10 Best Things to Do in Calgary in Winter

Calgary’s vibrant downtown buzzes with a festive atmosphere throughout the winter. Nestled in the city’s historic district, Stephen Avenue is a pedestrian mall with a variety of shops, dining and entertainment options. For scenic views, take a walk along the RiverWalk, a path along the Bow River.

You can enjoy the winter scenery with the riverbanks and trees draped in snow and stop at a café for a cup of coffee. To dine in style, you’ll find plenty of options, from quaint restaurants nestled in charming historical buildings with a view of the Bow River to upscale dining with views of the city’s winter skyline during the Golden Hour.

Embark on a fishing charter in Calgary hosted by Alberta Fishing Charters to experience the thrills of reeling in a catch on Alberta’s frozen landscapes. Whether you’re new to ice fishing or you’re an experienced angler, ice fishing is an enjoyable winter activity for all skill levels.

Before your arrival, your guide will prepare everything you’ll need for a memorable day including the fishing site with a heated portable ice hut stocked with the necessary gear (except your lucky fishing lure). Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a hearty lunch and share fishing stories. You’ll learn from your expert guide techniques for reeling in the stealthy Northern Pike and the shy, elusive Walleye.

Home to Canada Olympic Park, WinSport is a popular ski park where the whole family can enjoy Calgary in winter with a variety of outdoor sports. Hit the slopes on skis or snowboard, ice skate at the rink, or hop on a tube for downhill sledding thrills. Whether you’re a first-time skier learning the basics or an advanced skier seeking steep slopes with challenging terrain, the park offers fun winter experiences for all skill levels.

For family snow tubing adventures, head over to the Servus Tube Park. Or enjoy a memorable indoor ice-skating experience at WinSport Arena during open public skate sessions. If you’re an advanced skier, WinSport features an Advanced Terrain Park where you can practice your freestyle skills.

Enjoy a delightful evening at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as ZOOLIGHTS illuminates the winter season with festive colors. Immerse yourself in this cherished Calgary winter tradition and the colorful glow of hundreds of whimsical figures. You can wander through the garden pathway to the enchanting flower figures at Dorothy Harvie Gardens and enjoy a festive photo op.

Reserve a cozy snow globe and raise a toast to a unique winter dining experience. The ENMAX Conservatory transforms into a winter wonderland where you’ll learn about the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts to increase populations of endangered animals. When you enjoy the winter magic of ZOOLIGHTS, you'll be contributing to wildlife conservation efforts that extend across Canada and around the world.

At the heart of downtown, the iconic Calgary Tower offers spectacular 360° views of the city and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains from its glass-floored observation deck. Step into the elevator and ascend to the observation deck of the 191-metre tower for epic scenery of Calgary in winter.

You can use the viewfinders for a close-up look at the city’s famous towers and premiere attractions, including Brookfield Place, Calgary’s tallest building, Fairmont Palliser, a hotel that symbolizes Calgary hospitality and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. For a memorable evening, enjoy the tower’s dining options, whether you seek light bites and cocktails or a fine dining experience. Either way, you’ll enjoy amazing 360° views as the tower revolves every 60 minutes.

Home to one of the largest library systems in North America, Calgary Central Library is a community hub that caters to diverse interests. Inspired by the concept of lanterns, the library is flooded with natural light, and it has a fireplace. With over 450,000 books, there are countless ways to explore your inspirations.

Here you can discover your next novel, find adventure with a travel guide or dive into the digital media lab. Throughout the library, soothing aesthetics reflect Canada’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, including Indigenous arts and design elements. Walls are made of cedar from nearby British Columbia and a dramatic curved facade reflects the shape of cloud arches formed by the region’s Chinook winds.

Among the most popular family-friendly things to do in Calgary during the winter is ice skating at the iconic Olympic Plaza ice rink. Situated in the heart of downtown, the plaza was originally built for the 1988 Olympics. In wintertime, the plaza’s festivities evoke a sense of nostalgia.

During the vacations, the plaza comes alive with dazzling vacation lights to celebrate the season. You’ll be treated to views of the plaza’s towering Christmas tree, twinkling lights and stunning city views. At night, you’ll have a direct view of the Calgary Tower’s colorful light display. After the vacations, the plaza’s lively atmosphere continues with the energetic beats of DJ-curated music. Skating is free of charge. Skates are available for rental.

If you enjoy science, you’re in for a winter treat at TELUS Spark Science Center. Buckle in for an immersive experience at the 3-story HD Digital Dome Theater where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a movie or planetarium show. Budding innovators of all ages can engage in hands-on activities in the Open Studio Gallery, where participants are encouraged to explore technology through hands-on discovery.

Step into the Digital Immersion Gallery, a mesmerizing experience for your senses featuring breathtaking floor-to-ceiling digital displays and intriguing narratives. Throughout the winter season, Spark after Dark ignites the night with adult-only programing that delves into the wonderful world of science. Celebrate science while savoring a handcrafted cocktail from the bar.

At the historic Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary, winter unveils enchanting experiences. This renowned hotel represents the finest hospitality in Calgary, welcoming locals and visitors alike throughout the year. You can celebrate the season while sipping on festive cocktails and dining with friends and family.

The winter season at Fairmont Palliser heralds the tradition of Winter Afternoon Tea, hosted in the hotel’s elegant lobby. Enjoy your choice of tea and a delicious assortment of pastries and finger sandwiches. For those seeking a winter wellness spa retreat, you can take a refreshing swim in the indoor heated pool or relax in the tranquility lounge. Indulge your senses in a facial, massage or body treatments that represent the natural elements of Canada.

The Hexagon Board Game Café in downtown Calgary offers a fun and casual environment for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual player or you seek more immersive competition, this unique café has a vast collection of board games to select from. Gamers can choose games without complex rules for casual fun or intermediate and advanced games that require advanced strategic thinking.

Dive into the fun and discover new board games with intriguing themes and narratives. Whichever game you choose, you’re guaranteed a great cup of coffee, community, and an engaging experience (and plenty of delicious, sweet treats) to enhance your gaming experience. Join the fun with friends at events and monthly meetups.