Go interstellar
The SpacePort at Calgary Airport offers free education and entertainment in the form of state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and displays with a focus on aeronautic technology, in addition to space travel and exploration. Great for kids and adults alike, the SpacePort is a fun and affordable way to spend some time if you have a few hours to wait before your flight. The facility also hosts exhibitions for community groups and school trips.
The SpacePort is open between 9am and 9pm on Mondays to Fridays and between 9am and 5pm at weekends.
Take in local art and history
As part of YYC’s partnership with the Attractions Alberta Program, the airport displays a number of carousel exhibits highlighting some of Calgary’s key landmarks, sporting achievements and notable events.
The International Terminal also displays works of art from local artist, Jeff de Boer, and fellow Canadian sculptors, Al Stinson and Michael Mailhot. The idea of the art installations is to give visitors (especially those coming into the airport for the first time) a sense of Calgary and its place in the world, as well as that of Canada as a whole.
Enjoy global delights and local cuisine
In terms of places to eat, YYC certainly spoils you for choice. Chili’s offers grilled food with flavors inspired by Southwestern Canada, while you can indulge in a uniquely Canadian breakfast platter in the A&W fast food outlet.
If you like your food a little more exotic, go to Bubbles Tapas and Wine Bar for food with a Latin feel or venture into Crepe Delicious for a taste of Parisian street food.
The Belgian Beer Café offers a great selection of premium Belgian beers along with a mix of homegrown and far-flung flavors, including mouth-watering AAA Albertan steak and Belgian fries.
Work, rest or play
The two Aspire International Lounges offer you places to work or rest in comfort and luxury away from the hustle and bustle of an often-noisy airport terminal. If you need to get on with some work, you can do so in the comfortable executive chairs, while the fast, free WiFi and tableside charging stations enable you to stay up to date and in the loop.
The breakfast, drinks and all-day dining menus give you access to the fuel you need to power through your busy day and sleeping pods are also available if ever you need to recharge your batteries before take-off.
Stay fresh and look the part
Elements Spa offers bespoke cosmetic treatments and facials designed to nourish and revitalize your skin and give you a healthy glow. In-store experts personalize the treatment to take care of your unique skin profile. If you’re in a rush, Elements on the Go ensures you stay looking and feeling fresh pronto.
Also in the terminal, the Desigual clothes store offers attire to help you stand out from the crowd at any occasion, while Lammie’s Western Wear offers apparel dedicated to the western lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cocktail dress or you want to try on a Stetson and some cowboy boots at the end of your time in Calgary, YYC's retail outlets have everything you need.
Look for souvenirs or last-minute deals
Calgary Duty Free offers an extensive range of premium branded products, including perfumes, makeup, sunglasses, watches and jewelry. What’s more, you get all of this for at least 20 per cent less than the normal high street prices.
Heritage Trading Post sells a huge range of uniquely Albertan items. These include dark stones and ammolite pieces, bronze statues, specialist jewelry and educational books on native culture. Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers treats inspired by or derived from Canada, as a way to remember your time in the country.