The annual Hot Chocolate Fest and La Poutine Week may already be behind us, but there are still plenty of other things to add to your 2024 Calgary bucket list. It can be something as simple as enjoying a bike ride or something a little more thrilling like ice climbing.
1. If it’s a lovely day for a picnic, have one
At some point, everyone thinks about planning a picnic and openly dreams about the checkered cloth and traditional wicker basket fitted with compartments. Why wait any longer? Make this year the one you check picnicking in the park off your list. And if you don’t feel like cutting the crusts off sandwiches or preparing an elaborate cheeseboard, you can order a River Café picnic menu. They provide all of the essentials from May until October.
2. Choose from a variety of unique Candlelight concerts
Every year should be filled with copious levels of music-induced dopamine. And Calgary has just the live music experience for you—Candlelight concerts. Thanks to these captivating tribute concerts coming to spectacular venues like Studio Bell and The Hangar Flight Museum, you can listen to songs by ABBA, Queen, Adele, Taylor Swift, and many more iconic artists. The perfect family-friendly plan or a one-of-a-kind date night, Candlelight is an absolute must.
3. Be adventurous and try new sports
Whether it’s an icy winter’s day or a summery afternoon, there’s always something new to try at Bowness Park. From the ice bike skating trail to the peddle boats at the Boathouse. Get fully involved in Canadian winter sports during the holidays this year, and make the most of the warm weather in a canoe or kayak. There’s also the 730-metre ice trail at North Glenmore Park.
4. Try some of Inglewood’s amazing breweries
Sip some fermented and distilled goodness at Calgary’s finest breweries. Known for its craft breweries, Inglewood is the place to go if you’re looking for a quality brew. Try High Line Brewing for 19 taps, Cold Garden for a dog-friendly patio, and Eighty-Eight Brewing Company for a funky taproom.
And if you want to add a touch of creativity to your craft beer tastings, you can always combine it with street art thanks to the 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary.
5. Find the best view of the northern lights
Calgarians are among the lucky Canadian residents who can see the northern lights. So, if you have yet to experience them in their absolute full glory, it’s worth taking a look at some of the best places to see them. Sure, it means you’re going to have to leave the city to get away from the bright lights, but you won’t regret going out of your way to watch the aurora borealis flicker.
6. Visit the National Music Centre’s home, Studio Bell
Studio Bell is an architectural marvel that’s hard to miss. Brad Cloepfil, the architect behind Studio Bell, describes it as “a silent and powerful instrument that exists to emanate music and light.” If you have yet to enter the impressive building, consider this your sign. The museum spreads across five floors and covers the history of music in Canada. You can also keep an eye on their website for upcoming events like Rock the Nation (until August 25) and Candlelight performances.
Get your general admission here.
7. Embrace your wild side at the Golden Skybridge
Nothing major, just 426 metres above the ground. To get the most out of this exciting experience, it’s probably best to make an entire day of it. After almost a three-hour drive, you’ll find yourself in a natural paradise home to two suspension bridges with views of the Rocky and Purcell mountains. There are also Canyon Ridge trails to be explored and the Treetop Village Play Park will put a smile on the kids’ faces. Get your tickets now!
8. Hop on a bike and take in all the sights
You can see a lot of landmarks and incredible things already on your bucket list by simply going on a bike ride through the city and along the Bow River pathways. See the Calgary Tower, and cross the Peace Bridge. You don’t have to cover everything in one loop, so why not make cycling a habit this year?
9. Travel back in time at Heritage Park
Add learning more about Canada’s history to your 2024 bucket list. Since 1964, Heritage Park has been celebrating the early West in a fun way. Head to southwest Calgary and discover the fantastic events planned for their 60th anniversary. Walking tours, a cowboy buffet, market nights, tours of the park’s beehives, and free live music are just the beginning.
10. Float the Bow: a Calgary bucket list classic
Typically described as a rite of passage for Calgarians, floating the bow is one that definitely needs to be crossed off your list. With companies like Lazy Day Raft Rentals, you can float down the Bow River in tubes and DIY rafts. There’s no better way to admire the city from the river than with a group of your favourite people.