Visitor Centre

Calgary Weather

Summer days in Calgary are normally warm with high temperatures in June, July and August averaging 21C to 23C. Evenings are cooler (7C to 10C) because of Calgary's proximity to the mountains. By comparison, a summer day in Drumheller, Alberta is often very hot and dry, approximating desert-like conditions. A summer day in the mountains can be hot but the evenings are always cool.

Calgary sees its greatest amount of rain during the spring and summer. June and July are the city's wettest months with 70mm to 77mm normally falling.

As for winter precipitation, the mountain areas near Calgary receive significant amounts of snow while Calgary itself normally sees only a moderate snowfall - less than 20cm in the months of December, January and February. Daytime temperatures during these winter months are normally at or below 0C while evening temperatures drop to a frigid -11C to -15C.

Meantime, a unique phenomenon called a Chinook can transform Calgary from frosty to toasty in a matter of a day, even in winter. A Chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, sometimes raising the temperature more than 20 degrees.

Please visit our What to Pack page for helpful tips on packing for your trip to Calgary

What to Pack

Calgary and area has a moderate four-season climate, with large variations in temperature between seasons and from one locale to another. Summer days in the city of Calgary are usually warm and dry with cool evenings because of the altitude and proximity to the mountains. However, a summer day in Drumheller is often very hot and dry, approximating desert-like conditions. A summer day in the mountains can be hot but the evenings are always cool.

Alberta has more hours of sunshine in a year than any other province in Canada and Calgary is known for its blue skies. A unique phenomenon called a Chinook wind can raise temperatures more than 20 degrees in one day, turning winter days into spring. A strong wind and an arch of clouds form over the mountains, heralding the Chinook. Click for more information on Calgary weather.

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Nestled in the foothills of Canada ’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Heart of the New West is a place where visitors come to explore the heritage of the Canadian West. This safe, clean and vibrant city offers the best of all worlds: a cosmopolitan city of over 1 million people and breathtaking outdoor adventure in pristine wilderness.

Downtown Calgary

Situated on the banks of the Bow River and close to Alberta's majestic Rocky Mountains. The Calgary Stampede is undoubtedly Calgary's best-known visitor attraction. This event, featuring a large parade and world-class rodeo, draws more than a million people each year. The host city of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games takes pride in its sporting legacy. Canada Olympic Park is a multi-purpose athletic facility designed for skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and luge during the winter and mountain biking during the summer. The Pengrowth Saddledome is the home of the NHL's Calgary Flames, as well as being the venue for countless events and concerts throughout the year. Other attractions, including the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower and Eau Claire Market are other great places to visit year-round.

Just Beyond Calgary

Rocky Mountains

The town of Banff is a thriving four-season resort that combines alpine beauty with luxurious modern conveniences. Visit Bow Falls, explore local museums, or ride a gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Soak in the Upper Hot Springs, or mingle with the locals on a nostalgic visit to Banff's many candy stores. Enjoy a leisurely cruise or fishing on nearby Lake Minnewanka. Explore the shops on Main Street to find that perfect gift, or sample cuisine from around the world.

Lake Louise The Village of Lake Louise, located in the Bow Valley is renowned for its beauty, take in the sights of the majestic Victoria Glacier nestled behind Lake Louise - the "Jewel of the Rockies". Louise is also famous for hiking, mountain biking and a ski resort with abundant snowfall, four high-speed quad chairs and a new six pack (six seater). The lake itself is found Four km (2.5 mi) above the village.

Icefields Parkway One of the most scenic mountain highways in North America, this well-maintained road takes you to Jasper National Park.In the snow-capped Icefields Parkway you will find more than 100 glaciers, Hector Lake which was formed in a glacial basin, Mt. Balfour and the Waputik Range offer stellar views and Crowfoot Glacier which once resembled a crows foot. Bow Summit is the highest point on the parkway offering one of the parks best mountain panoramas at Peyto Lake. Along the Icefields Parkway you will see the Weeping Wall which gets its name from the water leaking through the cracks in the seemingly impenetrable cliff face and plunges downwards as a series of graceful waterfalls.

Kananaskis Country is a 4,000 square kilometre network of three provincial parks and multi-use areas within the Canadian Rockies. Canmore is a small town in the big wilderness and is the gateway to year-round adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Located 45 minutes south west of Calgary is Kananaskis Country. Within Kananaskis Country are four provincial parks - Peter Lougheed, Bow Valley, Bragg Creek and Elbow/Sheep Wilderness - which span 4,000 square kilometres.

Dining Out

Situated just minutes from downtown, the Calgary Holiday Inn Calgary-Macleod Trail South allows you to sample the best restaurants Calgary has to offer only minutes from our front door. Allow Calgary restaurateurs to pamper your taste buds. Enjoy extensive wine cellars, private dining rooms, creative menus, and outstanding service served up by Alberta chefs. Sample Canadian cuisine, venison, buffalo or world-famous Alberta Beef. Family fun includes an enjoyable dining experience and Calgary delivers! In Calgary, non-smoking restaurants are family/child-friendly.

Barley Belt

Explore the Barley Belt, a craft brewery hub in south east Calgary. Travel the 7km Belt and experience seven craft breweries in our community. More information about the Barley Belt.

Macleod Trail and Area

Macleod Trail also offer many types of restaurants for your dining enjoyment and is right out side the front door of the hotel. Earls, East Side Marios and Joey Tomatoes are with in 5 minutes as well as all major fast food outlets. With a wide variety to choose from you will never go hungry on Macleod Trail.

Stephen Avenue - Downtown

Calgary's historical main street, is located downtown on 8th Avenue SW and spans 1st SE to 4th SW. Stephen Avenue has a special mixture of modern architecture and character buildings, and offers a full range of unique eateries, bars, pubs and upscale fine dining retreats. During the summer months it hosts a number of festivals and has daily live entertainment, buskers and artists. More information about Stephen Avenue.

Kensington Village

Touted as The Village in the City, is the destination if java is what you seek. Located just across the Bow River from downtown, Kensington has the highest density of coffee shops and cafes in the city. The Village in the City has over 140 shops, services and restaurants, with cuisines ranging from ethiopian to greek, and environments ranging from British pubs to upscale Italian. More information about Kensington.

17th Avenue

Known as Uptown 17th or The Red Mile, marks the southern boundary for Calgary's Beltline district, located just south of downtown. It is famous for it's trendy restaurants, bistros, pubs, and over 200 stylish boutiques. If you're looking for a great spot to people-watch this is the place to start. More information about 17th Avenue.