While ties and power tools are sure to please Dad this Father’s Day, spending time with his family probably tops his wish list. This year, think about giving your dad an experiential gift. There are lots of things to do in and around Calgary that promise to make for a memorable Father’s Day. Since Calgary will be in Phase II of reopening for the summer, we’ve gathered a mix of exciting and relaxing activities for Dad to enjoy on his special day of the year while keeping current COVID safety precautions in mind. We hope they inspire you to give your Dad a day to remember.
Calgary Zoo
If your dad is also a grandpa, consider organizing a family trip to the Calgary Zoo. A zoo trip is a great way for your family to spend time together outdoors. The zoo exhibits attract people of all ages. Your father and kids can spend time with the apes, big cats, and an amazing new “Bugtopia” exhibit that’s filled with all manner of crawly things. The zoo features on-site dining venues but there are many restaurants near the zoo for you to check out for lunch or dinner, including Rouge, Inglewood Drive-In, and Gorilla Whale.
Bike Riding at Prince’s Island Park
Beautiful Prince’s Island Park may be one of Calgary’s most popular tourist attractions, but it’s certainly loved by residents too. Visitors to the park enjoy bike riding, which features special bike paths that offer views of the Bow River. During the warm season, the park hosts concerts and special events like Shakespeare in the Park and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Procure some tickets for an extra special gift for your dad. Treat Dad to lunch at the celebrated River Cafe after your bike ride.
Rent A Harley Davidson
If Dad prefers a motorized ride as opposed to pedaling, consider signing up for Harley Davidson Rentals for the weekend or even the week if you and your dad can spare the time to go riding. Calgary Harley Davidson features authorized rentals. You can even prepay for food and choose your model. Rent Dad an Ultra Limited or Street Glide Special. Cycling around the outskirts of Calgary is a great way to enjoy spending quality time with your father. Harley Davidson rentals are available from one day to seven with options for longer term rentals.
Kayak the Bow River
Enjoy spending time with your dad out on the water with a kayak rental. Paddle Station features rentals of kayaks and rafts. Paddle Station features everything you need in terms of equipment and life vests. Simply make your reservations and show up. It’s that easy to book a fun afternoon for you, your dad, and anyone else in the family who’d like to come along.
Military Museums
The second-largest military museum in Canada, the Calgary Military Museums celebrates the country’s armed forces. It brings together three separate military museums under one installation. If your father is a veteran or has an interest in Canada’s military, a visit here is sure to be an exciting one. The venue hosts a wide range of special events and exhibits related to Canada’s service men and women and history. Check out the museum’s calendar of events and reserve spots for you and your dad to attend a lecture. Educational programs are also available.
Fishing Adventure
There are plenty of places for great fishing in and near Calgary. If your dad prefers trophy trout, plan for a morning on the Bow River. You’ll need a permit, but you can drop your lines in the river within the city limits or head further afield to get away from it all. If you prefer angling, consider driving about an hour and a half out of town to the walleye and pike-filled Pine Coulee Reservoir. Don’t panic if you don’t have all the necessary gear for a fun fishing experience. Various organizations like Foot & Chain Fly Fishing Exchange host fishing excursions and provide guests with everything they need for a day of fishing.
Canada Olympic Park
The Canada Olympic Park is open year round. During the summer, there are lots of activities for families to enjoy. If your dad isn’t up for zip-lining through the park, he might prefer the summer bhttps://www.winsport.ca/obsleigh rides or mountain biking. Mini golf is popular at the park during summer as well. For active dads, this park offers a diverse range of fun activities. Remind Dad to set some time for visiting the park with you in winter too. Popular winter activities at the Canada Olympic Park include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Father’s Day Run and Walk
Whether your dad is an avid runner or enjoys a brisk walk, the Father’s Day Run and Walk is a great way to get outdoors with other families who are also celebrating Father’s Day too. The event begins at 7 AM and ends by 11 AM and takes place at Heritage Park. Free parking is available at the Upper Parking Lot of the park. After the run, enjoy lunch on a nearby restaurant patio with your family.
Golf
Calgary boasts many fine golf courses and clubs where you can spend time on the green with your dad. The Links of GlenEagles is an attractive course that’s just outside of Calgary and is revered for its dazzling mountain scenery. Why not plan a weekend golf getaway, however, and head an hour out of town for a stay at the Coyote Creek Golf and RV Resort. Enjoy a day of golf and an evening around the campfire. Be sure to book soon to procure a spot. Lots of dads enjoy visiting Coyote Creek at this time of year.
Spruce Meadows
If your dad is a horse lover, head to Spruce Meadows. Open year-round, this internationally renowned equestrian center features popular stable tours as well as exciting dressage tournaments. Watch champions in training and check out the show jumping. The grounds are beautiful and there are also accommodations and restaurants nearby. Because of COVID, you’ll want to check out the current safety measures as it gets closer to your visit. Spending time in small groups outdoors is part of the Phase II plan.
Bridgeland Distillery
Treat your dad to a visit to Bridgeland Distillery to taste its traditional spirits such as brandy and whiskey. The distillery features a wide selection of spirits to sample in its tasting room. You can even pick your dad up a bottle of whichever spirit he prefers best. The staff is friendly and the spirits routinely garner excellent reviews. You can take Dad out to dinner nearby as an added treat.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center
If your father is a wildlife enthusiast, he may enjoy spending time together with his kids or grandkids at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center. If you’re still concerned about COVID, as so many people are, visiting an outdoor destination may be the ideal way to celebrate Father’s Day this year. More than 270 species of birds visit the sanctuary’s beautiful grounds, but other wildlife may be viewed there too. Stroll the grounds to enjoy the scenery and top your visit offer with a special brunch or lunch.
Shop for Vinyl
Is Dad a music lover? Treat him to lunch and hit Hot Wax Records. Founded in 1978, this famed music store has something for everyone. Locally run, the store proudly buys and sells vinyl, many rarities, along with cassettes and CDs. If your dad can’t find what he’s looking for, the store’s staff will make it a quest to procure it for him. After shopping for records, enjoy a meal at Indie Counterculture, Bodega, or the Street Eatery. There are many places in the area that offer comfortable outdoor dining.
Backyard BBQ and Games
Sometimes, Dad’s favorite place to be is right at home. Consider bringing the festivities to him or invite him to your home for a backyard barbecue and bean bag tournament. When you host a small gathering at home, you can prepare Dad’s favorite lunch or dinner on the grill. A relaxing day in the yard allows everybody to kick back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. June is the ideal time of year to host a backyard gathering. If Dad isn’t into bean bags, consider having a serious card game or outdoor movies.
Choose from this diverse listing of experiential Father’s Day activities to celebrate what your dad means to you. You can still give dad a tie or a new drill, but spending time together is sure to make this day even more special. Be sure to keep COVID reopening Phase II regulations in mind as you make your Father’s Day plans.