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
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Christmas in Calgary
Current Weekend Activities 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 a good quality equipment.
Join Calgary Ski Club to stay active and explore 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 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. Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows Pond
The world’s premier show jumping and equestrian facility situated south of Calgary, is another fun winter destination.
You can also hit the ice at the Spruce Meadows pond and have a fun time ice skating.
Where?
Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW Calgary
Free
7. 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.
Tube PARK
Adult(18-64): $10.99 to $16.99
Youth(6-17): $10.99 to $12.99
Preschool(3-5): $9.99
Senior (65+): $10.99 to $14.99
Family
(2 Adults & 2 Children): $54.99
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.
General Admission for Horse drawn Sleigh Rides, Ice Skating, Indoor Petting Farm, Indoor Bouncy Castles and Indoor Pony Rides will start after first significant snowfall
Every Weekend, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day starting December 2, 2017 from 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Christmas Day
Corner of Range Road 283 and Hwy 22X east.
This is a 12 minute drive from McCleod Trail heading east on Stony Trail then exit 22X continue east to RR 283 turn right Ph : ( 403) 263 -7433
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.
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!
5. Brewery Tours
Go for a brewery tour at one of the famous Calgary Breweries.
Follow the brewing process from the unloading of ingredients, through the brewing and fermentation stages, all the way to the packaging. See Big Rock Brewery Calgary & Wild Rose Brewery and Taproom for details.
Experience good natured and welcoming breweries, eateries and distilleries with people who enjoy a satisfying brew as much as you with Calgary Brewery Tours.
Christmas & New Year in Calgary
Winter Festivals & Events in Calgary
Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary
November 23, 2018 To January 5, 2019
$14.95 to $19.95
Calgary’s brightest holiday tradition is back for its 21st year and is sure to be the most glow-tastic one yet. We’ll be glowing for seven ... »
University of Calgary Field 9, 4410 University Drive Northwest, Calgary
December 9, 2018
4039101101
Free
Calgary’s outdoor winter festival! Northwestival promises to be packed full of family friendly holiday surprises and all things that make the Northwest worth celebrating. Ring in ... »
Gasoline Alley Museum, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W. Calgary
December 27, 2018 To January 6, 2019
403-268-8500
General Admission
There’s no bizz like SNOWBIZZ. Enjoy the fun of winter, minus the boots, parka, mittens and toque at Heritage Park’s Winter CARnival. Come inside to ... »
Southwood Community Hall, 11 Sackville Drive Southwest, Calgary
January 5, 2019
Free
Southwood’s Winter Festival returns! Join us for: – skating and shinny – sleigh rides – Butterfield Acres petting zoo – face painting – games – crafts and more. KidSport Skate Shack will ... »
Arts Commons, 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
January 9, 2019 To January 27, 2019
$15 & up
The High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, is an annual festival that animates the city in January with an array of live performances ... »
Granary Road, 226066 112th Street West, De Winton
January 11, 2019 To January 13, 2019
4034537623
0.00
Come out to Granary Road and enjoy our Ukrainian Festival where we will be celebrating everything Ukraine. With specialty market vendors, traditional cuisine along side our great ... »
Rozsa Centre, University Court Northwest, Calgary
January 15, 2019 To January 27, 2019
$24 to $28
This is an opportunity to see some of the best and most exciting films from the 2018 Banff Mountain Film Festival which takes place in Banff every November. ... »
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise
January 16, 2019 To January 27, 2019
Free & Ticketed Days
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, Banff & Lake Louise
January 16, 2019 To January 27, 2019
FREE
The TRIBUTE TO CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL will feature the best craft distilleries from Alberta and British Columbia, as well as showcase the local cocktail and food scene, ... »
Various Venues, Banff
January 16, 2019 To January 27, 2019
FREE
In the heart of the winter months, Banff National Park invites visitors to embrace the cold, vigour, and fun that winter brings. The annual SnowDays celebration is ... »
Arts Commons, 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary
January 17, 2019
403-250-7090
$120 to $200
The 8th annual MS Whisky Festival. Come and sample some of the over 100 whiskies from more than 30 vendors who will be there. As part of our Master ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
January 24, 2019 To January 27, 2019
Festival Pass: $99 & up
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 ... »
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1st Street Southwest, Calgary
January 26, 2019 To February 3, 2019
Free
Join the Chinese Cultural Centre as we celebrate the Lunar New Year as we transition from the Year of the Dog to the Year of the Pig! ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
January 31, 2019 To February 2, 2019
Free and ticketed
Presented by EMMEDIA, this unique three-day festival celebrates the critical innovation and creativity present in the media arts community. An art form that by its very nature ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
February 1, 2019 To February 28, 2019
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 Venues, Calgary
February 1, 2019 To February 28, 2019
Free & Ticketed Events
Each February the Exposure Photography Festival brings together and shares the best and most interesting photographic work in the region. Exposure encourages the community to come out ... »
Town of Canmore, 902 7th Avenue, Canmore
February 1, 2019 To February 10, 2019
Enjoy ice carving competitions, kids’ ice carving , skating parties, street hockey, log sawing competitions, the always entertaining pooch parade, art crawls and the popular Snowy Owl Kid ... »
Various Venues, Calgary
February 3, 2019 To February 10, 2019
Mostly Free
Cyclepalooza... Winter edition. 8 Days of Winter Bike Fun. »
Downtown, Calgary, AB
February 14, 2019 To February 18, 2019
Free
This free, all-ages event welcomes everyone to warm up winter’s darkest days and experience one-of-a-kind interactive light displays, art, entertainment, food trucks and activations. »
Various Venues, Okotoks
February 14, 2019 To February 24, 2019
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 ... »
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks , 111 12 AVE SE, Calgary
February 15, 2019 To February 17, 2019
$23 & up
AP Dance Legends and Masters Come To Calgary! The 8th Annual Rhythm Body and Soul welcomes International artists for a 3 Day Festival featuring over 30 community Master Classes ... »
BMO Theatre, 1300 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary
February 17, 2019 To February 18, 2019
(403) 909-8601
$12 - $25
The WowFest Magic Arts Festival aims to present amazing magic shows for family and adult audiences, showcasing Canadian magic talent in a theatrical venue For its seventh ... »
Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
February 17, 2019 To February 18, 2019
Free & Ticketed Events
Where the young and young-at-heart can journey into a world of art and imagination with live shows and free activities. Featuring performances from comedian/magician Wes Barker, ... »
Knox United Church, 506 4 Street Southwest, Calgary
February 19, 2019 To February 24, 2019
$10 to $25
In a world filled with media distractions and consumer demands are we moving away from the day to day need to connect as humans? Are we losing ... »
Other Festivals:
1. Winefest Calgary
Winefest allows the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ within a casually refined atmosphere – every sip and sample is included in the ticket price. Wine experts are available to share their knowledge as consumers taste their way from booth to booth, suggesting tasting notes while educating the palate and senses. Details
2. Winterfest
A fun family winter festival held during family day- Details
3. Just Acts Play Festival
Just Acts Play Festival is an annual event aimed at exploring different areas of daily life and examining how people cope with disruption and conflict. Each year a topic is chosen and writers are invited to submit plays to be included in the festival.-Details
4. Alchemy Festival of Student Work
Festival of student work in the form of Alchemy: a fully interdisciplinary, three-week, tri-division celebration of student work in music, drama, dance and interdisciplinary performance.Details
Live Theatre Events During Winter in Calgary
Stage West Theatre Restaurants, 727 42 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
February 8, 2019 To April 14, 2019
$75.60 to $129.50 + charges
The Sisters of Perpetual Sewing miss the excitement of the old days when they were saving convents and reuniting long-lost families. So when they learn that the ... »
GRAND, 608 1st St. SW, Calgary
March 12, 2019 To March 24, 2019
$40.25
From the minds behind The Highest Step in the World, Tomorrow’s Child and The Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst comes a new show of epic proportions. ... »
ArtsLab Studio Theatre @ Music and Play,251-333 Aspen Glen Landing Southwest, Calgary
March 14, 2019 To March 24, 2019
587-894-4831
$20 - $25
Imagine PA presents john & jen – a truly original, intimate musical about love, loyalty and family in a changing America. John & Jen by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald ... »
Loose Moose Theatre Company, 1235 26th Avenue Southeast, Calgary
March 15, 2019 To March 29, 2019
403-265-5682
$13.41 - $16.52
Crash and burn, elimination improvised comedy where only the strong survive! »
Vertigo Theatre, 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
March 16, 2019 To April 14, 2019
$29 to $65
Adapted by Joseph Goodrich, from the novel by Rex Stout Eleven years ago, wealthy businesswoman Mrs. Herold tossed her only son Paul onto the streets to fend ... »
Loose Moose Theatre Company, 1235 26th Avenue Southeast, Calgary
March 16, 2019 To March 30, 2019
403-265-5682
$13.41 - $16.52
Our best performers try to direct an entire improvised play with hilarious results. »
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. NW, Calgary
March 19, 2019 To March 24, 2019
$30 - $125 + charges
The true story of the small town that welcomed the world. Broadway’s Come From Away has won Best Musical all across North America! The New York ... »
Vertigo Theatre, 115 9 Ave SE, Calgary
March 20, 2019 To April 13, 2019
$35
Rediscover the spirit of Shakespeare’s most famous play, Hamlet, as the titular prince of Denmark seeks vengeance for the murder of his father at the hands ... »
West Village Theatre, 2007 10 Ave SW, Calgary
March 21, 2019 To March 30, 2019
4032427118 x1
$15 – $20
Snow White has led a pretty easy life, but when her jealous step mother decides to get rid of Snow White, she’s forced to flee into ... »
Arts Commons, 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary
March 21, 2019 To March 30, 2019
14039699400
$19.95 - $24.95
When John takes a break from his boyfriend, he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Filled with guilt and indecision, he decides there is only one ... »
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!