Layover in Calgary
 

My wife and I will be arriving at YYC at 1pm on AC from LHR and departing on AC at 7:15pm to LAX. We have decided to have a leisurely meal at the Delta Calgary Airport Hotel during our layover.

I am assuming we need to go to the hotel before we clear U.S. customs (rather than after doing so--would that even be possible?). Am I correct on that? Thanks.

Yes. You are correct.

If you clear US customs, then you will be stuck in the small transborder part of the airport, which offers two small bars, a Starbucks, a Tim Hortons, and a Burger King.

1pm to 7pm is more than enough time to go into downtown Calgary if you'd like to get a nicer meal / walk around a bit. If it's a weekday, give 60mins to get back to the airport during rush hour (45 would be enough, 60 is safe); if a weekend, give 30mins.

You can be thrifty and take the bus to the C-train (light rapid transit) and ride that throughout the city so you can see the city!

Spend $60 and rent a car and spend time visiting the city or even, dare I suggest, a quick drive to Canmore or Banff (don't stop to pay, stay in the right lane) and see two of the most beautiful sights on earth!

You are in the lowest tax jurisdiction in Canada with the lowest fuel cost in the country, so go out and enjoy, beats sitting in the MLL!