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Nestled in the heart of Alberta, approximately five hours by bus from Edmonton’s train station, the city of Calgary invites you to explore its rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. With its modern skyscrapers, lively festivals, Indigenous traditions, thriving western spirit, and bustling downtown, Calgary is a city where urban energy meets the breathtaking beauty of Western Canada's majestic landscapes. Whether you're a fan of the outdoors, local cuisine, museums, wide-open spaces, or urban strolls, Calgary is sure to surprise and inspire you!
Taking the Train to Calgary: How to Get There
Exploring Alberta by train is one of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free journey through the magnificent Canadian Rockies. And while there’s no direct train service to Calgary, you can still discover this must-see Alberta city from Edmonton on a four-hour coach trip operated by FlixBus.
Prefer to explore the province at your own pace by travelling to Calgary from Jasper’s train station? Rent a car and head south on Highway 93, making sure to stop along the way to admire stunning Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Bus routes are also available from Jasper to Banff, and from Banff to Calgary.
Also discover the seasonal activities available in the town of Banff.
How to Take the Train from Toronto to Calgary
Crossing Canada from east to west since 1955, The Canadian train is the best way to travel by rail to Calgary from Toronto’s Union Station. In fact, The Canadian was named one of the top 20 train journeys in the world in 2024 by Condé Nast Traveller readers.
In just over two days, The Canadian takes you from Toronto to Edmonton, passing through Ontario’s boreal forests, sparkling northern lakes, the vast prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the first ridges of the Rockies. Edmonton then serves as a great starting point to explore the Alberta region all the way to Calgary.
For maximum comfort during the two-day journey between Toronto and Edmonton, you can book a cabin to sleep aboard The Canadian. Several accommodation options are available in Prestige or Sleeper Plus classes, ranging from private cabins to upper and lower berths for one, two, or three people.
View classes and onboard services
Taking the Train from Vancouver to Calgary: Is It Possible?
If you're departing from the Vancouver train station, The Canadian will take you to Edmonton in about 28 hours, winding through British Columbia’s alpine valleys, the rugged peaks of the Rockies, and the vast coniferous forests of Western Canada. From there, you can continue your journey to Calgary by bus or rental car.
Just like on the Toronto-Edmonton route, you can book sleeper berths or cabins for one, two or three people, so you can travel in comfort and peace of mind!
Year-Round Activities to Do in Calgary
With its impressive amount of sunshine and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary stands out as a top destination in every season. Whether you're into the outdoors, arts and culture, or great food, there's always something to do in this dynamic Western Canadian city!
Did you know?
With over 1.4 million residents, Calgary is the third most populous city in Canada, after Toronto and Montreal.
What to Do in Calgary in Spring (April and May)
Enjoy Calgary’s mild spring days with a stroll through the Devonian Gardens—an indoor hanging garden right in the heart of downtown—or explore the banks of the Bow River on foot or by bike. Nose Hill Park and St. Patrick’s Island Park also offer spectacular views of the city coming into bloom.
The Calgary Zoo is another must for enjoying the return of warmer weather with the whole family. The same goes for the Glenbow Museum (currently closed for renovations) or the historic Fort Calgary site, both offering insight into the region’s rich history.
Spring is also the perfect time to sample fresh, seasonal products at local farmers' markets like Crossroads Market. And why not discover Calgary’s emerging culinary scene by booking a table at a local bistro in the Beltline or Inglewood neighborhoods?
What to Do in Calgary in Summer (June to August)
Calgary comes alive in the summer with a wide variety of outdoor events. The most famous of them all is undoubtedly the Calgary Stampede, a huge rodeo, music, and western culture festival held every July that draws over a million visitors each year.
Summer is also the perfect time to go biking or hiking along Calgary’s hundreds of kilometers of urban trails, which connect parks like Fish Creek Provincial Park (one of the largest in North America), Prince’s Island Park, and Griffith Woods Park. It’s also prime time for rafting on the Bow River, an especially popular activity on hot summer days.
Summer in Calgary also means patio season. In neighborhoods like Mission, East Village, and along 17th Avenue, you’ll find a lively mix of restaurants, craft breweries, and cocktail bars. On the cultural side, events like Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, GlobalFest, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival will keep your summer vibrant with rich and eclectic programming.
What to Do in Calgary in Fall (September to November)
Autumn turns Calgary into a vibrant and colorful setting, perfect for hiking in natural parks like Nose Hill, Edworthy, or Weaselhead Flats. It's also the ideal season for taking photos or strolling through historic neighborhoods such as Kensington or Inglewood.
Calgary’s cultural scene is especially rich in the fall, with events like the Beakerhead festival—which blends art, science, and engineering—and the Calgary International Film Festival. Full seasons of theatre and opera are also presented in venues like Arts Commons, one of Western Canada’s largest arts centres. Fall also brings plenty of gallery openings and temporary exhibitions to discover across the city.
On the food front, fall in Calgary is all about celebrating local harvests. Visit farmers’ markets and try seasonal menus at local restaurants to enjoy Alberta’s rich produce. Some spots even offer craft beer pairings to mark Oktoberfest in style!
What to Do in Calgary in Winter (December to March)
Snow and cold don't slow things down in Calgary. Experience the magic of winter by skating on one of the many outdoor community rinks, or try tubing, skiing, snowboarding, or indoor skating at WinSport Olympic Park. The Rockies, located less than a two-hour drive from Calgary, also offer perfect getaways for outdoor enthusiasts, whether in Banff, Lake Louise, or Canmore.
The city also offers winter activities for everyone during the holiday season. The Calgary Zoo lights up during its Zoolights event, Christmas markets pop up in various neighborhoods, and a wide range of shows takes over the downtown area.
Looking to warm up indoors? Visit one of the immersive exhibitions at the TELUS Spark Science Centre, see a play at Vertigo Theatre, or take the time to enjoy a comforting meal in a café or fine restaurant along Stephen Avenue. In the evening, keep the experience going in a live performance venue or a wine or cocktail bar such as Proof or the Wednesday Room.
Forget the Car and Ride the Rails to Alberta
Let the gentle rhythm of the train guide you as stunning landscapes roll past—from Ontario’s lush forests to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you're departing from Toronto or Vancouver, travelling aboard The Canadian train is a beautiful way to experience the richness of the Canadian landscape. And with convenient coach connections from Jasper or Edmonton, exploring Alberta becomes easy and hassle-free!
Whether you're dreaming of a city getaway, a nature retreat, or a trip that blends relaxation with discovery, Western Canada is ready to welcome you. So hop on board, sit back, and let the adventure begin!
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