Are you planning a trip to the University of Calgary? Read this first! 

If you're coming from out of town to visit the University of Calgary, here is everything you need to know to make your trip a success!!

Visiting the UCalgary campus

Start your UCalgary journey at the Prospective Student Hub! Located in the Hunter Student Commons on the 2^nd floor, the hub is for connecting with a recruiter, talking about submitting an application and meeting for a public tour of campus. If you are interested in meeting with a recruiter or having your specific questions answered, you can book a meeting here.

We offer 2 distinct categories of public tours for students: Prospective and Newly Admitted. Prospective Student tours are designed for students considering UCalgary or awaiting an evaluation on their application. If you have received an offer to the University of Calgary, explore our Newly Admitted Student Tours. These tours are crafted to provide insights into campus life and the services available to you as a first-year student.

Both tour categories are scheduled multiple times a week and are accessible in both virtual and in-person formats. You can register for a tour here.

If you want to explore campus on your own, download the Discover UCalgary app and take a virtual walking tour of campus. This tour can be done in-person on the University of Calgary main campus or from anywhere in the world! In person, the 40-minute self-guided walking tour allows you to explore our beautiful campus through 24 distinct locations complete with a photo gallery and audio clips from our Recruitment team to help you learn more about these spaces.

Where to stay

The Alt Hotel Calgary University District, is located conveniently close to the University of Calgary. Experience Canada’s sunniest major city on a short 10-minute walk from your hotel room to our main campus.

Are you looking to stay somewhere closer to downtown? Consider the Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown! Nestled in the heart of the city, this hotel allows you to explore iconic attractions such as the Wonderland Sculpture, Stephen Avenue and the Bow River, all right outside your doorstep. Enjoy the convenience of reaching the University of Calgary quickly, either by a short 10-minute car ride or a brief train ride.

You can access exclusive discounts with both partner hotels by downloading the Discover UCalgary app and visiting the Planning your visit section.

Where to eat

While you're visiting our campus, make sure to check out some of the many food options available in and around the area!

The University of Calgary boasts not just one, but three sit-down restaurants catering to students and guests.  The Den & Black Lounge, integral to student life for over 45 years, offers a relaxed dining experience across two floors including an outdoor patio area. Be a part of the fun and explore this UCalgary student tradition! The Last Defense Lounge (commonly known as the LDL) is a fully licensed restaurant operated by the Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Calgary. Situated on the 3^rd floor of the MacEwan Student Centre. All three restaurants present a diverse selection of cuisines and rotating beverage menus for your enjoyment.

Craving something quicker? Take a look at the 2^nd floor of the MacEwan Student Centre for quick dining options and food court. Discover a variety of campus favourites, ranging from well-known chain restaurants like A&W, Subway and Opa, to local options that have gained popularity amongst UCalgary students, such as Bake Chef and Korean BBQ. If you find yourself in the newly opened Mathison Hall, check out The Exchange, featuring a rotating collection of some of Calgary’s favourite restaurants! Grab a bite to eat from D.O.P., the Department of Pasta, a quick coffee from Calgary-based coffee roasters Phil and Sebastian, and check out The Hot Seat for made-to-order breakfast, burgers, fries and more!

Looking for something nearby? Check out OEB Breakfast Co. in the University District to help you fuel up before a day of exploring the UCalgary campus! Conveniently located a just a short 10-minute walk from the UCalgary campus, this restaurant is the perfect spot for breakfast before you start your day.

Find out our Recruitment Team’s favourite items from the different on-campus dining options and unlock an exclusive discount to OEB Breakfast Co. by downloading the Discover UCalgary app.

What to see around Calgary

After exploring the University of Calgary, be sure to visit some of Calgary’s iconic landmarks and popular destinations to complete your trip!

The Calgary Tower is one of the best-known landmarks in the city. You can head up to the top of this 190.8-metre free standing observation tower for a full 360-degree view of the city and beyond, from the prairies all the way to the world-famous Rocky Mountains. The Calgary Tower offers breathtaking views at any time of the day.

Just across the street from the Calgary Tower, you'll find Stephen Avenue, a must-see location for tourists and locals. This is a pedestrian-only walkway located in downtown Calgary that is lined with local art, popular restaurants and a multitude of shopping and entertainment venues.

Adding to the downtown experience, Studio Bell, located close to the Bow River, serves as Canada’s National Music Centre. Home to the National Music Centre collection, this exhibit spans over 450 years of music history, highlighting more than 2,000 pieces that illustrate the evolution of music in Canada.

Looking for something closer to the University of Calgary? Nose Hill Park is a quick 10-minute drive from the campus, offering breathtaking views of the city and an extensive pathway system. As the fourth-largest urban park in Canada and one of the largest in North America, spanning over 11 km², Nose Hill Park provides a large space to explore!

If you have any questions about planning your trip to visit the University of Calgary, make sure to reach out to our Recruitment Team to learn more!

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