Sure the days are getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for you to hibernate just yet!
The upcoming fall season is your opportunity to get out of the house and check out some of Calgary’s autumn-themed activities, ranging from beer crawls and birdwatching, to traditional pumpkin patches and pumpkin spice e-very-thing.
But don’t wait too long to get your fall fix — it’s a short season here in YYC. One day you’ll be watching the leaves change, and a brisk wind will blow them all down the next.
So, get back into a routine after a summer of fun, and take advantage of this colourful season with one (or all!) of these top 16 Calgary autumn activities for you.
Looking for more ways to get outside this fall? Download our free Fall Into Autumn YYC Activities Guide here.
1) Experience The Harvest Lights
Located just south of Calgary is the quintessential fall activity: A Calgary corn maze! Here you’ll find an 11-acre maze, petting zoo, pumpkin festival throughout October and colourful lights at night. Buy your tickets here.
2) Go Larch Hunting In Calgary
You don’t have to leave the city to see these fleetingly vibrant trees. North Glenmore Park, Coventry Hills, Baker Park and Crowfoot Park all have rows of larches you can take in — generally turning golden yellow in late September to early October. The turning of larches can come and go in a matter of weeks though, so keep an eye on the weather! We’ll be adding more larches in YYC on the Adventure Atlas, just use the ‘larch’ filter.
Pro Tip: Ask fellow outdoor enthusiasts where and when they spot them in our private Facebook group.
3) Craft Beer Crawl In SE Calgary
Warm enough to spend time outdoors, but cool enough for a drink to warm you up nicely, fall is the perfect time for a pub crawl! Southeast Calgary has numerous breweries, many within walking distance. A few of our faves are Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company (temporarily closed), Cold Garden, The Dandy and Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. P.S. They might even have a fall-themed brew or two on the menu to try out!
4) Check Out An Artisan Market
Find cozy fall outfits, crafts, decorations and tasty eats while supporting local at Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market, East Village Junction and Granary Road Market. Early Christmas shopping ideas, anyone?
5) Celebrate Fall At The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo isn’t just for kids (anymore). From Thanksgiving dinners and after-hours date nights, to escape games and murder mysteries, there are plenty of fall activities here to experience throughout the year.
6) Get Cozy At Butterfield Acres Petting Zoo
A warm and wonderful place for kids and adults alike, Butterfield Acres is a happenin’ fall destination with a pumpkin patch, animals, sunset tractor rides and cozy bonfires. If you’re looking for a romantic fall evening, check out their Harvest Pumpkin Fest Date Night.
7) Take A City of Calgary Birdwatching Program
Believe it or not, fall is an ideal time to go birdwatching. And what better way to do this than to go with a pro? The City of Calgary runs birdwatching programs to help you spot species that migrate through and live in Alberta. Check out their Fall Migrants and Females & Fall Feathers programs.
8) Enjoy Pumpkin Spice At A Local Coffee Shop
Many Calgary coffee shops release a fall menu each season with even more options than the perennial favorite, pumpkin spice latte. Try Monogram, Rosso, Deville and Euphoria Cafe for many classic and original coffee options.
9) Bike Nose Hill Park For Fall Views
The grasslands of Nose Hill Park are striped with countless cycling paths for you can enjoy sweeping views of the city, mountainscape and fall colours. Don’t forget to check out the golden aspen grove and the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel.
10) See Carved Pumpkins After Dark
Stroll through 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins at WinSport’s Pumpkins After Dark with your family, friends or date. The display changes every year while the venue boasts fall treats to enjoy as you walk around and admire the artist’s handiwork.
11) Take A True Crime Walking Tour
Heritage Park turns spooky on September and October evenings, inviting you to take a guided tour and listen to chilling ghost stories told about their historic buildings. Find more information and get your tickets here.
12) Celebrate Oktoberfest In Calgary
You don’t need to travel to Munich for good German beer and food. Toad n’ Turtle, Kaffeklatsch, Fahr Oktoberfest, CRAFToberfest and Bow River Brewing Oktoberfest each have their own Oktoberfest celebration coming up soon — so feast and drink the night away!
13) Visit Calgary Parks Changing Colour
Visiting our many city parks is one of THE BEST ways to get in the fall spirit, exercise and take in the fall colours. Find a list of gorgeous parks in our blog, 9 Fall Walks To Experience Calgary’s Most Colourful Season.
14) Attend Calgary International Film Festival
Every September, you can watch over 175 feature and short films from Canada and worldwide right here in the city. Sit in on director discussions as we host the sixth biggest film festival in Canada. Check out the viewing schedule on their website.
15) Invite Your Friends To An Outdoor Fire
Calgary’s free fire pits make for an awesome gathering spot on cool fall nights. McDougall Park in Bridgeland, Confederation Park in Mount Pleasant and Inglewood River Walk are great options that also allow alcohol consumption. Find our complete list of Calgary fire pits in our free Fall Into Autumn YYC Activities Guide here.
16) Play Disc Golf In The Outdoors
A lot of people don’t know that the many disc golf courses in Calgary are actually open year-round. Enjoy them in the fall for more space to practice and exercise without the crowds of summer. Check out Thorncliffe, Baker Park or Bonavista Downs courses.
Want More Fall Activity Ideas In Calgary?
If you liked these top 16 Calgary autumn activities for you, grab our free Fall Into Autumn YYC Activities Guide for trails, hikes, local events, scenic drives, an autumn-themed scavenger hunt and more to enjoy this season outdoors.
Plus, our YYC Adventure Atlas will help you make the most of your time outdoors this fall. From parking and playgrounds, to dog parks and firepits, use this interactive Parks of Calgary map to start planning your next epic adventure.
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