30 Calgary Things You Should Treat Yourself To For Under $30
Going out in a major city like Calgary can be hard on your wallet. You need money to do almost everything and some activities are just way too expensive. However, not all hope is lost. We did some digging and found 30 cheap things to do in Calgary for under $30. You can thank us later.
Many of us who live in big cities are also living on tight budgets. Rent alone is pricey enough, but once you factor in the expenses of having a social life, your bank account suffers.
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While there are some fun free things to do around the city, you can only go on hikes and window shopping at malls so many times before you get bored.
After a little searching, we found out that there are actually tons of cheap things to do around the city.
We've rounded up 30 things to treat yourself to in Calgary for super cheap. Everything on the list is $30 or less so you don’t have to worry about saying "no" to a good time.
With such affordable costs, these ideas are a must. From exciting activities to delicious eateries, this complete list has it all. Now, get out there and treat yourself to some guilt-free fun.
VRKADE
Price: $20 to $30
Address: 2020 32 Ave. N.E. R., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: VR is all the rage and you can do it all without having to buy a full system. VRKADE has tons of games to play plus you can always bring your own. Needless to say, you won't be bored.
Calgary Tower
Price: $18
Address: 101 9 Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you want to get the most iconic views of Calgary, then check out the tower. This landmark makes a full rotation every 45 minutes so you can see the entire city at the perfect birds-eye view.
Glenbow Museum
Price: $10
Address: 130 9th Ave S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This is one of Western Canada’s largest museums and has over 20 galleries. There are tons of rotating exhibits so there are always new things to see.
Science Centre
Price: $26
Address: 220 Saint George's Drive N.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This place isn’t just for kids. Every second Thursday night of every month, there is an adults-only night with an open bar.
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Price: $10
Address: 210 Ave. W, Hwy 22 S, Foothills No. 31, AB
Why You Need To Go: See the stars from the comfort of the University of Calgary’s observatory. It’s totally romantic and a great way to spend an evening.
Leisure Centres
Price: $8
Address: 9009 Fairmount Dr. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: There are several leisure centres in Calgary and they have everything. From wave pools and water slides to fitness centres and skating, you can do it all on budget.
$5 Movie at Canyon Meadows
Price: $5
Address: 13226 Macleod Trail #110, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Every day of the week, Canyon Meadows has a $5 movie you can treat yourself to. The theatre tends to get movies after Cineplex does, but $5 is $5.
Calgary Zoo
Price: $29.95
Address: 210 St. George's Drive N.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Coming in just under budget is the Calgary Zoo. Here you can see tons of adorable exotic animals and learn a little bit while doing it.
Hexagon Board Game Cafe
Price: $3 per person per hour
Address: 1140 Kensington Rd. N.W. #200, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Prepare for a little friendly competition. Hexagon Board Game Cane has tons of games to pick from and they are all up for grabs for a fee of $3 per person. This is way under budget so you can even get a drink or two while you’re at it.
Pin-Bar
Price: $5
Address: 501 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This pinball bar has daily $5 unlimited play pinball. Whether it’s a date or just a night out with friends, you won't be bored here.
Lucky Putt Mini Golf
Price: $9
Address: 3851 Manchester Rd. S.E. #107, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This warehouse has been completely converted into a huge mini-golf course. It’s cheap to play and their delicious tacos are even cheaper.
Calgary Public Library
Price: Free
Address:800 3 St. S.E, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: It's never been such a picturesque time to be a bibliophile. Stroll the bright and modern stairways of one of the largest library systems in North America and borrow a book or two while you're at it.
Mini Doughnuts at Dapper Doughnut
Price: $8.99 for a dozen
Address: 3625 Shaganappi Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: These gourmet mini doughnuts are so drool-worthy and incredibly cheap. They have tons of flavours so you can try them all for almost nothing.
Skyline Luge Calgary
Price: $16
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Calling all adrenaline junkies. You can race down a 1,800-metre track at Skyline Luge with over 50 twists and turns.
Tacos at the Moose and Poncho
Price: $4.75 per taco
Address: 132 3 Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: These tacos are so yummy and for only $4.75 per softshell, your $30 can go a long way. Be sure to save room for some of their yummy Mexican pastries.
Brunch at Cafe & Mi
Price: $13
Address: 1134 12 Royal Vista Way N.W., Calgary AB
Why You Need To Go: This cat cafe is adorable and has some of the best brunch in town. Their waffles are a must - you can get all kinds off their dessert menu loaded with Nutella and fruit.
National Music Centre
Price: $20
Address: 850 4 St. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: With over 2,000 pieces, this museum has some of the best music archives. You can even play instruments while you’re there.
YYC Cycle
Price: $25
Address: 101, 3505 14 St. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Get your sweat on at YYC Cycle. Spin classes are all the rage right now and they are cheap to attend. Drop-in and prepare for the workout of your life.
Heritage Park
Price: $11
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Canada’s largest living history museum is right here in Calgary. There are tons of things to see do, like ride the steam train or churn your own ice cream, so you definitely won't be bored.
Watch the Calgary Roughnecks
Price: $21
Address: 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you get tickets early enough, you can get some incredible deals. Lacross games are so fun and the perfect Canadian pastime.
Contemporary Calgary
Price: $10
Address: 701 11th St. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This museum always has tons of cool interactive pieces to see for cheap. Plus there's plenty of rotating exhibits, like the massive floating moon on display in 2020.
Sundae at D Spot Dessert Cafe
Price: $11.50
Address: 933 17 Ave SW #100, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This dessert cafe will give your dentist nightmares but we think it is totally worth it. Their sundaes are just $11.50 and totally delicious. Just don’t get a stomach ache.
Crazy Milkshakes at Regrub
Price: $13
Address: Multiple locations in Calgary
Why You Need To Go: This burger joint is famous for its over-the-top milkshakes. Some of the milkshakes are so big that it would take several people to devour, so bring your friends.
Extreme Caesar at Social Beer Haus
Price: $15
Address: 220 8 Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Have you ever wanted a caesar topped with burgers, pulled pork sliders, shrimp and a fried pickle or two? Now is your chance. The very biggest caesars are $35 but, with all the fixings, that's more than enough to split between two people.
Fried Chicken at Jollibee
Price: $17.59
Address: 999 36th Street N.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Jollibee has finally opened in Calgary and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The menu is diverse and your $30 will go a long way. $17.59 will get you a six-piece chicken bucket with a side of gravy for dipping. Talk about a good deal!
Shaved Ice at the All-Matcha Cafe
Price: From $3.75
25Address: 205 16 Ave. N.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This cafe caters to all things matcha. Everything on the menu is way under $30, so you can try a few things at once. From soft serve to floats, this all-matcha cafe has it all.
Trapped Escape Room
Price: $28 per person
Address: 1139 Kensington Rd. N.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you have a knack for solving puzzles, try Trapped Escape Rooms. These escape rooms are seriously tricky but they are a lot of fun.
Go Karting at Speeders
Price: $19
Address: 58 Aero Dr. N.E. #109, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you like to go fast, this activity is for you. Strap in and hold on tight, you’ll feel like you’re in Mario Kart for real.
Regal Cat Cafe
Price: $10
Address: 303 10 St. N.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: This self-proclaimed kitty kingdom is purr-fect, pun intended. Cuddle with some cute kitties and get a coffee while doing it.
Fort Calgary
Price: $12
Address: 750 9th Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Here you can discover the origins of Calgary. The fort now stands as a museum and it’s a great and cheap way to learn more about our city.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
