5 Top Winter Activities In Calgary
Ice Skating At Prince’s Island Park
Not just a name; this unique park is actually located on an island. It’s situated in the Bow River and covers an area of around 20 hectares. It’s easily accessible thanks to a series of bridges and features a lagoon, which freezes solid in the winter. Perfect for ice skating! Prince’s Island Park is just one of seven outdoor skating rink locations in Calgary that are free to use on a first-come-first-served basis. Be sure to check out this post if you need to rent skates. Top tip: Prince’s Island Park is also home to cross-country skiing trails in the winter. It’s one of our favourite winter activities in Calgary. Why not give this Canadian pastime a whirl while you’re there?
Calgary Tower
Without a doubt, the best views in the city! The Calgary Tower stands proud 191 metres above downtown Calgary. Views reach the Canadian Rockies and beyond, and offer a 360° panorama of Calgary and its surrounds. Feeling brave? The observation deck of this iconic structure features a glass floor for hair-raising, birds-eye views. Calgary Tower also houses a revolving restaurant, theatre room, and gift shop. Take part in a self-led audio tour to learn more about the tower, its history, and the role it’s played in Calgary’s past as well as its present and future.
The Calgary Flames
Listen. We’re not going to beat around the bush here. It gets cold in Calgary in the winter. Why not warm up at The Flames? A Calgary Flames NHL Game, that is! (See what we did there?) While it may not be tropical conditions in there, the atmosphere at the Scotiabank Saddledome is enough to get the adrenaline going. Feel the thrill of a hockey game and cheer on Calgary’s much-loved team in one of the NHL’s most retro arenas (apparently, only Madison Square Garden and Nassau Coliseum in New York have been around longer).
(Calgary Flames image by Daniel | Flickr)
Visit Banff
Ok, ok. Technically not one of the top winter activities in Calgary, but Canada’s iconic mountain town is just an hour or so drive away. Banff is the perfect place for a day trip. You could enjoy some winter hiking, perhaps a couple of laps at historic Mount Norquay, or shred Sunshine Village if you’d prefer more terrain. Check out the Banff Gondola and explore accessible hiking trails atop Sulphur Mountain, or take a dip in the famously storied Banff Upper Hot Springs. Discover what it is about Canada’s first national park that attracts more than 4 million visitors from around the world each year.
Bonus Tip: Wolfdog Sanctuary
On your way to Banff, we can recommend a visit to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. It offers a variety of tours to the public with the purpose of educating the public on wolfdogs and raising awareness surrounding wolves in the wild. You can get up close to these majestic animals, learn about their behaviour and discover how you can support the incredible work of the sanctuary.
Fort Calgary
Known as Mohkinsstsis (Blackfoot), Wîchîspa (Nakoda) Guts’ists’i (Tsuut’ina), and now “Calgary”, Fort Calgary is a place of significant historical and cultural value. It stands on the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers and has been a meeting place since time immemorial. Fort Calgary utilizes digital exhibits and engaging podcasts to tell the stories of the land and its people. Learn about the colourful history of this place—from first nations and indigenous traditions to settlers and immigrants.
(Fort Calgary image by Bernard Spragg | Flickr)
Where To Stay?
For ultimate convenience, consider staying downtown. The newly renovated Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel is a perfect choice. It’s located directly on Calgary’s light-rail transit line, quickly transporting you off to all the attractions, including Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Zoo, and Calgary Tower. Guest amenities include a fitness centre and an indoor pool. The hotel is also pet-friendly, which means your furry friends can join you on vacation! (Check out our post on Travelling With Pets - Our Top Tips).
If you’re flying into Calgary International Airport, you may find that Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport is better suited to your needs. You’ll enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour courtesy airport shuttle service or free overnight parking if you’re driving! This hotel also offers free wi-fi as well as onsite dining options by Chop Steakhouse & Bar, and Moxies. The perfect base to enjoy some winter activities in Calgary!
