Top Check-in Places in Calgary: Locals and Tourists must visit
Top Check-in Places in Calgary: Must-Visit Spots for Locals and Tourists.
Calgary, Alberta, is a vibrant city full of scenic spots, trendy restaurants, and architectural wonders that make for the perfect check-in location. Whether you’re a local exploring new places or a tourist capturing memories, here are the top must-visit spots in Calgary that deserve a place on your social media feed.
Architectural Wonders & Landmarks
Calgary, Alberta, is a vibrant city full of scenic spots, trendy restaurants, and architectural wonders that make for the perfect check-in location. Whether you’re a local exploring new places or a tourist capturing memories, here are the top must-visit spots in Calgary that deserve a place on your social media feed.
- Peace Bridge
📍Location: Bow River, Downtown Calgary
⭐ Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 6,000 reviews, 4.6
⌛ Year of Establishment: 2012
One of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks, the bright red Peace Bridge spans the Bow River, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this pedestrian bridge connects downtown Calgary with the Sunnyside community. The bridge’s unique tubular design, with interwoven red beams, creates an eye-catching visual that makes for incredible photos. Whether you visit during sunrise, when the golden hues reflect off the water, or at night, when the bridge is illuminated, the Peace Bridge provides a spectacular backdrop for stunning shots.
- Calgary Central Library
📍Location: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 4,500 reviews, 4.8 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 2018
With its sleek and modern design, the Calgary Central Library is a perfect place to check in. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Snøhetta and DIALOG, features a striking curved facade that resembles an open book. Inside, visitors are greeted with intricate wooden paneling, expansive open spaces, and cozy reading nooks. The massive central atrium allows natural light to pour in, making the space feel warm and inviting. Whether you’re a book lover or just looking for a stylish place to take photos, this library is a must-visit.
- Calgary Zoo
📍Location: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
⭐ Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 15,000 reviews, 4.7 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 1929
As one of Canada’s largest and most visited zoos, the Calgary Zoo offers an immersive wildlife experience with over 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo is divided into unique zones such as Destination Africa, featuring lions and gorillas; the Canadian Wilds, home to bears and moose; and the Panda Passage, which once housed giant pandas. The Prehistoric Park takes visitors back in time with life-sized dinosaur sculptures, paying homage to Alberta’s rich fossil history. The zoo is also a leader in conservation efforts, including the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species. Seasonal events like Zoo Lights make it a year-round attraction.
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
📍Location: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
⭐ Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 2,000 reviews, 4.6 stars
⌛ Year of Establishment: 2016
This uniquely designed building is a paradise for music lovers and photographers alike. Studio Bell’s wavy, metallic exterior resembles the shape of a musical instrument, making it one of Calgary’s most visually striking buildings. Inside, visitors can explore Canada’s rich musical heritage through interactive exhibits, historic instruments, and live performances. The grand staircases and open-concept halls create excellent photo opportunities, while the rooftop terrace offers a scenic view of the city. Music lovers will especially enjoy the opportunity to play vintage keyboards, guitars, and drums in the interactive exhibits.
- University of Calgary
📍Location: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB
⭐ Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 1,200 reviews, 4.3 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 1966
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is one of Canada’s leading research institutions, known for its contributions to science, engineering, business, and health sciences. The campus blends modern architecture with green spaces, featuring landmarks like the Taylor Family Digital Library, the Olympic Oval (a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics), and the Schulich School of Engineering. UCalgary fosters a vibrant student life with over 300 student clubs, top-tier athletic programs, and cutting-edge research facilities. The campus also has an extensive pathway system, making it a scenic and welcoming space for students and visitors alike.
- The Bow Building & Wonderland Sculpture
📍Location: 500 Centre St S, Calgary, AB
⭐ Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 1,000 reviews, 4.7 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 2012
Standing tall as one of the city’s most remarkable skyscrapers, The Bow is home to some of Calgary’s top businesses and offers an awe-inspiring view of the cityscape. At its base sits the “Wonderland” sculpture, a massive wireframe head designed by artist Jaume Plensa. This 12-meter-tall sculpture is made of white-painted steel and allows visitors to walk inside, creating an immersive and surreal photo opportunity. Whether viewed during the day or illuminated at night, this striking piece of public art has become a famous selfie and check-in spot, drawing visitors from all over.
Trendy Restaurants & Cafés
- Y Not Today – Bingsu and Board game cafe
📍Location: 4339 Macleod Trl SW, Calgary, AB
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 400 reviews, 4.9 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 2023
A hidden gem in Calgary’s café scene, Y Not Today is a cozy and stylish spot offering a range of coffee, teas, and baked goods. The café is known for its aesthetic decor, warm ambiance, and beautifully crafted drinks, making it a fantastic place to relax, work, or simply capture the perfect coffee shot for Instagram.
In addition to its inviting atmosphere, Y Not Today also features a collection of puzzles and board games, making it a great spot for game enthusiasts. The café frequently hosts team-building events, creating a lively and engaging environment for friends, families, and coworkers to connect and have fun. For those with a sweet tooth, Y Not Today also serves Korean-style bingsu, a delicious shaved ice dessert topped with various flavors and toppings, making it a must-try treat.
- Gogi Korean BBQ – Macleod Trail
📍Location: 4608 Macleod Trl SW, Calgary, AB T2G 5E8
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 6600 reviews, 4.8 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 2023
For a delicious and interactive dining experience, Gogi Korean BBQ is a must-visit. Known for its flavorful Korean dishes and grill-it-yourself BBQ setup, this restaurant provides the perfect setting for food photography and social media check-ins. Whether you’re enjoying marinated meats, sizzling hot plates, or traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi and pickled radishes, every meal here is a feast for the senses. The cozy ambiance, combined with the sizzling sound of meat cooking at your table, makes Gogi Korean BBQ an unforgettable culinary destination.
Cultural & Historical Attractions
- The Glenbow Museum
📍Location: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 2,500 reviews, 4.5 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 1966
For art and history lovers, the Glenbow Museum offers a rich collection of exhibits showcasing Western Canadian culture. With thousands of artifacts, indigenous artworks, and contemporary exhibitions, this museum is a treasure trove of history and inspiration. Visitors can explore everything from ancient artifacts and historical photographs to thought-provoking modern art installations. With its diverse and engaging exhibits, the Glenbow Museum is a fantastic check-in location for those looking to share their cultural experiences and learn more about Alberta’s fascinating past.
- Olympic Plaza
📍Location: 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 3,500 reviews, 4.5 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 1988
Originally built for the medal ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Olympic Plaza remains a significant landmark in downtown Calgary. Today, it serves as a gathering place for public events, festivals, and cultural celebrations. The plaza features a large open space with a reflecting pool in summer that transforms into a popular outdoor skating rink in winter—one of the few refrigerated outdoor rinks in Calgary. Surrounded by skyscrapers, street art, and the iconic Calgary Tower, Olympic Plaza is a perfect spot for visitors to experience the city’s history and modern vibrancy.
Scenic Viewpoints
- The Calgary Tower
📍Location: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 9,000 reviews, 4.4 stars
⌛Year of Establishment: 1968
For a bird’s-eye view of Calgary, the Calgary Tower is a must-visit. Standing 191 meters tall, the tower features a glass-floored observation deck that provides a thrilling experience while offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and surrounding Rocky Mountains. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Whether you’re capturing skyline photos during the day or enjoying the city’s twinkling lights at night, the Calgary Tower is an unforgettable check-in spot.
- Scotsman’s Hill
📍Location: Calgary, AB T2G 4K2
⭐Number of Reviews & Google Stars: Over 2,000 reviews, 4.6 stars
⌛Year of Establishment:1875 to 1884
If you’re looking for a panoramic view of downtown Calgary, Scotsman’s Hill is the perfect check-in spot. Overlooking Stampede Park, this scenic viewpoint offers stunning views of the city skyline, the iconic Saddledome, and, during the Calgary Stampede, dazzling fireworks displays. It’s a popular location for photographers capturing breathtaking landscape shots, especially during sunset when the city’s lights begin to twinkle. Whether you’re taking in the skyline or watching an event unfold below, Scotsman’s Hill is a must-visit for those looking to experience Calgary from above.
Calgary offers a mix of natural beauty, modern architecture, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for check-ins and social media-worthy moments. Whether you’re capturing the city skyline, enjoying delicious food, or visiting an artistic landmark, these top spots should be on your list! Get your camera ready and explore the best of Calgary today.
Check out our post about Calgary: A City of Rich Culture and Heritage
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