Recently ranked in the top three of the most livable cities in the world, Calgary, Alberta is the place to be this summer. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is teeming with options for the active minded visitor. Here are some suggestions for what you can do in Calgary this summer.
Run, Walk Or Bike – Bow and Elbow Pathways
Over 1,000 kilometres of paved pathways help Calgarians stay active. In the summer months the trails are often filled with runners, walkers and cyclists. The pathways that follow the Bow and Elbow Rivers offer lovely views of downtown.
Connecting these pathways are over 200 pedestrian bridges. One of the newest and most recognizable is the red Peace Bridge. Built in 2012, its design was initially quite controversial but has since become a source of pride for the city.
Float Down a Lazy River
River rafting is a local summertime favourite activity in Calgary. Imagine floating down the beautiful Bow River on a hot summer day with epic views of the downtown skyline. You can easily rent your own raft at one of the several local retailers who rent equipment.
Explore Glenmore Reservoir
In the city’s southwest, a prominent feature is Glenmore Reservoir. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the reservoir. Try sailing, kayaking, rowing and dragon boating on the water’s surface or biking, running or walking on the 16 km trail encircling it. Along the reservoir’s edge are many benches and picnic tables for a slower way to enjoy the scenery. There is no swimming in the reservoir though because it is the source of Calgary’s drinking water.
At the eastern end of the reservoir is an area popular with birders. Weaselhead Flats is a delta of the Elbow River offering habitat to over 200 species of migratory and resident birds such as cliff swallows, goldfinch, catbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and peregrine falcons. We didn’t see any weasels, but did see beaver dams. The delta’s name actually came from Indigenous leader Chief Weaselhead from Tsuu T’ina Nation.
Visit Heritage Park
More than just a museum, Heritage Park Historical Village is a re-creation of a Canadian Prairie town from the 1800s. Located on the shore of Glenmore Reservoir, Heritage Park offers a bit of history with some fun. Staff at the park enjoy entertaining visitors as they act out their roles in history. You can find them in one of the homes, restaurants or shops on site. Once you’re done exploring the historical village take a ride on the steam train or or hop on the paddlewheel boat for a cruise on the reservoir.
Mountain Bike Or Hike On Nose Hill Park
Mountain biking on Nose Hill Park is a great way to spend a summer evening. Located north of downtown this free park covers 11 square km. It is a natural grassland and has many hills and coulees making the mountain biking and walking trails a lot of fun. Being on one of the highest points in the city has benefits with great views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains. Large mammals such as deer and coyotes can be seen roaming the grasslands and coulees.
In addition to Nose Hill there are 100 kilometres of single track bike trails throughout other parks in the city.
Get Active at WinSport
With a lot of activities to chose from, WinSport in the city’s west end is a busy place in the summer. Formerly called Canada Olympic Park, WinSport was the site for sliding sports and ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics. After the Olympics, the sliding facilities were used for World Cup races and athlete training for many years. After 31 years however, the sliding centre was closed as a training centre.
That doesn’t mean that the entire track was closed though. In fact one of the most popular activities here is the summer bobsleigh. Gaining speeds of up to 80 km/hr (50 mph) you can imagine the feeling of an Olympian as you navigate the twists and turns of the track in a bobsled.
If that’s not enough excitement for you take the chair lift to the top and pedal your way down on the downhill mountain bike trails.
The Olympic ski jump towers were not used much after the Olympics, but they’ve been put to good use now. They host a Monster Zipline with a 100 m (328 ft) vertical drop over only 500 m (1,640 ft) it is touted as being the fastest zipline in North America.
Mountain Bike On Paskapoo Slopes
On the ridge next to WinSport are Paskapoo Slopes. Single track mountain biking trails climb up and down the steep ridge crossing rugged ravines, shallow streams and gullies. There are also wider and less steep trails that are popular with dog walkers. Near the top of the slope is a large Buddhist Chorten built when Dalai Lama visited Calgary a few years ago. Best of all, use of Paskapoo Slopes is free.
Visit Downtown
Calgary’s downtown is a condensed area with modern buildings seemingly trying to outdo each other in height and design. In the centre of it, Stephen Avenue is a vibrant part of the city’s downtown. Artistic decorations embellish this pedestrian mall which is bordered by a mix of 19th century heritage buildings and modern architecture. Busy at lunch with downtown office workers, it’s also a popular place to shop or go for a walk in the weekends and evenings
Hike in a Mountain Park
Within an hour’s drive it’s easy to reach the Canadian Rockies. Spend a day hiking in Kananaskis Country or Banff National Parks. Read our hiking suggestions here for Kananaskis and Banff.
Dining and Drinking
In addition to Stephen Avenue there are a few more spots in Calgary that are popular for stopping for drinks or dinner. One is 17th Avenue SW, sometimes called ‘The Red Mile’. The avenue leads to Scotia Bank Saddledome, home ice for the Calgary Flames. During NHL playoffs this area is very busy and the Red Mile is the place to be. On the other side of the river you can find funky pubs and restaurants in heritage buildings in Kensington.
Calgary is a very ethnically diverse city. One of the results is a wide array of restaurants offering a multitude of ethnic cuisines. Our favourites are Himalayan – Nepali Cuisine and Juree’s Thai Place. No matter which your preference, foodies will be happy they explored Calgary’s many options.
Weather In Calgary
Situated at an elevation of 1,045 m (3,428 ft) Calgary has milder weather than other parts of the Prairies. Summer temperatures can reach the mid 30s °C during the day, but it usually cools off in the evenings. At the end of summer and especially in the winter you may see a characteristic Chinook Arch in the sky. This ominous looking cloud indicates warm temperatures and higher winds.
Coming Next – Trekking the Huayhuash in Peru
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
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Monkey's Tale 
Calgary looks like a really liveable city. Unfortunately in Aus we seem to design for cars not for pedestrians or bikes. It is a real battle to get bike paths retro-fitted to roadways. You are lucky to have such forward looking town planners/designers. Mel
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The city really has taken time to put in a lot of pathways and parks which is such a great way to get around. We definitely still have a lot of congested roads but it’s getting better. Thanks Mel, Maggie
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There is a trail down the street from where I live. It‘s a bike trail that runs from the SE to the NW of Calgary, spanning over 30km. I love the list that you provided – thank you for highlighting all of the places worth exploring in Calgary. There’s so many places on your list that I have yet to explore!
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Thanks Hilary, that is a long bike path! Hope you’re able to get out and enjoy it and more of these spots in the city. Maggie
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We will hopefully be back here soon!
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Hopefully! Maggie
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About 20 years ago, I drove past Calgary on the way to Banff National Park. The ski jump towers are visible from the highway. It would be fun, I think, to try the summer bobsleigh. I enjoyed your post and photos highlighting the many options the city offers for exercise, entertainment and sightseeing. It would be a blast to spend time exploring Calgary and surrounding areas.
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Thanks John, the summer bobsleigh is quite popular, but we still haven’t done it yet! Maggie
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It does look an inspiring city. I have a cousin who lives there and when Dad was alive he used to visit, but I’ve never been. Thanks for the tour. I especially liked the Peace Bridge- don’t we all need one of those?- sculpture, The Conversation, and floating on a raft with a cheery wave.
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Thanks Jo, it’s nice that you have that connection to my city through your dad. We all do need a Peace Bridge, it’s true 😉 Maggie
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🤗💟
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An interesting read with, as usual, great photos! Looks a great place to spend some time!
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Thank you, there’s enough to keep you entertained for a while 🙂 Maggie
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You are most welcome!! 🙂 Stay well! 🙂
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It’s been too long since I’ve visited Alberta. These photos inspire me to return to Calgary for some quality chill time.
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We’re waiting for you! Maggie
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I’ve been to Banff, but I’m sorry to say I did not get to Calgary (I wasn’t in charge of that long-ago trip). It looks like a wonderful city and I’ve always wanted to bring the husband to Banff, so I’m betting Calgary is in my future. Plus, it’s mentioned in the Death Cab for Cutie song, so…
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Ha, love that song, they must know something! Most people drive right past Calgary on their way to Banff, but there are a few good spots in the city. We’ll show you around 😉 Maggie
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Deal!
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I used to love that song so much when I was a teenager! That song was also where I first learned about Calgary. Now, I’m living here. Coincidence? I don’t think so
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Wow!
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Seems like you’re staying close to home this year.
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We have until now, but we’re off this week for South America! Finally 😉 Maggie
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Enjoy!
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I only went through Calgary once, many years ago. I didn’t get to see much of the city and it looks like there is lots to see and do. Maybe it’s time for another visit!
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I think it is time for another visit. There’s more to see than people realize. Maggie
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I am so in love with your post! When I do my posts about Weaselhead Flats and Nosehill Park on my Parks Challenge, would it be okay if I shared a link to this post too? Your comments about the weather made me laugh too! I love how this weather keeps me on my toes! When my Mum was at Rockyview last October, she spent so much time looking out the window that she learned exactly what a Chinook cloud looks like!
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You can definitely link to this post! Aren’t the Chinook clouds so ominous looking! When I first moved here I thought the earth was coming to an end 🙂 Maggie
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Thanks! Oh yeah, the Chinook clouds were the weirdest I had ever seen!
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Great post. I shared it with my son who just got back from Calgary but may be going again in the fall.
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Oh great thanks!! Does he come for work? Hopefully he has some time to explore the city. Maggie
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He is a musician in the Naval reserves. They were playing some stampede events. National Anthem etc. He did get a day off and managed to get to the mountains this time round.
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Wonderful and well thought guide to this beautiful city! I love how you covered everything there is to do there- really it seems like a place where weeks would be insufficient to see it all. Beautiful pictures that really capture the heart of Calgary 🙂
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Thank you, there’s a lot to keep you entertained here! 😊 Maggie
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Wow, looks fantastic! I haven’t been to Calgary, but hope to visit someday.
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Thanks! It’s a great city!
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Wow, just wow!! What a beautiful city!!🤗💜💜
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Thank you Susan, Calgary is a pretty great spot 😊
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I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited Calgary in all seasons and agree, it’s a great city. Your post is a reminder that perhaps I should return again soon as I never get tired of hiking by the Bow River.
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It’s no Vancouver but the city has done a lot with the river walks and parkland. Thanks for reading Mallee.
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Calgary does look like a wonderful place to live with lots of outdoor activities. Your guide is amazing, so comprehensive. You are continually tickling our imagination and curiosity of Canada, along with some other great bloggers here (looking at you Wandering Canadians and KA Gould). Enjoy your SA trip.
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Thanks Leighton, Canada’s not as boring as its reputation 😊
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It sounds like there is loads to do in Calgary. Summer and winter. Those yellow autumn trees would entice me to visit in Autumn, or are they turning yellow already?
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Thanks Amanda, the pictures were taken over several years so the autumn colours are from October one year. Maggie
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We have our family in Calgary..such lovely images you are sharing. We visited there in October.
Anita
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Thank you Anita
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Calgary looks like a lovely place with so much to offer. I would love to visit the Banff National Parks, this place looks so beautiful 😍
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Banff is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks for reading Nat.
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I had no idea that there was so many different outdoors activities in and around Calgary. I like the idea of floating down the Bow River on a hot summer’s day. I guess this just means that I’ll have to come back out west and spend some time in Calgary. Thanks for sharing. Linda
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You will! It’s a pretty active city so there’s a lot to do outside. Floating down the Bow is a great way to spend an afternoon.
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Well after reading this, I really should say that I’d love to go to Calgary…but all I can think of is that I really wish MY name was Big Chief Weaselhead. Fantastic name!
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😊😊🤣🤣
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What an amazing guide – I’d love to explore Downtown and also float along the river 🙂
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Thanks Hannah, it’s pretty good city to explore 🙂 Maggie
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It’s great that there are so many dedicated pathways for hiking and biking. Calgary is definitely THE place for an energetic person! I like the Chinook Arch in the sky – that’s quite unusual, but beautiful!
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Yes it’s definitely built for active people. The Chinook arches are very ominous looking, but we know it will be warm when we see it. Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Maggie
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I think Calgary deserves more attention as it’s unfortunately often overshadowed by its more popular cousins — chiefly Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal — at least for the people in my part of the world. For some reason, when I see photos of Canadian cities (especially those with skyscrapers), they look somewhat similar to Australian cities, if you know what I mean. I love the view of Calgary from Nose Hill!
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Canadian cities are generally young, similar to Australian, also we both have a lot of land to spread out but not many people. Everyone lives in a house with a yard instead of high rises. Calgary isn’t known much internationally which is fine because then we can enjoy it ourselves 😊 Maggie
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I had no idea that Calgary had such a dramatic skyline. I guess I thought of it as a smaller city. It looks like a great place for people who are active and enjoy winter with the mountains nearby and all the bike trails. Thanks for sharing.
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They used the downtown skyline for the Christpher Reeves’ Superman movie because it’s so compact.
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How fantastic. So much to see and do. Great post.
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Yes it’s a pretty good city for active people 😊
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Wow, I can see why Calgary is a great place to live. Modern and nature. Loved the reflection on the reservoir, and Stephen’s Avenue looks like an inviting city spot.
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Yes it’s a pretty young city both in buildings and residents. They’ve done well to keep quite a bit of nature to the city. Thanks for your thoughts Ruth. Maggie
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Texts and images, and choice of places, is a great blog, every post deserves a “like”.
Congratulations.
Do honor to wordpress…:-)
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Thank you!
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What a wonderful variety of things to do in the city! It’s nice when cities set aside paths and greenery for recreation. I actually visited the Olympic park many many years ago, but I didn’t get to do any activities there. The summer bobsled sounds exhilarating!
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It’s full of places I didn’t see, I focused on the more classic places like Fort Calgary and the Devonian Gardens. Great thanks for the fresh ideas.
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You’re welcome, there’s a lot more to do in Calgary than most people realize. Thanks for your comments 🙂 Maggie
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Hello you guys! I’m in a slump but still battling to get on the road again! Love to you xxx
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Stay strong 😊 We’re in Peru right now.
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I’m horribly envious 😂 have a wonderful time my friends. Where about?
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Great info!! Keeping this for when I visit…someday!
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Thanks!
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FishCreek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban provincial park which is a sanctuary for so many birds along with trails and bike path.
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Very true but it’s quite far from our house so we haven’t been in ages. 😊
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So many tourists land in Calgary, and then immediately leave for the mountains. It is a struggle for Calgary to retain some of these tourists in town for a day or two before bugging out. Thanks for highlighting this fun and adventurous city!
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That’s true. We were living in Golden for the last two years so it was also nice for us to move back and see the city with fresh eyes! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Alisen, Maggie
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