskis river rafting adventure. This small group tour leaving from Canmore or Banff is excellent for all levels of whitewater rafting experience, even beginners and even includes snacks! Embark on a 1.5-2 hour rafting experience followed by a refreshing swim in the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta’s most pristine waterways. Also included in this tour are free photos of your rafting adventure available online so you can download and share your epic time with all your family and friends.

A group of 10 of us went rafting, and it was so much fun. Our guide Tim was fantastic, made us feel safe and we had tons of laughs. – Viator user Jim_N

Banff National Park Tour From Calgary

• Tour Length:
• Star Ratings: 4.5/5 (60+ reviews)

Enjoy exploring all Banff National Park has to offer without worrying about driving yourself or paying a national park fee! Starting from a hotel in downtown Calgary, travel in an air-conditioned tour bus to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies and visit landmarks such as Sulphur Mountain (there is an opportunity to add on a gondola ride here too, which is HIGHLY recommended), Bow Falls, and Johnston Canyon . The full-day tour also allocates some free time in the Banff townsite for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat before heading back to the bus for the journey back to Calgary.

The scenic views, in the Banff area are outstanding!! Also our Driver/Guide Sammy was excellent!!! The trip was well organized and implemented!!! – Viator user Kevin_G

Canmore Caving

• Tour Length: 6 hours
• Star Ratings: 5 / 5 (220+ reviews)

Embark on a “Caver For A Day” experience in Rat’s Nest Cave, one of the longest caves in Canada! Pick from two departure times to begin a tour that will test your physical and mental limits. The full-day tour begins with a 45-minute hike uphill learning about the area’s geologic history with possible wildlife sightings. Once at the cave entrance, you will rappel down 59 feet and begin the route, ending at a crystal-clear grotto.

Note: Caving is a moderately strenuous activity and requires climbing, crawling, squeezing, and sliding through a cave. In addition, guests are required to wear a helmet as well as a safety harness which has a maximum waist size of 45″ (114 cm) and a maximum leg size of 33″ (84 cm). Equipment will be provided.

A unique experience. Something that should definitely be on a bucket list. Very informative as well as fun. John was fantastic. – Viator user Jacqui_P

Private Day Tour – Calgary to the Royal Tyrrell Museum

• Tour Length: 8 to 10 hours
• Star Ratings: 4.5 / 5 (10+ reviews)

Discover the hoodoos in the rustic Canadian Badlands landscape with a trip to explore Drumheller . In addition to the amazing landscape, during the trip, see the World’s Largest Dinosaur, Drumheller’s Little Church, Horseshoe Canyon, and Horsethief Canyon.

There is an option to add on the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site for the additional admission fees, and in our opinion, they are both definitely worth the costs. Although this is a sightseeing tour with no narration, it is a private chauffeured experience for you and your group, so enjoy the luxury!

Jeff was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable of the area and gave fantastic local (and international) travel tips and recommendations. He offered to take photos of us at every stop which is super important to me. – Viator user Hannah_R

Columbia Icefield Adventure 1-Day Tour From Calgary or Banff

• Tour Length: 13 Hours

Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Canadian Rockies! And also get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover the Columbia Icefield on foot. This full-day tour picks up from either downtown Calgary or Banff. You will see natural wonders, including the Waputik Range, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier – many of the top highlights found on the famed Icefields Parkway .

For an additional cost, you can also hop on the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and see the landmark up close! This great tour includes highlights to discover from both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, with the convenience of round-trip transit throughout.

Glacier is stunning and driver provided good service. He is knowledgeable and professional and helped taking pictures for us . – Viator user Quilin_Z

Lake Louise and Yoho National Park From Calgary

• Star Ratings: 4.5 / 5 (110+ reviews)

See the most stunning Canadian Rockies landscapes – from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake – on this exciting full-day tour! With pickups in Calgary and Banff National Park, you will get to witness the amazing sights of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, with a pass-by of the Spiral Tunnels before being dropped back off at your starting point. Learn about the area’s history from your tour guide and enjoy the scenery as you sit back and relax. Bonus: if you book this tour during the winter months, it also includes snowshoeing.

Our guide, Alan, was so knowledgeable. Perfect amount of time allowed at each stop. So nice having someone else do the driving and parking. Highly recommend this tour. – Viator user Cyndy_P

If you are basing yourself in Calgary, we can help you plan your stay:

• Where to stay in Calgary .
• Where to eat in Calgary . Or, if you want to get specific, where to find the best pizza in Calgary !
• All of the great things to do in Calgary .
• And if you’re heading west, we have curated a list of the best Banff tours as well.

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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Here’s what’s open and closed in Calgary on Good Friday this year

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Well, spring chickens! It’s nearly the long weekend and whether it be your close friends and relatives or your special someone, March 29th, will be an opportunity to enjoy food, make memories and have fun with the people you love. Need to do errands or want to get out and about this week? Be prepared! Here’s what’s open and closed on Good Friday in Calgary this year.

Museums are a great way to get out and about this Good Friday, we’ve got great news! Many Alberta-operated museums will be open this year so check them out!

Movie Theatres

Hoping to catch a flick this Friday? Calgary’s Landmark Cinemas  and Cineplex locations will all be open all weekend long.

Though we’d recommend checking their hours before heading out,  Southcentre Mall,  CrossIron Mills ,  CF Chinook Centre,  CF Market Mall  and  The CORE Shopping Centre will all be open on Friday, March 29th, 2024.

Grocery and Liquor Stores

Need milk, beer or a last-minute ham? You’re in luck. Though (again) we’d recommend checking your local stop hours, most liquor and grocery stores will be open on holiday Friday.

The Calgary Tower

Have family in town? Explore a Calgary gem! This Friday, check out the Calgary Tower  and grab a bite to eat at Sky 360.

Where:  101 9 Ave SW, Calgary

Recent Posts: Here are all of the concerts you can check out during the 2024 Calgary Stampede (so far) North America’s largest dinosaur experience is coming to Calgary this spring

Telus Spark

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TELUS Spark (@telus_spark)

This weekend, spend some time with your kids or fun-seeking friends kids at Telus Spark ! From immersive experiences to their Da Vinci Exhibit, there’s plenty to see!

Where:  220 St. George’s Drive NE

Calgary Transit

While transit  will be operational on Friday, March 29th, CTrains, buses and On Demand transport will run on their Sunday schedule! For more information on fares, schedules and service changes, please visit their website.

Good news, errand-doers, the Landfill will also be open this year on Good Friday. Check out their hours here.

City-owned Recreational Facilities and Leisure Centres

This Good Friday, most  city-owned pools, fitness and rec centres will be closed for the stat.

Southland Leisure Centre and Village Square Leisure Centre, however, will remain open with special holiday hours.

As per their website, Calgary Parking Authority impound lots will be closed on March 29th this year. In addition, no payment is required for on-street parking, though holiday rates will be in effect at select parkades and select surface lots.

While grocery and convenience stores will be open this Friday, Costco will be unshoppable this Good Friday – Looks like you’ll have to get your massive hot dog fix before March 29th.

But there you have it, friends. Everything that’s open/closed this Good Friday in Calgary. Please be sure to double-check the hours of operation no matter where you’re headed and enjoy the day!

Curiocity Staff

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About Alberta Food Tours

You’ll eat life to the fullest with Alberta Food Tours, Inc. Since 2006, we’ve grown from a one woman operation in Calgary to now include experiences in Calgary, Banff, Canmore and Edmonton, Alberta. We partner with over 100 Alberta businesses and support many regenerative farms and farmers throughout the province.

This is why we say when you eat, engage, and explore with us, you support farmers who create healthy soil and food, you keep our food businesses thriving, and you create rewarding jobs for our team. Soil, food, and people — that’s what we are all about.

Meet the Founder

Karen Anderson

Founder & president of alberta food tours, inc..

Karen Anderson is founder and President of Alberta Food Tours, Inc. Since 2006, she’s been a pioneer in developing unforgettable food experiences for locals and visitors to Alberta.

Anderson is also a food journalist who has written for radio, television, print and new media including CBC Radio, PBS-TV, Apple Magazine, City Palate, Avenue and WestJet magazines. She’s an IPPY and Taste Canada award-winning cookbook author for  A Spicy Touch  – Family Favourites from Noorbanu Nimji’s Kitchen with her late Indian cooking mentor Noorbanu Nimji and a World Gourmand travel writing award winner for Food Artisans of Alberta .  Her latest book is called Eat Alberta First and that doubles as the credo of our company!

You can follow her personal and travel adventures at  Savour It All  and watch her build a new South Indian cookbook at  Faces Places and Plates .

Meet the AFT team.

When you spend a day with our team, you are not only connecting with local food experts but also Alberta tourism ambassadors with extensive knowledge of fun things to do.

Kim has a Masters of Arts Degree in Tourism Studies from the University of Alberta. As a tourism professional, she is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for visitors to Alberta. Her career has given her experience in destination development, hospitality management, sales, and relationship building. And, the best part of all, she loves food and travel as much as we do!

Nicole Liboiron-Coles

Nicole’s an avid traveller, photographer, scuba diver and eater. Ask her where the best Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings are in Calgary or anywhere for that matter! We love the creativity and passion Nic brings to everything she does.

Nora Comerford-Seto

Nora hit Europe with a backpack after college and hasn’t stopped travelling since. China, South Africa, Ireland, Spain with her family of six, India and Morocco on her own for culinary adventures with our founder, Karen Anderson.

Karen Lewin

We are very proud that Karen won the Tourism Calgary White Hatter award for exceptional service – tour leader – in 2017. She is one of the best story tellers we know and also works part time as a cheesemonger extraordinaire.

Barbara Connolly

Barb is a great traveller, food lover and cook. She’s been to India, Thailand and Morocco on culinary expeditions with our founder Karen Anderson and when she’s in Alberta she is thrilled to divide her time between Canmore and Calgary.

Lisa Monforton

Lisa is a journalist for media outlets across Canada. She is a heck of a lot of fun too. When not leading our Calgary Food Tours you can find her travelling the globe (usually on her bicycle) or camping in Alberta.

Tracy Ritchie

An ardent food lover originally from Scotland, Tracy now lives in Canmore to feed her passion for the outdoors as well as for great food. Join Tracy for our Eat the Castle tour where her Scottish accent lends charm to the Castle in the Rockies.

Sue Shih has lived, worked, and played in Banff for over 20 years. She’s a passionate and much sought after back country lodge chef. In winter, you find her snowboarding almost daily and in summer, she’s a fearless Stand Up Paddleboard instructor on the glacier cold lakes of the Canadian Rockies. That’s how Sue Shih rolls!

Beth Durupt

With her degree in eco-tourism, Beth has lived in the Bow Valley for over 15 years and worked as both a business owner and tour leader for over 20 years. Her favourite food is Saskatoon berries and each year she marks her calendar for when her favourite U-Pick opens. Beth’s favourite thing about living in the Bow Valley is the access to so many cultural events and the array of activities literally outside her back door.

Amanda Barclay

Born in Newcastle, Australia, Amanda’s called Canada home for over 20 years. A passionate traveller her favourite country is Italy and Morocco is her current bucket list trip. A vegetarian for over a decade, root vegetables are her favourite of Alberta’s signature foods. Amanda loves living and working in the Bow Valley because of the sense of community her and having such vast stretches of nature as her playground.

Maren Doernbrack

Originally from Germany, Maren loves the ever-evolving culinary landscape that she’s discovered in Canada. An accomplished wedding planner in Banff and Canmore, her time off is spent in the great outdoors and her backpack is always filled with a stash of local goodness. With her guiding experience primarily gained in Thailand’s marine national parks, Maren is delighted that our Eat the Castle tours won’t trigger any seasickness among the participants!

Simone Demers-Collins

Simone is a Professional Home Economist who brings great passion for Alberta’s local producers and agriculture to her guiding. She lives near Old Strathcona and guests will truly enjoy the depth of her local knowledge when they tour with her.

Drew Delbaere

Drew is a born and raised Edmontonian who loves to pair food with art. His perfect evening includes a live theatre performance in Old Strathcona followed by some drinks and nibbles in the neighbourhood.

Cindy Lazarenko

Cindy Lazarenko is an award-winning chef who loves to give the Ukrainian dishes of her heritage a modern spin. She lives in the Highlands neighbourhood of Edmonton and is very active in the community.

Howard Kowalchuk

Edmonton Food Tours leader, Howard, is a high school teacher, passionate cook, and traveller who loves exploring all things Mediterranean. His favourite countries are Turkey, Italy and Greece.

Callandra Caufield

With us 2016 to 2023, Callandra shares a wealth of knowledge when we call on her for special projects consulting.