Did you know Calgary averages nearly 2,400 hours of sunlight each year?! It’s the sunshine capital city of Canada, and we want to help you take advantage of it.
If you’ve lived here for any time at all, you know our summers go by fast. Between work, road trips, adventures and the multitude of events busying your calendar, it’s not uncommon to blink and realize it’s September (especially before you’ve crossed activities off your to-do list!).
That’s why we’ve compiled over 25 outdoor activities for you to enjoy right here in Calgary — before the summer gets bu-SY — so you can make a plan and schedule them in. Let’s get outside!
1) Explore The Bow River Pathway
This 48 km scenic trail weaves through the city from Bearspaw Dam to Fish Creek Provincial Park, connecting major parks and green spaces here in Calgary. Share the trail as you go walking, running, hiking, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding — you name it! — to enjoy time outdoors.
2) Catch A Show At Prince’s Island Park
Famous for hosting the annual Calgary Folk Festival, Enmax stage features tons of performances throughout the year in the heart of Calgary. Check the Shakespeare By The Bow schedule, if you’re up for a play (and it’s free!).
3) Picnic At The Park
Enjoy the glorious sunshine and dine outdoors — solo, with friends or family. Consider picking up a pre-made picnic basket from River Cafe, and support this local Calgary restaurant. Unwind in their peaceful Prince’s Island Park patio garden, or pack your own picnic and enjoy it at your favourite Calgary park.
4) Have A Family River Day At Sandy Beach
Located on the Elbow River, Sandy Beach Park boasts fire pits, picnic areas, a playground, bathrooms and river access. While the beach isn’t actually sandy, the small rocks and shallow water make it great for wading. Don’t miss nearby River Park and Riverdale Park off-leash areas, and Britannia Slopes across the bridge.
5) Soak Up The Sun On A Patio
And support our local Calgary businesses. Some of our favourite sunny watering holes are National on 8th (they have fun games), Ship & Anchor (best dog- and people-watching) and Charbar (incredible downtown river view).
6) Rent A Boat At Bowness Park
Located in the northwest of Calgary, Bowness Park is an outdoor oasis with so many things to do. Check out our blog: Everything you need to explore Bowness Park in the summer.
7) Play Disc Golf
At one of the many courses city-wide, including Baker Park, Thorncliffe and Fish Creek Provincial Park. This interactive sport has you throwing discs into metal cages all over the city — and it’s free! Download our summer activities guide for more locations.
8) Go Treasure Hunting With Geocaching
If you’ve never heard of this before, people all around the world participate in both hiding and finding real-life treasure using GPS-enabled devices. Google “geocaching,” pick an app, and give it a whirl! Usually it’s free, with most apps having paid upgrades. Read more about it on our Geocaching in Calgary blog!
9) Go Downhill Karting At Canada Olympic Park
Let gravity do the work as you twist and turn over 1,800 meters in this adrenaline-pumping activity. Anyone over the age of 6 and a height of 110cm tall can ride unaccompanied with Skyline Luge.
10) Go Birdwatching
Keep your eyes peeled for the 270 species of birds, 21 different mammals, 27 butterflies and amphibians, reptiles, fish and endless plants commonly spotted at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Pro tip: Bring your binoculars to better spot the wildlife while you walk the trails. (Learn more on our Ethical Birdwatching blog).
11) Go Night Kayaking
Calgary Kayaks‘ colourful LED-lit boats are the perfect way to explore Carburn Park after dark. Life jackets must be worn at all times and, sorry crew, no dogs allowed. Fitted with Bluetooth speakers, enjoy a peaceful evening on the water this summer.
12) Sail On The Historic S.S. Moyie
The only paddlewheel boat in Calgary takes visitors on a 20-minute cruise around the Glenmore Reservoir, where you can learn about the boat’s history while taking in the views. Cost is included in your Heritage Park admission fee.
13) Experience Calgary Parks & Pathways By Bicycle
Calgary has over 1,000 kilometers of paved pathways, not to mention additional trails and on-street bike paths. The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway has 145 km of urban trails alone, connecting over 50 Calgary neighbourhoods. Ride your own, or rent a road bike, mountain bike or e-bike from BowCycle.
14) Roller Skate All Day, Every Day
Check out the classic summerlong #YYCblockparty. Deerfoot City’s outdoor rink includes rollerblade rentals and a 120-foot outdoor rink for you to zip around. Will this fun event return in 2023? We’re patiently waiting — check their website to stay tuned.
15) Hike Around Nose Hill Park
One of the city’s largest natural parks offers great hiking trails, a range of wildlife, ample vegetation and sweeping views of both the city and the surrounding area. With so many hidden gems like the medicine wheel, stone labyrinth, broken down cars, stick teepees, lakes, springtime crocuses and more, it’s a local favourite!
16) Paddleboard Some Of Calgary’s Waterways
Here in the city, your best bets are paddling in Carburn Park and Bowness Park, or working your way down the Elbow River and Bow River. In our YYC summer activities guide, we share out-of-the-city spots too!
17) Go Brewery Hopping In Inglewood
Cold Garden, Eighty Eight, and Ol’ Beautiful are a few of our favourites, and they all happen to be within walking distance. If you’re still going, check out Paddy’s Barbecue & Brewery, Born Brewing and Cabin Brewing just south. And for even more fun, consider renting a Pedal Pub and biking around town with your pals.
18) Float Down The Bow River
Bring your raft and launch along the river on a hot summer’s day (check out our guide for the best spots!). Or, we prefer to rent from Lazy Day Raft Rentals. Simply show up for your reservation at the boat launch by Baker Park with everything ready to go. Pop off the river after the Peace Bridge, and, voila — you’re done!
19) Attend Outdoor Festivals Around The City
Summertime in Calgary is FULL of events, so keep your eyes peeled on what’s happening when. Mark your calendar for fun in the sun events like Calgary Folk Music Festival, Calgary Stampede, Calgary Fringe Festival, Lilac Festival, the list goes ON.
20) Eat Artisanal Ice Cream
Perhaps one of our favourite pastimes, Calgary is home to many local ice cream parlours. You’ve got to try Village Ice Cream, Made by Marcus and Parlour Ice Cream (psstt… ask if they have a special treat for your pup!). If you’re a gelato lover, we highly recommend stopping in at Amato Gelato and Noto Gelato.
21) Enjoy A Beach Day At Sikome Lake
Pack a picnic, plenty of water and beach towels for a day at this man-made lake connected to the Bow River basin at Fish Creek Provincial Park. A popular hangout for families and kids, gain entry for $5/adult and $3/kid ages 6 and up.
22) Stroll Through Outdoor Markets
Calgary is brimming with markets in the summertime, encouraging you to get out and support local. We love checking out the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Associations’ outdoor farmer’s market for fresh vegetables and homemade baking, as well as Inglewood Night Market for artisanal goods and electric finds. If you’re interested in more, check out our blog 8 Calgary Farmers’ Markets To Shop & Support Local.
23) Take In The City Skyline
Some say we have it all — rivers, valleys, prairies and mountains. For the best views of Calgary and our stunning mountainscape, we recommend visiting Scotsman’s Hill, Tom Campbell Hill and Crescent Heights Look Out (also great spots to watch downtown fireworks!).
24) Join An Outdoor Fitness Class
Check out boot camps, yoga and pilates, offered by many gyms and studios throughout the city. Calgary Outdoor Yoga has classes every Sunday in Stanley Park and the southeast Mahogany community. Or, find the closest stairs to you and do some laps!
25) Take A Hike In Fish Creek Provincial Park
Explore its great trails and beautiful surrounding landscape. With ample wildlife, a babbling river and endless hidden gems, feel city life melt away as you get lost in the trees.
BONUS — Wanna Explore ALL Of Calgary This Summer?
In case you missed it…grab our summer activities guide to learn more about what you can get up to in and around Calgary!
How To Start Exploring Calgary — Parks & Beyond
Our YYC Adventure Atlas will help you make the most of your time outdoors this summer. From parking and boardwalks, to dog parks and firepits, visit our interactive Parks of Calgary map to start planning your next epic adventure.
Parks of Calgary has been connecting Calgarians to the outdoors since 2019. This community-driven platform encourages people to get outside, support local businesses, engage with their community and explore this city we call home. Learn more about what we stand for, or let’s connect here.
Meet the local photographers who contributed to our site.
One Response
Very easy to use! Great ideas. Thank you for setting this website up.