Ultimate Calgary Getaway: The Best 48-Hour Itinerary to Experience the Heart of Canada!

Welcome to the Great Canadian Escape! In this exhilarating blog, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey to the vibrant city of Calgary, Canada. Whether you have just a weekend to spare or are seeking a whirlwind adventure, we have crafted the perfect 48-hour itinerary to make the most of your time in this captivating destination.

Get ready to explore the hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and mouthwatering culinary delights that define Calgary’s unique charm. From awe-inspiring natural wonders to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, we promise to showcase the very best this city has to offer.

Coming back from the main attraction of this city: Banff National Park, I found some rabbits just roaming around downtown, while looking for some dinner to eat.

1) Fonda Fora

And dinner I found. I went to Fonda Fora, a Mexican inspired restaurant just next to my hotel. I was kinda scared of eating something too heavy for this evening, and the server definitely helped me pick something light but with substance.

I got the Chicken Tostada and it was very good. I also got a Modelo Negra, one of my favorite beers.

2) Alforno Bakery & Cafe

For a good start of the day, I recommend Alforno Bakery & Cafe for a nice brunch situation. The menu is extensive and versatil, and the ambiance is excellent.

Also, one of the best lattes I have lately (and I get a lot of them in my travels and in New York City).

For brunch I got the Short Rib Croque Madame. This was a good, healthier option following a crazy week of travels and carbs.

3) Peace Bridge

Now, actually showing the things to do in Calgary, I went to Peace Bridge which was under renovation, and it was cute. I do not really now the fuss around it, but definitely check it out.

The path to Prince’s Island Park was cute, recently renovated and with a great view of Calgary, and nice residential and office buildings.

4) Prince’s Island Park

One of the most famous places to go and you should definitely go to, it’s the Prince’s Island Park, but be aware of the fauna around.

Splendid views around of the Bow River. The park is very well maintained and visited by locals and tourists.

5) Stephen Avenue

If the nature and park part of Calgary gets you tired, then you can continue to Stephen Avenue, in the heart of Calgary. With multiple shops, restaurants and bars, this is the place just to relax and have a good time alone or with friends. I am pretty sure that it gets very vivid at nighttime.

6) Calgary Tower

At the East side of the Stephen Walk there is the Calgary Tower, a 191 m (626 ft) tower that you cannot miss if you are fan of views and Observation Decks.

As soon as you get in, you are welcomed with the comparison of the tower with other more iconic structures around the world.

But as soon as you go up the Observation Deck at 181 m above the ground, the views are just amazing. It really surprised me how everything is just flat into the horizon.

Only in the distance, and towards the West, you could see the mountains where Banff National Park is located.

The Observation Deck is very spacious and fun.

7) A&W Canada

I definitely had to visit one of the most iconic food chains in Canada, A&W, which for a New Yorker you would think of the root beer, but no, it is a chain of restaurants with breakfasts and burgers. I tried it for the first time in Montreal last year and it was amazing (compared to like McDonald’s or Burger King). So the bar was set high for the ones in Calgary. I went to one of the many restaurants in Calgary, and ordered the Chicken Buddy Burger.

As you could see in that picture, the burger was more like a sandwich and very lackluster. The taste was very bland, but did not make me hate the chain yet. I ordered the poutine, because why not, I am in Canada.

The poutine was way better, actually yummy, but I my stomach was kind of empty after the little chicken burger. It started raining a lot, so I got the Uncle Burger to go and ran to my hotel, not too far from it.

The Uncle Burger was very Barbeque-ish but good at the end of the day. I would definitely think TWICE before coming back to this chain, which is sad, because everytime I see it when I come to Canada, I want to check it out.

The next day I went to Sunridge Mall to see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (more in a moment), and since it was still early in the day, I checked out the breakfast option in the A&W Canada they have in the food court.

Another dissapointment. I felt defeated. Lackluster breakfast and kind of cold. Ugh. Until the next time A&W, I hope you are better then.

8) CTrain

The Calgary Light Train or CTrain is very convenient, with only 2 lines but they would take you to many important places in the city. The trains were amazing inside. It was not exactly the White Pass & Yukon Railway regarding the views, but it was so easy to ride.

9) Cineplex Odeon Sunridge Spectrum Cinemas

Like I said before, I was going to see Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, and since I could not use my AMC Stubs A-List, I decided to go to Cineplex Odeon Sunridge Spectrum Cinemas, by the Sunridge Mall.

It was an interesting experience. Being used to the theaters in NYC, this was kind of different.

10) Wonderland Sculpture

Back in Downtown Calgary, I went to see the Wonderland Sculpture. I was going to check it out on Day 1, but it rained, so I got to see it today.

11) CORE Shopping Centre

Next to one of the CTrain lines is the CORE Shopping Centre, where just like every shopping mall, you can find anything you need.

So I got myself a maple donut from Tim Hortons lol.

12) Big Fish & Open Range – Renfrew

I loved this restaurant. I found it while Googling for Bison Burgers, and this one did not dissapoint. I liked all the interesting flavors, not only for the bison, but the bacon, and the pickles.

And that finishes my list. Unfortunately, I was too early for The Calgary Stampede. While I was on this city, just a few days before it started, I could see everyone being excited for the main event of the year. Maybe sometime in the future.

But now, I needed to go to Toronto, and the blog is already up, see it here.