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 History buffs will love the insight provided by unpublished diaries, letters and scrapbooks in the Archives.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

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown

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Hotel Arts

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Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

3.5 out of 5
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Hotel Le Germain Calgary

Hotel Le Germain Calgary

4 out of 5
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Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

4 out of 5
255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, AB
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Hyatt Regency Calgary

Hyatt Regency Calgary

4 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency Calgary
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
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Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

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Fairmont Palliser

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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

While visiting the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, be sure to enjoy guided tours that highlight its impressive collection. Don't miss out on nearby attractions like vibrant theatre performances, exciting hockey games, and other entertainment options. Tips for a great visit include planning day trips to local military museums and considering photo tours to capture the museum's stunning exhibits. These activities will enrich your experience in this cultural hub of Alberta.

Shopping

At the Glenbow Museum, you can enjoy shopping at TD Square, only 483m away, and CORE Shopping Centre, 644m away, both offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly and entertainment options. Eau Claire Market Mall is also close, just 966m from the museum.

Recreation

At McMahon Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere—perfect for cheering on local teams. The Max Bell Centre offers exhilarating ice skating, blending sports and fun. For a touch of luxury, unwind at The Glencoe Club, where you can relax in a refined setting just 1.6km away.

Adventure

At Canada Olympic Park, enjoy thrilling skiing and outdoor adventures only 11.3km from Glenbow Museum. For sports enthusiasts, WinSport's skiField offers exciting winter activities nearby. Alternatively, experience adrenaline-pumping karting at Speeders Indoor Prokarts, located 9.7km away, perfect for racing fans.

Nightlife

In Calgary, the vibrant nightlife near Glenbow Museum features Theatre Calgary and GRAND, both offering captivating performances just 322m away. Vertigo Theatre, located a mere 50m away, adds to the cultural charm, making it an excellent spot for romance and family entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Glenbow Museum

During your visit to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, you can explore a variety of attractions including vibrant streets, local entertainment facilities, and modern towers. The area is perfect for cultural experiences, family outings, and immersing yourself in art. Be sure to check out the Glenbow Reimagined exhibits and consider nearby hotels for a convenient stay.

  • Calgary TELUS Convention Centre: Located a mere 161m from the Glenbow Museum, this vibrant arena offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment options. Visitors can experience trade shows, exhibitions, and cultural events, all in a lively atmosphere that fosters community engagement.
  • Calgary Tower: Standing right at the doorstep of the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower is an iconic landmark that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the stunning vistas and take in the urban skyline from the observation deck, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
  • BMO Centre: Situated 644m away, the BMO Centre is a bustling event and conference venue. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Calgary's business culture while attending various exhibitions and events tailored for professionals and entrepreneurs.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January17.6°F (-8.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March27.0°F (-2.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April37.8°F (3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December16.2°F (-8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Glenbow Museum

To save money on your visit to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like Chinook Centre and Prince's Island Park. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that combines your stay, flights, and activities for further savings. Public transport options can also help cut costs while exploring the city.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily sort your results from lowest to highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Glenbow Museum hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.