Outdoor Summer Activities in and Around Calgary

Summer in Calgary is special. Sipping on patio beers while watching the sun set at 10 p.m. Floating past forests and skyscrapers on the Bow River. Biking for hours along North America’s longest urban pathway system. Enjoy Canada’s sunniest city this summer with these outdoor activities.

Calgary has 75 city parks and one of the largest urban parks in Canada - Fish Creek Provincial Park . Fish Creek is a perfect spot for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and trail-running.

For a more low-key experience, grab some lunch to-go and visit one of these river-side parks:

• Bowness Park

• Prince’s Island Park

• St. Patrick’s Island Park

Local tip: Order a picnic lunch from River Café in Prince’s Island Park with a selection of locally-sourced items to fill your basket.

Read more about the Best Parks in Calgary and Best Picnic Spots in Calgary.

Calgary has 96km (60mi) of hiking trails right in the city, ranging from nature walks in the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to steep slopes along the Douglas Fir Trail. The city also boasts an extensive paved pathway network along the picturesque Bow and Elbow rivers.

Local tip: The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offers affordable rentals for gear like hiking boots and poles.

Read more about the Best Walks and Hikes in Calgary.

There is no better way to experience the breathtaking views of Calgary than on a bike. Take a spin around Glenmore Reservoir, explore beautiful Bowness Park, or tour downtown from Prince’s Island to St. Patrick’s Island.

For those more vertically inclined, there are plenty of ways to find your flow in Calgary. Follow single-track trails overlooking the city at Nosehill Park or descend breezy cross-country trails at WinSport.

Local tip: Take your two wheeled tour to Bike and Brew in Bridgeland for a quick tune-up and a cup of coffee.

Read more about the Best Bike Pathways and Best Mountain Biking Trails in and around Calgary.

Calgary’s summers can get up to 35°C (95°F). On those days, you’ll be happy Calgary has so many lakes and rivers to dip your toes into. Imagine floating down the beautiful Bow River with epic views of the downtown skyline.

You can rent rafts and kayaks from:

• Lazy Day Raft Rentals

• The Paddle Station

• University of Calgary Outdoor Centre

Local tip: Harvie Passage is a purpose-built water recreation area just off the Bow River and the perfect spot to relax on a hot summer day.

Read more about the Best Lakes and Rivers Near Calgary.

Many national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just a short drive from Calgary. Take a ride up the Banff Gondola, 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.

Local tip: Shuttle services like RTB Tours & Shuttles are a great way to take a day trip from Calgary. Let someone else do the driving so you have more time for taking pictures.

Read more about the Best Day Trips from Calgary.