Choosing A Hotel in Calgary
Quick Summary of Most Popular Areas
Downtown Calgary: central to most of the action, however hotel rooms are at a premium
Calgary Airport: many hotels to choose from, most just south of the airport
Calgary Stampede Casino: a few blocks south of downtown, the Stampede area is a major tourist draw
Casino Calgary: located north of downtown this casino is closer to the airport than the city's core
What Calgary is all about
Calgary's geography is unique as it is located in a transition area between the Canadian Rockies and Prairies. With a population of roughly 1 million it is the third largest city in Canada. Calgary is a destination for 3.1 million tourist and business travellers to attend the city's various events, festivals and attractions - most notably The Calgary Stampede.
What to do in Calgary
If you're planning to stay downtown, you'll be in either the West end, the Commercial Core or the East Village. And don't worry if you don't have a vehicle; the Calgary Transit's LRT system gets you everywhere you need to go. Do yourself a favour while you're in Calgary and check out the Calgary Zoo - it's one of North America's best. And to get a closer look at an entirely different breed of animal, check out the Calgary sports fan at either a Stampeders (CFL) or Flames (NHL) game.
What to pack when visiting Calgary
If you are visiting Calgary in the winter, be sure to pack and dress warmly. Minus double digits (Celsius) are not uncommon. In fact, some record lows are down to 30 and 40 below zero (although this is not the average). Summers are mild with average temperatures of 20 degrees above zero, however it has been known to get to high 20s and low 30s on occasion.
Surrounding Area
Calgary is a pretty bustling place with a lot to keep you entertained. Most travellers may find considerable time can be spent exploring the city without having to make a day trip elsewhere. However, if you are inclined Edmonton is roughly 300km to the north. In addition, visitors are only 80 km east of the Rockies, which means only 90 minutes to Banff and Canmore, and only two hours to magnificent Lake Louise.
