Summer in Calgary might be short, but it’s also (usually) very hot. Take advantage and explore the largest city of Alberta with our guide of 45 things to do in Calgary in summer, including many fun day trips at the end.

The greatest thing about summer is the possibility of being outside all day. Who wouldn’t like that? Calgary offers a lot of outdoor activities during the summer for locals and visitors alike.

We’ve been living in Calgary for over a decade, and even though we head to the mountains whenever possible, we also like staying in the city to recharge and have fun. Hopefully, you will enjoy the below summer activities as much as we do.

In this post, you won’t find ordinary things to do if you are looking for shopping or restaurant tips. Instead, this is an adventure guide for people who love the outdoors (with some rainy options), you know, our kind of people.

Enjoy the summer in Calgary!

45 Fun things to do in Calgary in summer

Did you know Calgary is Canada’s sunniest city, averaging 333 sunny days yearly? So, even in colder temperatures, there are many amazing things to do in Calgary in winter.

In summer, plenty of music festivals, a rodeo, and countless parks around the city provide water activities, bike trails, or BBQ options.

However, Calgary has so much to offer for everyone, as you will see on our list of the best things to do in Calgary in summer. Before I share the list, here are the three top-rated tours in Calgary that you will love.

1. Float down the Bow River

One of the most popular summer activities in Calgary is floating down the Bow River.

Starting at Bowness Park, you can choose where you want to end up, but Prince’s Island in Calgary’s downtown is the most common. The farthest point is Calgary Zoo, 20 km down the stream, which can take 2-4 hours.

Sports Rent provides raft, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals (but no shuttle), Lazy Day Raft Rental provides rafts and offers shuttle service, and The Paddle Station rents you a raft at Shouldice Park which you can then conveniently leave at their drop-off station at St. Patrick’s Island.

2. Watch wildlife in the park

Even in the city, you can find plenty of wildlife. Head to any park after sunrise or before sunset to watch deer, beavers, porcupines, or coyotes.

We like Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park for deer, and Prince’s Island Park to watch beavers.

Canadian wildlife won’t disappoint, even more so when you visit the Rocky Mountains. You can see bears, moose, elk, and much more.

3. Kayak on Glenmore Reservoir

The Glenmore Reservoir is a large reservoir of drinking water on the Elbow River. Although swimming is forbidden, you can rent a kayak and enjoy the time on the water. Many rental companies in Calgary can set you up with kayaks and all the gear you might need. The Glenmore Sailing School offers canoe and kayak rentals from May to October.

4. Have fun at music festivals

Enjoy outdoor music festivals in Prince’s Island Park. Feel like dancing salsa? Or do you enjoy folk? Whichever culture you’d like to explore, Calgary got you covered.

Since we finished our 2-year trip around the world, we love to remind ourselves of all our adventures in South America by attending Latin festivals.

Festivals in August:

• Tour de Bowness Street Festival – a free one-day event with artisans, food trucks, musicians and a bike race
• Marda Grass Street Festival – a free, family-friendly event inspired by the New Orleans festival
• Expo Latino – largest Latin festival in Western Canada

5. Global Fest

Global Fest is a unique festival that deserves its place on this list.

It’s an annual family-friendly cultural & fireworks festival that lights up the sky and features a dance program, interactive games, and world-class fireworks by pyro artists.

Global Fest has entertained visitors for 20 years. The weeklong festival in Elliston Park celebrates Calgary’s multicultural communities. Cultural pavilions showcase the beauty of more than 20 countries through dance performances and an international food scene, and at night, the festival ends with beautiful fireworks.

Read more: https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/20-things-to-do-in-calgary-in-summer/