Originally Posted by
fumje
Thanks for the tips; planning to stay at one of the airport hotels to make the departure easy-going.
Is bus to downtown the best option? I was figuring on trying public transit, but I could rent a car if that's much easier. I'm used to winter-weather driving, but my experiences with Montréal winters suggested it's not worthwhile. Aside: I've had friends really enjoy visiting Banff, but I figured for a single winter day better just to stay in Calgary—correct? Winter photography is a minor hobby, but I figured that'd be exhausting. And I'm sure if I've extra time I can find something worth shooting in the city.
The Glenbow looks appealing. If the aerospace museum is difficult to access it could be skipped. Is it really 10-15 min. drive from the airport? It looks quite near.
If you just intend to stay in the core I would take transit. Parking in downtown Calgary is pretty pricey and I would skip the car for that reason alone. Downtown is easily walkable and if it's cold outside you can still get around by the interconnected pedestrian walkways called the Plus 15. If you want some photos over-looking the downtown or the mountains I'd rent a car just to get around to different parts of the city.
If you have the whole day I'd consider Banff - weather-depending of course.
It takes a little over an hour to get out there and there are plenty of spots in and around the town that would give you some nice photographic opportunities! You could be drive out in the morning and be back by 5 or 6pm easily.
...and you are right - the Aerospace museum is only about 5 minutes away if you take the highway (I never go that way
).
Edit: If you want some photography locations for either Calgary or Banff PM me and I can direct to some.