
Calgary/Bow river Riverfront Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Stroll along the Bow River Riverfront, where Calgary’s urban soul truly unfolds—this isn’t just a scenic green corridor, it’s the city’s vibrant heartbeat. Whether you’re jogging at sunrise or relaxing on a bench as the sun sets, you’ll feel the rhythm of this prairie metropolis. Don’t miss the nearby boutiques and cozy cafés that turn every step into a moment of connection and comfort.




















Everything you need to know about Bow river Riverfront
The Fairmont Calgary is a top choice, offering direct access to the Bow Riverfront with panoramic views of the winding river and surrounding mountains. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore the Riverfront Trail and Bouchard Park on foot or by bike. The hotel features an outdoor lounge where visitors can enjoy evening drinks amid the natural ambiance of the riverbank. With modern amenities and exceptional service, it perfectly blends urban luxury with the serene beauty of Alberta’s natural landscape.
Yes, hotels like The Westin Calgary and Hyatt Regency Calgary are located in downtown Calgary, just a 10-minute walk from CTrain light rail stations. This provides easy access to Calgary International Airport (20 minutes) and major venues like the Telus Convention Centre. Multiple bus routes also serve the Bow Riverfront area, and with integration between C-Train, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian pathways, travelers enjoy seamless, efficient mobility throughout the city—making it ideal for both business and leisure visits.
Along the Bow Riverfront, visitors can enjoy a range of unique experiences: ride the 30-kilometer Riverfront Trail on a bike or scooter; picnic at Bouchard Park during summer festivals; or try ice skating and snowshoeing in winter. Nearby attractions like the Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park offer family-friendly extensions combining wildlife, history, and nature. For a quiet moment, visit Sundance Bridge to watch the reflection of snow-capped peaks and the city skyline on the river’s surface—a true embodiment of the Rocky Mountain foothills’ tranquil beauty.
Yes, hotels such as Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown and Embassy Suites by Hilton Calgary feature family-friendly amenities including children’s playrooms, interconnected family suites, complimentary kids’ meals, and childcare services. Some even offer guided riverfront nature walks tailored for families, introducing them to local wildlife and ecological trails. In collaboration with Calgary Public Library, these hotels host storytime events, blending education and fun. These thoughtful offerings ensure a safe, comfortable, and enriching experience for families seeking quality time in nature and city life.
Absolutely. The Sundance Bridge at night, illuminated with soft lights reflecting on the water, creates a dreamlike setting perfect for couples. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Riverfront Trail, pause at Rundle Park for panoramic views of the river and distant mountains. Some hotels, like The Fairmont Calgary, offer romantic dinner packages with live jazz music by the riverside. Seasonal events such as the Calgary Flames Ice Show and Riverfront Lights Festival add magical moments, making this area a quintessential destination for couples seeking intimate, memorable experiences amidst natural beauty.
Yes, several hotels near the Bow Riverfront—including The Westin Calgary and Shaw Conference Centre Hotel—offer private tour services such as personalized chauffeur transfers, guided riverfront eco-tours, hiking route planning, and expert cultural history narration. Tour guides are certified local naturalists or historians who tailor experiences to guest preferences, from sunrise photography walks to stargazing sessions. In partnership with Calgary Parks, some hotels also provide exclusive private events like sunset tea ceremonies or outdoor movie nights, delivering a bespoke, premium experience for discerning travelers.
The Calgary Marriott Downtown is ideal for riverfront access, offering stunning views of the Bow River and city skyline from its guest rooms. Located steps from the Bow River Trail, it provides easy access to hiking, biking, and seasonal events like outdoor concerts. Nearby attractions include Glenbow Museum and Calgary Tower, enhancing cultural exploration. The hotel’s central location ensures seamless travel to downtown Calgary and surrounding natural parks like Tuscany Park, blending urban convenience with nature.
Walking from Bow Riverfront to downtown Calgary takes about 15 minutes along the scenic Bow River Trail, lined with trees and wildlife viewing spots. For faster transit, take the CTrain light rail from nearby stations like Rundle Station or Downtown Station, with a short 5-minute ride. Additionally, bus routes such as #207 and #208 pass through the area, connecting directly to government buildings, shopping centers, and business districts. The integrated public transport system ensures efficient, eco-friendly access across the city.
The Bow River Trail, stretching over 40 km, offers premier cycling and walking paths through scenic areas like Prince's Island Park and Tuscany Park. Summer visitors enjoy kayaking or canoeing on calm waters, surrounded by native wildlife. In winter, the river transforms into a natural ice park for ice walking and skating, with designated safe zones. The annual Riverbend Festival brings together music, art, and local vendors, celebrating Calgary’s vibrant community spirit. These activities highlight the region’s seamless blend of adventure, ecology, and culture.
Yes! Prince's Island Park is perfect for families, featuring playgrounds, interactive water features, and spacious lawns ideal for picnics and kite flying. Adjacent attractions include Calgary Zoo and Telus World of Science, enabling a full-day educational outing. Family-friendly bike rentals are available along the Bow River Trail, allowing children and adults to explore safely together. Weekly weekend events such as kids’ workshops and nature-guided tours add fun and learning. This combination of green space, education, and recreation makes it a top choice for Calgary families.
The night view along Bow Riverfront is magical, especially during the Winter Light Festival, when illuminated art installations line the banks, creating stunning reflections on the water. The Calgary Tower’s nighttime lighting enhances the skyline, while walking the Bow River Trail offers breathtaking views of the city lights shimmering across the river. Restaurants like The Paddlewheel Restaurant provide riverside dining with live music, offering a romantic and vibrant evening experience. This fusion of light, nature, and urban charm defines Calgary’s unique nocturnal allure.
Yes! Holiday Inn Express Calgary Downtown offers excellent value, located just a 5-minute walk from the Bow River Trail. It provides free breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry, with clean, comfortable rooms ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Its proximity to the CTrain station enables quick access to attractions like Heritage Park and Canada Olympic Park. Affordable rates combined with reliable service make it a top choice for families and backpackers seeking comfort without compromise.
See what other travelers say about Bow river Riverfront

Staying at this Hilton Garden Inn near Calgary International Airport was a great choice for my quick layover. The room was spacious—way bigger than I expected—and the quality of the furnishings was consistent with what I’ve come to expect from Hilton. The free breakfast was a real highlight; it’s rare to find such a generous and well-rounded complimentary meal at hotels abroad, especially in airport locations. I appreciated the hot options, fresh fruit, and coffee bar. The location is super convenient—just a short ride to the terminal, making early flights stress-free. Pricing felt fair for the comfort and amenities offered. If you're looking for a comfortable, no-fuss stay close to the airport, I’d definitely recommend this hotel. It’s a smart pick for short stays or last-minute arrivals.

My stay at Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown was absolutely excellent. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the C-Train station, making it super easy to get around the city without needing a car. There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes nearby, so everything you need is within reach. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the indoor pool and hot tub—perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my visit. Overall, the value for money is outstanding, and I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Calgary. It’s a top pick for both business and leisure travelers.

This hotel offers incredible value for money! The room was spacious and spotlessly clean, with two large beds that comfortably accommodated four people. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay—always smiling and ready to assist. Being right near the airport makes it super convenient, especially if you're catching an early flight or arriving late. There are several fast-food options nearby, and a short 15-minute drive gets you to major grocery stores like Superstore and Great Wall Market, plus a variety of authentic Chinese restaurants. Whether you're just passing through or need a quick stopover, this is a top choice. Highly recommend for comfort, convenience, and great service.

Staying at Aloft Calgary University was a fantastic experience! The hotel is quiet and peaceful, making it perfect for a good night's sleep. The room was spotless and well-maintained—every detail felt clean and fresh. All the amenities were available: a fridge, microwave, and ice machine, which made my stay super convenient, especially for quick meals or snacks. The only small downside was the lack of a water dispenser, but that didn’t really affect my overall satisfaction. The location is great—it’s close to the airport, so getting there by car or public transit was easy and stress-free. With its modern vibe, excellent cleanliness, and smart layout, this place offers incredible value. I’d definitely recommend it to students, business travelers, or anyone looking for a comfortable, no-fuss stay in Calgary.

I’ve stayed at several Staybridge Suites properties before, and this one at Calgary International Airport definitely lives up to the brand’s reputation. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the airport terminal, with easy access to public transit and nearby dining options. The hotel itself is spotless, modern, and well-maintained, with fresh furnishings throughout. I especially appreciate the full kitchenette in the room—it made cooking simple meals during my stay super convenient, which was perfect for saving time and money. The staff are friendly and efficient, making check-in and check-out smooth. It’s a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers looking for comfort, cleanliness, and value. Definitely going to book here again on my next trip to Calgary.

Staying at the Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport was a fantastic experience! The location is perfect—just minutes from the airport and super convenient for getting into downtown Calgary. The hotel is spotless, with clean and well-maintained rooms that feel cozy and welcoming. I especially appreciated the free airport shuttle service—it saved me a lot of money on transportation, especially with heavy luggage. While there’s no kettle in the room, everything else is top-notch, and the overall value for money is outstanding. Friendly staff, quiet environment, and great amenities make this a standout choice. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to any traveler visiting Calgary.

Staying at the Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for both short stays and extended visits. I especially appreciated having a full kitchenette with a refrigerator, which made preparing meals easy and convenient, especially when traveling with family or staying longer. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from downtown attractions, shopping areas, and public transit, making getting around the city a breeze. On top of that, the complimentary fitness center and in-house laundry facilities were a huge plus, saving time and money. Breakfast was surprisingly diverse—classic Western options like eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit, but also a welcome touch of Chinese-style savory porridge, which added a nice cultural twist. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully curated. Excellent value, great service, and a truly comfortable home-away-from-home. I’ll definitely return.

I've stayed at several airport hotels, but this one truly stands out. The location is incredibly convenient—just a quick walk from the terminal and easy access to public transit. What really impressed me was the exceptional service. I had a slight wait during check-in, and instead of just apologizing, the staff upgraded me to a spacious suite for free! The room was modern, clean, and super comfortable—the bed was perfect for a good night's sleep after a long flight. Everything about the property felt fresh and well-maintained. If you're flying into Calgary, this is definitely my top pick. A fantastic experience from start to finish!

Staying at Comfort Inn & Suites Airport South in Calgary was a great experience, especially for travelers needing quick access to the airport. The free shuttle service made getting to and from the terminal super convenient—no need to worry about taxis or rental cars. Free parking is a big plus too, perfect for those driving themselves. The hotel itself is quiet and well-insulated, so you won’t be disturbed by airport noise. Breakfast is simple but satisfying: scrambled eggs, sausage, bread, yogurt, plus coffee, tea, and juice—basic but fills you up. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. Overall, this place offers excellent value for money, particularly if you’re flying early or just need a comfortable, no-fuss stopover. I’d definitely stay here again on future trips to Calgary.

This hotel completely exceeded my expectations! From the moment I arrived, everything felt top-notch. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown Calgary, just steps from shops, restaurants, and attractions. My room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and well taken care of. It’s rare to find such great value and quality in one place. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next visit to Calgary—truly one of the best hotels I’ve ever experienced.

The room was surprisingly spacious and well-equipped, almost like having a mini kitchen with all the essentials for cooking. It made our stay so much more comfortable and convenient, especially when we wanted to whip up something quick after a long day. The location in downtown Calgary is excellent—walkable to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Everything about this stay was top-notch, from the clean, modern design to the friendly staff. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the city.

I absolutely loved this hotel—such a great value for the price! The check-in process was smooth, and the staff were quick and friendly. There's a small convenience store on the first floor, which is super handy for grabbing snacks, drinks, or even ice in the evening. The heating system is incredible—so warm and cozy, perfect for Calgary’s chilly weather. Plus, the parking lot is huge and easy to navigate, which is a big plus if you're driving. I’d definitely stay here again if I ever come back to Calgary. Highly recommend it!
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