Getting fresh air and exercise is more important than ever. In Calgary, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to embrace the winter weather and enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer. From sporting activities to scenic day trips, there is never a shortage of winter activities to enjoy in Calgary this November!
Artic Chill Fridays at TELUS Spark
When: November 6, 20 and 30
Where: TELUS Spark
On select Fridays in November, adults are welcome to visit TELUS Spark to learn all things Arctic and take part in themed activities inside and outside the building. For only $15 per person, visitors will be able to explore the Arctic Voices exhibit, witness “icy” experiments, listen to storytellers and enjoy specialty menu items. Guests must register and buy tickets in advance, and everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distance while attending.
Calgary Hunt
When: November 15
Where: Calgary-wide
For those brave enough to face the cold and take on the challenge of a treasure hunt! To take part in this city-wide adventure, individuals must visit the website to purchase their clue kit. On November 15, all individuals participating will get their first clue sent via text message at 10:00 a.m., which signals that the game is afoot! Individuals will have to solve riddles over their phone until they reach the location where the treasure (a $25,000 bank card) is hidden. Once a winner is determined, they’ll receive the details to activate their treasure!
Inglewood Christmas
When: November 19
Where: Inglewood
This annual event never lets the cooler weather get in the way. November 19 marks the official opening of Inglewood Christmas with the Light Up the Night Kick-off, which will feature a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, fantastic light displays and more. The fun continues on throughout the holidays on Christmas Saturdays (November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19), which aims to highlight local Inglewood vendors for people to complete their holiday shopping as well as other holiday-themed activities.
Zoolights
When: November 20 (runs until January 3)
Where: Calgary Zoo
Calgary’s popular outdoor winter activity, Zoolights, will return again this year so people can safely enjoy the light displays and explore the zoo grounds. This year, guests must register and purchase tickets in advance online to stagger entry times and keep crowd numbers low to ensure everyone can stay physically distanced. Entry prices are $19.95 for general tickets and $14.95 for children. With new themed areas this year like Polar Wonderland and Enchanted Gardens, there will still be plenty of light displays and activities to enjoy. Sensory sensitive guests are able to enjoy an expanded Sensory Sunday experience this year, with an altered experience taking place on Sundays from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Snowshoeing Tour
When: November 21 (runs every weekend after until April 2021)
Where: Marble Canyon (Banff National Park)
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there is plenty to do in Banff National Park, located just over an hour away from Calgary. Starting November 21, adventure seekers can take part in a unique tour of Marble Canyon using snowshoes! No extensive snowshoe experience is required, as this trail has a minimal elevation gain and is three kilometres long. Participants will be able to explore the special icy colours of the canyon that make it a must-see destination. Small groups will be guided by a certified guide, and hiking poles and snowshoes are included. At the end of the tour, participants will be treated to some hot chocolate and a beloved winter treat – hot maple taffy over snow.
Sparkle Sparkle
When: November 27 (runs until January 3)
Where: TELUS Spark
TELUS Spark is bringing the classic holiday light display indoors – with an astronomical twist! Guests will be able to spend an evening at the centre walking through a shining ice cave and see a dark sky with shooting stars in the dome theatre. For those brave enough to face the frosty winter night, the festivities will carry outside to the TELUS Spark’s outdoor year-round play park, the Brainasium. The colourful display will feature over 270,000 LED lights as well as a chance for guests to enjoy a festive treat at the Eatery and complete a craft to take home. All those interested in visiting must purchase tickets in advance online.