6 of the best free things to do in Calgary this winter
Winter in Calgary doesn’t have to mean spending all your money on lift tickets, fancy gear, or expensive events; there’s actually a bunch of things you can do for free.
From fun outdoor games to cool buildings to check out, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season while saving a few bucks. Here are six free things to do in Calgary this winter.
Crokicurl
City of Calgary
Crokicurl is a fun winter game that mixes a life-sized version of the game Crokinole with curling. The objective is to score the most points by shooting curling rocks towards the centre of the ice. It’s easy to pick up, and the city provides the curling rocks during open hours. You can find Crokicurl at Bowness Park, North Glenmore Park, and its newest location, Barb Scott Park.
Visit the Esker Foundation
Esker Foundation/Facebook
The Esker Foundation is a free art Gallery located in Inglewood. Winter is the perfect time to visit if you’re looking for an activity out of the cold. You can find rotating exhibits and tons of artwork.
Go on a winter walk
LisaBourgeault/Shutterstock
When winter arrives, Calgary’s trails and pathways turn into a snowy wonderland. From neighbourhood strolls to exploring Calgary’s parks, there are tons of spots in the city that are perfect for a nice winter outing. We even rounded up some of the best spots to go for a winter walk in Calgary.
Outdoor ice skating
Calgary Parks/Facebook
If you’ve got a pair of skates, ice skating is a great way to spend some time outside in the winter. Plenty of parks and public spaces in Calgary set up outdoor rinks for the season, giving you a chance to glide, spin, and enjoy the winter air. The city is even introducing Free Skate Saturdays in Eau Claire, where, starting Dec. 20, the first 50 people to show up get free skate rentals!
Check out Calgary’s public libraries
Calgary Public Library/Facebook
Many branches of the Calgary Public Library offer fun, free activities and workshops year-round. From discussions with U of C researchers to story times and even listening to broadcasts of the Olympics, there are plenty of ways to enjoy free activities at the library. It’s also a great spot to sit, hang out, and get out of those chilly temperatures.
Winter Cycling
Robert Vincelli/Shutterstock
Snow doesn’t mean you have to put your bike away for the season. The City of Calgary provides a map each winter of what trails and pathways get cleared after it snows so that cyclists can still get out and enjoy a nice bike ride. You can find the map online. They also offer tips and tricks on how to prepare and keep your bike good for winter.