Tourism Calgary, WestJet Launch Stopover Program for UK VisitorsTourism Calgary, WestJet LaunchStopover Program for UK Visitors

Every year, millions of international passengers pass through Calgary International Airport without stepping outside the terminal. Tourism officials believe that it can change.

The Calgary Stopover Program encourages travellers to pause their journey and discover what the city has to offer. From vibrant neighbourhoods and diverse dining experiences to easy access to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is positioning itself as more than just a transit hub.

The program initially targets travellers flying from the UK through WestJet’s routes from London Heathrow and Edinburgh.

According to Tourism Calgary, the initiative is designed as a pilot project that could eventually expand to additional international markets

Eligible passengers can add Calgary to their itinerary through WestJet’s multi-city booking option.

Key benefits include:

• Up to seven days in Calgary at no extra airfare cost
• Access to 19 exclusive hotel offers
• Discounts through the Calgary Attractions Pass
• One reservation covering the entire journey
• Flexible travel planning with simplified booking

This approach allows travellers to enjoy an additional destination without the hassle of managing separate flight bookings

Calgary has steadily gained international attention as a travel destination.

The city combines urban experiences with natural beauty. Visitors can explore local markets, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions before heading to nearby mountain destinations.

Popular experiences include:

• Walking along the Bow River pathways
• Exploring Calgary’s downtown districts
• Sampling the city’s diverse food scene
• Visiting iconic attractions
• Using Calgary as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies

Its location also provides convenient access to famous destinations such as Banff and other mountain communities.

Calgary has steadily gained international attention as a travel destination.

The city combines urban experiences with natural beauty. Visitors can explore local markets, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions before heading to nearby mountain destinations.

Popular experiences include:

• Walking along the Bow River pathways
• Exploring Calgary’s downtown districts
• Sampling the city’s diverse food scene
• Visiting iconic attractions
• Using Calgary as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies

Its location also provides convenient access to famous destinations such as Banff and other mountain communities

The launch comes during a strong period for Calgary’s tourism industry.

Recent figures show increasing international interest in the city. International visitor spending recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, while passenger traffic through Calgary International Airport also increased compared with the previous year. The city previously welcomed more than 10 million visitors, generating billions of dollars in tourism spending.

Industry leaders believe the stopover initiative can further strengthen Calgary’s economy by converting transit passengers into overnight guests

The program is expected to create opportunities across Calgary’s tourism sector.

Businesses likely to benefit include:

1. Hotels and accommodation providers
2. Restaurants and cafés
3. Local attractions and entertainment venues
4. Transportation services
5. Retail businesses

By encouraging travellers to spend additional time in the city, the initiative may contribute to increased visitor spending and job creation

Travellers interested in participating can follow a straightforward process:

1. Select WestJet’s multi-city booking option.
2. Add Calgary as a stopover destination.
3. Choose the desired length of stay, up to seven days.
4. Complete the booking under a single reservation.

The simplified process removes many of the complications often associated with planning multi-destination trips.

As international travel continues to recover and evolve, Tourism Calgary and WestJet are betting that travellers want more meaningful experiences. Instead of waiting at an airport gate, UK visitors can now transform a routine connection into an unforgettable Canadian adventure