Calgary 
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Get outdoors, and enjoy winter in all its glory this season. A list of winter activities, events and attractions to do in Calgary this winter season.
Banff & Canmore are just over an hour away – Check out the
Winter activities in Banff National Park
Sleigh Riding in Banff
Dog Sledding around Calgary
You might also like
Christmas in Calgary
Current Weekend Activities in Calgary
Contents:
- Free Outdoor Winter Activities in Calgary
- Winter Activities & Indoor Winter Attractions in Calgary
- Guided Winter Tours
- Winter Festivals & Events in Calgary
I. Free Outdoor Winter Activities in Calgary
1. Cross Country Skiing, Skating & Tobogganing
Whether you decide to go cross country skiing, skate with friends or delight the child in you by sledding downhill, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and enjoy great outdoors in Calgary.
For more details, see the list of Cross country skiing areas, Outdoor skating rinks, and Tobogganing and sledding.
2. Free Art Tour
An indoor artwork tour through Calgary’s +15 level is a great way to explore unique public art work in downtown Calgary.
Skywalk – 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM
+15 system- Skywalk
Free;
3. Ice Fishing
When the temperature goes below freezing, Ice fishing is a fun activity you can do alone, or with friends and family.
Here is a list of places you can try ice fishing around Calgary.
4. Snowshoeing & Hiking
What better way is there to enjoy the winter landscape, than hiking the many trails that run through the city of Calgary.
Snowshoeing is a great way to discover winter wildlife. Snowshoe along the uncleared paths, or your favourite park and explore the snow blanketed Calgary.
If you are new to snowshoeing, Here is a link to First-Timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing and to a YouTube video. Rent snowshoes and make sure you actually like the activity before you invest in good quality equipment.
Join Calgary Ski Club to stay active and explore the winter landscape of Alberta with new friends. You can also contact stores that sell winter equipments like MEC for lessons and suggestions.
5. Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a free winter destination within Calgary where you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.
Try to spot & name Alberta winter birds (a great activity with kids) as you hike the trails.
Cross-country Skiing at the west end (trails are not groomed), Snowshoeing(best conditions at west end). Tobogganing is not encouraged.
6. Prince’s Island Park & Bowness Park
Bowness Park is another must-visit free outdoor skating rink in Calgary. You can rent skates from Bowness Park Skate Shop.
Other Winter Activities & Indoor Winter Attractions in Calgary
1. Canada Olympic Park
Photo Credit: WinSPORT
A truly world class winter destination right in the middle of the city: Canada Olympic Park is the place to be for all kinds of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and the TUBE PARK!
COP also offers great lessons (snow school) for newbies.
Winter season.
Tubing: Thursdays to Sundays and daily during Christmas Break
88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W. Calgary
Varies according to activity.
2. Horsing Around
If there is snow on the ground, go for a sleigh ride at Horsin Around.
Join for a Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride go dashing thru the snow on a two horse open sleigh then warm up inside a cup of hot chocolate, let the kid’s play on the bouncies or ride a pony in heated arena. Activities include Pony Rides, Petting Farm, Ice Skating, Inflatable Bouncy Castles, Mazes, Slides and Spaceship.
For a complete list of attractions, see Things to Do in Calgary.
3. Museums & Zoo
Telus Spark is a wonderful way to spend a whole day indoors when it is snowing heavily outside. Learn science through fun and play.
Visit The Military Museums and learn about the contribution of the Canadian military.
Glenbow Museum houses extensive collection that tells the story of Southern Alberta, and the Canadian West. Explore the galleries that houses ethnic artifacts, art, and military history.
Spend the day exploring Hanger Flight Museum which houses over 24 aircrafts and 58 aeronautical engines. Visit the museum during ASMAC Movie Nights and watch films that covers WW1 up to the latest and greatest in aerospace technology which is available today.
Calgary Zoo – See and learn about the animals that like winter. There are many indoor exhibits and a conservatory in the zoo to make the trip worthwhile. During winter, visit the zoo to see king penguins take their keepers for walkabouts around the zoo grounds (January – Early March).
Bow Habitat Station – A very good place to learn about Alberta’s natural environment and about various fish species. Take the hatchery tour with the young kids.
Gasoline Alley Museum – Explore the vintage car museum which houses extensive antique car and memorabilia collection.
National Music Centre – Visit NMC and explore five floors of exhibitions that tell the story of music in Canada, celebrate music icons at the Canadian Halls of Fame, rock out with interactive instrument installations and sing along in our vocal booths!
Guided Winter Tours
Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Parkway, Banff
November 1, 2023 To April 15, 2024
$63.50 to $101.17
Experience the winter wonderland of Banff’s Johnston Canyon on this ice walk tour. Join a professional guide on a hike along the canyon’s steel walkways, ... »
Banff Town to Grotto Canyon, Alberta
December 11, 2023 To April 14, 2024
$61.95 to $98.70
Walk on a frozen creek through Grotto Canyon, past unusual rock formations, ancient native rock art, and icefalls. Escorted by a specialist guide, this small-group tour offers ... »
Winter Festivals & Events in Calgary
Various Venues, Calgary
January 15, 2024 To February 4, 2024
Varies
For three wild weeks in January, One Yellow Rabbit presents the High Performance Rodeo, an international festival of live art. It’s a chance for Calgarians to ... »
Martha Cohen Theatre, 15 8 Ave SE, Calgary
January 15, 2024
$24.97 - $48.96
Get ready to kickstart the High Performance Rodeo with a bang as we unleash the sensational 10-Minute Play Festival on opening night! Say goodbye to conventions because ... »
Telus Spark Science Centre - 220 Saint George’s Drive NE, Calgary
January 18, 2024
403-250-7090
$125 & up
This event, in support of MS Canada, is for those who already love whisky, and those intrigued to learn more about this well-loved spirit! On Thursday, January 18, 2024, ... »
Various Venues, Banff
January 19, 2024 To February 4, 2024
FREE
Every January Banff and Lake Louise comes alive with the annual Snowdays celebration. The streets of downtown Banff transform into larger-than-life winter galleries with giant snow sculptures ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
January 24, 2024 To January 28, 2024
Arts, music and local craft beer will collide at BIG Winter Classic for a four-day winter wonderland weekend that doesn’t involve getting up at 6 am and ... »
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise
January 26, 2024 To February 4, 2024
$7 to $14
Set in the spectacular surroundings of Lake Louise, the Ice Magic Festival is a world class event with over 20 years of history. Watch as talented ice artists ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
February 1, 2024 To February 29, 2024
Free Admission; Food: Varies
It’s that delicious time of year again! New to YYC Hot Chocolate Fest? Throughout the month of February, participating cafes and restaurants will feature signature hot ... »
Various Restaurants, Calgary
February 1, 2024 To February 7, 2024
Free Admission; Food: Varies
It’s cold outside, Canada and there is no better way to warm up than with La Poutine Week. La Poutine Week – a week long food festival ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
February 2, 2024 To March 3, 2024
Free
This year’s exhibition programme shares a wide range of narratives, subjects, practices, and explorations of the photographic medium drawing attention to Calgary and Alberta as the ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
February 2, 2024 To February 19, 2024
Free & Ticketed Events
Experience open, outdoor winter fun at Chinook Blast–Calgary’s midwinter round up. Calgary – come outside, bring your small cohort and enjoy the vibrancy of our city ... »
GMC Stadium, 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
February 2, 2024 To February 3, 2024
$17.5 - $150+fees
The snow and ice-covered track will set the stage for intense door-to-door battles, where top-tier drivers like Travis Pastrana, Fraser McConnell, Oliver Eriksson, Conner Martell and Lia ... »
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1st ST SW, Calgary
February 3, 2024 To February 11, 2024
403-262-5071
Free
Join us at The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre’s Chinese New Year Festival 2024, a sensational celebration of our city’s rich cultural tapestry. Immerse yourself in two ... »
Various Venues, Okotoks
February 7, 2024 To February 17, 2024
Free Admission; Food: Varies
Brrr, it’s cold outside!! Let’s warm up with some Hot Chocolate!! Looking for a fun Valentines date? Something to do with the family on Family ... »
Southwood Community Hall, 11 Sackville Dr. SW, Calgary
February 10, 2024
403-829-6197
Free
Explore and celebrate the culture of the Philippines with a Filipino martial arts demonstration, entertainment, crafts, and a variety of Filipino vendors. »
Downtown Calgary, Inglewood & The East Village
February 15, 2024 To February 17, 2024
Free & Ticketed
Block Heater is an annual winter festival presented by the Calgary Folk Fest that highlights incredible Canadian and international artists. We’ve been gassing up the perfect ... »
Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, 18 Mt Royal Circle SW, Calgary
February 15, 2024 To February 18, 2024
$29.50 to $32
Ignite your passion for adventure, action, and travel! The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate you with amazing big-screen stories when it comes to ... »
Nutrien Event’s Centre Stampede Grounds, 1800 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary
February 16, 2024 To February 19, 2024
$16 - $30
SEE A SLOTH! Hug a boa constrictor. Pet a Wallaroo! See the worlds largest porcupine! All this and more as the Wildlife Festival returns with a not ... »
Various Venues, Airdrie
February 17, 2024 To February 19, 2024
Free and ticketed
Embrace the chill on the toboggan hill or face off on the ODR before you sip a cup of sweet cocoa by the bonfire as you beat ... »
Marda Loop Community Association, 3130 16th St SW, Calgary
February 17, 2024
5875823822
Free
Come join us at Taylor Markets’ International Food Fest! Free Swag Bags for the first 200 people! Win great prizes, too! ‘ Vendors include everything from cookies/cakes/fudge/... »
Cochrane & District AG Society, 43080 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
February 24, 2024 To February 25, 2024
$50
Join us above the town & under the stars for a curated experience that transcends the ordinary & creates memories that will last a lifetime. As the ... »
Theatre 1308, 1308 Edmonton Trail Northeast, Calgary
February 25, 2024 To March 3, 2024
Varies
Theatre 1308 returns, with eight days of music, improv, philosophy, poetry, and more! »
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
March 1, 2024 To March 2, 2024
$110 & up
With hundreds of wines, of varying styles and flavours, and a range of delicious hors d’oeuvres, there is something for everyone at Winefest. Enjoy a variety ... »
Bottlescrew Bill's Pub, 10 Avenue Southwest, Calgary
March 2, 2024
$40
Our Beer Festival is back & for the 29th time!- 30+Breweries 80+Beers Unlimited Fun! Proceeds from this event go to the Mustard Seed Street MinistryWith your ... »
La Cité des Rocheuses, 4800 Richard Road SW, Calgary
March 2, 2024 To March 3, 2024
$6.32 to $11.50
The Calgary regional ACFA is proud to announce the holding of the second edition of the Francophone Winter Festival. The festivities will highlight family values and feature ... »
Live Theatre Events During Winter in Calgary
Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 1002 37 Street SW, Calgary
March 30, 2024 To June 1, 2024
403-249-7799
$44.95-$81.95
Every decade has certain trends that develop… the 60’s had its hippie counter culture, the 70’s had bell bottoms and disco… but no other decade had the ... »
Martha Cohen Theatre, 215 8 Ave SE, Calgary
April 2, 2024 To April 27, 2024
403-294-7475
$39.00
The true story of the woman behind the American dime. Few know of Selma Burke, the Black American sculptor who played a major role in the Harlem ... »
Wainwright Hotel, 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
April 12, 2024 To May 11, 2024
$120+gst
Get ready, detectives! By popular demand, we’ve got a fresh mystery for you to solve! It’s 1910 and the Alberta Central Railway is building a railroad ... »
Rosebud Theatre, 404 Martin Ave #202, Rosebud
April 12, 2024 To April 27, 2024
8002677553
$15 - $25
Rosebud School of the Arts’ Artists-in-Training Present… The Voice of the Prairie by John Olive After being discovered by a traveling radio jock, Davey Quinn conjures memories ... »
Loose Moose Theatre Company, 1235 26th Avenue Southeast, Calgary
April 13, 2024 To May 5, 2024
$18.89
Loose Moose Theatre for Kids returns with the story of Young King Arthur. The classic story of Young King Arthur is performed in the fun and unique ... »
Vertigo Theatre, 161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE, Calgary
April 16, 2024 To May 5, 2024
403-265-4292
$25.00 - $35.00
At 77, Georges Boivin decides to “give the dice a roll.” Georges just lost his wife, the “centre of his universe.” But there is life after 70, and it ... »
Motel Theatre, 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary
April 18, 2024 To April 27, 2024
$36.60
A World Premiere GoGo Battles production by Karla Marx and Bitch Sassidy with generous support from Val Duncan and Downstage. Get ready for this exciting one of ... »
Stage West Calgary, 727 - 42 Avenue SE, Calgary
April 19, 2024 To June 23, 2024
$75 & up
The inspiring true story of Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she ... »
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
April 20, 2024 To April 26, 2024
403-262-7286
$40-$170
A Calgary Opera Premiere Gold, protected by the daughters of the river Rhine, harbours a deep magic. Anyone who casts a ring made from it can rule ... »
cSPACE, 1721 29th Ave SW Calgary
April 23, 2024 To May 5, 2024
$20 to $35
Fifteen years ago, Forte Musical Theatre produced its very first musical revue and, since that time, we’ve produced twenty-six shows, won twenty-five local, provincial and international ... »
Christmas & New Year in Calgary
It usually gets so cold in winter, that I just prefer going to the escape room. It allows us to do something fun while staying inside the premises away from the cold weather.
Wait how come I’ve never been to the ice skate ring even after living here for almost a decade? Unacceptable! Thanks for the list guys!