Find Parking Near the University of Calgary Without the Guesswork
Finding a parking space at the University of Calgary can be confusing, especially during busy class hours. Fortunately, the campus offers several visitor lots, hourly spaces, and covered parkades.
However, the closest parking area is not always the most affordable. This guide explains current rates, convenient campus locations, free parking conditions, payment methods, and useful alternatives.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Park at UCalgary?
For a full-day campus visit, start by comparing Lots 10, 11, and 32. These official visitor lots currently cost $10.50 per day. Moreover, their evening and weekend rate is $6.50.
If you only need parking for a short appointment, an hourly lot may be more convenient. However, hourly charges can add up quickly. Therefore, check the expected length of your visit before choosing a space.
For covered parking, Art Parkade currently costs $14 per entry. Meanwhile, MacEwan Hall Parkade offers central-campus access at $6.50 per hour, up to a $26 daily maximum.
Alternatively, McMahon Stadium has a $7 daily rate and offers free parking after 6 p.m. and on weekends under its normal parking rules. However, event restrictions may apply.
University of Calgary Parking Rates for 2026–27
Parking costs vary across the University of Calgary. For example, a flat-rate lot may be suitable for a full day of classes, while an hourly space may work better for a short meeting.
In addition, covered parkades have different pricing structures. Therefore, compare the total cost rather than relying on the first advertised rate. All public parking prices below are in Canadian dollars and include GST.
| Parking option | Current price | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Lots 10, 11 and 32 |
$10.50 daily $6.50 after 5 p.m. and weekends |
Longer campus visits |
| Hourly lots |
$5.50 per hour $24 daily maximum |
Short appointments |
| Art Parkade |
$14 per entry $9 after 6 p.m. |
Covered parking |
| MacEwan Hall Parkade |
$6.50 per hour $26 daily maximum |
Central campus |
| McMahon Stadium |
$7 daily Free after 6 p.m. and weekends |
Budget parking when permitted |
| CWPH Parkade |
$6.50 per hour $24 daily maximum |
Foothills campus |
| Spy Hill campus | $7 daily | Spy Hill visitors |
For example, three hours in a standard hourly lot costs $16.50 at the published rate. In comparison, the flat-rate visitor lots cost $10.50 for the day. Consequently, the flat-rate option can save money when your destination is within a practical walk.
However, price is only one consideration. If your appointment is far from the selected lot, a closer hourly space may be more useful.
Where to Park Near the University of Calgary
The university’s main campus covers a large area. Therefore, it helps to match your parking location with the building you plan to visit.
For example, Lots 10 and 11 are convenient for the Olympic Oval and Active Living facilities. Meanwhile, MacEwan Hall Parkade serves the central campus area.
Lot 10
Lot 10 is a practical choice for visitors heading to the northern part of campus. In particular, it provides convenient access to the Olympic Oval and nearby Active Living facilities.
In addition, the rate drops to $6.50 after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Lot 11
Lot 11 is another convenient choice for the Olympic Oval and Active Living. Moreover, the university identifies it as a useful accessible-parking location for these facilities.
Therefore, visitors who need accessible access should compare this lot with their destination.
Lot 32
Lot 32 provides another official flat-rate visitor parking option. As a result, it is worth checking when your preferred campus lot is inconvenient or unavailable.
However, confirm its position on the campus map before choosing it.
Art Parkade
Art Parkade is a five-storey parking structure on the south side of the main campus. Furthermore, it has approximately 1,260 spaces.
Therefore, it is worth considering when covered parking or south-campus access matters. The evening rate is $9 after 6 p.m.
MacEwan Hall Parkade
MacEwan Hall Parkade is an underground parking facility in the central campus area. Consequently, it can be convenient for visitors attending meetings or events nearby.
However, the $26 daily maximum is higher than the university’s flat-rate visitor lots.
McMahon Stadium
McMahon Stadium provides another lower-cost parking option. In addition, parking is normally free after 6 p.m. and on weekends.
However, stadium events can affect access. Therefore, check the event schedule and posted parking conditions before leaving your vehicle.
Choose Parking Based on Your Campus Destination
Before driving to UCalgary, identify the building you need. Otherwise, you may end up parking on the opposite side of campus.
Olympic Oval and Active Living
For these destinations, Lots 10 and 11 are useful starting points. Approach from 32 Avenue NW and turn south onto Collegiate Boulevard.
Then, follow the appropriate signs for your selected lot. From there, use the pedestrian route toward the Olympic Oval.
MacEwan Students’ Centre
For a central-campus appointment, consider MacEwan Hall Parkade. Although its hourly rate is higher than a standard surface lot, the central location may reduce walking.
South Campus and Art Buildings
Art Parkade is worth comparing for destinations on the southern side of campus. In addition, its covered structure can be useful during Calgary’s colder months.
Foothills Campus
The Foothills campus is separate from the main University of Calgary campus. Therefore, do not automatically follow directions to the main campus parking lots.
Instead, check the CWPH Parkade and the specific building you need. The published rate is $6.50 per hour, with a $24 daily maximum.
Is There Free Parking Near the University of Calgary?
Free parking is limited around the main campus. However, McMahon Stadium currently offers free parking after 6 p.m. and on weekends under its normal parking rules.
Before using this option, check for stadium events and temporary restrictions. In particular, a football game or another major event may change the normal parking arrangements.
Free Parking at McMahon Stadium
McMahon Stadium’s published daily parking rate is $7. However, eligible evening and weekend parking is free after 6 p.m.
Nevertheless, overnight parking is not permitted under the published McMahon East permit conditions. Therefore, never assume that free evening parking allows you to leave your vehicle overnight.
Can You Park Free on Nearby Streets?
Some nearby streets may have different parking rules. However, residential permit zones, time limits, and temporary restrictions can apply.
Therefore, read every sign before leaving your vehicle. Do not assume that an empty space is available for unlimited parking.
How to Pay for University of Calgary Parking
The university offers pay stations and mobile payment in selected parking areas. However, its parking machines do not accept banknotes or debit cards.
Instead, prepare an accepted credit card or coins. The university lists Visa, Mastercard, and American Express among the accepted pay-station options.
Using the Parkedin App
Alternatively, you can use the Parkedin mobile payment service in participating lots. First, download the app or access its website.
Next, select the correct parking location and enter your vehicle’s licence plate. Then, choose the amount of parking time you need and complete the payment.
In addition, the app can remind you before your parking session expires. If your visit takes longer than expected, you may be able to extend your session remotely, subject to the lot’s rules.
How to Park at UCalgary Without Wasting Time
A little preparation can make your campus visit much easier. Therefore, follow these steps before and after arriving.
First, find the exact building you need. Then, check whether it is on the main campus, Foothills campus, or Spy Hill campus.
Next, use the official parking map to find the nearest suitable visitor lot. In addition, choose a backup in case your preferred area is unavailable.
Before leaving home, estimate how long you will stay. For example, a flat-rate lot may cost less than hourly parking during a longer visit.
Once you arrive, confirm that visitors may use the selected area. Moreover, check whether special restrictions apply during your visit.
After parking, pay at the appropriate station or through the supported app. Finally, keep your payment confirmation until your visit is complete.
University of Calgary Student Parking Permits
Students who drive to campus regularly may prefer a semester permit. However, permit availability varies by parking area and academic term.
For example, the published 2026–27 semester rate for McMahon Stadium is $272 plus GST. Meanwhile, the Art Parkade semester rate is $650 plus GST.
Lot 10 student semester permits are listed at $520 plus GST. Nevertheless, these permits are subject to availability. Therefore, check the official permit portal before planning your commute around a particular lot.
Should You Buy a Semester Permit?
First, estimate how many days you will drive to campus. Next, compare the semester permit price with the cost of paying for individual visits.
For example, a student attending campus only once or twice a week may have different parking needs from someone driving every weekday.
In addition, remember that a permit may have location-specific conditions. Consequently, buying a permit does not necessarily allow parking in every campus lot.
Accessible Parking at the University of Calgary
Accessible parking is available in designated campus areas. However, the most convenient location depends on your destination and the accessible route to the building.
For example, the university identifies Lot 11 as a convenient accessible-parking option for Active Living facilities. In addition, Lots 9 and 16 have accessible spaces near the Olympic Oval.
Therefore, check the official parking map and accessible entrance before driving to campus. If you need additional assistance, contact the university in advance.
Consider the CTrain Instead of Driving
Parking is not always the most practical way to reach campus. For example, visitors traveling from another part of Calgary may find the CTrain easier than navigating busy campus roads.
University Station serves the main campus area. From there, you can walk toward your destination using the campus pedestrian routes.
However, the walking distance depends on the building you need. Therefore, check your destination before choosing between transit and parking.
University of Calgary Parking Map
Use the map below to locate the main University of Calgary campus. However, the general university pin does not identify every parking entrance.
Therefore, use the official university parking map for the exact lot location and current visitor parking restrictions.
Official University Parking Resources
Parking information can change between academic terms. Therefore, use these official resources when you need current prices, lot locations, payment instructions, or permit availability.
University of Calgary Parking FAQs
How much is visitor parking at UCalgary?
Visitor parking rates vary by location. For example, Lots 10, 11, and 32 currently cost $10.50 per day. Meanwhile, standard hourly lots cost $5.50 per hour, up to a $24 daily maximum.
Where can I find affordable parking near the University of Calgary?
Start by comparing the official flat-rate visitor lots. In addition, McMahon Stadium currently offers $7 daily parking. However, consider the walking distance and any event restrictions before choosing a space.
Is University of Calgary parking free on weekends?
Most campus visitor lots still charge for parking on weekends. However, McMahon Stadium normally offers free weekend parking. Therefore, check stadium event restrictions before relying on that option.
How much does Art Parkade cost?
The published rate is $14 per entry. In addition, the evening rate drops to $9 after 6 p.m. Nevertheless, check the current university rate page before your visit.
Can I pay for campus parking with a debit card?
The university states that its parking pay machines do not accept debit cards or banknotes. Instead, use an accepted credit card, coins, or a supported mobile payment option.
Where should I park for the Olympic Oval?
Lots 10 and 11 are convenient options for the Olympic Oval. In addition, Lot 16 is nearby for shorter visits. Therefore, compare the expected parking duration before choosing.
Can visitors use permit parking lots?
Some assigned lots become public pay lots after 3:30 p.m. However, the exact rules vary by location. Therefore, check the posted signs and official parking map before using a permit area.
Is overnight parking allowed at McMahon Stadium?
The university’s published McMahon East permit conditions prohibit overnight parking. Therefore, do not assume that evening or weekend parking includes permission to leave your vehicle overnight.
Does the university offer student parking permits?
Yes. Semester and other permit products are available, subject to eligibility and availability. However, some permits can sell out. Therefore, check the official parking portal before making plans.
What happens if my preferred campus lot is full?
First, check your backup parking location. Next, follow the current campus signs to an authorized visitor area. Finally, confirm the applicable rate and payment rules before leaving your vehicle.
Final Parking Tips for Your Campus Visit
Parking near the University of Calgary becomes easier when you plan around your destination rather than choosing a lot based only on price.
For a longer main-campus visit, compare the flat-rate visitor lots. Meanwhile, a closer hourly space may be useful for a short appointment. If covered parking matters, consider Art Parkade.
Finally, check the current parking rules before driving. That simple step can help you avoid unnecessary circling, unexpected charges, and parking violations.