10 fun things to do this November

There is nothing like winter in Calgary! Bundling up in a hat, coat and mitts is well worth it when you get to enjoy the beauty of the city in the lead up to the holiday season.

The cold and snow don’t slow this city down one bit and there are tons of things to do to keep you busy this month!

Check out some of our favorite ideas below:

Take in a Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performance

The CPO has been a pillar of Calgary’s vibrant arts community since 1955. The orchestra presents classical standards, pop favorites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works. Their holiday performances are classics that are enjoyed by people of all ages. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

Downhill skii or snowboard

Whether you stick close to home at Canada Olympic Park or drive to one of the many nearby mountains, there is no doubt that skiing and snowboarding are the top winter sports in these parts. Calgary has world-class slopes as little as an hour away. Some of our favorite spots to “shred the gnar” are Nakiska, Norquay and Sunshine Village.

Shop at a holiday market

There are more holiday markets than we can count in Calgary and each one of them offers something unique to Christmas shoppers. Some of the most well-known include the International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows, Calgary Christmas Market (at both Calgary Farmer’s Market locations), Market Collective Holiday Markets and Peak to Prairie Holiday Market at Winsport. Check out our online calendar for dates and times of dozens of holiday markets in and around Calgary.

Go for a dip in natural hot springs

Warm up in one of the many natural hot springs in and around Calgary. A short drive takes you to Banff Hot Springs, while a longer road trip will bring you to Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs. If you are comfortable driving four hours or more, check out Lussier or Miette Hot Springs to take a dip.

Take a self-guided walking tour

Calgary has so many beautiful parks and pathways that transform into winter wonderlands during the cold months. Take a stroll through Bowmont Park, Elliston Park, Griffith Woods Park and Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Get even more ideas for where to go at calgary.ca.

Let there be light

Nothing says “happy holidays” in Calgary like going out to view one of the many impressive light displays in and around the city. Magical light displays are one of the things this city does really well so bundle up, hop into the car and go check out all things merry and bright this festive season! Visit our online calendar for dates and times of light displays in and around Calgary.

Play in an arcade

Remember when you were a kid and would spend hours in your local arcade? Share that experience with your kids. Arcades are back and more popular than ever with several locations in and around Calgary. Whether you are looking to play classics like PAC-MAN or want to get your hands on the latest VR games, you can find the arcade that has it – sometimes all in one place!

Go curling

Have you ever wondered how to curl? Check out one of the many clubs in and around the city to try your hand at this popular winter sport. It is a great way to improve your balance, get aerobic, strengthen your legs and meet new people.

Visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Capture a feeling of absolute wonder on the cliffs of the Sunwapta Valley. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk experience features fossils, waterfall views and incredible glacier landscapes along a one-kilometre interpretive walkway, situated near routes frequented by mountain goats and other wildlife. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Enjoy a sleigh ride

Sleigh rides are a magical experience for the whole family and a memory you’ll cherish for years. Horsin Around in southwest Calgary is a great option in the city. Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis and Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures near Bragg Creek offer sleigh rides. Horse-drawn sleighs can also be found at several local holiday markets.