Where to stay in Calgary – A guide to Stampede City
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta. It is located at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River, in the south of the province, between the Canadian Rockies (located 80km away) and the prairie. Calgary is famous, among many other things, for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, the annual festival known as the Calgary Stampede (which gave the city its nicknames Cowtown and Stampede City), as well as for its image as a Wild West town. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Calgary.
This Western Canadian city is a thriving place, with a booming economy and a growing tourist industry and it’s fast becoming one of the main destinations in Alberta and Canada, thanks to its cultural attractions, ski slopes, beautiful parks and the breathtaking natural landscapes around it.
The main tourist attractions in Calgary are Calgary Tower, Calgary Zoo, and Prince’s Island Park. If you like culture, history and science, or if you are travelling with kids you should not miss the exhibits at Glenbow Museum or Telus Park, a walk around Heritage Park Historical Village or a visit to Calaway Park, Western Canada’s largest amusement park. For winter sports enthusiasts, WinSport is a top-notch ski resort located on the outskirts of the city.
Finally, for lovers of the outdoors, Calgary is considered the gateway to the southern stretch of the Canadian Rockies. Not too far from the city, you can explore the gorgeous Banff National Park, complete with a gondola service, and relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Calgary is served by Calgary International Airport, which offers direct connections to most cities in Canada and many US destinations, as well as some other international services to Europe and Latin America.
When it comes to public transport, Calgary has a bus system, a suburban train called the C-Train and traditional taxi and ride-sharing app services. That said, in order to reach the outlying districts, the ski slopes and the National Parks around the city, your safest bet is to rent a car. You can rent a cheap car in Calgary here.
The C-Train has a route that connects the northwest with the south, as well as another route that connects the northwest with the central area.
The city of Calgary lives in constant growth. It has become one of the modern and cosmopolitan cities of Canada. However, part of their culture and joy is reflected in the western bars, pubs and restaurants.
Downtown is one of the best areas to stay in Calgary because it is home to the main cultural attractions and festivals. It also has the widest accommodation offer, from luxury hotels with high-class services to cheap-and-cheerful hostels and tourist apartments. See accommodation in Downtown Calgary.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Calgary, Alberta.
Featuring a large indoor pool and hot tub, this luxurious hotel is connected to the Calgary Telus Convention Centre by skywalk. Several on-site dining options are available. Guest rooms feature cable TV with pay per view and a work desk. Calgary Tower is only 100 m away.
The best areas to stay in Calgary, Alberta
1. Recommended: Downtown Calgary
The downtown area, with its industrial environment, skyscrapers, upscale shops and restaurants, is an ideal area to stay in Calgary, Canada.
This area is hosts important festivals, fashion boutiques, world-class restaurants and luxury hotels.
Those staying in Downtown Calgary can enjoy delicious dishes and afternoon cafes at Stephen Avenue Walk, or visit the Old City Hall to admire national and international art in galleries and museums.
To enjoy the breathtaking views of Calgary, you can access the Calgary Tower, an observation point offering breathtaking views of impressive buildings and mountains.
Downtown’s location allows for easy transportation to other areas through bus routes and C-Train lines.
Downtown Calgary is one of the best areas to stay in Calgary because it houses the main tourist attractions in the city, luxury hotels and is close to other major areas of Calgary.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Calgary:
- Central location
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Regency Suites Hotel
Located in downtown Calgary, a 5-minute train ride from the Calgary Stampede Festival, this hotel offers a fitness center. The suites have a full kitchen. Free Wi-Fi is available in all units.
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Budget
NUVO Hotel Suites
This all-suite hotel in Calgary offers a fully equipped kitchen, free daily breakfast, HD flat-screen TV with on-demand Telus movies and free Wi-Fi. The CORE shopping center is a 15-minute walk away.
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Luxury
The Westin Calgary
Located in downtown Calgary, this hotel offers a sauna, heated rooftop pool and in-room spa services. The Calgary Tower is 1 km away. There is free WiFi.
2. Beltline
Beltline is another of the best areas to stay in Calgary. It is located in the heart of the New West City.
Beltline is located south of downtown Calgary and is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city.
This area has the reputation of being one of the main entertainment districts in Calgary, hosting an eclectic nightlife, many restaurants with international flavours and a modern vibe.
Within this area, there are points of interest for travellers, such as the 17th avenue, located in the south of Beltline, where there are busy bars, nightclubs, and shops.
Beltline has a festive atmosphere every year, thanks to one of the most important festivals in Canada, the Stampede Festival, recognized by locals as “the greatest show in the open air.”
Because it is close to Downtown, Beltline is also connected to other areas by several bus routes and the blue line of the C-Train, located nearby.
Beltline is another one of the best areas to stay in Calgary because of its entertaining atmosphere that allows those who stay in this area to enjoy the best gastronomy and nightlife.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Calgary:
- Best area for nightlife
- Great food
- Good transport connections
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Arts
Located in downtown Calgary, Hotel Arts offers a seasonal outdoor pool (May to September) and a fitness center. Free WiFi is available in all areas. The Calgary Stampede rodeo is 1 km away.
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Budget
Wicked Hostels – Calgary
Wicked Hostels, located opposite the Calgary Stampede festival venue, offers exclusive hostel-like accommodation in Calgary. Every morning a generous complimentary breakfast is served.
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Luxury
Best Western Plus Suites Downtown Calgary
This Calgary hotel offers a gym, sauna and rooms with a microwave and refrigerator. A hot breakfast buffet is served daily. The 17th Avenue area is just a 10-minute walk away and offers many shops and restaurants.
3. Northeast Calgary
Northeast Calgary easy to reach, and one of the best areas to stay in Calgary for business travelers since it is home to Calgary International Airport.
This area is known for its comfortable budget hotels and delicious cuisine.
The main attractions in Northeast Calgary are the city zoo, Calaway Park, and the science museum Telus spark, ideal for family trips.
In the southern part of the district, there are a large number of high-end hotels, with services for the most demanding travellers. This neighbourhood is also close to Downtown Calgary.
This area is connected by buses, taxis and the blue line of the C-Train.
Northeast Calgary is another of the best areas to stay in the city because of its quiet, residential vibe and wide offer of transportation options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Calgary:
- Close to the airport
- Cheap hotels
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Executive Royal Hotel Calgary
Located in Calgary, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a fitness center. It offers rooms with a refrigerator and is just 11 minutes’ drive from downtown Calgary.
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Budget
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Airport Hotel
The Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Airport Hotel & amp; Conf Center is in the district of Calgary, northeast of the city. The property features a fitness center, bar, hot tub and free shuttle service.
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Luxury
Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport
This Calgary hotel offers a gym, sauna and rooms with a microwave and refrigerator. A hot breakfast buffet is served daily. The 17th Avenue area is just a 10-minute walk away and offers many shops and restaurants.
4. Southwest Calgary
Southwest Calgary has attractions such as the Stephen Avenue shopping center and the Chinook Center, with tons of shops and boutiques for shopping lovers.
A point of interest for tourists in the Southwest of Calgary is 17 Avenue, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the area.
Within 17 Avenue, there are theaters, shops, restaurants, parks and even casinos.
For sports lovers, Southwest Calgary is home to McMahon Stadium.
Public transport includes several bus routes and nearby are C-Train stations to go to other areas.
Southwest is another excellent area to stay in Calgary for its offer in leisure, shopping malls and great hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Shopping centres
- McMahon Stadium
- Connected by public transport
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