10 Things to Do in Calgary on a Small Budget

It may sound obvious, but the most economical way to get around Calgary is by public transport. Calgary Transit operates over 150 bus lines and over 50 km of CTrain (light rail) tracks that cover the entire city. The price of a single fare is C$3.30, while a 1-Day Pass costs C$10.50. Tickets and passes can be purchased directly on the bus, at CTrain stations, and online. You can also download the Calgary Transit App to conveniently plan your trips from A to B. 

Self-guided walking tours are one of the best ways to explore the most interesting districts of Calgary without spending a penny. Just download the free Heritage Walking Tours PDF brochures with maps from the official City of Calgary’s website, put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and get going. These brochures will provide you with reams of historical information on the neighbourhoods you will be walking through. 

Though Kensington is not officially a village, the strong communal atmosphere of this district gives it the feel of an urban village within the city. Located northwest of Downtown Calgary, it’s home to a lively scene of small shops and restaurants. Featuring many pedestrian streets, it blends genuine Canadian architecture and bohemian chic vibe with its unpretentious character. Not all venues here are budget, but many of them are very affordable.

Located diagonally opposite Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum sits right in the heart of Calgary. It’s an art museum mainly dedicated to Canadian artists from the 19th century to the present. You’ll find over 30,000 works here comprising First Nations art, North American illustration, and landscape painting amongst others. The museum showcases a captivating representation of Western Canadian art and culture, including artefacts that reveal the evolution of Calgary since its establishment. Admission is free on the 1st Thursday of every month from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Officially known as Sikome Aquatic Facility, Sikome Lake is a prime destination for beach lovers in Calgary. Part of the Fish Creek Provincial Park, this 4-hectare man-made body of water is surrounded by a large sandy beach. The beach is a pleasant place for a relaxing day of sun-tanning and swimming 1,000 km away from the nearest coast. The access to the lake costs only C$5 and the facilities on site include changing rooms, toilets, food carts, and vending machines.

Combining farmers’ and antique markets with a food court for over 30 years, the aptly named Crossroads Market gives an insider’s view on Western Canadian daily life. From fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and juicy homemade burgers to vintage toys, you’ll find a great range of products at this lively and eclectic market 3 km southeast of Downtown Calgary. The food court is especially attractive as it features an excellent choice of local and ethnic cuisine at affordable rates.

Even if you’re not a birder, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic natural area to take a breath of fresh air and it lies just 5km southeast of the city centre. Covering 36 hectares, this wildlife reserve is home to over 250 species of birds and to many mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Take a walk through grassland, wooden areas, and along the Bow River on trails that crisscross the park, to spot animals in their natural environment. The park is accessible daily from dawn ’til dusk all year round. Only the park headquarters has office hours – see below.

Stephen Avenue Walk, located in the heart of Calgary, is a pedestrian mall from 6am to 6pm only. Outside these hours it is open to vehicular traffic. Declared a National Historic Site of Canada for the many 19th century buildings it’s home to, Stephen Avenue Walk is one of the main dining and shopping hubs in the city. From boutique shops selling urban cowboy clothing and accessories to the higher end retail outlets, you’ll find them here. Likewise, for the hungry, the choice here ranges from fine-dining restaurants to inexpensive diners. Stephen Avenue Walk hosts an eclectic choice of venues and is a great spot for people-watching too.

One of the largest natural parks in Calgary, Nose Hill Park covers 11 sq km a short ride northwest of the city centre. Besides the pristine nature, many wildlife species and archaeological sites can be found here. Nose Hill Park is is also well known for being a great place to catch the sunset in Calgary. The top of the hill offers unobstructed views of the city and, in winter, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Stretching along the Bow River, a stroll to the northeast of the city centre, Calgary Chinatown is a compact district to hang out in while exploring local Chinese and Asian culture. The Chinese Cultural Centre itself is built in a similar architectural style to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. A plethora of eateries, covering most price ranges, gives you the opportunity to sample a wide range of Asian specialities. There is also a small market here, where you can sample delicious street food while picnicking in the Sien Lok Park.