Winter in Calgary: A Season to Savor
Every year when the snow falls, Calgary turns into a magical winter wonderland bedecked with twinkling lights and frozen lagoons. There are just as many opportunities for adventure out in the crisp air and sunshine as there are tucked away inside with a mug of hot cocoa. Northwest Calgary is your gateway to everything this city has to offer. Today, we’d like to share with you some of our seasonal favourites.
Tips for Enjoying Winter
Winter can be challenging but there are some easy things that you can do to make this chilly season more tolerable. Firstly, it’s important to invest in good outdoor clothing from a warm coat to sturdy boots. Mittens, toques, and scarves might seem like accessories, but they are a vital part of keeping your limbs nice and toasty.
Calgary’s proximity to the mountains make it prone to chinooks throughout the winter. These bursts of spontaneous warm weather require lighter sweaters to be worn under your coat so that a quick change of wardrobe will keep you comfortable. Calgary’s proximity to the mountains also means that a quick weekend away in Banff is always a whim away.
Look for opportunities to rent equipment. Investing in outdoor sports can be costly, but spending as much time as you can outside in the sunshine is the most effective way to befriend winter. Luckily, there are many rental opportunities for everything from snowshoes to skis, to skates. It just takes a little extra time and research.
Things to Do in Winter in and around Calgary
For Families with Little Ones
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Skating Lessons at Arbour Lake West
Start with the basics of skating in the beautiful community of Arbour Lake West. This charming lakeside community offers lessons for all ages including parent and toddler classes as well as an intro series on how to play ringet.
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Skate at Bowness Park Ice Trail
Glide along the 1.6 km ice trail at Bowness Park, where you can also enjoy private lagoon skating, fire pits, and treats from the on-site café. Helmets are encouraged and skate rentals are available from mid-November to mid-March.
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Explore TELUS Spark Science Centre
Dive into interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and 360° dome theatre shows. During winter, don’t miss “Merry & Matter,” a festive light experience with hot chocolate, extended evening hours, and captivating installations.
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Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival
Marvel at intricate ice sculptures and enjoy skating on a frozen lake—just a two-hour drive away.
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Visit Calgary Central Library
Beyond books, this architectural gem offers cozy reading nooks, rotating exhibits, free Wi-Fi, a café onsite, and inspiring spaces to work or relax—all within its stunning design.
For Adventurous Adults
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Try Ice Bikes on the Lagoon
If skating isn’t your thing, pedal around the frozen lagoon with ice bike rentals, the first of its kind in Canada! These sled-mounted bikes are available weekends for all ages.
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Explore North Glenmore & Bowness Ski Trails
Glide through scenic routes on trails in Bowness Park and North Glenmore Park, both offering well-maintained cross-country paths and snowshoe-friendly routes.
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Enjoy Winter Weekends at Studio Bell
This National Music Centre hosts live pop-up performances, community choirs, and a rotating vendor market every December. It’s a perfect blend of music, culture, and holiday cheer.
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Tube at WinSport Calgary Olympic Park
Just a short drive away, WinSport offers thrill-seekers a high-speed tubing hill, ski slopes, and a superpipe, continuing the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
For Seniors with Style
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Crokicurl at Bowness or North Glenmore Park
Play the quirky fusion of curling and crokinole with Crokicurl. This is a life-sized, strategy-filled game located at Bowness and North Glenmore Park.
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Cross-Country Skiing at Confederation Park
Explore approximately 6 km of groomed ski trails at Confederation Park Golf Course, maintained by Foothills Nordic Ski Club. Both classic and skate skiing options are available, and there are evening hours during weekdays.
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Wander the Core’s Devonian Gardens
Escape the cold in this lush indoor oasis at the heart of downtown Calgary. Stroll under towering ficus trees, around koi ponds, and past calming water features—ideal for peaceful escapes on chilly days.
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
Take in breathtaking mountain views and relax in natural hot springs for the ultimate winter weekend escape.
Looking for a Home Close to All This Winter Fun?
Explore Cantiro Townhomes at Arbour Lake West—NW Calgary’s only lake community with quick possession options. Live steps away from skating, shopping, cozy cafés, specialty grocery stores, and amazing fitness options. Click here to learn more about everything this amazing community has to offer.