Glenbow Museum Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Glenbow Museum
Photo provided by Glenbow Museum
Photo provided by Glenbow Museum
Photo provided by Glenbow Museum


Discover the history, art, material culture and admirable characters of Western Canada at this extensive facility, a perfect outing for a winter day.

The Glenbow Museum in downtown Calgary is an enormous cultural undertaking, with more than 20 galleries housing over 1 million objects. Collections range from art to historical artifacts of Canada’s first peoples, to map archives and books.

Enjoy the majesty of the Great Plains and Rockies in paintings and artworks. Explore Blackfoot and Inuit culture and history through interactive panels and artifacts. Learn about the life and times of adventurous Albertan characters throughout the ages. You can even see beautiful gemstones and minerals mined locally.

On the second floor you’ll find a collection of the art of Western Canada from the 1800s, as well as modernist paintings from the early 20th century onwards. Nearby, see more than 80 sculptures from Asian artistic traditions.

The third floor focuses on people. Learn about some of the intrepid, hardworking Albertans of the past in the interactive Mavericks gallery. Examine the daily lives, spirituality and traditional culture of the Nisitapii (Blackfoot) indigenous people.

Discover geological wonders on the fourth floor’s mineralogy exhibit. Here you’ll find a piece of the Earth’s oldest rock, glow-in-the-dark minerals and gems of every color. The Warriors Exhibit documents weaponry through five centuries, from Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific.

Cartography nuts can go wild in the map collection of the Library. History buffs will love the insight provided by unpublished diaries, letters and scrapbooks in the Archives.

The museum also hosts visiting exhibitions.

Glenbow Museum is located in the heart of downtown Calgary in the Cultural District. The C-Train services the museum and a light rail transit station is one block away. The museum is also linked to the +15 Skywalk, a public pedestrian walkway 15 feet (4.5 meters) above street level that connects many buildings in the city. If you are driving, there is user-pay parking in nearby buildings.

The museum’s galleries are open daily except Monday, while the Library and Archives are open Tuesday through Thursday only. There is an admission fee.

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Best Lodging Options Near Glenbow Museum

Hotel Arts

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4 out of 5
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Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown

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3 out of 5
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Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
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Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District

3.5 out of 5
610 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
110 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
Hotel Le Germain Calgary

Hotel Le Germain Calgary

4 out of 5
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Hotel Le Germain Calgary
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

3.5 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency Calgary

Hyatt Regency Calgary

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Glenbow Museum

At the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including engaging photo tours that allow for a unique perspective on the museum's exhibits. Nearby, the vibrant theatre scene, exciting entertainment options, and the thrill of hockey games enhance your experience, making it a perfect destination for culture and sports enthusiasts alike.

Shopping

For shopping near the Glenbow Museum, visit TD Square, just 483m away, offering vibrant city vibes. Eau Claire Market Mall is 966m away, perfect for family outings, while CORE Shopping Centre is a short 644m away, featuring a great mix of entertainment and business options.

Recreation

Explore McMahon Stadium for a lively sports experience, only 4.8km from Glenbow Museum. For a dash of adventure, head to Max Bell Centre for ice skating, also 4.8km away. Unwind at Foothills Athletic Park, where you can enjoy wellness activities and relaxation vibes, just 4.8km from the museum.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Canada Olympic Park, a ski resort located 11.3km from Glenbow Museum, offering skiing and outdoor excitement. Alternatively, visit WinSport, a ski field 11.3km away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For something different, try The Shooting Edge, located 6.4km away for a unique shooting experience.

Nightlife

Experience Calgary's vibrant nightlife near Glenbow Museum with a visit to Theatre Calgary or GRAND, both offering captivating performances and a romantic atmosphere just 322m away. For a closer option, enjoy a show at Vertigo Theatre, located right next door, perfect for family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Glenbow Museum

When visiting the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including vibrant streets, entertainment arenas, and modern towers. The area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Consider exploring military museums and staying in nearby hotels for convenience. With its rich offerings, the Glenbow Museum and its surroundings promise an enriching experience for every traveller.

  • Calgary TELUS Convention Centre: Located only 161m from the Glenbow Museum, this vibrant venue offers a dynamic atmosphere for family-friendly events and entertainment. With its central location, it serves as a hub for cultural and community gatherings.
  • Calgary Tower: A mere 50m away, the Calgary Tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains. This iconic landmark embodies the pulse of Calgary, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of urban life.
  • BMO Centre: Situated 644m from the museum, the BMO Centre is a premier venue for conferences and exhibitions. Its professional environment caters to business events, offering a unique glimpse into Calgary's corporate landscape.

Best time to go to Glenbow Museum

The best time to visit Glenbow Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January17.6°F (-8.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March27.0°F (-2.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April37.8°F (3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December16.2°F (-8.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Glenbow Museum

To save money on your visit to the Glenbow Museum, consider travelling during the off-peak season from December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Monday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Utilize tools like Expedia to find affordable hotel deals and package options that combine flights and activities. For public transport, Calgary has an efficient bus system that can help you get around economically. Don’t forget to explore free activities nearby, which can enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Glenbow Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Glenbow Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Glenbow Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Glenbow Museum hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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