Calgary has some amazing activities to get you out and about this summer and this blog covers some of the most popular, and maybe lesser known, choices. From classic places like the Calgary Stampede to hidden gems like beach volleyball spots, there are so many options to keep you and your family busy and enjoying the sun!

Heritage Park. This historic village immerses you the in the wild west and is a great place to spend the day. Original buildings, old-time attractions and classic demonstrations on the ranch – there is something for everyone. www.heritagepark.ca

The Calgary Stampede. “The greatest outdoor show on Earth” attracts more than 1 million visitors a year and is a local favorite. Taste the latest in carnival foods, ride classic attractions, win a prize playing some games, enjoy all the farm animals and so much more! July 7-July 16^th www.calgarystampede.com

Water activities galore. You might not think of water-fun in landlocked Calgary but there are a lot of options to get your splash on this summer.

• Float down the river. Starting at Bowness Park and making your way to Prince’s Island is the most popular route and there are a few companies that rent rafts, kayaks and more.
• Kayak or sail on Glenmore Reservoir. You can’t swim in the reservoir but renting a kayak or boat is a great way to enjoy this massive body of water.
• Beach volleyball. Escape to the beach right in downtown Calgary. There are 3 courts located at 12^th Street and 9^th Avenue SW for you to enjoy.
• Surf on the Bow River. Urban surfing is very popular and the standing wave close to the 10^th Street bridge on the Bow is THE place in Calgary. Outlier Surf even offers surfing lessons to get you started.

Attend a music festival. Explore a variety of styles and cultures with so many choices!

• July festivals include: Mexifest, the Folk Music Festival, Fiestaval Latin Festival and Arab Festival
• August festivals include: Tour de Bowness, Marda Grass Street Festival and Expo Latino

There are also food festivals and other artistic festival – this website covers them all! www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/festivals-in-calgary

Enjoy some Shakespeare. Another Calgary classic sees recently graduated drama students perform a Shakespeare play 5 times a week and offers pay-what-you-will entry. Shakespeare On The Go runs from July 14-August 6 and this year’s play is A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Visit Canada Olympic Park/Winsport. There are so many summer choices at these facilities. Take on North America’s fastest zipline as you slide down the largest ski jump reaching speeds of 140km/hour! Another one of the most popular activities there is the Skyline Luge. Ride down the world’s longest luge track at your choice of speed, its fun for the whole family.

Check out Calgary’s street art and sculptures. Walk, bike or rent an electric scooter to discover outdoor sculptures at the Bow building, Olympic Plaza, Stampede Park or in front of Calgary’s main Public Library. Murals are painted every year during the beltline’s Bump Festival and you can check out what they have to offer and view the map here https://yycbump.ca/.

No matter what you do, I hope you have an amazing summer…I know I will! Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook and Google!