There is nothing like summer in Calgary, the sunniest major city in Canada with the longest trail network in North America. It’s the perfect time to soak up the sun, find fun things to do, and explore the great outdoors in a whole new way. Summer in Calgary can be short so start checking off your summer bucket list early. From hiking and biking to river surfing and picnics, outdoor summer adventures are ready and waiting for you in and around Calgary.
Outdoor Summer Activities in and Around Calgary
Summer Bucket List
Outdoor Summer Activities in and Around Calgary
Parks in Calgary
Start your summer bucket list by exploring some of the best parks in Calgary. Grab your picnic basket, frisbee, and a good book for a day in one of Calgary’s green spaces, with more than 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas in the city to explore. Parks in Calgary have something for everyone in the family with everything from family friendly playgrounds, tennis courts, and soccer fields to concrete waves and cricket pitches.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks in the city and the second largest urban park in Canada. It’s home to over 100 kilometres of walking and biking trails, along with a boat launch, McKenzie Meadows Golf Course, The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, and the Sikome Aquatic Facility.
Local Tip: Plan your route before you go with the Fish Creek Park Map and check out our complete list of the 10 Best Parks in Calgary.
Sikome Lake at Fish Creek Park in Calgary.
Hikes in Calgary
Looking for the best hikes near Calgary? Choose your next hike with the help of the Insider’s Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary from outdoor and adventure blogger Leigh McAdam. Inner city hikes, like the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Bow River Pathway system, or foothills excursions, like the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, or Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area are accessible short and moderate hikes in and around the city everyone can enjoy. Even during the summer months, it’s a great idea to pack layers of clothing and plenty of water to drink.
Local Tip: Gear up for your next hiking experience with the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre, with everything from hiking boots and poles to backpacking packs and gaiters.
The RiverWalk in East Village (Photo Credit: Rachel Ng)
The Glenbow Ranch is just outside Calgary on the way to the Rockies
Biking Trails in Calgary
There is no better way to experience the nature and breathtaking views of Calgary than on a bike. Calgary is home to the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America with approximately 1000 kilometres of paths and 96 kilometres of trails. Add biking trails to your summer bucket list and take a spin around Glenmore Reservoir, explore beautiful Bowness Park, or tour downtown from Eau Claire to Prince’s Island Park and St. Patrick’s Island. Bike shops in Calgary are a great resource to tune up your two wheels or you can find rentals at University of Calgary Outdoor Centre, Pedego Electric Bikes, or Bow Cycle E-Bikes.
Local Tip: Take your two wheeled tour to Bike and Brew in Bridgeland for a quick tune-up and a cup of coffee.
Biking in Calgary (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Mike Seehagel).
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Start checking off your family’s summer bucket list at WinSport with outdoor adventure everyone will love. Downhill Karting takes you through 50 twists and turns over 1800 metres of downhill track in a gravity powered luge cart. WinSport’s 18 hole outdoor mini golf course is family-friendly fun and takes up to 60 minutes to complete. Older kids will love spending a day on the mountain bike park with its downhill track network, skills park, 14 trails, and nine acres of terrain to explore.
Local Tip: Take a family photo in front of the historic Jamaican bobsled at WinSport, home to the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, in front of the Frank King Day Lodge.
Downhill Karting at WinSport in Calgary.
Float the Bow River
River rafting is a summertime favourite for locals and visitors alike in Calgary. Imagine floating down the beautiful Bow River with epic views of the downtown skyline on a hot summer day. You can rent rafts with outfitters like Lazy Day Raft Rentals and The Paddle Station to make your day on the water hassle free. Float time varies from two to three hours depending on where you start and end your adventure. Common routes include Bowness Park to Edworthy Park or Shouldice Park to St. Patrick’s Island. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and good footwear are essential for a day on the water. Life jackets are required on the Bow River.
Local Tip: Park a car at the start and end of your river float and remember a set of keys for both cars before jumping on the raft. Some rental companies provide shuttle services, or you can taxi or ride-share back to your original starting spot.
Rafting along the Bow River (Photo credit: Travel Alberta).
Picnic Spots in Calgary
Summer is your chance for a picnic lunch. Pack your picnic basket for the whole family, or plan a romantic outdoor date night in Calgary and check out the best picnic spots in Calgary. Bowness Park, Carburn Park, North Glenmore Park, St. Patrick’s Island, and Prince’s Island Park are popular Calgary picnic spots with some city parks offering picnic tables, fire pits, barbeque stands, licensed consumption areas, and tandoori ovens to take your picnic to the next level.
Local Tip: Order a picnic lunch from River Café in Prince’s Island Park with a selection of locally sourced and handmade items to fill your basket. River Café even sells picnic totes, blankets, chiller bags, and corkscrews in case you forgot yours at home.
Picnic in Prince’s Island Park in Calgary.
River Surfing in Calgary
That’s right, river surfing in Calgary. River surfers from around the world come to experience the waves of the Bow River and Kananaskis Country each summer. The popular 10th Street Wave in downtown Calgary has become a meeting spot for the river surfing community and a welcoming wave for newcomers to try.
Local Tip: Not ready to jump in the water? Locals love to watch river surfing from the banks of the Bow River at the 10th Street Wave in downtown Calgary and get the ultimate Instagram shot.
River surfing at the 10th Street Wave in Calgary (Photo credit: Kelly Hofer).
Day Trips near Calgary
Many National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just a short drive from Calgary, making day trips an essential part of any summer bucket list. Take a ride up the Banff Gondola, saddle up at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, dig up some history at Dinosaur Provincial Park, or discover one of the best preserved buffalo jumps in the world at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site. All that day tripping adventure and you can still be home in time for dinner in the city.
Local Tip: Shuttle services like Prairie Sprinter and RTB Tours & Shuttles are a great way to experience a day trip near Calgary and let someone else do the driving so you have more time for taking pictures.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Photo credit: Travel Alberta / Jeremy Fokkens).
More stories from Calgary
Calgary by Bike
Calgary Parks