Winter in Calgary is the perfect time to bundle up and explore the great outdoors. It might be chilly and it might be warm but there are so many things to see and do in the winter months. From skiing and snowboarding to dogsledding and hot springs, outdoor winter adventures are ready and waiting for you in and around Calgary.
Outdoor Winter Activities in and Around Calgary
Outdoor Winter Activities in and Around Calgary
Go downhill skiing & snowboarding
Soak in an outdoor pool
Take the whole family tubing
Winter Tips for Families
Make the most of the cold weather with these tips for exploring the city with your family.
Add dog sledding to your bucket list
Ride a fat bike in the snow
Try cross-country skiing
Only 1 hour west of Calgary, Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park hosted the world during the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and continues to offer world class cross-country skiing trails to this day for beginners and experienced skiers. Get a trail pass for the day and explore more than 65 kilometres of groomed trails. Cross-country ski rentals are available on site. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre also offer cross-country ski rentals for beginner and experienced skiers.
In Calgary, cross-country skiing is welcome in any park, along with a selection of groomed trails throughout the city you can access for free like the East Village Nordic Loop. City of Calgary Parks like Shaganappi Point Golf Course, South Glenmore Park, and Bowness Park are trackset and ready for your next cross-country skiing adventure.
Ice skate on an outdoor rink
Explore outdoor attractions
Take a walk in snowshoes
Snowshoeing is a great way to get active in the winter. It’s easy to learn and inexpensive to try for people of all ages and experience levels. Along with dedicated trails, snowshoeing is welcome in any Calgary park. Beyond Calgary, you can explore the snowshoe trails of Mount Norquay, take a scenic hike through Sunshine Meadows at Sunshine Village, or explore a different side of Castle Mountain with a guided tour.
The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offer snowshoe rentals for beginner and experienced snowshoe enthusiasts. The Bow Habitat Station hosts learn to snowshoe clinics that includes all the basics as you explore Pearce Estate Park.
Meet the wolfdogs
Day trip to the Banff Gondola