Calgary was named one of two Canadian stops on the New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2019! With an arts, culture, and adventure scene capturing the interest of global travellers, this is the perfect year to explore your own backyard and plan a Calgary staycation.
What to Do
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Explore Canadian music history at the National Music Centre with five floors of interactive music exhibits. Another architectural marvel, the building is a must see Calgary landmark.
Then, catch some live music at the King Eddy, located next door to Studio Bell. The building is one of the city’s oldest blues venues, and has been restored into its former glory as Calgary’s hot spot for live music.
Cirque de Soleil Luzia
Cirque de Soleil’s Luzia is in Calgary August 16 to September 15th. Located on Stampede Park, the Cirque Big Top is walkable from Hotel Arts. Check out the Hotel Arts Guide to Cirque de Soleil in Calgary. Bonus: Hotel Arts is offering a 10% discount on guestrooms for visitors attending Cirque!
Alberta Food Tours
Eat Alberta’s signature foods, engage with locals and explore Calgary’s neighbourhoods. Calgary food tours are the most delicious way to discover the city. Tours include:
- Sunday Brunch and Calgary Farmers Market Tour where you enjoy 16 fresh bits and meet local farmers and ranchers.
- Craving Kensington includes a tour through one of Calgary’s hippest neighbourhoods with stops at Barsserie Kensington, the Nake Leaf Tea Shop, Crave Cookies and Cupcakes, Peasant Cheese Shop & Kensington Wine Market and Pulcinella Ristorante.
- Inglewood Edibles: Made by Mavericks. Designated a Canadian Signature Experience, guests enjoy a progressive meal featuring the food mavericks of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood.
- Savour 17 Avenue SW In three short hours you will visit six hot eateries in Calgary’s coolest part of town.
Calgary Central Library
Named the 2nd most anticipated building in the world by Architecture Digest, this four-storey masterpiece quickly became a Calgary landmark. The bonus? Free guided architectural tours are available daily! Worth a visit, the New Calgary Central Library features stunning design, architecture and art. It is also home to two local eateries, LUKES café and LUKES restaurant.
Poolside by Hotel Arts
Staying with Hotel Arts? Guests at Hotel Arts and Hotel Arts Kensington receive complimentary and priority access to Poolside by Hotel Arts.
Hotel Arts spent the winter completely renovating the poolside urban oasis that has been popular with locals and visitors alike. Poolside by Hotel Arts will launch mid-June in the heart of Downtown Calgary but patrons will feel like they’ve being transported to South Beach North. Dip and dine poolside with award-winning cuisine and cocktails in this hot spot featuring luxurious deck furnishings, fire-top tables, lush greenery, heated deck and a patio bar.
PS – Poolside by Hotel Arts will be open year round! An inflatable shelter will extend the season, so even on the coldest of winter days, it will be 25 degrees poolside.
Opening Soon (Summer 2019). Check website for details.
Where to Stay
Hotel Arts
Situated in the heart of downtown Calgary, Hotel Arts offers a unique and refreshing connection to the city. Located in Calgary’s arts and entertainment neighborhood guests are minutes from the city’s best shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment. Style-driven, the boutique property features modern décor and designer touches throughout with an extensive professionally-curated art collection
Neighbourhood Guide
Hotel Arts Concierge Jordan Kary’s favourite hot spots and hidden gems to check out in Victoria Park. Read More.
Hotel Arts Kensington
Nestled on the banks of the stunning Bow River, Hotel Arts Kensington pairs the calming effects of a countryside retreat along with all the benefits and amenities of city life. The intimate nature of this 19-room boutique make it the ideal place to stay for those looking to indulge in some rest and relaxation in the charming central neighbourhood of Kensington.
Local Picks – Neighbourhood Guide
Colin Middleton with Hotel Arts Kensington recommends his favourite shops and stops in Kensington. Read More.
Feeling inspired? Kick-start your summer staycation with great packages from Hotel Arts Group.
Hotel Arts Staycation Package:
- $60 daily breakfast credit for the award-winning Yellow Door Bistro or In-Room Dining
- Heated underground parking
- Evening turndown service
Hotel Arts Kensington Staycation Package:
- $50 breakfast credit for Oxbow or In-Room Dining
- Access to Poolside at Hotel Arts (opening soon)
