Two practical self-guided tours let you experience Calgary like a local.
The Audio Tour is terrific – giving you 6 full days to explore 14 major sites at whatever speed suits you. I especially love the flexibility to start, stop, and replay the commentary.
For something more interactive, try the Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt, which turns sightseeing into a fun game with 43 challenges between the elegant Fairmont Palliser and back.
My favorite aspect is how it gets you into hidden corners of the city you might otherwise miss.
Let’s look at the details of these excellent tour options.
Key Points
- Calgary offers two main self-guided tour options: an Audio Tour and a Walking Tour/Scavenger Hunt, both designed for independent exploration of the city.
- The Audio Tour provides access to pre-recorded guides for 14 key attractions, allowing for flexible timing and pace.
- The Walking Tour features 43 interactive challenges via smartphone, offering a fun, game-like experience with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
- The Audio Tour emphasizes major sites and highlights, while the Walking Tour encourages exploration of Calgary’s lesser-known areas.
- Both tours aim to provide unique and personalized experiences, though the Walking Tour has received limited reviews indicating potential areas for improvement.
Calgary Self-Guided Audio Tour
The Calgary Self-Guided Audio Tour provides travelers with the freedom to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace. With access to audio guides for 14 key sites, visitors can discover the city’s highlights through a self-paced experience.
The tour includes private links to the audio guide playlist and an interactive map, valid for up to 6 days. The audio tour allows for maximum flexibility, as travelers can choose their own starting and ending points.
Upon booking, participants receive the necessary access links via email on their travel date. The audio guides are available through a secure SoundCloud link, complemented by a Google My Map for navigation and nearby attraction information.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s well-suited for those seeking a personalized exploration. The self-guided nature requires self-motivation, making it ideal for open-minded travelers who enjoy learning in new environments.
Customized audio guides for specific interests can also be arranged for an additional cost.
Read our full review: Calgary Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Calgary Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
A Calgary Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt offers travelers a unique and engaging way to explore the city at their own pace. The tour features 43 varied challenges that can be completed using a smartphone, providing instructions and directions along the way.
Conveniently, the tour starts and ends at the Fairmont Palliser, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
The tour is designed to be wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. It’s also situated near public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors.
While the tour is a private activity with only your group participating, most travelers can join.
However, the tour’s reviews are somewhat disappointing, with an overall rating of 2.5 stars based on just two reviews, all of which are 2 stars or lower.
Nevertheless, the tour still provides a unique opportunity to discover Calgary at your own pace and on your own terms.
Read our full review: Calgary Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Calgary offers a variety of self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the city at their own pace. The audio tour and walking tour with scavenger hunt provide unique ways to discover Calgary’s landmarks, history, and culture. These self-guided options are informative, interactive, and convenient for travelers looking to create their own sightseeing experiences in the city.