Flights to Calgary

Top Experiences For Visitors With Cheap Flights to Calgary

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is one of the most popular annual events for this Canadian city. Each year, thousands of travellers from all over the world buy flights to Calgary to join in on the massive celebration. The event is held every July, and many festival-goers don Western-style garb to get into the Stampede spirit. There are also rodeo competitions, parades and other events.

Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey

For a luxurious adventure in Canada, buy tickets to Calgary and experience the Rocky Mountaineer train. It runs between Vancouver and Calgary and winds past the iconic Canadian Rockies. You can use the service to reach popular destinations such as Banff and explore the famous Lake Louise and Kicking Horse Pass.

Heritage Park

If you want to learn more about Calgary's past, plan a visit to the Heritage Park. It's one of the top attractions for history lovers that buy flights to Calgary, and it's an experience that won't disappoint. There are dozens of historical building to explore, and people dress up in costumes from the 1860s to 1930s to represent the different time periods.

Calgary Tower

For a panoramic view over Calgary, head to the top of Calgary Tower. It stands at 191 meters high and is one of the tallest buildings in the city. When buying flights to Calgary, keep in mind that the best time to visit is at sunset or dusk, when the light is soft, and the city is lit up by a golden glow.

Tips for First-Time Travellers With Return Flights to Calgary

Best time to visit Calgary

The best time to visit Calgary is in the summer months. There are plenty of events to keep you busy, and the warm weather means the conditions are perfect for hiking the city's nearby trails. The only downside is that it's the most expensive time for a trip to Calgary. You'll want to buy your flights to Calgary as soon as possible to lock in cheaper rates. If you're not a fan of warm weather, the winter months of November to March are also a good time to visit Calgary. The weather is perfect for hitting the slopes and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Plus, hotel rates are at their lowest, and you may have a better time finding deals on airfare to Calgary.

Try poutine

Poutine is one of those classic Canadian dishes that you have to try at least once. It's French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Once your flights to Calgary land, head to The Big Cheese on 17th Avenue. It's one of the best places to try poutine in the city!

Accommodation costs

If you're a backpacker buying cheap flights to Calgary, you can find dorm rooms starting at $30 CAD ($31.65 AUD). However, you need to keep in mind that there are few hostels in the city and during the busy summer months it will be hard to find a bed. For travellers looking to stay at budget hotels in Calgary, prices are on average $80 CAD ($85.40 AUD) per night. If you're booking flights to Calgary for the Stampede, you need to book your room well in advance as even the no-frills hotels fill up for the event.

Food costs

The best way to cut back on food costs when holidaying in Calgary is to cook your meals. When booking your flights to Calgary, stay in accommodation where you’ll have access to a kitchen. You can expect to pay $75 CAD ($79.13 AUD) for groceries each week. At cheap restaurants, you will pay around $20 CAD ($21.10) per meal and $40 CAD ($42.20 AUD) at more expensive establishments.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Public transportation

One of the easiest ways to get around once your flights to Calgary land is with the city's extensive public transportation system. There is a light-rail system called the CTrain and bus routes that run across the city. You can budget to pay $2.75 CAD ($2.90 AUD) for a single ride, or you can purchase a day pass for $8.25 CAD ($8.70 AUD). Plus, the CTrain is free to use if you need to get around downtown Calgary. There are also several bus routes that run to and from Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Bike

If you want more freedom getting from point A to point B without the additional expense of renting a car, you can use the city's bike rental program. There are dozens of bike paths that zig-zag all over the city and day rates for rentals cost around $30 CAD ($31.65 AUD).

Car rental

If you want to rent a car, you can book your vehicle while buying your return flights to Calgary through Webjet or you can choose what's available when you arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC). One thing to keep in mind is that parking can cost as much as $20 CAD ($21.10 AUD) per day.

Taxis

Taxis are available at Calgary International Airport (YYC). As soon as your flights to Calgary land, you'll find the drivers outside the arrivals terminal. It's a good option if you're travelling in a group or you have a lot of big bags. A one-way trip to downtown Calgary will cost between $40 to $45 CAD ($42.20 to $47.48 AUD).

YYC Calgary International Airport

The main airport for international travellers heading to Calgary is YYC Calgary International Airport. The airport has weathered many changes since it was established in 1914 and has recently opened a new state-of-the-art international terminal. Flights make their way to YYC Calgary International Airport from a number of destinations, including London, San Francisco, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.