what to do in calgary

70 Things to Do in Calgary and the Mountains This Spring and Summer!

It’s officially spring. Now is the time to start planning how you’re going to make the most of the warmer, sunnier days that are coming up. Consider this your ultimate spring and summer to-do list — we have ideas that will get you through to Labour Day.

Things you simply have to do

These are all springtime and summertime staples if you’re in Calgary. Whether you’ve got visitors or just want to be a tourist in your own city, make a point to cross each of these events and venues off your list this year.

Try out the various summer activities at WinSport

You’ve probably visited WinSport in the winter to go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or to play hockey at the rink. But it’s just as fun in the spring and summer months. Try out the mountain bike trails (you can rent a bike if you don’t have one), fly down the venue’s three ziplines (you could reach speeds of 80 kilometres per hour) and try the Skyline Luge, the 1,800-metre-long luge track (it’s like go-karting, but better.) Visit winsport.ca for opening dates and costs.
WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., 403-247-5452, winsport.ca
 

Visit Spruce Meadows for the various showjumping tournaments

There are events here throughout the year, but it’s hard to beat visiting in the spring and summer. Horse jumping, shopping, prairie dogs and fun activities for the kids mean you can spend a whole day here. The first major tournament is the May Classic, running May 7 and 8, then 13 to 15. The National tournament runs June 8 to 12. The North American tournament runs July 6 to 10.
Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way, 403-974-4200, sprucemeadows.com 
 

Tour Calgary and the Foothills in a vintage Russian sidecar

photograph courtesy of rocky mountain sidecar adventures

Warren Cummins and Nicole Egli of Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures.

It’s quirky, it’s different and it’s still pretty new. Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures offers tours where you ride in the sidecar and a qualified driver drives the vintage Russian motorcycle. (To add to the charm, all motorcycles also have Russian names.) Tour Calgary’s downtown core or ride out into the mountains — you could even stop at a meadery and a distillery. Tours are weather-dependent, so as long as there’s no rain or snow, they’ll go ahead.
403-462-7450, rockymountainsidecar.com
 

See 19th century Alberta at Heritage Park

Opens May 21
The historical village opens fully on the May long weekend. This year marks its 52nd summer season. You’re going to want to visit the park at least once for a horse-drawn wagon ride, the walk through the old-timey buildings and to visit the antique midway. There are also various special events taking place throughout the summer, such as various workshops, the Western Rodeo (August 6) and the 21st Annual Festival of Quilts (May 28 and 29.) Lunch aboard a vintage Canadian Pacific Railway car (Tuesdays, May 24 to August 30) is also a must-do this summer.
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca 

Get an adrenaline rush at Calaway Park

Opens May 21
If you whiz past this amusement park on your way to the mountains, promising your family (and yourself) that next time you’ll stop, this is the summer that you’ll finally do it. For real. The park opens on the May long weekend and has 32 rides, 23 carnival games, five restaurants and several places to shop.
Calaway Park, 245033 Range Rd. 33, 403-240-3822, calawaypark.com
 

Shop at all the seasonal, outdoor farmers’ markets

Most of the seasonal and outdoor farmers’ markets are up and running by the end of May or early June. A few of the markets to visit before the fall include the Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market, the Calgary Grassroots Northland Farmers’ Market, the Marda Loop Farmers’ Market and the outdoor Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market. If you’re willing to head out of town, also make a point to check out the various out-of-town seasonal and outdoor farmers’ markets.
Various locations
 

Cheer for the Okotoks Dawgs

First home game is on June 3
You don’t have to go all the way to Seattle to watch a good game of baseball. The Okotoks Dawgs is a Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) team that takes on teams like the Medicine Hat Mavericks, the Brooks Bombers and the Lethbridge Bulls. The season runs from May to August.
Seaman Stadium, 2111 N. Railway St., Okotoks, 403-262-3294, dawgsbaseball.ca
 

Embrace the Calgary Stampede

July 8 to 17
It’s so much more than a rodeo: it’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. For 10 days, Calgary embraces its cowboy roots and you should join in. Wear your cowboy boots, watch the parade, visit the midway, buy tickets to the rodeo and the evening show, and take your time wandering the Stampede grounds. But at the same time, don’t limit yourself to the grounds — there are various Stampede-related events taking place all over the city, including more free pancake breakfasts than you could possibly attend.
Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way S.E., 403-261-0101, calgarystampede.com

Foodie events

Events for the outdoor enthusiast

In the mountains

Cultural events and festivals 

Summertime music and theatre

and more!!
http://www.avenuecalgary.com/Things-to-Do/Things-To-Do-in-Calgary-and-the-Mountains-Spring-and-Summer-2016/