Best tourist attractions in Calgary: find options near you

Amazing place! To take yourself or your kids!

$50 to get in! It took about 3 hours to walk around possibly 4 or 5 depending on your circumstances.

I would highly recommend for any age.

They have a cafeteria snd restaurant. Their food is decent pricing. $15 for a burger and fries which is cheaper than some places!

Amazing experience for all ages!
The Calgary Zoo is a fantastic place to spend the day! The animals are well cared for and the enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed. We especially loved the Penguin Plunge and the Canadian Wilds — so cool to see local species up close. The zoo is clean, easy to navigate, and very family-friendly with lots of spots to rest, grab a bite, and enjoy the scenery. Educational signs and interactive displays made it fun and informative. Highly recommend for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals and nature!

I have a membership to the Calgary Zoo and highly recommend it — whether you’re a family with kids or a couple looking for something fun to do, it’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours. There’s a wide variety of animals to see, and if you visit at the right time, many of them are active and engaging to watch.

The membership is a great value — it pays for itself after just 2 or 3 visits. Plus, you get unlimited access for the entire year and free parking, which makes it even more convenient. A must-visit spot in Calgary!

A well crafted animal enclave. Sadly, most of the animals I wanted to see where either sleeping or in shades as the weather was considerably warm.
The entire zoo is wheelchair accessible with lots of play area for children and food spots for visitors

What a great adventure and experience!! The kids had a blast—and so did us kids at heart!

Pro tip: Download the Calgary Attraction Pass (it’s completely free!) to get a 15% discount on daily admission. Just check in and scan the QR code the receptionist gives you. We’re a family of 10, so that saved us a good amount! There’s a lot of attractions that you could get discounts on by using this pass.

It was my first time seeing a zebra, giraffe, camel, bear, and so many other wild animals—I loved every minute of it. Of course, I took a lot of pictures! Haha

The only downside were some areas were closed for renovations, and it rained heavily for half the day. So definitely bring an umbrella just in case!

Amazing animals! Entering the zoo you can check out the penguins near the entrance. It’s like you are in the Arctic among a flock of them. The polar bear and the komodo dragons were a sight to see also. Some information is provided about the animals if you talk to staff, and there are special presentations at scheduled times. The food was sub par and overpriced, definitely a place to pack your own food. Ice cream is available to purchase which is nice on a hot day.

Overall I recommend visiting this zoo!

Great time!
Got there at opening (9AM) on a Saturday, hardly any cars in the lot. Had an excellent day, great weather. All of the animals look quite happy and well taken care of, all of the staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend getting the Tourism Calgary Attractions Pass (free, google it).. it saves you 15% on admission!
There are single-stall bathrooms right past the initial gate, but if you go beyond the paid admission area, there are many large bathrooms by the gift shop and all throughout the zoo.
There are three playgrounds we took note of, the best being Bugtopia. As two grown adults attending the zoo, we still had a blast on the playground (and there weren’t too many kids until about 10AM).
Very clean facilities, excellent signage. Accessibility was noted as well. For sure worth the price, don’t miss out on an incredible day!

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A few months back our family had a wonderfully relaxing day at Heritage Park! It was the perfect spot to slow down, take in some history, and just enjoy being together. My 9-year-old son loved exploring the old-fashioned buildings, riding the vintage train, and seeing how people lived in the past.

One of the highlights was the paddlewheel boat ride on the Glenmore Reservoir. It was such a peaceful experience, giving us beautiful views and a chance to just sit back and enjoy the moment. The staff throughout the park were friendly and knowledgeable, making history come to life in such a fun way.

We also spent some time at the antique midway, where my son had a blast with the old-school rides. And of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the bakery for some delicious homemade treats!

Heritage Park is a great place for families looking for a mix of education and relaxation. It was a perfect day—no rushing, just enjoying the sights, sounds, and experiences of the past. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Мы здесь были в феврале и к сожалению парк закрыт до мая. Но благо, что кафе у них работает круглый год и музей машин/заправок. Вход в музей стоит по 15$/чел.
Это отличный музей для мальчишек/парней/мужчин. Возможно для девушек будет немного скучно.

A fun, festive, and educational experience for everyone. The Park has an assortment of activities, rides, food, civic museums, and heritage architecture emphasizing the cultural significance of early Prairie settlement/life.

It’s like taking a step back in time, and it’s worth every dollar. 11/10 do recommend.

Heritage Park in Calgary is a fantastic destination for a family outing.

The park stands out for its welcoming policy on food and drinks, allowing visitors to bring their own and enjoy a picnic-like atmosphere—a rare perk that saves a lot on expenses compared to other parks where you can easily spend over $100 just on meals.

Though tickets are on the pricier side at $36 for adults and $26 for kids, the experience is worth every penny.

The park is meticulously managed, from parking to rides and everything in between. It’s incredibly clean, with free water fountains and spotless washrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Highly recommended for a day of fun and relaxation!

Nice place to walk around and kill some time inside on a cold day looking at old cars. Went early on a Sunday morning, so it was dead, had the place to ourselves. Although they do serve brunch so it could fluctuate with how many ppl are there. Our 3 year old loved looking at all the old cars on the main floor and the lower level, loved being able to sit in a few they allow patrons to touch.

Really enjoyed coming here. It’s like Disneyland, but better, because you can actually learn something about actual frontier life and how Alberta came about as opposed to some fantasized version of how things were. Plus, the Vaudevillian performances were really entertaining.

There was something that happened, I don’t want to go into the details, but I want to take a chance to thank the staff for handling the incident professionally and being very kind to me and my party.

Went there with family, it was the best! Everyone enjoyed the peaceful bow river. Took a long walk and it was 100% worth it. BUT BRING SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY! There are lots of mosquitoes in the season I went, so be prepared! Raft rental available! We went up a ramp and followed a trail. MUST GO ON THAT WALK! there are stairs too if you prefer. A little park with flowers and cute bear statue too! Brings back memories when I went as a kid!!!

An ideal destination for families and couples. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and ski across the expansive area or simply stroll through the park. Additionally, skiing equipment is available for rent, and a free ski helper is provided.

很美的公園，離市區有一點距離，可以划船、野餐、烤肉，園內還有小火車，真是很特別，秋天的景緻非常美

A park where you can experience a splendid summer. Despite recent issues, it’s still a beautiful neighborhood. If I lived here, I would be so happy. I should come back for a barbecue later. Walking along the quiet paths, it felt like happiness would stay by my side forever. It’s a great place to enjoy the leisure of everyday life. It has a different atmosphere from Bow River.

Bowness Park has always been our favorite Fall spot. It’s so beautiful that we keep coming back every year to do our yearly fall photos. It’s also a great park during summer as there is a waterpark free for kids. Also, lots of people enjoy the bow river rafting with their own rafts or rental. Some people actually go swimming too, although I’m sure the water will be too cold. Winter is also beautiful as people can ice skate along the park. You can do a walking/biking loop trail from here to Baker Park, which is very easy. You will have to pass a nice bridge that connects the river. Path is open all season. There is also a path at the end (close to the green bridge) going up to the community residential area. People walk or even bike going up there. It is now fully developed. There is a lot of squirrel in the area, which is a treat for the kids. If you need to get drinks, there’s a small shop that sells beverages, which is great, especially during the winter season. I love this park as it’s very spacious and has a lot to offer. Also summer time if you get lucky, there’s a guy that plays music and collects donations for a few charities.

My favourite park in the city tied with Prince’s Island! It’s very pretty and a great place to come for a picnic, BBQ, with a boat, or just to hangout near the Bow river. I run here and it’s always nice to see people having fun and existing.

Great place for kids too, as there’s plenty of playground areas, and even a little train for them to ride!

Great place to walk around, go for a picnic and BBQ if living in Calgary!
There is a boathouse as well at a very reasonable price!
You can book your picnic sites by calling 311.
During the fall season the views are splendid, you can do fall photography at the best here.
There is a cute tiny rail for the toy train as well.
Benches, picnic tables are available all around the park.
You can also bring your own portable stove and cook at any available picnic table.
If you are booking picnic sites then you have your own shed and fire pit to enjoy

Visiting Calgary’s Peace Bridge was a real highlight of my trip. Designed by the world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava, this bridge is unlike any other with its bright red, tubular helical structure that looks both futuristic and elegant. It instantly catches your eye and adds a bold splash of color to the cityscape.

The bridge spans the Bow River and serves as a vital pedestrian and cyclist connection between downtown Calgary and the Sunnyside neighborhood. It’s not just a bridge — it’s a welcoming public space where people stop to take photos, enjoy the views of the river, and watch the city buzz around them.

Walking or biking across the Peace Bridge is such a peaceful experience. The wide pathways feel safe and spacious, and the design allows you to appreciate the flowing water below and the skyline ahead. It’s especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset when the light plays off the red arches and the river.

At night, the bridge is illuminated with soft lights that create a magical atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll or a romantic walk. It’s clear this is more than just infrastructure — it’s public art that brings the community together.

Nearby, you can explore the Bow River pathways or grab a coffee in the adjacent neighborhoods, making the Peace Bridge a great starting point for exploring Calgary on foot or bike.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the Peace Bridge is definitely worth seeing — it combines innovative design, functionality, and beauty in one iconic Calgary landmark. I’ll be coming back again just to enjoy the views and the vibe!

The Peace Bridge is one of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks and absolutely worth a visit. Its unique architectural design—a striking red pedestrian bridge stretching over the Bow River—is both modern and elegant, making it a favorite spot for photos and sightseeing.

The bridge is well-maintained, clean, and wide enough to accommodate traffic in both directions without feeling crowded.

The views from the bridge are fantastic—you can take in the flowing Bow River beneath you, the city skyline in the background, and surrounding green spaces on either side. The atmosphere is peaceful and scenic.

A perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, a quick bike ride, or just to pause and enjoy the view. A must-see when in Calgary!

I recently visited Piece Bridge, and overall, it was a very pleasant experience.

•The bridge provides lovely views of the surrounding area, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s a nice spot for taking photos or simply pausing to appreciate the landscape.
•Design & Structure: The architecture is simple but elegant. The clean lines and sturdy construction make it both attractive and reliable.
•The bridge is easy to access, with smooth walking surfaces suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
•The area is well-maintained, and there wasn’t much litter.

Nice landmark in Calgary downtown.
Bridge looks very beautiful in the night as well as day time . Walk across the bridge is very pleasant and kids loved the e-scooter rite across and around the bridge. Lots of places you can see people with kayak and raft. Surrounding area has Bow river with high rise building.
Nice place to spend time with friends and family.

The bridge offers a stunning escape into nature’s calm right in the heart of Calgary. Its modern design and elegant structure stand out beautifully, painted in clean, striking colors that complement the surroundings. Everything is exceptionally well-maintained—the bridge is spotless, adding to the overall sense of peace and charm.

As you stand above the gently flowing Bow River, the shimmering water reflects the sky, while the city skyline rises gracefully in the distance. On either side, vibrant green spaces stretch out like a living painting, offering tranquility in every direction.

Whether you’re walking or cycling, the path feels like a serene journey. Evenings here are especially magical—the golden light casts a warm glow, the air is crisp and refreshing, and the entire scene feels almost poetic. Watching the water flow gently beneath you brings a quiet joy. It’s the kind of place that soothes your soul and leaves a lasting impression.

The Peace Bridge in Calgary is a stunning architectural landmark that beautifully spans the Bow River. Its unique red design and sleek, modern structure make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The bridge offers scenic views of the city skyline and river, especially during sunrise and sunset. It’s pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, providing a peaceful and safe way to cross between downtown and the north side. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Calgary.

Beautiful bridge, it’s located perfectly right next to a river and stream. This is absolutely an iconic Calgary symbol and a fun place to stroll with your family and friends. The design is so unique, it’s red color and overlapping patterns make it a highlight while driving past it.

I enjoyed walking through these bridge and taking moments to look out into the horizons toward the stream nextdoor. On the other side of the bridge are large towers which signify the movement from one side of Calgary toward the urban centre.

There are several parks beyond the bridge which I had the chance to explore through electric scooters which you can rent out. I highly recommend checking out this bridge

It’s a wonderful park right on the edge of the city. No missed in sight tho.

..We absolutely loved walking the endless amount of trails and a very nice place to visit.

I decided to pop by here to explore Calgary’s nature, and Nose Hill did not disappoint! What a huge and beautiful place, with so much open space and so many trails to follow around. The views and the sense of scale are fantastic, and there’s a lot of interesting biodiversity if you look closely.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Nose Hill Park in Calgary! One must experienc this vast spa e affording a panoramic view of Calgary downtown! ! The park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, offering vast open spaces, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking to have a nice walk or enjoy solitude!

The trails are well-maintained and cater to all levels of fitness. The natural prairie landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, adding an extra layer of excitement to the visit. One must visit in the evening to spot them though! Friends have spotted deer and bob cats!
Nose Hill Park is a must-see destination in Calgary. I saw an amazing sunset and would love to visit again

Huge park with walking and biking paths throughout. This park is mostly prairie, however, there are numerous treed gullies. There are both paved, dirt and grass trails, with major paths having good signage. Cyclists will enjoy the endless descents, some of which are quite steep. A mountain bike is recommended. The park can get quite windy, as it is very exposed. There are some incredible views, particularly to the South and West. There are some interesting places to visit (such as the medicine wheel to the south of the park) and a number of glacial erratics strewn about.

I enjoyed a Saturday morning walk across Nose Hill Park. Its the perfect spot for a hike or just a leisurely stroll. The trails are extensive and well maintained, there are some signboards and maps to let you know where you are, and its dog-friendly – dogs are welcome everywhere with some off-leash areas too.

The park is enormous and even at the weekend it never feels busy. There’s some great view points of downtown Calgary and some other great photo opportunities. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy nature without even having to leave the city.

Gorgeous park with panoramic views over the city including downtown Calgary.

There’s a variety of trails from more technical mountain biking ones to easy gravel options. There’s multiple places of interest to stop including a rock maze, Glacier hill, rocks, ponds, etc.

Most trails are unshaded and requires uphill walking from the parking lot

A stunning space right on the edge of the city. We absolutely loved walking the endless amount of trails. This is such a wonderful resource for anyone looking to walk, run, bike, dog walk, or just sit with nature for a bit.

Attended the Mother’s Day Brunch, and it was terrific. There was a great spread with tons of options for the whole family. Very delicious. There were activities for the kids inside the room, allowing us to enjoy our meal while live shows entertained them. We also loved the photo booth and bead bracelet station. We’ll do this again next year.

We visited Spark during the week with 4 kids ages 13-6 and every kid was busy with activities. Absolutely fantastic place to spend the day. From play areas, through science experiments, movie theater, interactive «sandbox» and outdoor play structure, everything was a great experience for our family. The food court offers a variety of delicious food. Plenty of parking. The only thing is that it was crowded with school/daycare groups during the day, but overall it’s a 5 star adventure!

My daughter loved the place a lot. Since we visited on a weekend, line ups were a bit long; however, things were worth the wait. Rosie was the best part of our visit. We enjoyed a treat before leaving☺️
Plenty of parking!

Family-Friendly Experience: We had an amazing time at Telus Spark! It’s the perfect place for a family outing—so many hands-on exhibits that kept my 4-year-old engaged and excited. The indoor playground was a huge hit, and the live science demonstrations were both fun and educational. Definitely a must-visit for families with young kids!

Super cool, particularly for kids, but honestly all ages will have a good time! (I’m 21 and was participating in every exhibit with my 12 y/o brother lmao)
Super cool people work here and i was very pleasantly surprised to see theyre super rooted in every aspect of inclusion, offering free Autism ID cards and openly promoting LGBTQ+ diveristy and hiring many members of the community to support and encourage diversity in science! Honestly loved this place and so did my brother!

Edit: The banquet is all in french. Alberta’s first and foremost language is ENGLISH! My kids couldn’t understand anything and were very sad.

Going in the morning means you have to battle school field trips. They should only allow one school to schedule per day. The kids that come from private schools are so destructive, and their chaperones do nothing.

I am also tired of spending hundreds of dollars every year only to come to a building full of broken exhibits.

So many exhibits have not been fixed, and it has been years.

I’ve even written several emails, and no one answers.

I know I have brought them enough money to pay to fix every movie theater button, new props, new parachutes, new DVD players and computers to disassemble with screw drivers that actually work, the list goes on.

And a new exhibit upstairs would be nice, since it has been the same for all 4 years I’ve been here.

I’m feeling a little frustrated that we can’t have a peaceful and fun experience anymore.

We stopped by here while on a visit to calgory, paid about $120 per family of 4, it’s only worth the price if you got kids under 8yrs of age. As my kids were abit older we went thru the science centre within 2hrs and was disapointed as some of the area is mostly made for 8 and under to enjoy. Also dont fall for the photos people have posted, we wanted to see some of the animals and things people have posted but then we realized they werent from this science centre that was also a big disapointment. If my kids were younger it would have been a great place to visit. We enjoyed the ice cream by the exit downstairs thats about it.

Okay, this is not an extensive Botanical Garden, but it’s still a lovely place, in the middle of a shopping center. They have a nice selection of different plants. Love the different textures and blooms. Signage is available to let you know what you are looking at. Some excellent spots for taking photos or selfies.

The many people I saw, individuals, couples and families were all enjoying the chance to spend some time indoors (it was a little chilly outside) but still be in nature.

Nice 🙂

An absolute must visit, it’s on the 4th floor of the CORE mall, an absolute oasis, just beautiful space, even a playground for the kids. Water features, endless spots with tables, eating areas. Great place to come to relax in indoor nature for free.

A beautiful, peaceful spot in the heart of downtown ,perfect for lunch breaks or a quiet escape, especially on cold days. The greenery is lush, and seeing little sparrows fly around made it feel extra special. There’s also a small playground for kids.
That said, a couple of things could be improved. The garden is located on the 4th floor of a mall, but there weren’t any clear signs or directions to find it ,I had trouble locating it, especially since I was in a bit of a rush. Also, the washrooms in the garden lacked basic supplies like hand soap and paper towels, which was disappointing. Still, a great place to unwind!

Beautiful space in the downtown core. Must visit. I went for an event,and explored the place. Plenty of places to sit, relax and for an informal meetings. A good place for visitors . I guess it would be great to visit in winter cold outside and warm tropic inside. Variety of plants.

The rooftop greenhouse garden has plenty of seating where you can relax. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy your food, soak up the sun, and admire the flowers, especially when the weather is nice.

A peaceful urban oasis in the heart of Calgary. We visited on a weekday and had no wait to enter. It’s free, spacious, and filled with beautiful greenery, fish ponds, and walking paths — a perfect place to take a break, let kids run around, or enjoy a quiet moment. Clean, well-maintained, and stroller-friendly. A must-see if you’re downtown!

Nice indoor gardens. They have some spots with real fish. Located at the top of CORE. There is lots of seating. You need a permit to photograph professionally. Located next to the playground and food court. Bathrooms are here too.

Stopped here as I saw the ad back in Ontario. WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! The staff were on point and super friendly. The price per ride was reasonable, and the pictures and videos were super cool and affordable. Had one reckless individual who came flying through people, but it was such a great experience it wasn’t a huge deal. Definitely recommend doing this if you are in the Calgary arena!

It’s definitely a must stop while in Calgary! It’s nice to see a city that revamped their Olympic Park into something for the public to enjoy. There were also Mountain biking trails down the hills also. They have a cafeteria where you can grab a quick bite and sit down and relax. We booked our pass online and received a small discount for doing so. It was a great value. It included 4 rides down and a photo all for under $40/person. The photo alone to buy was $15 so I would say it was a great deal! We grabbed a hot dog each and a drink and it cost under $20. Make this the top of your bucket list while in Calgary!

This was a very fun experience! Three times going down is plenty because it is a long course, going all the way down the ski hill. The carts are very easy to maneuver. It feels risky yet so safe as you can totally go as fast or slow as you want. Our family had a great time!

Downhill Karting by Skyline was hands-down one of the most thrilling and fun experiences we’ve had in a long time! From start to finish, everything was well-organized, safe, and full of energy. The staff were friendly, patient, and made sure everyone felt comfortable—especially for first-timers.

The karts are easy to control and very safe, but still give you that exciting rush as you zip down the winding track with beautiful views around. What’s great is that you can go at your own pace—whether you’re a speed-lover or just want a relaxing ride downhill. The chairlift ride up the hill adds to the experience and gives a nice scenic touch.

Perfect for families, kids, friends, and even couples looking for something active and different. We ended up doing multiple rides—it’s addictive! Definitely worth every penny.

Highly recommend getting the multi-ride pass, because one ride is never enough! This is a top attraction and an absolute must if you’re visiting the area. Can’t wait to go back again!

Very fun
Staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and not scared to go above and beyond to make sure customers gets a positive experience.
The ride definitely doesn’t last long enough so make sure to book a minimum of 3 rides which should last for about 1 hour.
Went there with my 13 years old and we both have plenty of fun !

Awesome experience!
This place is well organized that could use some small tweaks, but overall was very well done. I came here during May and the wait was around 5-10min during the afternoon to get on the ski lifts.
I had a blast going down the hill. There was many turns and straightaways that kept me entertained.

I’m not sure how busy this place gets during the summer, but during the spring, I have no complaints on how long the wait time is.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip — I finally tried karting for the first time, and it was amazing. The thrill, the speed, the views — 10/10 experience once you’re actually on the track.

Now, let’s talk logistics. Tickets can only be bought online, and you’ll need to show the code to get on the chairlifts. We checked the night before and saw tons of availability, so we didn’t bother pre-booking. Rookie mistake. Showed up around noon, only to find out it was sold out until 3pm. We snagged the 7:30pm slot on the spot, which ended up being a blessing — way shorter lineups by then.

The lineup process itself? Kinda messy. Zero clear instructions. As a first-timer, it was low-key stressful. People were literally scrambling for helmets like it was Black Friday. Eventually found one, then got hit with two separate lines and no signage. Pro tip: the one on the right is for your first ride, and it’s usually shorter.

Oh, and the washrooms? An absolute nightmare. One container with five stalls had no water — no flushing, no handwashing, no toilet paper. The other had running water but only two stalls. Be prepared and bring hand sanitizer, just in case.

This was absolutely amazing. There were retired army veterans working there, volunteering. The exhibits were detailed and there was so much information. One of the volunteers, Reg, took us on a tour spontaneously and it was absolutely amazing. How humble he was, how informative he was and how funny and pleasant he was made this one of our best memories on our road trip to Calgary from Vancouver. The stories he told were amazing and I felt like I could have stayed there for 6 hours and not be bored. It was also huge, we were there 2 hours and only went through one section of it.

My husband, a former reservist and military history enthusiast, and I were happy to make a return visit to The Military Museums in Calgary.

This is the second-largest military museum in Canada. It has 8 museums at this location; navy, army, air. There is an incredible team of staff and docents, including many veterans. They are welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable.

We received a free, 60-minute personal tour by a retired history teacher (I’m sorry, I can’t recall his name) of the section dedicated to the Army. It was amazing.

The collection is massive and in rotation as only a portion is on display at any one time in this huge complex so you’ll see new things each time you visit. If you’re ever in Calgary, go!

This museum offers an engaging and immersive journey through Canada’s Army, Navy, and Air Force history. With impressive exhibits like real tanks, fighter jets, and an authentic Enigma machine, it’s both educational and exciting. Each gallery, from the regimental displays to the naval simulators, is thoughtfully curated and rich in detail. The friendly staff and volunteers add a personal touch, making the experience even more memorable. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Canada’s military legacy.

The Military Museums in Calgary offers a powerful and educational journey through Canada’s military history. It’s a well-organized and immersive space that represents all three branches of the Canadian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—along with dedicated sections for the Cold War, Afghanistan mission, and peacekeeping efforts. A must-visit Calgary destination for anyone wanting to understand Canada’s military past and its continuing legacy.

This museum rivals if not surpasses the National War Museum in Ottawa for its large collection. My 3 pre teen kids thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d recommend at least 3 hours to be able to see and enjoy all the displays.

OMG, this was THE BEST MUSEUM we’ve ever been to.
8 museums in total, 2 super bigs ones, Air and Navy and 5 Army museums, which are smaller but no less impressive.
8th was the cold war exhibit but, after 3 Army museums and the 2 large ones, we just ran out of time.
We will go back to finish the tour, hopefully soon.
Our only downside was, we would, however, love a proper coffee/cafe on site. The coffee and snacks from the gift shop were ok…

The name of the place does allude to the fact that this is several separate museums all in one facility. It can be a bit frustrating to try to teach history to children as each gallery has its own full history and it repeats in each one, but I’d recommend starting in the PPCLI for a really good holistic story of time, and then elaborate on what fits in when as you go through the others.
The exhibits themselves are absolutely stunning. I have had the opportunity to see many museums across Canada and the USA and the depictions and interactive displays here are so well done and well-maintained I was floored. GREAT use of mirrors to expand spaces, the periscopes were a treat and such smooth bearings, the scenes from full size mannequins to scale model battlefields so good to show you what it was like. The immersive areas truly immerse you, in trenches, in POW shacks, in barracks.
The Founders Gallery was neat for a museum nerd, to walk in and feel the climate and humidity control, you know what’s in it is precious. Finding a whole gymnasium space of propaganda was eerie given current times!
Having washrooms in two spaces was nice, we didn’t have to return to the beginning to relieve ourselves, and the break room/snack room was an absolute treat to find as a family. Ample space to bring out the lunch we packed guilt-free. Drinks, snacks, and small meals clearly laid out for purchase nearby if needed. Lots of toys for kids to play – dress up, Lego, K’Nex, and small world play, as well as coloring and puzzle pages.
At several places we met docents/volunteers who were all eager to share their knowledge. It was a treat getting more in-depth tours and tips about other galleries as well.

It’s a traveling exhibit, but my little loved the code breaking in the Naval Museum, and I loved being able to see an Enigma machine and the visual to see how it actually coded and decoded.

Visited as part of a school field trip, the staff did a great job keeping the kids busy and engaged while teaching them about our local history.
The practice archeology bins were a hit with the students and taught them to think critically about the artifacts they uncovered. The indigenous games gave everyone a chance to connect with the kinds of activities that people their age would have done centuries ago. The scavenger hunt through the museum was a great way to ensure the students examined every nook and cranny of the exhibits.
We will be sure to visit again when the upgrades are complete!

The historic house wasn’t very big, and when we visited, it was quite crowded due to a festival. It was interesting to see, but definitely not something you’d spend a lot of time in. Parking was available but quite expensive. There’s a lovely park right next to it, which made the visit more enjoyable. The area is nice for a short walk and some photos. It’s a decent place to visit once if you’re nearby. Overall, a one-time experience—not something I’d return to.

I recently went on a private trip with students that turned out to be an incredible experience. We had the opportunity to explore significant historical sites, uncovering captivating narratives that underscored the links between our past and present. This journey deepened our understanding of the region’s heritage. Throughout the trip, the knowledgeable workers were helpful, answering our questions and enriching our experience.

After 20 years, The Confluence finally got an indigenous art exhibition curator, Star Crop Eared Wolf, for the opening of Kípaitápiiyssinnooni [Our Way of Life]. When we visited the space for the art opening, it was quite exciting to see the different works of art on display. The film showing during the weekday was also very thoughtful– I wish more people would come and watch!

The only points of improvement for me would be the following:

1. Food vendors (I had 4 hungry kids with me and they kept bugging me to leave so we can go grab proper meals, which were not available on site); and

2. Paving the gravel parking lot a bit more because holy cow, those things destroyed my stiletto heels when I had to run to my car whilst hail was pummeling the ground

Overall, it’s an amazing venue for cultural experiences but make sure you have a big meal prior to the visit. Cheers!

Went there on Canaday Day.
Free admission and exhibits.
Lots to read in description of exhibits which was tiresome for me so i enjoyed the vibe only and cool stalls outside.

I love how The Confluence is growing with the times by adhering to the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Council.
Now you can see the permanent museum display to tell the stories of the Blackfoot peoples. This exhibit was led by numerous Blackfoot elders and leaders.
Great job Confluence!!

Magnifique lieu et superbe expérience inoubliable ! À recommander, c’est incontournable !