17 distanced things to do in Calgary this week: February 15 to 21
As recommended by health officials, if you choose to participate in events outside of your home, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent handwashing. If you are sick, please stay home.
With the weather set to finally warm up this week, it’s the perfect time to come out of hibernation and (safely) explore all that our city has to offer.
There are plenty of things to do both indoors and out this week, plus fun virtual activities that you can take part in from the comfort of your own couch – or bed, we don’t judge.
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What are you waiting for, Calgary? Mask up and gather your cohort or head out solo to get some fresh air, or plan a cozy night in and learn something new with one of these online options.
Chinook Blast: Calgary’s Midwinter Round Up, powered by Shaw*
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What: Local artists are illuminating our winter weekend nights from February 11 to 28 in the Chinook Blast Hub, an outdoor art park, as well as a number of Partner Pop-up sites around downtown Calgary. Capture moments among outdoor art and light installations, warm up fireside with your small cohort, take a safe and recharging walking tour, and plenty more await you at Chinook Blast. Visit www.chinookblast.ca for more details.
Glenbow from Home
What: Tour Glenbow’s extensive collection and galleries of rotating exhibits virtually and get cultured without even leaving the house.
When: Anytime
Where: Online, available through Glenbow’s website
Cost: Free
Exposure Photography Festival 2021
What: There are tons of ways to check out the 190+ artists who are featured in Alberta’s photography festival this year, whether you want to do so outdoors, from behind your car window, in person, or in the comfort of your own home.
When: February 1 to 28
Time: Varies by event, check schedule
Where: Calgary, Banff, Cochrane, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and online
Cost: Varies by program
Kensington Love
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What: Kensington Love is a series of outdoor activations throughout the community during the month of February. Go on a self-guided art walk and explore over 30 installations and murals, warm up by the firepits, and snap some photos with fun art pieces!
When: February 1 to 28
Time: Firepits from noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, art tour is self-guided using the Kensington Art Walk Map
Where: Firepits are on the Kensington Plaza (1133 Kensington Road NW), art walk runs primarily along Kensington Road and 10th Street NW
Cost: Free
Bridgeland Arctic Adventure
What: Participants can choose their own adventure through the neighbourhood of Bridgeland, from the full, self-guided course to a scavenger hunt. Arctic Adventure activity stops include human curling, Peony Plaza Rodeo, Stairway to Heaven, Northern Safari, Gnome Village, and much more!
When: February 12 to March 31
Time: Self-guided, with an Ice Bar hosted by Bridegland Distillery open from 2 to 6 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Where: Throughout the Bridgeland community, view map for details
Cost: Free, unless you purchase a beverage at the Ice Bar
Northern Reflections augmented art tour in Inglewood
What: Murals have been painted in local businesses’ windows and matched with music to create a one-of-a-kind art experience when viewed with free augmented reality app Augle. The art exhibits are seen from the outside, and together they make up a self-guided art tour in Inglewood.
When: Now until February 28
Time: Self-guided
Where: In Inglewood business windows, running along 9th Avenue between 10th Street and 13th Street SE
Cost: Free
The Blue Jay Sessions livestream
What: Spend your Friday evening enjoying some incredible local music while staying cozy at home – the next best thing to going out and listening to a live show.
When: February 19
Time: 7 pm
Where: Broadcast via Facebook Live on The Blue Jay Sessions page
Cost: Free
WinSport Tube Park
What: The fastest of its kind in western Canada, the snow tubing hill at WinSport has eight lanes for flying down. Get a boost of adrenaline with this outdoor activity that’s fun for all ages.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: WinSport (88 Canada Olympic Road SW)
Cost: $20 – $25 per person
Chinatown Ice Sculpture Showcase
What: In celebration of the the Year of the Ox, the Chinatown BIA is placing five life-sized Ox ice sculptures throughout the community. Each of the sculptures are distinctly coloured to harmonize with Calgary and Chinatown’s culture
Where: Five locations along 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue SE, and Centre Street and 4th Avenue SE
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
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What: Warm up with some cocoa from a local cafe or restaurant! The 10th annual YYC Hot Chocolate Fest brings creative and unusual flavours to a classic beverage while supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels.
When: February 1 to 28
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies by location
Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo
What: Get an up-close look at the group of king penguins as they explore, exercise, and waddle their way through the zoo.
When: Now through mid-March, weather dependent
Time: 10 am
Where: The Calgary Zoo (210 St. George’s Drive NE)
Cost: Included with admission ($19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children)
Calgary Underground Film Festival’s Lapsis
What: The “Off the CUFF” year-round series has gone virtual, bringing the best new genre-defying films right to your home. Lapsis is a witty sci-fi social satire about the gig economy and the failed utopian promises of big tech.
When: Stream available starting February 12 at 7am until February 18 at 11:55pm
Where: Online
Cost: $6.99
Visit Devonian Gardens
What: Feel like you’re in a tropical paradise within downtown Calgary at Devonian Gardens. Stroll the boardwalk, take in the plants and ponds, and grab a quick bite at the food court.
When: Daily
Time: 11 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 pm on Sundays
Where: 4th floor of the CORE Shopping Centre (400 – 317 7th Avenue SW)
Block Heater
What: One of Calgary’s favourite music festivals is bringing their programming online this year. Join Block Heater for five days of shows viewed from the comfort of your couch (or bed), featuring Albertan, Canadian, and international roots, blues, and indie artists.
When: February 16 to 20
Time: Schedule varies, view the lineup for details
Where: Online
Cost: Free/by donation
Ice biking at Bowness Park
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What: Pick up a new sport this winter with the ice bikes at Bowness Park. Operated just like a normal bicycle, except the wheels have been replaced with skates!
When: Saturdays and Sundays, weather dependent
Time: 11:30 am to 6:30 pm
Where: Rent ice bikes from the Skate Shop at Bowness Park
Cost: $12 for a half-hour or $20 per hour
Little Modern Market’s winter edition
What: Support local by shopping online at Little Modern Market’s winter edition. Vendors are offering major discounts during the virtual market, so make sure you take advantage and pick up something new.
When: February 18 to 21
Where: Online via LMM’s website
Calgary Zoo: FOCUSED
What: The FOCUSED photography event allows shutterbugs exclusive access to the Eurasia exhibit, before opening to the public for the day. This is your chance to snap some pictures of the animals and the zoo grounds in the morning light without other guests ending up in the frame.
When: February 21
Time: 9 to 11 am
Where: The Calgary Zoo
Cost: $45 (includes full-day admission), or $25 for Calgary Zoo members
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