Stay Active and Get Entertained This Fall at the University of Calgary

With the University of Calgary (UCalgary) next door, University District (U/D) residents have convenient access to varsity competition, Olympic-calibre facilities and recreation opportunities for a range of ages, interests and ability levels. Campus offers countless ways to get moving, try something new and enjoy exciting sporting events throughout the fall season.

Explore UCalgary Active Living

UCalgary Active Living is open to more than just students and university employees. Community members can access a variety of sport, fitness and recreation opportunities that support a healthy and active lifestyle, skill development and connections with the wider campus community.

For U/D residents, that means access to much more than a fitness centre. Community members can purchase memberships, drop in to facilities, register for programs, rent gear through the Outdoor Centre and take advantage of amenities that are all within walking distance. Facilities include fitness and aquatic centres, a racquet centre, climbing and bouldering walls and a variety of spaces designed for all ages and ability levels.

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(Photo credit: @ucalgaryactive, Instagram)

This fall, community members can still register for select programs, including beginner pickleball and adult swim lessons starting in October 2026. Registration remains open for group fitness classes and personal training, while Outdoor Centre winter programs are already accepting registrations. UCalgary Active Living also offers youth, adult, older adult, rehabilitation and adapted programs, creating opportunities for individuals and families at every stage of life.

Some of the university’s lesser-known offerings include HealthyU, a fitness program designed for people who are new to exercise or returning after time away, Gymnastics FIT, JointEffort for individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis, as well as CPR, first aid and lifeguard certification courses.

“Active Living recreation programs and facilities do more than keep people active,” says Albert Iamartino, Director of Active Living at the University of Calgary. “They foster connection, belonging and invest in physical, mental and social wellbeing. By making these opportunities accessible beyond the university, we help build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive Calgary.”

UCalgary Active Living makes it easy for U/D residents to stay active close to home, with opportunities ranging from family swims and fitness classes to personal training and recreational programs. After a class or workout, make University District’s Retail Main Street the next stop to refuel with a smoothie or açai bowl from HEAL Wellness or a hearty salad from Seed n Salt.

CTA: Explore UCalgary Active Living programs, memberships and drop-in opportunities at Active Living and the Outdoor Centre.

Cheer on the Dinos

For sports fans, living near campus means front row access to UCalgary Dinos Athletics and more than 100 events each year. The fall brings football, soccer, rugby and field hockey to venues across campus, while basketball, hockey, volleyball, swimming and wrestling all wait for the frigid temperatures of winter to arrive before beginning their season.

For University District residents, game day can easily become an evening out. Enjoy dinner in the neighbourhood before making the short trip to campus to catch the action.

Along with regular season competition, the Dinos will host four major championship events this year, including the Canada West Cross Country and Wrestling Championships, and the U SPORTS Curling and Swimming Championships.

Fans can also follow several accomplished athletes this season. Swimmer Alexanne Lepage, the Dinos’ reigning 2025–26 Female Athlete of the Year, set two Canadian records at last year’s U SPORTS championships and won gold at the Pan Pacific Championships this summer. An Olympic hopeful for the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028, she will be one of the Dinos’ athletes to watch in the year ahead.

“Fans can expect outstanding competition on the field of play in a welcoming, family-friendly environment,” says Ben Matchett, Director of Athletics for the University of Calgary Dinos. “It’s affordable entertainment, supporting the next generation of stars and leaders.”

Support from surrounding neighbourhoods also helps strengthen the connection between the university and the wider community.

“Community is at the heart of our mission as a university and an athletic department, and we love to have our community members out supporting our student-athletes,” says Matchett.

CTA: Residents can explore the Dinos’ promotional and special-event schedule, visit GoDinos.com or follow @ucalgarydinos on Instagram for upcoming games and events.

Get Active at the Olympic Oval

The Olympic Oval is not only a destination for high-performance athletes and major international competitions. It also offers accessible ways for U/D residents to stay active throughout the cooler months.

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“Fall is when the Olympic Oval really comes alive,” says Mark Messer, Director for the Olympic Oval. “From elite sport and competition to families simply coming out for a skate, there’s a great energy in the building.”

Public skating is a major part of the Olympic Oval’s community programming, including the popular Jayman BUILT Monday Night Toonie Skate, where visitors can skate at the Olympic venue for just $2 on select Monday evenings.

The Olympic Oval also offers indoor public running on its 400-metre track, providing a comfortable alternative when Calgary’s colder weather makes outdoor running less appealing.

A public skate or indoor run can fit naturally into a day spent exploring University District, making it easy to pair recreation with coffee, dining or errands close to home.

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For Messer, making the facility accessible goes beyond providing recreational opportunities. It also helps strengthen the relationship between UCalgary and its surrounding communities.

“The University of Calgary is part of the community, and facilities like the Olympic Oval should feel like they belong to the community too,” he says. “Opening our doors and creating affordable opportunities to participate helps connect the university with the people who live around us.”

CTA: Plan your next visit to the Olympic Oval with these upcoming events.