Things to Do in Calgary AB: 25+ Fun Ideas for this Weekend

Located in the southern half of the Alberta province in Canada, Calgary is an emerging metropolitan area with more than one million people. Following Toronto and Montreal, it is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. The economy in the city hosts a wide variety of industries, including finance, energy, entertainment, manufacturing, and technology. Additionally, Calgary boasts a huge variety of activities and things to do and is sure to provide something for everyone. Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Calgary.

Outdoor Recreation in Calgary

Many residents enjoy the city's more remote location in Western Canada, as there is an endless supply of Calgary outdoor activities perfect for their tastes. With the city located near the Canadian Rockies, there are plenty of activities related to exploring the mountains. Several tours offer scenic views of the Rocky Mountains through hiking trails or boating on the Calgary waterfront.

People can choose to camp in nearby Banff National Park or more challenging rafting or rock climbing tours. More casual types of outdoor explorers may focus on horseback trails through the Kananaskis or leisurely float tours.

For people who may seek something a little more "interesting" than breathtaking scenery, there are a number of caves to explore. The Tackle Rat's Nest Cave tour, for example, provides an education on the local geologic history in addition to the challenging course. There are also some scavenger adventures and clue-solving tours for groups that may want to add a little fantasy fun.

There are also several great places to golf in Calgary and several golf course homes Calgary residents can live in to get unfettered access to the city's golf courses.

Shopping & Dining in Calgary

As a growing area, Calgary has a hip, modern feel with lots of trendy restaurants and shopping areas. Downtown Calgary has 3,000 businesses within a 120-block area, providing a nice concentration of shopping and iconic Calgary restaurants. Visitors wanting to experience it all might consider some of Calgary's best hotels in the city centre. In addition to the downtown area, several areas of the city highlight a particular kind of business. For example, Fourth Street features many home decor and fashion outlets. The Inglewood community is historic, with a strong focus on antiques and local design stores.

Weekends in Calgary are a great time for farmers markets. The area hosts two markets, including the Calgary Farmers' Market and Crossroad Market. If you are willing to leave the city, Bearspaw Lions and Millarville also have markets. People shopping in Calgary can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, and a variety of craft items.

Arts & Culture in Calgary

Unlike many other communities, Calgary has a history of embracing both traditional and modern cultural categories. The city hosts several dance schools related to jazz, ballet, and modern dance. The Alberta Ballet is one of the largest dance organizations in the country with 31 classically trained dancers from all over the world.

Those who prefer museums will also find a wide assortment of activities. The National Music Centre provides a collection of vintage instruments and demonstrations of music from yesteryear. The Sports Hall of Fame presents a day of fun around nationally loved sports and the Olympics. Other museums highlight aviation, military, ethnic cultures, and more, and present fun things to do with kids in Calgary.

Up for a celebration? Calgary is home to many festivals, including the Lilac Festival, the famous Calgary Stampede, GlobalFest, and more.

Nightlife in Calgary

No city is complete without a thriving nightlife, and Calgary does not disappoint. The city hosts a huge variety of bars and clubs, satisfying all lifestyles and music tastes. There are sports bars like Cowboys where visitors can cheer their favourite teams or listen to the latest music. There are casual bars like Broken City, appropriate for company outings and conversation among friends. If people want to dance the night away, they can find clubs like the Milk Tiger Lounge. All these locations and many, many more are waiting across the city of Calgary.

Free Activities in Calgary

Looking for fun on a budget? There's plenty of fun to be had that's completely free. For example, visit the Devonian Gardens. This is a massive one-hectare urban oasis in downtown Calgary that has over 50 different varieties of plants and trees. It also recently underwent renovations to add a playground, and you can even book the gardens for weddings and other events. It's a lot of fun for kids and adults alike!

Another option for free entertainment in the city is visiting the Calgary Public Library. It has everything you would expect from a library, plus more. This modern institution gives free guided tours where you can learn about the various spaces in the library, the services it offers, and even the art and architecture featured there. These tours are a great way to get acquainted with the library before diving in. And when you're done, pick out some books and spend a quiet afternoon reading.

There's Something for Everyone in Calgary

The best part about Calgary is its variety, with such an amazing mix of activities and popular attractions to interest almost anyone. Whether someone has just moved to Calgary or is on vacation in Calgary for the first time, they will want to stay for the fun, entertainment, and nightlife the city has to offer year-round.