This guide is your cheat sheet to enjoying the warmer months in the city. Day 1 is completely car-free, with pizza, park hangs, and sunset cityscape views. Day 2 turns up the adventure with hikes, tacos, and a float down the Bow River that makes the city feel miles away, even as you glide right through it.

Whether you’re visiting or just overdue for a staycation, this two-day itinerary is your excuse to play outside this summer and get charmed by Canada’s Blue Sky City.

Day 1

9:00AM - Alforno Bakery & Café

Start your morning at Alforno, a tucked-away gem just steps from the river. Inside, you’ll find golden pastries stacked behind glass, a warm, minimalist interior with Scandinavian touches, and a small street-side patio that catches the early sun. It’s easy to lose track of time here. The bacon breakfast sandwich is a go-to for regulars, and the almond croissant is worth coming back for.

10:00AM - Hop on an E-Scooter & Explore

Once caffeinated, grab an e-scooter and make your way to the Peace Bridge, a striking red pedestrian span that stretches across the Bow River. It’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, and with good reason. Pause for a moment mid-bridge to take in the water and skyline views. Then continue on into Prince’s Island Park, where wide paths wind through tall trees and open greenery. It’s a quiet spot where the noise of the city seems to fade away.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Connie & John’s Pizza (East Village)

Before heading to your next stop, hit up Connie and John’s Pizza in East Village for a slice or two on their rooftop patio. This New York-inspired spot in the Simmons Building comes from the team behind CHARCUT, one of Calgary’s most acclaimed restaurants.

1:30PM - Rent Bikes at Bow Cycle

Walk just a few steps down the street to Bow Cycle, where you can rent a bike for the afternoon. This is one of the best ways to explore the Calgary Riverwalk, a scenic paved trail along the Bow River. You’ll bike past public art, shady rest spots and grassy corners where locals lounge with iced coffees or dive into books. You might even spot geese parading along the riverbank with their fuzzy goslings - a sure sign that summer has officially arrived. Note that bike rentals need to be returned by 6 PM, so give yourself a couple of hours to really enjoy the ride.

4:00PM - Return Bikes & Continue by E-Scooter

After you return your bike, hop back on an e-scooter and cruise south toward Reader Rock Garden. This National Historic Site is full of winding paths, stone walls, and pockets of seasonal blooms. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, stretch your legs, or simply wander through nature for a while. Calgary has no shortage of green spaces, but this one feels especially peaceful.

6:00PM - Dinner at Native Tongues Taqueria

As the sun dips lower, head over to Native Tongues for dinner. The space is always buzzing with a playlist that sets the mood. The tacos here come on soft, house-made tortillas, with flavours that hit deep and smoky. Mezcal cocktails are poured strong, and the energy ramps up on Tuesday nights, when Taco Tuesday regulars pack the room and things get lively.

7:30PM - Village Ice Cream

Directly across the street from Native Tongues, Village Ice Cream is hard to miss. There's usually a line trailing out the door, but it moves quickly and ends in small-batch scoops that are well worth the wait. Popular picks include salted caramel and toasted coconut, along with the seasonal flavours on rotation. If you’re in the mood for a second scoop, no one will judge you here.

8:30PM - Sunset at Scotsman’s Hill

Hop back on your scooter for a ride up to Scotsman’s Hill to cap off the night. The climb is short but steep, and the iconic view is among the best in the city. As the sun goes down, the Calgary skyline lights up, framed by the distant Rockies. When we visited, the sky lit up in swirls of orange, red, and deep electric blue. Everyone around us fell silent for a moment, just taking it in. It’s a perfect place to end your first day in the city.

Day 2

8:30AM - Cadence Coffee for Breakfast

Start your morning in Bowness, a laid-back neighbourhood on Calgary’s western edge. Cadence Coffee is a retro-style diner with red vinyl chairs, black-and-white tiles, and a strong cup of coffee to match the vibe. The breakfast plates are generous and hearty, perfect to kickstart another day outside.

10:00AM - Easy Hike from Dale Hodges Park to Bowmont Park

From there, head to Dale Hodges Park and set off on a scenic riverside trail that links to Bowmont Park . It’s an easy walk, just under two hours at a relaxed pace. You’ll pass wetlands, lookout points, and plenty of spots to stop and watch the river flow by. Keep an eye on the trees overhead, where we spotted a pair of ospreys perched by their nest.

12:30PM - Lunch and Craft Beer at Rising Tides Taproom

Lunch time! Make your way back toward the northwest for lunch at Rising Tides Taproom. It’s a bright, fun spot that pours some of Alberta’s best craft beers and pairs them with casual tacos and loaded nachos. If you’re not sure what to order, start with a flight. The rotating tap list often features local favourites and seasonal brews that are hard to find elsewhere.

2:00PM - Float Down the Bow River

For something truly memorable, rent a raft from Sports Rent and float down the Bow River, starting at Baker Park and drifting gently toward Edworthy Park. The route takes about two hours and gives you a front-row seat to one of Calgary’s most beautiful urban landscapes. Some stretches feel almost wild, with nothing but water, trees, and sky. Then the city skyline appears again, reminding you where you are. Once you land, grab an Uber or cab back to your starting point so you don't have to paddle against the current.

6:30PM - Dinner at Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza

Round out your 48 hours in Calgary with a city classic. Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza has been around since 1979, and it shows in the best way. Think red leather booths, big portions, and a menu that covers all the comfort food bases. Whether you go for steak, pizza, or a plate of pasta, expect to leave full and happy. It’s the kind of place where locals have their go-to order, and where visitors feel like they’ve just discovered a piece of the city’s soul.

We came to Calgary not quite sure what to expect. What we found was a city that’s easy to love: green parks, great food, riverside trails, and the kind of casual friendliness that makes everything feel a little lighter. From floating down the Bow to hunting down the best ice cream in town, every moment felt both relaxed and surprisingly memorable. It’s the kind of place you start planning your return to before you’ve even left.

For more information & resources on travel in Calgary, please visit Tourism Calgary.