When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Calgary?
Calgary is popular year-round due to its rich variety of both summer and winter activities. The shoulder months are October and April, which is often a great time to find cheap flights to Calgary due to the somewhat unpredictable weather. If you want to book a budget-friendly trip to the city then it’s wise to avoid May to September, as those are the busiest months for tourism.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Calgary?
We recommend booking your return flights three to four months before your intended departure to help secure budget-friendly deals and your preferred travel dates. However, last-minute flights can be cheaper if you are willing to hunt for the best bargains. If you’re up for a party, summer is a great time to visit Calgary. From May to August the city plays host to a number of music, arts and even beer festivals.
Flying to Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is situated in the province of Alberta, Canada and is located just northeast of the city centre. Serving nearly 16 million travellers a year, YYC is the fourth busiest airport in the country.
If you’re looking to book a direct Calgary flight then you need to depart from either London Gatwick or London Heathrow and fly with WestJet, Lufthansa, Air Canada, American Airlines, Iberia, British Airways or Finnair. Each of these return flights is between eight and ten hours. There are numerous flights to Calgary from other major UK airports but they all require at least one layover, depending on the airline.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is split up into two terminals, one that deals with international flights and the other that handles domestic flights. Located in each is a wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. In addition, there is access to water filling stations, currency exchange services, ATMs and play areas for children. If for any reason you need to transfer between the domestic and international terminals, there’s a shuttle service called the YYC Link that makes the journey in just 5 minutes.
Getting to the City from Calgary International Airport (YYC)
YYC is located approximately 17 km from the centre of Calgary and provides a multitude of transportation options to take travellers to and from the airport with ease. Besides the obvious taxi and car rental options, visitors can take advantage of one of the many hotel shuttle services (providing you are guest at one) the Allied Downtown Shuttle service or one of the many bus routes that run between YYC and different areas of Calgary city centre.
Why Visit Calgary?
Looking for the perfect mix of busy city streets and breath-taking outdoor retreats? Calgary, Alberta is the prime holiday location if you want to do it all. Whet your appetite by heading downtown and sampling a few of the city’s eclectic bars and restaurants before hitting up The Core Shopping Centre or Eau Claire Market for a spot of retail therapy. Top it off by heading west and getting a taste of what life was like in Alberta 100 years ago by visiting the Heritage Park Historical Village.
The city has enough to keep anyone entertained, but one of the biggest attractions is the surrounding wilderness. While you’re there, be sure to make the 80 kilometres trip west to the Canadian Rockies, a prime skiing location and home of several sensational national parks just waiting to be explored. So, whether you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast at heart, prefer to stick to the buzzing downtown streets or enjoy a healthy mix of both, be assured that Calgary is the place for you.
Canada Visa & Currency Info
Although a visa is not required to visit Canada for a short period of time as a UK national, it is mandatory to obtain and present an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding your flight. This can be applied for online via the official Canadian Government website.
The official currency used is the Canadian dollar, which can easily be obtained either before you leave the UK or after your arrival in Calgary. It is advisable to have some Canadian dollars on your person when you enter Canada, in case of emergency.
