The best tours in Calgary cut straight to the heart of this western Canadian hub. This city’s top experiences combine efficient sightseeing with local expertise. I especially love the vintage sidecar motorcycle tours – they’re quirky and give you an unforgettable perspective of downtown. The e-scooter tours work well for covering ground quickly while staying eco-friendly. For active travelers, the Bow River bike tours reveal excellent city views and local haunts you’d otherwise miss. When you want to escape the city, the private Banff and Lake Louise excursions are worth every penny – the mountain scenery is spectacular and the small-group format allows for plenty of photo stops.
These are our favorite Calgary tours, ranked from most essential to optional:
Key Points
- The vintage sidecar motorcycle tour offers a unique and highly-rated 360-degree open-air experience showcasing Calgary’s top landmarks.
- The e-scooter city highlights tour provides a fun, safe, and engaging way to explore Calgary’s Beltline district and iconic landmarks.
- The private Banff and Lake Louise tour offers a flexible full-day itinerary to discover the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
- The tips-based city highlights walking tour provides an immersive and informative experience led by knowledgeable guides covering Calgary’s history and culture.
- The Calgary city tour by vintage-style sidecar motorcycle offers a customizable and storytelling-focused experience highlighting the city’s iconic landmarks.
Calgary City Sightseeing Tour
Although Calgary is a bustling modern city, the Calgary City Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its rich history and vibrant landmarks from the comfort of a vintage sidecar motorcycle.
With a highly rated 4.9 out of 5 from 37 reviews, the tour is recommended by 100% of travelers. The tour includes a downtown ride, photo stops at iconic locations like Scotsmans Hill and Crescent Heights Park, and knowledgeable guides who provide live commentary through provided headsets.
Travelers can expect a fun, safe, and memorable experience, with pickup and drop-off at downtown hotels or the Calgary Tower base. The tour operates in most weather conditions and is suitable for most visitors.
Read our full review: Calgary City Sightseeing Tour Review
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Calgary: E-Scooter City Highlights Tour | 2-Hour
Zipping through Calgary’s vibrant downtown on a powerful e-scooter, travelers embark on the captivating Calgary: E-Scooter City Highlights Tour.
This 2-hour adventure showcases the city’s top landmarks, from the National Music Centre to the iconic Bow Tower. Guests first practice handling the e-scooters for safety, then explore pedestrian-only areas and discover street art in the Beltline district.
Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares engaging stories, and participants enjoy photo opportunities at sites like the Crescent Heights Lookout and the Peace Bridge.
At €67.62 per person, this tour offers an efficient and thrilling way to see multiple Calgary attractions with the convenience of free cancellation.
Read our full review: Calgary: E-Scooter City Highlights Tour | 2-Hour Review
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Unforgettable Private Banff & Lake Louise Tour From Calgary City
Departing from the vibrant streets of Calgary, travelers embark on a private full-day tour to the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park and Lake Louise.
The tour offers a flexible itinerary, allowing guests to explore the area at their own pace, with options for hiking, strolling, or canoeing at Lake Louise.
In Banff, visitors can admire the surrounding mountains and enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, snacks, tea, and coffee.
Parking fees are covered, and child car seats are available.
Highly rated for its personalized service, the tour is priced at $946.18 per group of up to 4 and features free cancellation and rescheduling.
Read our full review: Unforgettable Private Banff & Lake Louise Tour From Calgary City Review
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Calgary: Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour
Setting out on a captivating walking tour, visitors can explore the vibrant highlights of Calgary’s city center. The 2-3 hour tour covers approximately 7.5 kilometers, showcasing the city’s rich history, architecture, and cultural attractions.
Starting at the iconic Calgary Tower, the tour takes guests through Edison Square, Stephen Avenue, Olympic Plaza, and the Arts Commons. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share engaging stories and insights, while participants enjoy the flexibility of a tips-based model.
With the option to join a public or private group, the tour caters to diverse preferences, offering a memorable experience for all. Customers praise the guides’ expertise and the tour’s ability to immerse them in Calgary’s unique character.
Read our full review: Calgary: Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour Review
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Calgary: City Tour by Vintage-Style Sidecar Motorcycle
Those seeking a truly unique way to explore Calgary’s vibrant city center can embark on a captivating sidecar motorcycle tour.
Passengers sit comfortably in a vintage-style sidecar while a skilled driver navigates through the city’s picturesque streets. This 2-hour tour showcases iconic landmarks like the Calgary Tower, Stampede Park, and Prince’s Island Park.
Riders enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views and the thrill of the open-air experience. The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to customize the route and pacing to their preferences.
With a focus on safety and storytelling, this one-of-a-kind adventure offers an exhilarating and memorable way to discover Calgary’s most beloved sights.
Read our full review: Calgary: City Tour by Vintage-Style Sidecar Motorcycle Review
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Calgary: City Highlights and Bow River Bike Tour
The Calgary: City Highlights and Bow River Bike Tour offers an engaging way to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and scenic riverside pathways. Priced at $91.69 per person, this 3-hour tour provides a rundown of Calgary’s history and culture.
Guests will discover points of interest beyond the downtown core, including Fort Calgary, Inglewood, and Prince’s Island Park, guided by a knowledgeable local. The tour includes bike rental, helmet, and gratuities, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
While previous biking experience is required, the small group size ensures a safe and personalized tour. With an overall rating of 4.7/5, this bike tour is an excellent way to actively take in the sights and sounds of Calgary.
Read our full review: Calgary: City Highlights and Bow River Bike Tour Review
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Calgary: 3.5-Hour Bus City Tour With Gasoline Alley Museum
Travelers seeking a rundown of Calgary’s landmarks and attractions can enjoy the Calgary: 3.5-Hour Bus City Tour With Gasoline Alley Museum.
Priced at €51.13 per person, the tour offers panoramic views from Scotsmans Hill, an exploration of the Gasoline Alley Museum, and visits to the Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark Science Center.
With a live guide providing local insights and comfortable bus transportation, the tour showcases East Village, historic Inglewood, and Canada Olympic Park before returning to downtown Calgary.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour earns high marks for knowledgeable guides and value for money.
Read our full review: Calgary: 3.5-Hour Bus City Tour With Gasoline Alley Museum Review
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The Sum Up
Calgary offers a variety of sightseeing tours to suit different interests and budgets. From self-guided e-scooter tours to private day trips to Banff, there’s an option to explore the city’s highlights. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or a sidecar motorcycle, you can discover Calgary’s vibrant downtown, historic landmarks, and natural beauty on these engaging tours.