Flights To Calgary Guide

The primary international airport serving the region is Calgary Foreign Airport (YYC), where most foreign flights to Calgary land. YYC is a modern facility with superb services and amenities for travellers, approximately 17 kilometres northeast of downtown Calgary. The airport includes plenty of places to eat, retail stores, and cosy lounges to make your arrival experience comfortable.

Major airlines like British Airways and Air Canada facilitate direct flights from London to Calgary. The trip across the Atlantic is comparatively short—the flight from the UK to Calgary lasts about 9 hours. Typically, flights take off from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), providing a convenient location for passengers from throughout the United Kingdom.

Calgary International Airport also offers connections to other major cities for passengers. If you intend to explore Alberta further, Edmonton International Airport (YEG), about an hour’s drive north of Calgary, could serve as an alternate entrance point.

Woking Travel provides easy transfers from the terminal to your accommodation to streamline your journey. This service provides an easy and worry-free beginning to your journey through Calgary. 

Woking Travel caters to every tourist’s preference and has an assortment of carefully handpicked hotels and specialised holiday packages, just for you. Check out Hotels and Packages to explore hotel and package options for your trip and book now!

Here are top-rated hotels in Calgary, catering to all sorts of budgets, including their star ratings based on reviews:

1. Fairmont Palliser: In downtown Calgary, this prestigious 5-star luxury hotel has exquisite cuisine, luxurious suites, and an onsite spa.
   
   
2. Kensington Riverside Inn (Hotel Arts): A 5-star boutique opulent hotel with elegant lodgings, personalised facilities, and a top-notch restaurant.
   
   
3. Hotel Le Germain Calgary:  A chic, modern, 5-star hotel including elegant accommodations, an advanced gym facility, and top-notch eateries.
   
   
4. Hyatt Regency Calgary: An upscale, 4-star hotel with large rooms, a lavish spa and easy access to the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary.
   
   
5. Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire: Located in Eau Claire, this 4-star hotel is an all-suite property featuring an indoor pool, gymnasium, and riverside scenery.
   
   
6. The Westin Calgary: Situated in the heart of Calgary, this classy 4-star hotel with convenient access to downtown attractions, offers comfortable accommodations, and an indoor swimming pool.
   
   
7. Marriott Calgary Downtown Hotel: This 4-star hotel features chic rooms, a rooftop swimming amenity, and direct access to the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary.
   
   
8. Alt Hotel Calgary East Village: This 3-star hotel, in East Village, is a stylish, reasonably priced lodging adapting eco-friendly practices, with a contemporary style, and a vivid ambience.
   
   
9. Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre: A pleasant and comparatively inexpensive 3-star hotel with cosy rooms, a fitness centre, and a bistro experience.
   
   
10. Hotel Blackfoot: This comfortable 3-star lodging, in Southeast Calgary, has modernly chic rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and several restaurants.

In Calgary, there are several transportation options for navigating the city:

• Calgary Transit: Throughout the city, Calgary Transit runs an expansive bus and CTrain (light rail transport) network. These services connect major areas and attractions efficiently.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: A convenient way to travel, especially for late-night or early-morning outings. These include services like Uber and Lyft, which operate throughout the city.
• Car Rentals: For those seeking the freedom to explore at their own pace, numerous car rental agencies operate in Calgary, with offices at the Calgary International Airport.
• Cycling: With extensively sprawling biking lanes and pathways, Calgary facilitates cycling and biking, making it a bike-friendly city.

Calgary opens its arms to tourists with a wide variety of experiences. From the adrenaline-pumping Calgary Stampede to the awe-inspiring Banff National Park, here’s a glimpse of what the city has in store:

1. Calgary Stampede: Witness the thrills and spills of the Calgary Stampede, an international annual commemoration of Western history which includes funfair rides, musical performances, rodeo events and much more.
   
   
2. Glenbow Museum: Immerse yourself in the local arts and culture at the Glenbow Museum. The museum facilitates visitors with an intriguing trip through time with a variety of displays featuring artwork, artefacts, and narratives from the area as well as beyond.
   
   
3. Observation Deck: Feel the heartbeat of the city in the Calgary Tower’s observation deck with an awe-striking 360-degree view of the city skyline, the magnificent Rocky Mountains, and beyond. 
   
   
4. Heritage Park Historical Village: Step back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village. This place offers steam train rides, tours of historic structures, and fun conversations with interpreters in costume. 
   
   
5. Prince’s Island Park: The Prince’s Island Park is a natural paradise on earth. This urban park, located in the centre of downtown Calgary, has tranquil river vistas, lovely strolling tracks, and lush vegetation.
   
   
6. TELUS Spark Science Centre: An interest for science and exploration is kindled by interactive exhibits, captivating encounters, and hands-on displays at the TELUS Spark Science Centre. 
   
   
7. Canada Olympic Park: Ski, snowboard, or glide your mountain bike on the powdery slopes of Canada Olympic Park. The Skyline Luge offers exhilarating experiences for tourists.
   
   
8. Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Marvel at the beauty of the Rockies through the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, in the Banff National Park. This serene lake, bordered by terrific mountains and wilderness, provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch a glimpse of the natural world, in all its glory.
   
   
9. Icefields Parkway: Enjoy a scenic drive along the picturesque Icefields Parkway, spanning from Jasper to Lake Louise. This route runs past glistening glaciers, aquamarine lakes, and spectacular waterfalls as it winds through rocky alpine terrain.
   
   
10. Calgary Zoo: Visitors may have an informative wildlife experience at the Calgary Zoo with its iconic displays, taking them from the tropical rainforests of the African Savannah to the icy tundra of the Canadian Wilds.

These ten highly recommended eateries in Calgary have a reputation for their exceptional food and outstanding dining experiences:

1. Model Milk: A modern spot delivering innovative takes on comfort food masterpieces in a stylish environment.
   
   
2. River Cafe: This dining establishment, which sits in Prince’s Island Park, serves seasonal Canadian fare in a wonderful riverfront location.
   
   
3. Pigeonhole: A welcoming and quirky restaurant with a comprehensive wine list and intriguing small plates.
   
   
4. CHARCUT Roast House: A pleasant downtown restaurant with an attention to locally-processed meats and creative and trendy charcuterie boards.
   
   
5. Ten Foot Henry: A vegan restaurant specialising in colourful and tasteful dishes in a vivid and welcoming space.
   
   
6. Blink Restaurant and Bar: Serving contemporary Canadian cuisine, this tavern focuses on setting a chic and intimate atmosphere for guests.
   
   
7. Deane House: Built in an archival mansion, this restaurant directs its focus towards utilising regional seasonings and ingredients and serving sophisticated Canadian cuisine.
   
   
8. Alloy: Incorporating international influences, this beautiful restaurant is popular for its modern fare, providing a tempting assortment of dishes.
   
   
9. Teatro: A classic Italian restaurant based in the heart of Calgary, known for its chic ambience and appetising pastas.
   
   
10. Ox Bar de Tapas: Presenting a modern take on Spanish tapas, this eatery specialises in small plates and maintains a lively environment.

Calgary’s diversity of experiences can be overwhelming when planning a trip. To ensure you don’t miss out on the essentials, here are ten must-do activities:

1. Connect with History: Get in touch with Canadian heritage at Fort Calgary.
   
   
2. Picturesque Drive: Take a scenic drive through the Kananaskis Trail.
   
   
3. Equestrian Thrill: Cheer for your favourite horse at the Spruce Meadows equestrian centre.
   
   
4. Craft Beer Delight: Sip the finest local brews in Calgary’s craft beer district.
   
   
5. Festival Frenzy: Participate in world-class events and festivals that light up Calgary’s social calendar.
   
   
6. Rodeo Spectacle: Experience the thrill of a rodeo show at the Calgary Stampede.
   
   
7. Retail Therapy: Indulge in retail therapy at the boutiques and galleries of Stephen Avenue.
   
   
8. Culinary Adventure: Sample exotic dishes at the Calgary Farmers’ Market.
   
   
9. Gastronomic Journey: Embark on a food tour to savour the city’s gastronomic delights.
   
   
10. Mountain Summit Views: Witness panoramic views from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Calgary encounters a range of weather conditions throughout the year, making it a city of varying climates. 

• Spring (March to May): In springtime, average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with occasional rainfall. Visitors can explore parks, attend outdoor festivals, and go for scenic hikes.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is generally warm and dry in Calgary with beaming sunshine throughout the season. High temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), periodically going up to 30°C (86°F) or higher. During the summertime, tourists can enjoy the Calgary Stampede, outdoor concerts, and carry out sports activities.
• Fall (September to November): With the arrival of fall come cooler temperatures and vivid foliage, featuring crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. The temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) in September, gradually coming down to 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) by November. Fall is a great time for visiting pumpkin patches, going on leisurely drives, and going to harvest festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Temperatures in winters range from -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in December and January, with occasional spells of extreme cold reaching below -20°C (-4°F). With light to moderate snowfall in winters, this season is ideal for hitting the slopes, skating outdoors, and immersing in winter festivals.
  
  

To stay up-to-date with Calgary’s live weather conditions, please refer to the Calgary Weather Forecast.

• GMT to Calgary: Calgary is 7 hours behind GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
• BST to Calgary: Calgary is 6 hours behind BST (British Summer Time).  

Currency:

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the official currency. Although cashless transactions are extensively accepted, it is advisable to have some local currency on hand at all times in cases of emergencies or for small purchases and tipping.
 

Language:

English is the predominant language, but you may also hear some French in Alberta.

Local Customs:

Locals in Calgary relish the colourful vibe of the Calgary Stampede and Western hospitality, frequently putting on cowboy boots and hats for the festivities. The popularity of outdoor pursuits such as skiing and trekking intimates the city’s fondness for breathtaking natural settings. Its multicultural festivals and local business support represent Calgary’s inclusive cultural diversity. Calgaryans exemplify a considerate and lively city culture with kindness, a love for artistry, and a firm sense of community.

Laws:

For the latest travel advisories, laws and essential information, consult the following official resources:

• Canadian Government
• Calgary Tourism 
• UK Travel Advisory

Whether you are drawn to the pulse of a thriving city or the serenity of untamed landscapes, Calgary offers the best of both worlds. With its rich tapestry of experiences, this Canadian gem promises a trip of a lifetime for those who seek it.

Don’t just dream it—do it. Start your Calgary adventure by booking with Woking Travel today.

Your next unforgettable escapade with Woking Travel awaits in the vibrant capital of Alberta.