Top 10 Things to Do in Calgary in the Winter

1. Go Ice Skating

If you prefer a more naturally formed ice, take a short bus ride from downtown to Bowness Park where a beautifully imperfect ice loop runs along the Southern edge of the park. Skating here is scenic but more challenging, as the ice is a little bumpier, but that just adds to the fun! Conveniently, skaters can rent equipment, warm up next to fire pits and purchase hot chocolate at the little Café located in the main building. If you’re a language student looking to avoid the tourist crowd and immerse yourself in local community, Bowness Park is definitely the place to skate.

Have the temperatures dropped below -15? Take the C-Train to the University of Calgary station and go for a Monday night skate at The Oval. It’s an indoor speed skating rink that is very popular with families, University students and new skaters. The ice here is smooth and clean – perfect for avoiding those nasty spills when you’re new to the sport. The best part about this rink? It’s indoors and relatively warm! You can also rent skates at the Oval and they’ll make you wear a helmet so you don’t damage your precious brain.

2. Try Tubing at Acura Tube Park

There are fire pits and a food truck on site, if all the excitement has worked up an appetite. The Tube Park is located on the ski hill, so you can also walk over to the main lodge for a delicious burger and a cold pint after you’ve finished.

The Acura Tube Park is an easy bus ride from Global Village’s downtown campus.

3. Attend a Calgary Flames Hockey Game

Here at Global Village Calgary we always recommend that our students catch a weekend game – when the fans are at their loudest and most rowdy – making for an exciting atmosphere. Known as the ‘C of Red’ the mass of Calgary fans that fill the Saddledome know it’s bad luck not to wear red at a game. Or better yet, get yourself a Calgary Flames Jersey. They can be purchased at any sports clothing outlet in the city, and would make a great souvenir of your time at Global Village Calgary.

Afraid of the cold? Don’t be. The Saddledome is a covered and heated stadium, making a hockey game an ideal way to spend a cold evening in Calgary.

4. Study at Calgary’s Central Library

With 4 floors there are lots of nooks and crannies adorned with comfortable reading chairs for you to settle into. There’s even a café if you need a caffeine boost. And YES, you’re allowed to drink that coffee anywhere you want! Gone are the days of tall stuffy rows of books. This library lets you breathe. And virtually every spot in it has a wonderful view of the surrounding city. Need an enclosed space equipped with conference tables, chairs and all the latest technology? No problem. Small study rooms can be reserved for free. Great for those group projects that our teachers love to assign!

5. Walk along the Bow River

Strolling next to Prince’s Island Park, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful tranquility of a luscious park transformed into a winter wonderland. You’ll pass a small lagoon-turned ice skating rink, see (and hear) 100s of Canada Geese floating on the river, and enjoy a peaceful walk free of motorized vehicles. A good spot to turn around is at the Peace Bridge – that famous red pedestrian bridge that crosses the Bow River into Sunnyside. First, take out those smart phones, turn on Portrait mode and snap a few shots of yourself in front of the Peace Bridge.

6. Take a skiing lesson at WinSport

Spend an afternoon at Calgary’s very own ski hill – WinSport, located at Canadian Olympic Park (C.O.P). C.O.P was built for the 1988 winter Olympics and has acted as Calgarians’ go-to spot when they’re itching for a few hours of skiing but don’t want to leave the city. It’s a 30-minute bus ride from the Global Village campus, or a 10 minute drive from downtown. The best part is that WinSport offers 90 minute beginner lessons, equipment and a lift ticket for a total of $60. Trust us when we tell you that that’s a steal!

7. Shop ‘til you drop

You can easily make a day of it if you head to CrossIron Mills in the North East of Calgary. Cross Iron Mills is Calgary’s biggest single-level shopping and entertainment centre and houses more than 230 speciality stores and premium brand outlets. It’s retail bliss! Aside from all the amazing shops, CrossIron Mills also boasts a Cinema, dozens of full-size restaurants and an impressive fast food court that rivals any in the city. 4 or 5 hours pass fairly quickly at this place.

8. Take in the Views from McHugh Bluff

Once you hit those majestic stone lion heads perched on the Centre Street Bridge, take the staircase down to the river walk pathway. Follow it west until you hit Prince’s Island Park. Make your way through the park, traversing the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Bow River and Memorial Drive. From there you’ll see an intimidatingly tall staircase that clings to the side of a cliff. It’s exercise time. Climb the stairs to reach McHugh Bluff. After you catch your breath, walk west along the bluff until you find the ideal spot to sit and reflect while taking in the spectacular panorama that is Calgary’s skyline. On the clearest of days, you’ll even be able to see the Canadian Rocky Mountain Range to the west. Ahhhhhh.

9. Eat BBQ Like a Local Calgarian

So, after class at Global Village grab 8 of your favourite classmates, hop on the C-Train and head to Sunnyside station just across the Bow River. From there Hayden Block is a 5-minute walk. Once at Hayden Block take a seat next to the fire, or at one of the many communal tables and get ordering. Classics include long-smoked brisket (our favourite), hot links, beef short ribs, pulled pork and bacon wrapped corn. Don’t forget a side of green beans…for health. Hayden Block also specializes in American whisky, so ask your waiter about the daily whisky specials. Just writing this has us salivating! Yum!

10. Watch a Calgary Roughnecks Lacrosse Game

It’s known as the ‘fastest game on two feet’. If you’ve never experienced an NLL Lacrosse game, don’t miss the opportunity to catch our Roughnecks play while you’re in Calgary. Tickets are affordable, the fans are loud and the rock music never stops playing during the game! Games happen on the weekends and at the Scotiabank Saddledome – conveniently located downtown and a 10-minute train ride from Global Village Calgary. Go ‘Necks Go!!