’Tis the season for enjoying the snowy weather with the ones we love! Here are some of the great winter festivals and special events, in and around Calgary, that we’re looking forward to.
Winter CARnival at Heritage Park
December 27-31, 2018 & January 2-6, 2019
Gasoline Alley Museum, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bring the snow-fun indoors with Heritage Park’s Winter CARnival at Gasoline Alley Museum. You’ll have a blast trying fun winter favourites, but in a way you probably haven’t experienced them before—indoors! There will be floor curling, snowball tossing, indoor snow fort building, and more.
Visit their website to learn more.
Second Annual Christmas Bird Count at Castle provincial park
Dec 29, 2018, 10am, meeting at the Syncline South Parking Area
Spend 3 hours with a Park Educator on an easy winter snowshoe through Castle Provincial Park and meet the incredible birds that live there all year round. For new and experienced bird watchers, the Christmas Bird Count is North America’s longest running citizen science project.
Drop in participants are welcome if you have your own snowshoes, but they do have 25 pairs available if you call (403)627-1152 or email swparks@gov.ab.ca and pre-register.
Cross Country Ski in the City
Head out on the trails at a local golf course in the city. Several of Calgary’s golf courses open for free country skiing once the snow chases the golfers away. You’ll find groomed trails for cross country skiing at the Confederation Park, Shaganappi, and Maple Ridge Golf Courses.
Check the Play Outside Guide for even more locations to ski in Calgary.
Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise
January 16-27, 2019, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Have you experienced the annual Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise? Each January, internationally renowned ice-carving artists compete on the grounds of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The resulting ice-sculpture garden is absolutely stunning, and the event has become one of the top winter attractions in Banff National Park. We suggest a visit mid-week, when the crowds are thinner.
Visit their website for all the details.
Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo
November 23, 2018 – January 5, 2019, nightly from 6 pm to 9 pm
Sip hot chocolate and stroll through over 2 million lights, 200 displays and crackling fire pits during the most magical time of year at the Calgary Zoo.
The ENMAX Conservatory activities and displays feature Snow White, the evil queen and the seven stewards of the forest. You’ll find a Giant Gingerbread House, Enchanted Forest, Apple Wishing Tree, a Sustainability Factory with craft stations, and Santa himself.
Head over to their website to buy tickets.
What are your family’s favourite winter activities? Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
