Four hours in Calgary airport

[Pug1]

Hi everyone, we have about 4 hours to fill in at Calgary International Airport on 26 December 17. We should arrive there around 12.30 hours and our Air Canada flight to Vancouver leaves at 18.10 hours. Then we connect to the Vancouver - Sydney flight that leaves at 23.45 hours same day. Any suggestions as to how we can fill the time in Calgary? We have never been there and will not have eligibility for the Air Canada Lounge, (travelling PE on the long legs and Y on the Calgary to Vancouver leg). Is it worth taking a shuttle into town, assuming we can check in early or leave luggage at the airport? Any advice from those who know Calgary would be appreciated, we know it will be cold!

 

[calgarychris]

I'm originally from YYC and I hate to say it, but I'd probably stay at the airport. Four hours isn't really much, Boxing day will be a zoo from shoppers...If you were to venture out, I would maybe check out Stephen Avenue, 17th Avenue or see if Fort Calgary is open (I doubt it, but check). Calgary is a fantastic gateway to the mountains, is great in summer, but for four hours...You may just get caught in traffic in a snowstorm back to the airport...

Sorry! Maybe ask one of the volunteer greeters - they're impossible to miss, they're in white Stetson hats at the airport

 

[Pug1]

I'm originally from YYC and I hate to say it, but I'd probably stay at the airport. Four hours isn't really much, Boxing day will be a zoo from shoppers...If you were to venture out, I would maybe check out Stephen Avenue, 17th Avenue or see if Fort Calgary is open (I doubt it, but check). Calgary is a fantastic gateway to the mountains, is great in summer, but for four hours...You may just get caught in traffic in a snowstorm back to the airport...

Sorry! Maybe ask one of the volunteer greeters - they're impossible to miss, they're in white Stetson hats at the airport

thank you calgarychris. I guess if we arrive a bit later and check in asap we can spend the time having a meal or shopping at the airport. We are spending Christmas day at Lake Louise so hopefully we will get to Calgary airport a bit later, snowstorm permitting! It would be nice to say hello to one of the volunteer greeters as well.

 

[RooFlyer]

How are you coming in from Lake Louise? By the sound of it, a dedicated airport transfer where you won't have much flexibility.

I'd agree with calgarychris that 4 hours in winter might be a bit dodgy to go out exploring, but if its fine (check the forecast also!), one option might be to hire a limo for an hour ( Calgary Allied Limousine & Official Airport Sedan Service - Online Reservation ) and just tool around - Nose Hill Park gives a view as does Saracee Trail SW. The limo option, although obviously more expensive gives you a Lincoln Town Car and a driver more attuned to what you want to do and the timing issue.

There is luggage storage at YYC: YYC > Traveller Info > Navigating YYC > Facilities at YYC > Coat and Luggage Storage

 

[Pug1]

How are you coming in from Lake Louise? By the sound of it, a dedicated airport transfer where you won't have much flexibility.

I'd agree with calgarychris that 4 hours in winter might be a bit dodgy to go out exploring, but if its fine (check the forecast also!), one option might be to hire a limo for an hour ( Calgary Allied Limousine & Official Airport Sedan Service - Online Reservation ) and just tool around - Nose Hill Park gives a view as does Saracee Trail SW. The limo option, although obviously more expensive gives you a Lincoln Town Car and a driver more attuned to what you want to do and the timing issue.

There is luggage storage at YYC: YYC > Traveller Info > Navigating YYC > Facilities at YYC > Coat and Luggage Storage

Great info RooFlyer, thank you. We are on an APT tour so will be taking their coach transfer from LL along with the other guests. They advise arrival at Calgary airport around 12.30 but hopefully they may have a little flexibility and arrive a bit later. Also depends on the weather along the way I guess.