Looking for ways to make the most of this upcoming long weekend? University District is the perfect home base for your next adventure. While the community itself offers plenty to enjoy, its central northwest Calgary location puts some of the city’s best outdoor recreation, parks, pathways, and attractions just minutes away. Whether you’re planning an active weekend, a relaxing afternoon by the river, or looking to try a new activity, here are some nearby experiences to add to your long weekend itinerary.

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Start Your Morning on the Pathways

University District is connected by 12 km of pathways, making it easy to explore the community on foot while enjoying convenient access to retailers, restaurants, parks, and gathering spaces. Pick up your morning coffee at Monogram Coffee or a sweet treat from COBS Bread before heading off for the day. Take the path from Retail Main Street (University Ave NW) to the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre (Located in Kinesiology B180, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary). There, you can rent bikes and outdoor recreation equipment, including paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and more.

Continue your adventure with a 10-minute bike ride or 30-minute walk to the Bow River, where the extensive pathway network connects to Edworthy Park. Home to more than five kilometres of paved trails, Edworthy Park is the perfect place to discover the scenic Douglas Fir Trail, explore the historic Lawrey Gardens filled with plant life, or gather with friends for some lawn games. With playgrounds, picnic sites, fire pits, and off-leash areas for your four-legged companions, there’s something for every member of the family.

Note: Check trail closures for the Douglas Fir Trail before embarking on your adventure

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Photo credit: Lazy Day Raft Rentals

Paddle, Float or Relax Along the Bow River

Before heading to the Bow River, stop by Shoppers Drug Mart to pick up sunscreen, Pet Planet for dog treats, and Save-On-Foods for snacks and drinks to enjoy on the water – all located in U/D!

Spend the day floating with friends or paddling through the Bow River’s scenic landscapes. It’s important to check the latest flow rates and safety conditions before heading out. Lazy Day Raft Rentals offers rafts for groups of up to 12 people and kayaks for solo or tandem adventures. With a booking, your raft or kayak will be inflated and ready to launch from the West Baker Park Boat Launch. You can either drive directly to the launch site or park at Lazy Day’s location at the Calgary Curling Club and take their convenient pre-float shuttle.

When you arrive, the Lazy Day team will help get you on the water before you set off on a scenic 15 km journey down the Bow River. The floating adventure ends near Prince’s Island Park and typically takes two to four hours, depending on river conditions. Every rental includes a life jacket, a pre-launch safety briefing, and guidance from the experienced Lazy Day team, who continuously monitor river conditions. If you plan to venture on the water this summer, watch this video from the Calgary Fire Department for helpful tips to maximize your fun while staying safe.

After your float, head back to U/D to cool off with a scoop from Village Ice Cream, a refreshing cocktail on The Canadian Brewhouse patio, or grab dinner at Native Tongues Taqueria.

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Photo credit: City of Calgary

Serve Up Some Fun with Tennis or Pickleball

Calgary’s pickleball and tennis scene is heating up, and lucky for you, some of the best courts in the city are located just minutes from University District. Before picking up your racquet, fuel up with a nutritious smoothie from HEAL Wellness on Retail Main Street, then head out for a match. Whether you’re looking to improve your hand-eye coordination, get your heart pumping, or enjoy some friendly competition, both sports offer an accessible way to get moving this summer. Best of all, they’re beginner-friendly, making it easy to give them a try.

Most public courts are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, with the option to reserve a court in advance through the City of Calgary here. Popular courts can be found at Brentwood Community Tennis Courts, West Confederation Park, Foothills Athletic Park, Dalhousie and more. After your match, head back to University District and keep the competition going with a game of ping pong at the free outdoor table in Northwest Commons Park.

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Choose Your Adventure: Five Parks to Explore

Fresh air, wide open spaces, and beautiful views are never far away from University District. Discover five parks that offer five distinct activities for you and your family to experience:

• Cool off and picnic at Central Commons Park
  • Offering three acres of amenity-rich outdoor space, Central Commons Park in U/D is the perfect place to gather with loved ones. Bring the family for a day of water play at the splash pad, open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Pick up lunch from one of the many restaurants on Retail Main Street or bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of our public picnic tables. The park also has briquette-fuelled BBQs for cooking dinner and a surrounding green space for games.
• Climb, swing and play at Northwest Commons Park
  • Northwest Commons Park in U/D is home to the award-winning Playcore National Demonstration Site for inclusive play. Accessible features include roller slides, ramps, and a saucer swing, while the surrounding park offers grassy seating and an outdoor ping pong table.
• Hike and sightsee at Nose Hill Park
  • One of Calgary’s most iconic outdoor destinations, Nose Hill Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in North America, spanning 11 square kilometres. Wander its extensive network of walking and hiking trails, and along the way, take in panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, Bow River Valley, and Calgary skyline.
• North Pond
  • Enjoy a peaceful escape at the North Pond, a two-acre green space featuring a purpose-built stormwater pond, fountain, and scenic lookout. Connected to the North Urban Dog Park, it’s the perfect place to let your pup explore the gated off-leash area while you take in the views, fresh air, and surrounding pathways.
• South Pond
  • Connected to University District by the Green Spine, the South Pond offers two acres of naturalized green space centred around a storm pond. With plenty of seating, scenic views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife, it’s an ideal place for a peaceful walk, bike ride, or quiet moment to unwind.

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Satisfy Your Cravings Before Calling It a Day

End your adventure with a delicious stop along Retail Main Street. Home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, cafes, and services, U/D offers plenty of options to refuel after a day of exploring. Connect and hear from our retailers as they share more about their business, offerings, and the community here.

Explore the full guide to U/D retailers here.

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Make University District Your Home Base for Summer Adventures

No matter how you choose to spend your long weekend, University District makes it easy to enjoy the best of summer. From nearby outdoor adventures and community parks to convenient shopping, local dining and everyday essentials along Retail Main Street, everything you need for a memorable summer day is just steps away.

Ready for a long weekend vacation or staycation and looking for a place to stay in one of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods?  Alt Hotel University District has you covered! Visit their website for more info.