Posted on Monday, November 04 2024
When the cold weather arrives in Stampede City, there’s no need to run inside because Calgary has endless winter activities to enjoy. No matter if you're after a family-friendly outing or an adventurous experience, there are numerous enjoyable options right at your doorstep.
Here are our 7 top picks for winter activities in Calgary, which will help you turn winter into a wonderland.
If you love snow and the ski hill is your happy place, you’ve made a good decision to be in Calgary during the winter months.
WinSport is a great option. It’s conveniently located in the city, known for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics. Choose between day-to-day lift passes or commit to the full season with a Winter Hill Pass, which gives you access during all open hours.
If getting out of the city is your style, head for the hills and enjoy the Mount Norquay Ski Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Sunshine Village in the scenic Rocky Mountains. These tried-and-true resorts are known for their world-class runs that skiers and snowboarders of a wide range of skill levels can tackle.
Plus, if you need help getting equipment for your fun on the hill, the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offers rentals for beginners and veterans.
For those who want a family-friendly winter activity, you can’t go wrong with winter tubing. If you haven’t already had the pleasure, tubing is when you ride soft, inflatable inner tubes down a river or snow-covered hill. It’s a fantastic and fun activity and best of all, it doesn’t require any experience.
At Calgary’s WinSport Tube Park, you can tube to your heart’s content. And when you reach the bottom of the hill, their magic carpet will be waiting to bring you back to the top in no time.
The largest tube park in Western Canada, WinSport, is easily accessible and has all the amenities you need. The Sunny Tube Park and Mount Norquay Ski Resort offer great alternatives if you want to explore more options. Both will have you tubing with beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies.
If you return in the summer, you can go tubing down the Bow River, located in the heart of the city.
Ever wondered what it’s like to skate like an Olympian? Well, winter in Calgary will give you a chance to find out.
The Olympic Oval will let you test your limits on some of the fastest ice in the world. Another attraction built for the 1988 Olympics, the Oval, is now used for public skating whenever it isn’t hosting top-level athletes for training and competitions.
Helmets, skates, and ‘ice walkers’ are all available to rent on-site and at very reasonable prices. The public skating schedule tends to change weekly, so check online or call ahead to find a time that works best for you.
Calgary's rich heritage dates back to fur trading, the Northwest Mounted Police, and Canada’s transcontinental railway. You can learn all about the city's formation and more when you visit Fort Calgary, a historical site and interpretive centre designed to educate and entertain.
There are even a variety of replica buildings on site, including stores, hospitals, and offices, that can take you back in time to see what life was like in the early days of Calgary.
Head 90 minutes outside city limits, and you can take in scenic views of six mountain ranges from one of Canada’s hidden gems - the Banff Gondola. At 7,510 feet of elevation, the summit of Sulphur Mountain provides awe-inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies that simply can’t be captured by a photo.
Once there, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, eat a meal at Sky Bistro, and enjoy family-friendly fun at the state-of-the-art Above Banff Interpretive Centre. This is the ultimate winter activity for anyone who loves gorgeous sunsets, nighttime stargazing, and the fresh air of the outdoors.
If you’ve never heard of a wolfdog, you’re not alone. Trust us when we say you will be delighted by these wolf-like domestic dogs. But the best way to understand them is to meet them, which you can do at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, less than an hour from Calgary.
When you visit, you will tour the sanctuary, learn about what is being done to conserve this unique breed and speak with wolfdog ambassadors who can answer all your burning questions.
Don’t miss your chance to make new canine friends if you’re in Calgary during the winter months.
Do you love to ski but want to ditch the hill? Then cross-country skiing might just be the winter activity you’re looking for. Travel just an hour from Calgary, and you’ll reach Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, where you can ski world-class trails designed for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
With day passes and equipment rentals available, nothing stops you from enjoying the 65+ kilometres of curated trails. Whether you’re new to cross-country or have years of experience, all skill levels are welcome to strap in and ski the day away.
Calgary also has a variety of city parks and public trails where cross-country skiing is permitted. For all your rental needs within the city, don’t hesitate to visit the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre.
Are you planning a trip to Calgary? If you need a place to stay, Premiere Suites has a fantastic selection of fully furnished rentals to cater to your unique needs. Enjoy all the comforts of a hotel but with the space and amenities of a fully equipped home.
Our team of community experts is ready to help you find the perfect furnished rental solution for your Calgary winter adventure. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our accommodations. We’re here to make your stay unforgettable!