100 Fun Summer Activities in Calgary

1. Watch Bell Fireworks Spectacular by Calgary Stampede.
2. Go whitewater paddling or river surfing in Calgary’s Bow River at Harvie Passage. Please note that this is for experienced paddlers only. South channel beach is good fun for families. But you should be mindful of the river and please do keep in mind all advisories.
   
3. Taste wine and hang out with baby kangaroos… what could possibly be better? Or visit Cobb’s Corn Maze & Family Fun Park during day time for family fun time!
4. Go on an art tour of Calgary and out these 25 public art features! You can see many of them from your car or on a walk around the city.
   

   View this post on Instagram

   A mural I painted recently in Calgary Canada for Beltline Urban Mural Project @yycbump. Thank you . #BUMP #Calgray #Canada #mural #Daleast

   A post shared by DALeast (@daleast) on Sep 17, 2019 at 6:26am PDT

5. Take a trip down the Bow River or Elbow River. You can rent kayak/rafts from Paddle Station or Lazy Raft Rentals and make your way down the river and finish your journey at St. Patricks Island or Princes Island Park. Water Safety Advisory/Bow River Advisory
6. Get lost in the maze that is 10+ acresin size with the corn reaching a peak height of 10 feet.
7. 

   Credit: Skyline Luge

   Climb aboard your Luge cartthat features brakes and steering system and have a unique experience as gravity takes you down to the bottom of the hill over an 1800 metres purpose-built track.

8. See how far you can see from top of the Calgary Tower!
9. Join for outdoor Yoga every Sunday in Stanley Park!
10. Set off after your guide through Calgary’s river valley, and soak up gorgeous views on a Segway Tour of Bow River Pathway.
11. Hold a tiny chick, snuggle a bunny, and cuddle some of this spring’s new baby goats and lambs during Adult date nights at Butterfield Acres Farm!Swing by the goat milking and horse brushing stations, warm up around the campfire, and join us for an evening tractor-pulled wagon ride through the back pasture!
12. Join for the MOST fun yoga class EVER! Bring your yoga mat out to Granary Road for an unforgettable experience where cute goats help with yoga poses!
13. Take in some of the great views of Calgary from various lookout points! Calgary’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains offers a unique opportunity for some great scenic lookouts. Whether it’s rolling farmlands to the east or majestic mountains to the west, Calgary has the scenic lookout you are craving. Not to mention, there are some pretty spectacular city views right in the middle
14. Discover Canada’s Military history at The Military Museums.
15. Re-discover Calgary on the bike or on electric scooters.
    
16. Explore Beaver Dam Flats, a habitat for many birds, insects, and other wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for something new every time you go. Bring your bike or take a walk through this beautiful area.
17. Visit Weaselhead flats, along the Elbow river west of the Glenmore reservoir, is sure to delight birders of any level. From American Robins to a Pine Grosbeak, you’re sure to see something new.
18. Go paddling atBowness Park!
19. Have you explored Fish Creek Provincial Park? The park has more than 80 kilometres of pathways – 30 km paved & 50 km of shale.
20. Learn more about Alberta’s history at Canada’s largest living history museum by number of exhibits.
21. Check out Calgary’s Skyline from Nose Hill Park!
22. Spend a summer afternoon on the beautiful urban island oasis, that is St Patrick’s Island.
23. Play Mini Golf at Canada Olympic Park. Mountain biking and other facilities are closed as of June 22, 2020.
24. Tee off at Calgary’s golf courses.
25. Show off yourskating skills at Shaw Millennium Park.
26. Bird watch at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.
27. Head to Kananaskis Country and discover amazing summer activities available in our backyard!
28. Take glass blowing classes!
29. Go for a Food Truck drive through and enjoy food from Calgary’s physical distancing food fest!
30. Head from the Cougar Ridge community into Paskapoo on your mountain bike or on foot (just know there are a lot of bikers). This 3.4 kilometer loop will take you through some great greenery and unpaved paths. Take a walk on the wild side with this stunning trail.
31. Have a cold one at the newly reopened patio of Craft Beer Market on 10th.
32. Discover the amazing, underground world of caves on this half-day, small-group guided cave explorer tour with all equipment included during Canmore Caving Explorer Tour.
33. Visit the Alice Sanctuary,home to rescued cows, pigs, goats, turkeys and other farm animals – and each has a special story.
34. Learn more about aviation history and evolution of flight and climb aboard historic aircrafts at The Hangar Flight Museum.
35. Go on a DIY tour of downtown Calgary.
36. Get a picnic basket from River Cafe and enjoy a picnic at Prince’s Island Park.
37. Treat yourselves to great views and great food. Located on Lake Bonavista, Lake House Restaurant features special dinners and brunches with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Plus the menu features game meats from their very own game ranch just South of Calgary.
38. Explore Canmore!
39. Enjoy the thrill of the amusement rides and have carefree fun at Calaway Park. The park will reopen on July 17th.
40. Get a delicious takeout from Calgary’s restaurants!
41. Discover Calgary region’s only Dark Sky Preserve — Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area!
42. Sandy Beach has kilometers of small areas near the river that you can enjoy with your family, or large grassy areas for physically distant picnics. Bring your dog to the off leash area, or enjoy the varied biking paths in this beautiful park. 4500 14a St SW, Calgary
43. Run, walk or rollerblade 150kms of the Calgary’s Pathways.
44. Stroll through the splendid Beaulieu Gardens, situated on the 2.8 acre Lougheed estate.
45. Take a stroll along the RiverWalk to the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
46. Beat the heat and enjoy the summer weather in Calgary by visiting one of Calgary’s many wading pools, and spray parks.
47. Explore Kananaskis’ own Ghost town. Kovach was a tiny town where the workers and their families from the coal mine once lived.
48. Give fishing a try on Alberta’s water bodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks) on July 4-5, 2020, when fishing license is not required.
49. Beat the heat with an ice cream from Village Ice Cream!
    
50. Taste something new at Calgary’s Farmer’s Markets!
51. Hitch a wagon, rope a steer, saddle a horse, and enjoy campfire stories surrounded by the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. (As of June 22, only outdoor trails are open)
52. Hike to the waterfalls near Calgary.
53. Explore Douglas Fir Trail that meanders through densely wooded escarpment with dramatic views of the Bow River Valley and then enjoy a picnic at Edworthy Park!
54. Discover food from around the world at International Avenue.
55. Take the Bee Basics tour at Chinook Honey Company!
56. See all the animals at the Zoo. You may also get to see the 3 adopted baby grizzlies!
57. Plan a date at Reader Rock Garden, enjoy a stroll amongst the designated provincial historic site and historic garden – one of the city’s most unique cultural landscapes (open dawn to dusk). Have lunch at Reader Rock Cafe .
58. Bring friends and family with you to enjoy the GOOD things in life including an over the top Active Learning Park with a 4 storey Ant Farm full of slides and climbers, a Petting Zoo with kissing Alpaca, crazy fun Ziplines and more!
59. Go hiking along Glenmore Reservoir Trail. It’s good for all skill levels and there are a lot of variations available to you. It’s 15.4 kilometres long, and it’s a great way to feel like you’re out of the city. Keep an eye out for chickadees and other bird friends.
60. Enjoy a walk along the spectacular 1300 feet Wall Garden of The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs.
61. Enjoy an evening at the Rec Room!The Rec Room brings together fun dining experiences with amusement and gaming all under one roof.
62. Join for mural tours and artist eventsas a flurry of new murals are being painted. Artists will be installing their works throughout the week, self-guided tours will be available, and various events will take place in conjunction with the art installation.
63. 

    Calgary Farmyard

    Walk amidst beautiful Sunflower Maze at Calgary Farmyardfrom August (Date TBA)!

64. Experience great views of the Bow Riverfrom Dale Hodges Park. This park is the starting point for many walking paths along the Bow River escarpment. This former gravel pit has been transformed into a scenic area offering Paved paths and boardwalks meander through the park, which connects to nearby Bowmont Park.
65. See a movie at the theatres! Okay, normally this doesn’t qualify as a summer activity but with ominous predictionsof the second wave of COVID-19, enjoy life’s little pleasures while you can! Landmark Cinemashas a special offer of $5 per movie until July 3, 2020!
66. Journey back into time and learn to be a Voyageur at Barrier Lake. Experience portaging, paddling and lighting a no-match fire. Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the 360-degree mountain view. While you explore watch for wildlife along the rugged shoreline.
67. Enjoy a date night at one of Calgary’s romantic restaurants!
68. Drive to the Drumheller for an enjoyable day trip.
69. Let yourself be guided through a tranquil wetland in the middle of the city at Pearce Estate. A signed interpretive trail guides you through a constructed wetland filled with native plants and animals. The signs tell how the wetland came to be and describes the wildlife seen around you.
70. Take in some amazing views of Calgary from Tom Campbell’s Hill. Enjoy nature and the city as one as you overlook the skyline and get some fresh air.
71. Gasoline Alley Museum is a vintage car lovers’ dream containing thousands of automobile memorabilia items; most of them dating from before the Second World War. Check out the museum!
72. 

    Credit: Rooftop Bar @ Simmons

    Share a drink and the vibes at the Rooftop Bar @ Simmons.

73. One of Western Canada’s largest museums, the Glenbow Museum has over a million objects spread across 20 galleries. Visit the museum when it opens post-COVID-19.
74. Prepare for a real rustic Alberta mountain adventure at Boundary Ranch! Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Kananaskis Valley on horseback along the 1-hour Buffalo Loop.
75. Find your wall at the Calgary Climbing Centre.
76. Shop till you drop at Inglewood!
77. Head to Carburn Park and take a trip around the pond! This loop is 2.4 kilometers long and takes you around three man made ponds. It’s a beautiful walk that also takes you by the Bow River. Bring your binoculars for some bird watching.
    
78. Enjoy online programming by Telus Sparkas you wait for the Science Centre to reopen!
79. Suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers, SPEEDERS Indoor ProKarts offers premier go karting fun at it’s fastest.
80. Play glow-in-the-Dark Mini golf at Monster Mini Golf.
81. Are you a puzzle master? Many Escape Roomswithin the city like Confined Escape Rooms are open! See whether you can escape the confines within the prescribed time!
82. Go camping at Alberta Parks!
83. Make a trip to Okotoks and discover all that Sunshine Adventure Parkoffers!
84. Go on a guided Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure with Chinook Rafting. This excursion is an ideal introduction to the thrill of whitewater rafting, and is great for families or groups on the class 1-3 rapids.
85. Visit Leighton Art Centre. The historic education centre is set on 80 acres of breathtaking rural scenery just 20 minutes from south Calgary.
86. 

    Miners Path – Photo by Marg Meisner
    Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

    Explore acres of amazing machines, learn fascinating coal mining history, and experience incredible Badlands landscapes at Atlas Coal Mine. (Tours are not offered during COVID-19)

87. Visit Bomber Command Museum in Nanton!
88. Pick your own Saskatoon, Sour Cherries, and Currants at Saskatoon Farm.
89. Make as many day trips as you want to take-in all that Banff National Parkoffers.
90. Kootenay National Park is within two hours of drive. Plan your trip!
91. Go shopping at CrossIron Mills, one of the largest mall (one that is filled with shops) in the Calgary area, and though it is located just outside of the city limits, this shopping experience is worth the trip.
92. 

    Credit: City of Airdrie

    With six unique totem poles standing in the park, Gwacheon Park is a unique landmark for Airdrie. Visit Gwacheon Park and other attractions in Airdrie!

93. Mountain views, city views, a waterfall, and many paths for walking are all features of Ralph Klein Park in Calgary. The Ralph Klein park was named after Calgary’s former mayor, and is a recent addition to the park system of Calgary, having only been opened to the public in 2011. Artwork by artist Beverly Pepper can be found in the park, so bring your camera.
94. Take a Horse Riding lesson from Horsin’ Around in Calgary.
95. See more than 35 skeletons of real dinosaurs like Albertosaurus, and T. rex at Royal Tyrell Museum. Learn about how fossils are recovered and preserved. Excavate in a realistic quarry, make your own fossil replica or take a guided hike through the badlands.
96. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre and see the Dr. Henry Fok Cultural Hall ceiling modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Do not miss the Chinese Artifacts Museum that showcases rare replicas of different kinds of Chinese artifacts. While here, do not forget to explore china town.
    

    View this post on Instagram

    Calgary, as we explore ways to safely open up, I want to shine a spotlight on some local Calgary businesses. More than ever, it's important to #supportlocalyyc and I want to highlight three places in Chinatown that I truly love. These are places that I grew up with, think of, and visit whenever I can. Up first is my favourite place to get BBQ Pork Buns and Egg Tarts in Calgary, the Rainbow Bakery! Located in the Dragon City Mall, this family owned shop is filled with delicious treats. I filmed a short video of my last trip there, shot prior to COVID-19 quarantine. Stay safe, keep your distance, and when you're ready, please go check out The Rainbow Bakery and give them your support. 🍰🧁🍪🍞 #sponsored #calgary #yyc #calgaryeats

    A post shared by Andrew Phung (@andrewphung) on Jun 10, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

97. Visit the largest glacial erratic near Okotoks, 16,500-tonne quartzite boulder is the world’s largest known glacial erratic. Enjoy a geography lesson and tell your child the Blackfoot story about the reason for the large split down the middle.
98. Enjoy the beautiful sand beach (at Anniversary Park), swimming, windsurfing, fishing, boating, skating, lakeside promenades, rolling grass hills, picnic spaces and more at Chestermere Lake, located half an hour from downtown Calgary.
99. Explore scenic landscapes, explore the expansive trail system, or take part in public programs that offer a range of educational and recreational opportunities, including family programs and golf cart tours at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park located on the northwest corner of the city (Haskayne Park) and stretching 14 km along the Bow River to Cochrane.
100. See flowering trees and shrubs, fabulous displays of annuals, Herb Garden and AAS Selection Display Gardens, swaths of spring bulbs and more as you tour the exquisite gardens created by Old College ground staff.
101. Cross the Blackshale Suspension Bridgeat Peter Lougheed Provincial Park!
102. Choose from any of the 25-day trips given here and have a fabulous staycation in Calgary.
103. Join for the many drive-thru events: from Calgary Stampede food Rallyto Drive-in movies.

Fun Things to Do this Weekend