Make it your New Year’s resolution to try something new in Calgary every month of 2024. Whether you’ve lived here a long time or have only been here a short while, you’ll find tons of new and exciting things to do and discover beyond the typical tourist checklist box. This bucket list calendar is designed to help you uncover some hidden gems throughout the entire year so it’s nearly impossible to fail this resolution. Make this year new, exciting and different and make it about you and your personal growth and stick with a resolution that’s not only fun, It’s achievable!Discovering Calgary can be an exciting and enriching experience, as the city is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural surroundings, and diverse array of activities. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is a dynamic metropolis that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. There’s so much to see and do that it can sometimes be overwhelming so that’s why I’ve broken it down for you right here so every month you’ve got something new to check off your list.January - St. Patricks’s island - Beat the January slum and post Christmas slow down after the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a stroll through the heart of the city. January is a time of reflection and there’s no better place to do this than along the banks of the Bow River on a lovely Winter stroll through St. Patrick’s Island with a hot chocolate or latté from Citizen in Downtown’s East Village. The bright blue sky, crisp air and beautiful scenery will rejuvenate you and get you motivated for the year ahead.
February - A trip to Kananaskis- If you’re brand new to Alberta, this word might be tripping you up but let me assure you, it’s worth learning it. It’s a spectacular provincial recreation area nestled in the mountains right on Calgary’s doorstep. You can find fun things to do all year long but I recommend going in February to get the full winter mountain experience without having to share it with the vast tourists that flock here from all over. From downhill skiing and tubing at Nakiska to cross country skiing at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and if skiing isn’t your thing, treat yourself to lunch at the Pomeroy and go for a skate or stroll their paved pathways. The views are breathtaking and all of this can be done in a quick mountain day trip.
March- The Calgary Tower - Go up the Calgary tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city and a peak of the perks of the Rocky Mountains in the background. On a clear winter day you can see it all. Level up your experience with reservations at Sky360 and enjoy the city lights as the restaurant rotates while you eat.
April - Studio Bell & the National Music Centre -Spend the day at the National Music Centre discovering the history of our Canadian music industry and learn all about making music, musical instruments and the magic that comes with creating songs and making melodies. It’s fun for the whole family and be sure to leave some time for the hall of fame located on the top floor.
May - A hike to Grassi Lakes -Discover Calgary’s backyard, the Rocky Mountains!Hit the road and go for a hike Grassi Lakes in Canmore, this one is good for all ages and all levels and the mountain air will rejuvenate you!
June -Lilac Festival- Head to 4th street for the annual Lilac Festival, Calgary’s most popular 1 day street festival spanning over 20 blocks filled with makers, food vendors, shows and beer gardens. It’s the unofficial kick off to the summer festival season. You can buy your early bird globalfest tickets here!
July - Calgary Stampede - Do something Stampeedy - Whether you head to the grounds, go to a free breakfast or check out the parade, there’s many ways to get into the spirit without hitting the midway. Just put on your cowboy hat and head towards the action to feel the energy!
August - GlobalFest - Get tickets to Globalfest and check out some of the most spectacular fireworks you’ll ever see. Several countries descend on Elliston Park in Calgary’s North East to take in the fireworks and the OneWorld festival highlighting food and makers from around the world.
September - Saskatoon Farm - Check out the Fall Fair at the Saskatoon Farm, from sweeping views of the valley, musical guests and the near 100 vendors, this is the spot for a late September harvest fun. If you don’t eat there, fill a produce bag full of fresh garden veggies and cook yourself a feast at home.
October- Heritage Park - Ghouls night out at Heritage park is one of the best family activities to get all the Halloween feels. Everyone needs to check this out at least once while in Calgary during October. Ghosts, goblins and spookiness all await you and the next level haunted houses are guaranteed to make you jump.
November- Spruce meadows Christmas market - So many vendors prepare year round for this highly anticipated event. Enjoy food, music, dance performances, children’s activities and most of all, the shopping! You can check so many people off your list all while supporting some amazing local vendors.
December- Go for a Skate - Go for a skate on one of Calgary’s top ODR’s, Olympic Plaza, University District, Bowness and North Glenmore Park transform into magical places making it the perfect backdrop for your holiday family activities. If the weather doesn’t cooperate for the natural rinks, Olympic Plaza and University district are refrigerated so I need to worry about skating in slush. Also, rentals are available at most of these rinks so no excuse to miss out on all the fun!
Make your 2024 checklist and get out and see some of the things that make this city so special.
--- Claire
-----Your connection to discovering Calgary