Get to know Calgary and the Dinosaur Capital of the World by touring and tasting your way through the city and the Badlands.
This itinerary is great for craft beer and spirit connoisseurs, dinosaur enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who is up for an adventure.
At a glance
- 4 day itinerary
- 440 km (273 mi) total distance
- 6 hrs 11 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Calgary Zoo / Wilder Institute
Pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and get ready to have a blast at the Calgary Zoo, a 120-acre wonderland filled with over 1,000 animals from all over the globe. You'll get to wander through six different habitats, each one more exciting than the last. It’s one wild adventure!
Tour and tasting at Bridgeland Distillery
Bridgeland Distillery is the definition of handcrafted goodness, where local ingredients meet old-school distilling techniques and cutting-edge technology. Take a tour of the distillery and learn all about the magic that goes into making their award-winning spirits.
Check into the Fairmont Palliser
From the moment you enter the Fairmont Palliser, you are greeted with an elegant and timeless atmosphere. Enjoy staying in the heart of downtown Calgary at this historic hotel, featuring 407 elegant guest rooms and suites, each one beautifully appointed with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities.
Dinner at JINBAR
JINBAR offers a unique dining experience, combining traditional Japanese cuisine with modern and innovative twists. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura and grilled items, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. We recommend the spicy tuna roll.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
The Calgary Zoo offers a Gorilla Breakfast, where you can learn about the Lowland Gorillas over pancakes.
Breakfast at the Hawthorn Dining Room
Before heading out to explore Calgary, start your day with a luxurious and delicious breakfast at the Hawthorn Dining Room in the Fairmont Palliser. The breakfast menu at the Hawthorn is extensive and features a range of classic and contemporary dishes that are sure to satisfy every palate.
Moonstone Creation Native Gallery
Visit Moonstone Creation, where art and culture come alive in a celebration of Indigenous traditions! Each piece tells a unique story, weaving together the artist's heritage, traditions and experiences into a tapestry of wonder and awe.
Lunch at Charbar
Charbar offers a unique dining experience, combining Argentine-inspired cuisine with a modern and contemporary twist. Specializing in grilled meats which are cooked on a wood-fired grill. With its delicious and innovative cuisine, stylish decor, and stunning rooftop patio, it's the perfect spot to refuel.
Calgary Central Library
The Calgary Central Library is a modern architectural marvel with an open and airy design that encourages exploration and discovery. The building spans four floors and includes a range of spaces, including a children's library, a recording studio and a “living wall” featuring over 10,000 plants.
Studio Bell – National Music Centre
Get ready to rock and roll at Studio Bell, the ultimate destination for all things musical. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse history of Canadian music, and it's packed with exhibits, performances and interactive experiences that will get your toes tapping.
Calgary Tower
Looking for a bird's-eye view of Calgary? Visit the Calgary Tower for a chance to take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape from its observation deck, which is perched nearly 200 m (over 600 ft) above the ground. So head on up and see the city from a whole new perspective!
Calgary Food Tour
Led by local food experts, Calgary Food Tours take you on a delicious journey through some of Calgary's most vibrant neighborhoods, introducing you to the city's best food and drink. You'll get to taste a variety of delicious dishes all while learning about the history and culture of the city.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Look into Moonstone Creation’s onsite classes to learn how to make traditional Indigenous crafts.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park offers a fun and immersive way to experience Western Canada’s history. You can explore more than 100 authentic buildings, each with its own unique story to tell – and the vintage midway is a blast from the past, with classic rides and attractions that will make you feel like a kid again.
Eau Claire Distillery
Get ready for some spirited fun at Eau Claire Distillery! Start with a tour of the facility for an inside look at the distillation process and the history of the distillery. Afterwards, head over to the tasting room and enjoy even more delicious cocktails made with Eau Claire's premium spirits.
Alberta Boot Company
Step into the world of Western craftsmanship at Alberta Boot Company, where the spirit of the Wild West comes to life! Whether you’re looking to step up your boot game, or just get a glimpse into the heart and soul of Western culture, Alberta Boot Company offers a unique shopping experience.
Dinner at National Beer Hall
Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for a cold and refreshing pint, National on 10th has you covered. With over 40 beers on tap and a mouth-watering menu, there is something for everyone. We recommend one of their famous “Big Taste” platters, which are perfect for sharing.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
At Heritage Park, start with a train ride — it will give you an overview of the park's layout.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the study of paleontology and the display of dinosaur fossils. The museum houses over 130,000 fossils, including several complete dinosaur skeletons and rare specimens that cannot be found anywhere else in the world!
World’s Largest Dinosaur
Before you head back to Calgary, check out the World's Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller. This towering attraction is hard to miss standing at 26 m (86 ft) tall. It's so big that visitors can climb up inside the dinosaur and take in a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape from its jaws.
Dinner at Native Tongues Taqueria
Native Tongues is a vibrant restaurant dedicated to serving up authentic Mexican cuisine that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico City. Each dish is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and is bursting with bold and flavorful spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
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