WestJet is a Calgary-based airline since operations began in 1996. While many know "Cow Town" as home to the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth: The Calgary Stampede, locals know that the city’s charm is warmest even on the coldest winter nights. As a winter-time hotspot, Calgary is ripe with exciting things to do, places to stay, eat, drink, and explore. WestJet is proud to call Calgary home, and WestJetters based in YYC are thrilled to share all that their city has to offer with guests, whether they are visiting for the first or fiftieth time. Check out this locally curated guide.
There is nothing quite like returning to a warm bed after a jam-packed day exploring the city. We recommend staying downtown in the heart of all the action, but for something more laid back and away from the bustle, the city’s Kensington and East Village areas have smaller boutique-style accommodations.
A local favourite? Hotel Arts on 12th Avenue. The best part about this downtown pad is the pool. No matter what season you visit, the Hotel Arts poolside experience is a unique, relaxing escape. As per the Hotel Arts' website, the covered oasis maintains a comfortable 24 degrees with a touch of humidity all winter long.
Calgary is a vibrant and diverse city with no shortage of things to see and do. From meeting the animals at the family-friendly Calgary Zoo to a romantic evening out at the Vertigo theatre, unique experiences await every type of visitor.
cSPACE Marda Loop: A Creative Hub
A hub for Calgary’s up-and-coming creative minds, cSPACE in the Marda Loop neighbourhood is an art-lovers dream, housing studio spaces and small galleries for emerging artists. Guests visiting cSPACE can browse the collections of numerous different artists, watch them in action and even enroll in art classes taught onsite to learn different techniques for painting and drawing. Located just minutes from Downtown Calgary, cSPACE is a wonderful way for guests of all ages to enjoy an afternoon exploring Calgary’s art scene and learning the tricks of the trade from the best in the business. Visit the cSPACE website to learn more.
Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre
Studio Bell celebrates Canada’s musical history using artifacts and memorabilia showcasing Canada’s most famous musicians through the decades. Music enthusiasts can soak up history, weekend performances by local acts, breathtaking architecture and more. The Studio Bell is located in the heart of the East Village near the city centre, making it easily accessible on foot for music-loving visitors.
Vertigo Theatre
Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre is a small, intimate performance space for theatre enthusiasts to catch a show with affordable ticket prices spanning a variety of different genres. Couples seeking a romantic night out can take advantage of Vertigo Theatre’s ideal location directly beneath the iconic Calgary Tower and within walking distance to the city’s hottest restaurants and bars to enjoy a night out.
Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is an ideal place to spend a winter’s day meeting animals big and small and learning about different habitats and parts of the world. With interactive activities and no shortage of educational experiences for visitors of all ages, find a mix of both indoor and outdoor exhibits — and many that allow an up close and personal experience. The Calgary Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals across more than 100 species.
The Scotiabank Saddledome
Sports fans rejoice! Calgary is a major sporting hub, with countless professional sports teams calling the city home. The potato chip-shaped (or saddle-shaped) Scotiabank Saddledome is notably home to The Calgary Flames (NHL), Calgary Hitmen (CHL), Calgary Wranglers (AHL), and Calgary Roughnecks (NLL). This iconic event space is one of the busiest in North America, with seating for up to 19,000. The Saddledome is optimally located near public transit train stations and is within walking distance to the city’s vibrant nightlife scenes on 17th Avenue and Stephen Avenue, with countless bars, restaurants and shopping destinations just steps away.
Calgary is known for its food scene, with no shortage of restaurants serving cuisine from all parts of the world to delight the senses. In the Downtown area, foodies should walk along 17th Avenue, Stephen Avenue and First Street, for many of the city's best restaurants. Be advised that many of the city’s popular restaurants are busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so reservations are highly recommended.
For the best food, drinks, views, and atmosphere the city has to offer, see highlights below.
Major Tom
Located near the top of one of Calgary’s many high-rise buildings with sweeping skyline views, here guests can enjoy some of the best the city has to offer, including food, cocktails and an iconic, elegant interior. Indulge in Western Canadian classics and sample some of the finest, freshest Alberta beef with an extensive selection of burgers, steaks, and other delights, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. See more on the Major Tom website.
Proof Cocktail Bar
This iconic spot known for its cocktails is the perfect place for visitor’s to enjoy a cocktail in the winter. Sip specialty hand-crafted creations, acclaimed by locals to be among the best, accompanied by delectable shareable plates and a sleek and beautiful ambiance. Looking forward to a night in? Proof also offers cocktail kits to go, including premium spirits, mixers and instructions, so guests can join the fun from the comfort of their hotel room.
Bridgette Bar
Located in the heart of Calgary’s Design District, Bridgette Bar is best known for its delectable cocktails, and freshly prepared, tasty dishes from local ingredients. Locals recommend the dessert menu for a unique and tasty treat, particularly the banana cream pie! Bridgette Bar delights visitors with its unique menu and relaxing environment year-round.
Carino Restaurant
Carino Restaurant, located in Mission, Calgary, seamlessly blends Japanese and Italian cuisine to create the perfect harmony of flavours and textures with creative takes on classic dishes. Guests can indulge in dishes including momos, gyoza lasagna, sushi tacos and an innovative blend of pasta carbonara and pork tonkotsu. Guests can also choose from a carefully selected tea menu that includes options from around the world. Finish your meal off with the dessert tasting, which offers a variety of flavours and textures to satisfy every palate and round out the dining experience. Carino fills up fast on weekends, so guests are encouraged to make a reservation in advance to secure a spot. Visit the Carino website to learn more.
Prohibition Bar and Lounge
Tucked away in a basement on 17th Avenue, Prohibition is inspired by the roaring twenties, with speakeasy-style seating, vintage décor, and creative cocktail experiences. Try one of the signature cocktails, complete with unique presentation styles from circus to casino themes and dramatic, carefully crafted flavours. The ambience and history behind this one-of-a-kind bar offers guests a fun and unique view of Calgary’s history. See more at Prohibition Lounge YYC.
Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and the Calgary retail experience is no exception. On almost every street, you will find a thriving local business, and some of the most adored shopping areas are:
• Inglewood
• Kensington
• Marda Loop
• Mission
• Chinook Centre
• Stephen Avenue/the Core downtown
As WestJet’s global hub, Calgary is the most connected destination in WestJet’s network. With direct flights between more than 80 cities, Calgary is a convenient and memorable choice for your next big-city winter getaway.
