-
7 Fun Winter Activities in Calgary
Consider it our gift to you this year. Stay out of the mall and get to these six fun winter activities in Calgary.
-
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
This flavourful festival runs the entire month of February, during which several of the city's best chocolatiers, coffee shops and restaurants donate the profits from their signature hot chocolates to Meals on Wheels. Forget your basic milk and powdered cocoa concoction, these sweet sippers range from fair trade dark chocolate whipped with cardamom and fresh orange zest at Vie Cafe to dairy free options, such as coconut milk at Euphoria Café. You'll get a chance to vote on which drink will be named Calgary's Best Hot Chocolate.
-
Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Festival
Lake Louise's Ice Magic Festival is just the cure for those January blues. Head there for frosty fun January 15 to 24 to watch international ice carvers create masterpieces from 300-pound blocks of ice during the sculpture competition, or create your own in the Little Chippers Ice Zone at Samson Mall. Then head to The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to explore the ice castle and skate with the Ice Queen. There'll be open fire pits, marshmallows to roast and even an ice bar for parents. Inside the infamous Chateau, you'll find crafts and games at Cozy Corner Kids Indoor Activity Centre.
Good to know: The festival is now a ticketed event. Be sure to register in advance so you and your family can frolic in this winter wonderland.
-
Public Skate at the Olympic Oval
Feel like a champion and skate at the Olympic Oval. Buy a family ticket or a season's pass to the rink so you can perfect your moves by spring.
-
Go Tobogganing
Go tobogganing at one of the city's snow covered hills. Our fave is Stanley Park. Just make sure all sliders wear helmets.
-
Salsa Babies
Salsa off some of that shortbread with your little one in Studio 2 on the lower level of the Trico Center (11150 Bonaventure Dr SE). Salsa Babies offers fun and fitness for grown-ups and little ones alike.
-
Volunteer at Calgary Food Bank
Spend a few hours volunteering with your family. The Calgary Food Bank is always looking for additional help and families can take on the same volunteer roles as individuals.
-
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Horsin' Around is offering their seasonal horse-drawn sleigh rides every weekend starting at noon (weather permitting) for $10 per adult and $8 per child. Located in the south west close to Fish Creek Provincial Park, Horsin' Around's sleigh is an open deck with straw bales, and seats up to 20 people. The 15-minute ride is a perfect opportunity to practice your carols together or to just sip hot chocolate and catch up.