SPECIAL EVENTS
Astronomy & Stargazing
Monthly stargazing programs from 6-9pm Telus Spark – The New Science Centre 403-817-6800 sparkscience.ca
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Calgary’s annual holiday presentation of Charles Dickens classic.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 23 Max Bell Theatre 403-294-7447 theatrecalgary.com
Once Upon a Christmas
Traditional celebration with crafts wagon rides skating and more.
Dec. 1 – Dec. 23 (weekends) Heritage Park 403-268-8500 heritagepark.ca
Lions Festival of Lights
Thousands of colourful lights arranged in Christmas themes at free outdoor display.
Nov. 26 – Jan. 8 Confederation Park lionsfestivaloflights.ca
Zoolights
More than two million lights kids’ activities choirs outdoor fireplaces etc.
Nov. 23 – Jan. 5 Calgary Zoo 6 – 9 pm 403-232-9300 calgaryzoo.com
Airdrie Festival of Lights
Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through light display.
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 6 – 9 pm Nose Creek Park Airdrie 403-912-XMAS airdriefestivaloflights.com
Handel’s Messiah
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s holiday tradition.
Dec. 7-8 7:30 pm.; Dec. 9 Sing-a-long Messiah 2 pm Jack Singer Concert Hall cpo-live.com
The Nutcracker
Alberta Ballet performs holiday classic.
Dec. 20 – 24 Jubilee Auditorium 403-245-4222 albertaballet.com
Thursday Afternoons at the Movies
1-3 pm free admission John Dutton Theatre Calgarypubliclibrary.com
Chinese New Year Carnival
Three-day festival celebrating Chinese New Year.
Dates to be announced Chinese Cultural Centre 403-262-5071.
27th High Performance Rodeo
Calgary’s international festival of the arts.
Jan. 3 – Feb. 3 Big Secret Theatre 403-264-3224 oyr.org
Enbridge playRites Festival
Annual festival of new Canadian plays.
Mar. 6 – Apr. 7 Martha Cohen Theatre 403-294-7475 atplive.com
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Art Market Art & Craft Show
Works by over 200 professional artisans from across Canada.
Nov. 15 – 18 Telus Convention Centre artmarketcraftsale.com
Festival of Crafts
Alberta’s largest Christmas art and craft show featuring artisans from across Canada.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 2 BMO Centre 1-888-773-4444 festivalofcrafts.ca
Market Collective
Independent market showcasing the works of local artists artisans and musicians.
Dec. 1 & 2 and Dec. 8 & 9 Dec. 15 & 16 148 10 St NW marketcollective.ca
SPECTATOR SPORTS & COMPETITIONS
Calgary Flames (season currently on hold)
Calgary Hitmen
Calgary Canucks
Calgary Roughnecks
Calgary Roller Derby Association
Canada Olympic Park
Olympic Oval
U of C Dinos
Mount Royal Cougars
SAIT Trojans
COURSES AND LECTURES
Big Rock University Lecture Series
Food beer and thought-provoking lectures from University of Calgary professors.
Nov. 28 The Extraordinary Experiences of Seven Singers at Calgary Opera’s own Boot Camp with Mel Kirby; Feb. 6 The Year of Tweeting Historically with Harry Sanders; Feb. 27 Through Space and Time: GPS Management of High Risk Offenders with Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot and Gerard Lachapelle; March 20 Behind the Olympics: Can Sport and Play make a Difference for Children in Developing Countries? with Mike Mahon; April 10 An Insider’s View of the Current Politics Achievements and Challenges of the Olympic Games with Roger Jackson; 403-720-3239 bigrockbeer.com/#/events
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Presentations
Slide shows and information on natural areas in southern Alberta. 403-297-7927
Calgary Parks & Recreation
Sports art dancing fitness and more. Online program guide includes information about public skating and swimming lessons fitness programs etc.
403-268-3800 calgary.ca
The Cookbook Co. Cooks
Cooking classes throughout the year.
403-265-6066 cookbookcooks.com
Mount Royal University
Continuing education courses offer practical strategic and professional development in a variety of areas including business information technology environmental science and health.
403-440-6875 mtroyal.ab.ca
Ranchman’s
Dance lessons — two-step cha cha and double shuffle weekdays in-line dance contest Fridays ranchmans.com
Salsita
Authentic Mexican cooking classes.
403-289-2202 salsita.ca
Snowy Owl Tours
Offers a unique dog-sledding experience in the Canadian Rockies. snowyowltours.com .
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Continuing education courses in accounting communications culinary arts electronics health & wellness multimedia and more.
403-284-7248 sait.ab.ca
Sunterra Market
Group and private cooking classes
403-266-2820 sunterramarket.com
University of Calgary
Continuing Education seminars and courses as well as certificate and diploma programs for professional development and personal enrichment.
403-220-2866 ucalgary.ca
MOUNTAIN PARKS
Banff National Park
Canada’s first national park is home to a variety of distinctive natural features and cultural and historical sites. Mountains glaciers icefields alpine meadows mineral hot springs deep canyons and hoodoos compose the natural landscape.
General information: 403-762-1550 pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx
Kananaskis Country
A 2500-square-kilometre four-season multi-use recreation area 90 kilometres west of Calgary. K-Country includes Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Canmore Nordic Centre Bow Valley and Bragg Creek Provincial Parks. Also encompasses Sibbald Barrier Lake Ribbon Creek the Elbow River and Sheep River Valleys and the Highwood and Cataract areas. General information 310-0000; Canmore Nordic Centre 403-678-2400 albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country.aspx
SKI RESORTS
Banff Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay Road Banff 403-762-4421 banffnorquay.com
Canada Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary 403-247-5452 winsportcanada.ca
Castle Mountain Resort
Pincher Creek AB 403-627-5101 skicastle.com
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie B.C. 250-423-4655 skifernie.com
Kicking Horse Resort
Golden B.C. 250-439-5425 kickinghorseresort.com
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley B.C. 250-427-4881 skikimberley.com
Lake Louise Ski Area
Lake Louise AB 403-244-6665 skilouise.com
Nakiska
Kananaskis Village AB 403-591-7777 skinakiska.com
Panorama
Invermere B.C. 1-800-663-2929 panoramaresort.com
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke B.C. 1-866-373-4754 revelstokemountainresort.com
Sunshine Village
Banff AB 1-87-SKI-BANFF skibanff.com
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Calgary
Areas normally trackset: free — Shaganappi Point Golf Course Maple Ridge Golf Course Confederation Golf Course; admission fee — Canada Olympic Park Hawk Ridge (south of Highway 22X). Areas not trackset: Weaselhead Natural Environment Park Beaverdam Flats Park Bowness Park Edworthy Park Fish Creek Provincial Park North and South Glenmore parks Prairie Winds Park. Calgary.ca/CSPS/parks/pages/locations/cross-country-skiing.aspx
Surrounding area
Trackset trails varied terrain and good skiing – West Bragg Creek Ribbon Creek (Kananaskis Country) Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre) Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley) Canmore Nordic Centre (fees apply) Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Mt. Shark Trails Smith Dorrien Chateau Lake Louise Emerald Lake/Field Trails.
TOBOGGANING RUNS
Southwest
Glenbrook Hill
45 St. & 25 Ave. SW
Kingsland Dry Pond
Behind Rose Kohn-Jimmy Condon Arena 502 Heritage Dr. SW
River Park
4500 – 14A St. SW
Richmond Green
33 Ave. & 25 St. SW
Richmond Park
22 Ave. & 45 St. SW
Scarboro
15 Ave. & 15 St. SW
Scirroco Point Site
Scirroco Dr. & Signal Hill Heights.
Stanley Park
4011 – 1A St. SW
Strathcona
277 Strathcona Dr. SW
Turtle Hill
45 St. between 17 Ave. & 26 Ave. SW
West Glamorgan
4207 – 41 Ave. SW
Southeast
Erin Woods
20 Erinwoods Dr. SE
Elliston
60 St. & 17 Ave. SE
Maple Ridge Dry Pond
Mapleglade Close SE
Northwest
Confederation Park
2807 – 10 St. NW
St. Andrew’s Heights
2504 – 13 Ave. NW
Northeast
Deerfoot Athletic Park
1604 – 14 Ave NE
Calgary Marlborough Community Association
636 Marlborough Way NE
Marlborough Park Community Association
6021 Madigan Dr. NE
Monterey Park
Catalina Blvd. and 28 Ave. NE
Prairie Winds Park
223 Castleridge Blvd. NE
OUTDOOR SKATING
City of Calgary of Calgary rink info line:
403-268-2300
Southeast
Olympic Plaza
228 – 8 Ave. SE
Northwest
Bowness Lagoon
8900 – 49 Ave. NW
Northeast
Marlborough Park
6021 Madigan Dr. NE
Prairie Winds Park
223 Castleridge Blvd. NE
INDOOR PUBLIC SKATING
Southwest
Jimmie Condon Arena
502 Heritage Dr. SW 403-268-2300.
Optimist/George Blundun
5020 – 26 Ave. SW 403-268-2300.
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 Southland Dr. SW 403-268-2300.
Northwest
Murray Copot Arena
6715 Centre St. NW 403-268-2300.
Olympic Oval
University of Calgary 403-220-7890.
Shouldice Arena
1515 Home Road NW 403-268-2300.
Northeast
Stew Hendry
814 – 13 Ave NE 403-268-2300.
Village Square Leisure Centre
2623 – 56 St. NE 403-268-2300.
INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Alberta Chinese Recreation Centre
132 -3 Ave. SE 403-264-1237
Calgary Climbing Centre
6 7130 Fisher Road SE 403-252-6778
Calgary Soccer Centre
7000 – 48 St. SE 403-279-8453
Calgary Climbing Centre Stronghold
140 – 15 Ave. NW 403-276-6484
Trico Centre
11150 Bonaventure Dr. SE 403-278-7542
SAIT Campus Centre
1301 – 16 Ave. NW 403-284-8457
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 Southland Dr. SW 403-251-3505
Talisman Centre
2225 Macleod Trail S. 403-233-8393
talismancentre.com
University of Calgary
Kinesiology A-Complex 403-220-7241
VRRI – Recreation Department
3304 – 33 St. NW 403-284-2231
Village Square Leisure Centre
2623 – 56 St. NE 403-280-9714
Volleydome
2825 – 24 Ave. NW 403-284-3663
Westside Recreation Centre
2000 – 69 Street SW 403-531-5875
westsiderec.com
BOWLING
Southwest
Mountain View Bowl
11 – 3919 Richmond Road SW 403-249-0858
Chinook Bowladrome
Chinook Centre 403-252-5747
Southeast
Century Bowling
1010 – 42 Ave. SE 403-287-1183
Paradise Lanes
3411 – 17 Ave. SE 403-272-4570
Toppler Bowl
7640 Fairmount Dr. SE 403-255-0101
Northeast
Bowling Depot
901 – 64 Ave. NE 403-275-1260
Let’s Bowl
2916 – 5 Ave. NE 403-569-2695
Fairview Bowling Centre
1010 999 – 36 St. NE 403-289-2571
Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association
5600 Centre St. N. 403-274-5574
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Alpine Club of Canada – Calgary Section
A club providing members of all skill levels with rock snow and ice climbing courses as well as regular climbing outings bouldering sessions social events etc. alpineclubofcanada.ca/calgary/
Alpine Club of Canada – National Office
Canada’s national mountaineering organization. Offers backcountry accommodations camps training courses and provides environmental and access advocacy. 403-678-3200 alpineclubofcanada.ca
Alberta Association for Disabled Skiers
A volunteer-based organization promoting skiing and snowboarding for persons with disabilities in order to support their full integration into society. 403-286-8050 cadscalgary.ca
Banff Centre for Mountain Culture
Promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and creates opportunities for the international mountain community to share experiences ideas and visions. 403-762-6369 banffcentre.ca/mountainculture
Calgary Five Pin Bowlers Association
23B – 6020 2 St. SE 403-252-5879 calgary5pin.ca
Calgary Hash House Harriers
Hashing is a non-competitive cross-country run through varied terrain. Hashing is to competitive running what slo-pitch is to major league baseball. If you enjoy good times and a few (or many) cold beers you’re hasher material. 403-254-9014. onon.org/asm/
Calgary Outdoor Recreation
Offers challenging and fun outdoor activities for everyone. Winter activities include cross country skiing camping snowshoeing scrambles and more.
meetup.com/Calgary-Outdoor-Recreation-Association-CORA/
Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts
An all-season outdoor club offering hiking cross-country skiing snowshoeing cycling backpacking social events etc. corehike.org
Calgary Sport & Social Club
Co-ed sports leagues tournaments and events for active people in their 20s and 30s. Winter season starts January 14. Co-ed leagues include volleyball soccer basketball and floor hockey. 403-244-PLAY calgarysportsclub.com
Calgary Ski Club
Offers a variety of recreational and social activities year-round such as downhill and cross-country skiing hiking and cycling. Promotes education and safety awareness while having fun. 403-282-4122 calgaryskiclub.org
Calgary Weekend Hikers
A casual hiking club for all levels offering weekday weekend and overnight trips. c algaryweekendhikers.com
Canada Olympic Park
Offers courses in skiing snowboarding cross-country skiing etc. 403-247-5452 coda.ca
Hostelling International – Southern Alberta
An international organization that provides a network of safe friendly and affordable accommodations and services to more than 5000 hostels in over 70 countries. 403-269-8239 hihostels.ca
Outdoor Centre University of Calgary
The largest outdoor program and equipment rental centre in the city offers a variety of courses programs educational trips repair services and outdoor equipment rentals — from beginner skiing to avalanche safety. 403-220-5038 calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca
Petroleum City Ski and Social Club
A downhill ski and social club offering day and weekend ski trips as well as social activities for both skiers and non-skiers such as camping skiing hiking volleyball social dining etc. pscskiclub.com/
Rocky Mountain Ramblers
A club offering ambitious hiking and cross-country skiing trips as well as social events for outdoor enthusiasts. 403-282-6308 ramblers.ab.ca
Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies
Non-profit organization provides annual guided hikes from established base camps in the Rocky Mountains. Also promotes appreciation and conservation of Canada’s national parks. skylinehikers.ca
In compiling this guide we made every effort to include as many special events and organizations as possible but we know the list is not complete. If we missed something we apologize. Please send us the name phone number and/or email and a brief description and we’ll include it in next year’s guide.
