Calgary, AB: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Calgary, Alberta

If you think of Calgary as a cold-weather destination, you're at least half right. This city truly shines in the winter, but it's also a popular summertime destination. In the summer, you can expect highs in the low 70s, which makes for the perfect weather for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. When winter rolls around, you can expect lows in the single digits and around 10 feet of snow throughout the season, which makes for perfect snow sports weather.

Spring and fall tend to be less popular times to visit Calgary, but they're just as beautiful. Spring brings highs in the upper 50s, while fall tends to bring highs in the 40s. You'll want to be prepared for at least a few snowflakes during these shoulder seasons, too.

Want to keep an eye on your trip costs when visiting Calgary? Keep in mind that summer tends to be the most expensive time to visit the city, but that doesn't mean your summertime trip has to break the bank. Plan in advance, and you're likely to find great deals on hotels in Calgary.

Best Hotel Discounts in Calgary, Alberta

Looking for a great deal on an Alberta hotel? Look for some of the best group rates and hotel discounts in the city. For example, AARP members and senior travelers get discounts at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel and at the International Hotel Calgary. AAA and CAA members can save at the Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn and at The Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at many area hotels.

Best Value Options in Calgary, Alberta

Get all the amenities you want without exceeding your budget at the best mid-range hotels in Alberta. Check out some of the city's best value options.

There's no need to compromise on price or amenities when you stay at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel. Located right in the middle of everything, this large hotel offers quick access to Calgary's top attractions. There's plenty to keep you entertained on the property, too. Stay fit in the hotel's health center, make a splash in the year-round indoor pool, and sit down to a delicious meal at the hotel's upscale restaurant. This mid-range hotel is also ideal for meetings and events, with 5,500 square feet of event space and a banquet room that holds up to 160 people.

Book your stay at the Westin Calgary and enjoy an upscale stay at a price that won't break your vacation budget. This large hotel is ideal for groups, as it offers an average group discount of 35 percent and offers two dozen meeting rooms. The hotel's banquet space holds 1,200 people, so it's great for large corporate events, too. After your event, look forward to a restful night's sleep on your signature Westin Heavenly Bed and cuddle up with your furry friend at this pet-friendly hotel.

You'll stay right in the middle of the action when you book the International Hotel Calgary, as it's steps from TD Square, Olympic Plaza, and the Petro Canada Centre. Other major attractions, such as Fort Calgary Historic Park and the Calgary Zoo, are just a short drive away. This contemporary hotel offers comfortable standard rooms and spacious suites, the latter of which include wet bars and mini fridges. For a gorgeous view of the city, be sure to upgrade to a balcony suite. Don't miss the hotel's indoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, or complimentary hot breakfast buffet, either.

Can’t-Miss Attractions in Calgary, Alberta

If you're visiting this Alberta hotspot in July, there's bound to be one major event on the top of your to-do list: the Calgary Stampede. You'll want to wear your rodeo best, stake out a prime spot for the parade, and get tickets far in advance for any Stampede events. If you're visiting any other time of year, you can almost always tour Stampede Park, which regularly hosts events and expos.

Calgary might not be part of the Wild West any longer, but you can learn more about the area's fascinating history at Heritage Park. This 66-acre museum is actually a living history village, and you can interact with the costumed staff, who carry out 19th-century tasks. You can also tour the ranch and trading post or take a trip down the river on a paddle wheel boat. Note that the park is closed during the winter months.

Winter, however, is the perfect time to visit Canada Olympic Park, the sports complex that once hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Here, you can take ski lessons, go bobsledding, or just enjoy the fresh snow. Sports fans will also want to visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, which tells the story of the Olympics.

Any time of year is the ideal time to visit Prince's Island Park, one of the city's favorite green spaces. It's home to a pond, walking trails, a theater, and picnic areas. Since this green oasis is right in the middle of the city, it offers easy connections to Eau Claire, Sunnyside, downtown, and other lively Calgary neighborhoods.

Ready to take unforgettable trip to Stampede City? Book one of Calgary's many excellent hotels and start planning your itinerary.

Calgary, AB summarized

Blessed with a rich cultural mixture and beauty, Calgary not only serves as an excellent place to relax at, but it is also home to a number of notable shopping districts in Canada. The downtown area of Calgary is truly hard to miss due to the breathtaking skyline peppered with numerous skyscrapers such as Scotiabank Saddledome and the Calgary Tower. Tourists will certainly love the various shopping options that Calgary offers such as The Core Shopping Centre, Eau Claire Market, and Stephen Avenue. Chinatown district is a must see for those who are in Calgary for the first time, although other attractions also fit the bill as a "must see" spot as well. Parks and a bit of history are featured at the west side of Calgary, such as the Heritage Park Historical Village where guests can pretty much step back in time to see steam trains, eclectic streetcars and the like that once graced Calgary. Calgary is certainly something that takes breaths away. When visiting Calgary, sometimes its great to view the city up high through the skyway . the most extensive one yet!

'Canada will be a strong country when Canadians of all provinces feel at home in all parts of the country, and when they feel that all Canada belongs to them. These bright words were said by the Canadian politician and former Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau.

The City of True Canadian Spirit

Calgary is a beautiful city in the province of Alberta, Canada. The name of the city is said to come from the Isle of Mull, Scotland. Scientists even say that the island itself was called after the mix of two words kald and gart, similar to Old Norse words meaning cold and garden. Other scientists think that Calgary could have been named after Gaelic words meaning something like 'bay farm or 'clear running water. Nonetheless, despite the scientific discussions, none of the tourists that have visited Calgary are arguing about the beauty of this city. Perhaps that is why in 1988 Calgary even hosted the Olympic Winter Games. So if you want to spend a lovely holiday in Canadian scenery, you should definitely go to Calgary. In case you still haven't found a place where to stay, here is a short list of Calgary hotels, where you will be able to spend some beautiful holiday time. These hotels in Calgary should fit the taste of those who are seeking for some budget accommodations as well as something classier. 

Budget Hideouts in Calgary

Planning to go on a budget vacation? Don't worry, we think that we have exactly what you need. These cheap hotels in Calgary are well known for the visitors not only from Canada, but also from other parts of the world: Travelodge Calgary International Airport, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites University or Service Plus Inns & Suites Calgary. Even though you don't need to pay a lot for a room at these cheap hotels, you can always ask if they have some kind of a discount for larger groups or for a second stay and their hotel. 

The Best Places to Stay in Calgary

But if a luxurious stay is a thing that you want to do during your stay in Calgary, there are some great Calgary hotels that will fit these needs: Fairmont Palliser, Le Germain Hotel Calgary, Kensington Riverside Inn or Hyatt Regency Calgary. These hotels in Calgary are classier than the budget accommodations above and what is more, provide you with some additional services. 

Downtown and Olympic Park

There are so many places in Calgary that you will not be able to visit them all during one day. So get ready and read more about what we recommend you to visit in this beautiful Canadian city. If you just can't live without a city life then you should definitely pay a visit to the Downtown full of restaurants, bars, public squares and other cultural sites. And if you can call yourself a true sports fanatic, you should definitely go and visit the Canada Olympic Park, formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill.