Photo credit Harsh Bhatt
Welcome to Calgary
Discover Calgary – Where Urban Energy Meets Untamed Beauty
Welcome to Calgary, Alberta – a vibrant city where modern architecture, western heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes come together to create one of Canada’s most inspiring destinations for photographers.
As the Professional Photographers of Canada Alberta Region proudly welcomes Canadian Imaging Conference & Expo 2027 and the World Photographic Cup, we invite you to experience the energy of Calgary and the extraordinary beauty that surrounds it. More than simply a conference destination, Alberta offers photographers an opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class photographic experiences – all waiting to be discovered through your lens.
From the striking skyline along the Bow River to the historic streets of Stephen Avenue and the iconic Calgary Tower, the city presents countless opportunities for urban, architectural, street, and night photography.
Just beyond the city limits, the landscape transforms into rolling foothills, expansive prairie vistas, dramatic badlands, and the world-renowned Canadian Rockies – placing some of the most spectacular photographic locations on the planet within easy reach.
We invite you to discover why Calgary is not only the ideal setting for Canada’s premier professional photography conference, but also one of North America’s most rewarding destinations for photographers.
Did You Know?
Places to visit
Calgary Central Library
A true modern masterpiece, this breathtaking 240,000-square-foot architectural landmark seamlessly connects Downtown Calgary with the vibrant East Village. Designed with striking wood arches and filled with natural light, it’s far more than just a home for books. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at its futuristic geometry, explore serene reading nooks, and experience one of the most stunning public spaces in North America.
The Sam Centre
Step right into the heart of western culture at the Sam Centre, where the story of the iconic Calgary Stampede comes alive year-round. Through high-energy, interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling, this state-of-the-art facility lets you feel the dust, excitement, and community spirit of “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”—no matter what season you visit.
Photo credit Harsh Bhatt
The Calgary Tower
Rising 191 metres above the downtown skyline, the iconic Calgary Tower offers the undisputed best view in the city. Step onto the Observation Deck for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that sweeps from the bustling city core across the rolling foothills all the way to the majestic, snow-capped Rocky Mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out onto the glass floor to look straight down at the streets below!
Nose Hill Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel
A Sacred Cultural Landmark & Panoramic Viewpoint
Perched near one of the highest points in Nose Hill Park, the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel is a powerful, peaceful monument created by Blackfoot Confederacy elders in 2015. Set upon ancestral land long used as a ceremonial gathering and lookout spot, the stone wheel honors the deep, historic connection between Indigenous peoples and this region. Take a gentle hike up the prairie trails to reflect at this sacred space while enjoying sweeping, unmatched views of the Calgary skyline and surrounding foothills.
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Spanning five spectacular floors, Studio Bell is a haven for music lovers and curious minds alike. As the physical home of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, this world-class facility features a 300-seat performance hall, live recording studios, and interactive exhibitions where you can play instruments and explore Canada’s rich musical history. It’s an unforgettable, hands-on sensory experience for all ages.
Culinary Exploration
Calgary’s dining scene is booming, with roughly 4,000 restaurants spanning every neighborhood and cuisine style!
📍 Note: Most of the local spots listed below are just a quick 10-minute drive from the hotel, with the exception of our signature Downtown options.
Bro’kin Yolk (West Hills)
Farm-Fresh Comfort Food with a Modern Twist
A local favorite for a reason, Bro’kin Yolk elevates breakfast with locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients and creative twists on morning classics. From organic eggs and house-made sauces to sweet and savory waffle creations, it’s a bright, welcoming spot for a nourishing start to the day.
Diner Deluxe (Marda Loop)
Scratch-Made Retro Comfort Food
Known for its warm vintage vibe and commitment to local, sustainable ingredients, Diner Deluxe serves up scratch-made comfort food at its finest. Expect oversized omelets, legendary eggs benedict, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes crafted with care using Alberta-farmed goods.
OEB Breakfast Co. (University Area)
Chef-Driven Breakfast & Gourmet Poutine Bowls
Famous for redefining brunch across Canada, OEB is an absolute must-visit for foodies. Their menu centers around ultra-creative, decadent breakfast poutines served over herb-poured potatoes, artisanal poached eggs, and luxury ingredients like truffle, duck fat, and short rib.
National (West Hills)
Craft Beer, Comfort Food & Lively Atmosphere
A vibrant pub and beer hall, National is the ultimate gathering place for casual dinners, sports watching, and socializing. Featuring an extensive lineup of local craft brews, gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and a heated, enclosed patio, it’s a go-to spot for great energy and good food.
Big Fish & Open Range (Marda Loop)
The Ultimate Calgary Surf & Turf Experience
Bringing together the best of land and sea under one roof, this joint concept pair offers fresh, sustainably sourced seafood alongside top-tier Alberta beef. Whether you’re craving fresh oysters, a pan-seared halibut, or a perfectly grilled ribeye, it’s a rich, flavorful local staple.
Mercato (West 85th)
Upscale, Energy-Filled Italian Dining
Mercato delivers authentic, family-style Italian cooking served in an energetic, open-kitchen setting. Renowned for its prime Bistecca Fiorentina, fresh handmade pastas, and curated Italian wine list, this West End hot spot frequently draws visiting celebrities, athletes, and local food lovers alike.
Eight (East Village / Downtown)
An Exclusive, World-Class Culinary Journey
Hidden away behind a discreet door, Eight offers an ultra-intimate, 8-seat chef’s counter led by Chef Darren MacLean. Recently ranked #2 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, this world-renowned, 20-course tasting experience explores Canadian identity through hyper-seasonal storytelling and extraordinary technique. (Note: Advanced reservations are required!)
Major Tom (Stephen Ave / Downtown)
Sky-High Views, Craft Cocktails & Classic Chop House Vibes
Perched on the 40th floor above the downtown core, Major Tom pairs mid-century elegance with breathtaking 360-degree city views. Famous for its prime steaks, inventive craft cocktails, and retro glam ambiance, it delivers one of the most memorable dining atmospheres in Western Canada.
Veranda at The Stables (Currie Barracks)
Craft Spirits & Shared Plates in a Historic Setting
Housed inside the historic Currie Barracks, Veranda is the official home of Burwood Distillery. It offers a relaxed, stylish environment featuring craft spirits, artisan cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and chef-curated shared plates—making it ideal for relaxed group gatherings.
River Café (Prince’s Island Park / Downtown)
Rustic Fine Dining Nestled in Nature
Located on an island in the middle of the Bow River, River Café is celebrated as one of Canada’s most sustainable, eco-friendly dining destinations. Its regional, seasonal menu highlights wild game, local foragers, and ocean-wise seafood, all served inside a cozy, rustic lodge surrounded by park trees and river paths.
Active Calgary
Whether you’re looking to stroll historic shop-lined streets, explore vibrant shopping corridors, or walk our famous river pathways, Calgary is built for urban exploration.
Inglewood & East Village
Historic Charm Meets Modern Urban Energy
As Calgary’s oldest neighborhood, Inglewood offers a charming main street lined with single-level heritage brick buildings, eclectic boutiques, local artisan shops, and cozy coffee houses. Just a short riverfront walk away lies the vibrant East Village, home to striking modern architecture, public art installations, and scenic river pathways.
Kensington District
Small-Town Vibes Across the Bow River
Located just across the river from downtown, Kensington is a bustling, pedestrian-friendly village that blends inner-city energy with a relaxed community feel. It’s the perfect area to spend an afternoon wandering through quirky indie bookstores, local bakeries, craft coffee shops, and unique boutiques.
17th Avenue SW
Calgary’s Premier Retail & Nightlife Strip
Stretching over 40 vibrant blocks just south of downtown, 17th Ave is Calgary’s ultimate dining, entertainment, and shopping corridor. Locally famous as the “Red Mile” (from the iconic 2004 Flames playoff run), this lively strip features over 700 businesses—ranging from high-end boutiques and patio-driven pubs to award-winning cocktail bars.
Stephen Avenue Pedestrian Mall
Historic Sandstone Architecture & Urban Shopping
Located in the heart of downtown, Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW) is a designated National Historic Site and Calgary’s primary outdoor pedestrian walkway. Lined with beautifully restored 19th-century sandstone buildings, it offers upscale dining, street performers, patio dining, and direct access to major retail hubs like The CORE Shopping Centre.
The +15 Skywalk System
The World’s Largest Indoor Pedestrian Walkway
When you want to explore the downtown core out of the elements, hop into the famous +15 network. Suspended 15 feet above street level, this massive 18-kilometer network of climate-controlled glass skywalks connects more than 100 downtown buildings, indoor gardens, food halls, and shopping malls.
The Peace Bridge
An Architectural Icon Over the Bow River
Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this brilliant helical red-and-white bridge spans 130 meters across the Bow River. Connecting downtown with the Sunnyside/Kensington area, it is one of Calgary’s most photographed landmarks—and a fantastic spot for an evening walk or bike ride along the riverbank.
The Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo
World-Class Conservation & Wildlife Experiences
Consistently ranked as one of North America’s top zoos, the Calgary Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals across beautifully themed habitats—including the Canadian Wilds, the African Savannah, and the Prehistoric Park filled with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. It’s an absolute staple for visitors of all ages, offering walkable paved paths, lush botanical gardens, and interactive splash parks for warmer days.
TELUS Spark Science Centre
Interactive Science, VR & High-Energy Play
Located just minutes from downtown, TELUS Spark is a massive hands-on science playground. It features interactive exhibits, digital immersion galleries, live science shows, and a giant outdoor “Brainasium” park where kids can climb, slide, and experiment. Bonus: The science centre regularly hosts world-class feature exhibitions, like summer feature dinosaur experiences.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Deerfoot City)
The Thrill of Freefall Without the Airplane
Located in the Deerfoot City retail complex, iFLY lets you experience the weightless sensation of skydiving inside a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel. Led by certified instructors, it is completely safe and accessible for virtually all ages (from 3 to 103!), making it a top-tier bucket-list activity regardless of the weather outside.
WinSport (Canada Olympic Park)
The Historic 1988 Olympic Hub for Year-Round Thrills
As a primary host site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, WinSport is a massive hub for outdoor adventure. In the summer, you can tackle the Monster Zipline (flying off the top of the ski jump tower), race down the hill on the Downhill Luge, or ride Canada’s largest pipe-style mountain bike park. In the winter, it offers accessible skiing, snowboarding, and high-speed tube park fun!
Speeders Indoor ProKarts
High-Speed Electric Kart Racing
For anyone with a need for speed, Speeders offers high-torque, eco-friendly electric go-karts on a slick indoor track. Reaching speeds up to 45 km/h, it’s a high-adrenaline option for teens, adults, and competitive groups looking for some fast-paced fun.
Beyond the city
Photo credit Railene Hooper
Located just an hour west of Calgary, the majestic Rocky Mountains beckon. Whether you are looking for a charming, laid-back mountain town or world-famous alpine lakes, Canmore and Banff make for an unforgettable day trip or weekend getaway.
Drive time from Downtown Calgary: ~1 hour (105 km)
Often called Banff’s laid-back neighbor, Canmore sits right at the foot of the iconic Three Sisters peaks. It offers all the dramatic mountain scenery with a relaxed, local community feel.
Main Street & Police Creek Boardwalk
The Vibe: Pedestrian-friendly, charming, and packed with local flavor.
Why Visit: Stroll down Main Street to browse local art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes like Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll along the Police Creek Boardwalk, a flat wooden pathway that winds right through town with breathtaking views of the peaks reflected in the water.
Ha Ling Peak & East End of Rundle (EEOR)
The Vibe: High-energy, rewarding mountain hikes.
Why Visit: For active visitors seeking top-of-the-world panoramic views, these classic Canmore hikes deliver incredible vistas over the Bow Valley. (Note: These are steep, physical grunts – bring proper hiking boots, layers, and bear spray!)
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
The Vibe: Year-round outdoor sports hub.
Why Visit: Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this world-class facility offers extensive trail networks for cross-country skiing in the winter and mountain biking or trail running in the summer.
☕ Local Food & Drink Tip: Stop by Grizzly Paw Brewing Company on Main Street for a local craft beer or their famous hand-crafted sodas, or grab artisan sourdough from Le Pain Jaune.
Drive time from Downtown Calgary: ~1 hour 20 mins (125 km)
Canada’s first national park is famous worldwide for its vivid turquoise lakes, historic chateaus, and dramatic glacier-carved valleys.
Banff Townsite & Banff Avenue
The Vibe: Historic mountain town bustling with energy.
Why Visit: Walk the bustling Banff Avenue for souvenir shopping, stop for a photo of Mount Rundle framed perfectly at the end of the street, and visit the historic Cascade of Time Garden. Be sure to grab a hot, freshly fried BeaverTails pastry while exploring!
The Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain
The Vibe: Breathtaking 360° views without the steep climb.
Why Visit: A glass-enclosed gondola glides you to the top of Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes. At the summit, walk the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak or enjoy high-altitude dining with sweeping views of six mountain ranges.
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
The Vibe: Iconic, bucket-list turquoise waters.
Why Visit: These world-famous glacial lakes feature surreal, bright blue water surrounded by soaring peaks and glaciers. Rent a red canoe on Lake Louise or climb the Rockpile at Moraine Lake for one of the most famous views on Earth.
⚠️ Essential Travel Tip: Personal vehicles are not permitted at Moraine Lake. You must reserve a spot on the official Parks Canada Park-and-Ride Shuttle or use a private operator (like Roam Transit) in advance!
Johnston Canyon
The Vibe: Accessible canyon walk with rushing waterfalls.
Why Visit: A scenic, family-friendly trail featuring elevated catwalks attached directly to limestone canyon walls. Walk the easy pathway to the Lower and Upper Falls.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or later in the evening to beat the summer crowds.
Drive time from Downtown Calgary: ~1 hour 30 mins (135 km northeast)
If you head east instead of west, prairie grasslands suddenly drop away into a dramatic landscape of striped coulees, towering sandstone pillars, and ancient fossil beds. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, the Canadian Badlands are a must-visit day trip for families, photography enthusiasts, and science lovers.
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
The Vibe: A world-renowned museum dedicated exclusively to prehistoric life.
Why Visit: Housed right in the heart of Midland Provincial Park, this state-of-the-art facility features over 130,000 fossils, including stunning, fully assembled dinosaur skeletons like T. rex and Albertosaurus. Interactive galleries, fossil preparation labs, and guided badlands hikes make it an incredible experience for all ages.
The Hoodoos & Horseshoe Canyon
The Vibe: Striking geological formations and sweeping canyon views.
Why Visit: Stop at Horseshoe Canyon on your drive into town to take in the vast, carved-out earth and hike down into the coulees. Just past Drumheller, visit the famous Hoodoos Trail to walk alongside protected sandstone pillars that took millions of years of wind and water erosion to form.
The World’s Largest Dinosaur
The Vibe: A fun, iconic roadside attraction and panoramic lookout.
Why Visit: Standing 86 feet tall in the center of town, this colossal fiberglass T. rex is 4.5 times larger than a real Tyrannosaurus! You can climb 106 steps up inside the dinosaur to look out over Drumheller directly through its open, toothy jaws.
💡 Local Day-Trip Tip:
Beat the Heat: Badlands temperatures run noticeably warmer than Calgary during summer afternoons. Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes if you plan to trek into the canyons!
