9 mistakes first-time visitors to Calgary make

Tourists come from all over to Calgary for the Stampede, the mountains or other reasons. But they are not always ready.

There is a lot of buzz around the city in its global spotlight as a filming location The last of us You may think you know Calgary, but do you really?

Fear not, because we've got you covered with a new list of travel mistakes to avoid while in Stampede City, so you can have a great time here and even mingle with the locals.

He spends all his time in the city center

Yes, downtown Calgary may be beautiful and a hot spot for nightlife, but there's a lot more to the city than that. If you only come for the weekend, don't make the mistake of spending all your time in the core. If you don't want to branch out too far, you can check out nearby communities like Kensington or Inglewood to get a real taste of the city. If you're looking for a local friendly place, try Bowness or Marda Loop!

If you're thinking of moving to the city too, we've got a list of the best neighborhoods to live here.

Banff and Canmore mountain travel restrictions

Many people come to Calgary hoping to see a stunning morning view of Lake Moraine or Lake Louise, and while there's a reason they've garnered international attention, some beautiful spots deserve more love. If you're not staying long and want an easy day trip, check out the charming town of Bragg Creek and the natural area around Locke Falls. If you don't mind a slightly longer trip, continue on to Jasper, where you'll get great views of the glaciers and a less busy vacation.

Just going for the Stampede

It's no secret that the city comes alive during the Stampede, but that's not always the best way to experience Calgary. Yes, you'll get to sample the Stampede's free breakfasts, drink all the beer the city has to offer, and ride until you're sick, but you'll also be missing out on a lot. Calgary is very busy during those summer months, so if you want to see popular gems like the amazing architecture at the Central Library, check out the restaurants on Stephen Avenue, and it's easier to explore the city, book a stay outside Stampede time.

Being unaware of the fight

On another note, those who know they want to experience Stampede aren't always ready for the experience. You'll need to know how to ride Calgary Transit, what to wear to avoid overheating (or getting rained out), and lower your expectations to check out other hot spots when the event is in full swing.

I think the Calgary Tower has the only good view of the city

The Calgary Tower is an iconic part of Calgary's skyline, but it's not the only place to get a great view of the city. For a full view of the city, including the Calgary Tower, we recommend booking a seat at the Major Tom at the top of Scotland Centre!

Overestimating how close we are to the mountain

Yes, Calgary is close to amazing scenery and nature in the Rocky Mountains, but you still have to drive to get there. Canmore is 103 km from the city, which is close but a really long walk. Too many people plan to “figure it out as we go” for transportation to the mountains. Make sure you know how to get there in advance.

Not knowing how to get around

Calgary is a beautiful city with many things to do. But most of these stories are everywhere. It's a sprawling city, but many people think they can take transit everywhere they go. This is often true, but may require more planning than just taking the same train or bus. The Calgary Transit website has a trip planner to help with this, so you know where you're going and, more specifically, how you're going to get there.

Avoid local shops and restaurants

Look, we've all been there. You're in an unfamiliar place, but then you see a store you know. A large clothing store, a fast food chain, or a restaurant you know. Familiarity is comforting, but if you cling to it, you lose a lot. Calgary is full of local shops, restaurants and breweries, and there are some charming and unique shops nearby if you're looking for a day trip.

Don't underestimate the parking struggle

There are many great places to check out in Calgary. You know who does? All in Calgary. And, as mentioned above, sometimes life is easier when you visit those amazing places, which means parking can sometimes be a bit of an issue. Too many people come here and think there is a great place waiting for them. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, as you may need it.

With files from Peter Klein