Stuck in the January blues? We have just the cure! Get out and enjoy the great outdoors here in the city. From the Central Commons Park ice rink, to plenty of restaurants, new retailers and more, there are so many things to do in U/D and beyond.
It can take some extra motivation to spend time outside in the winter. Lucky for us, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s plenty to explore in our own backyard and we have a great to inspire your next outdoor winter adventure.
Consider these ideas to help make your winter…simply wonderful!
1. Explore the urban outdoors in U/D – A must-see new amenity in University District is the Central Commons Park skating rink. Adorned with a larger than life light display, a temperature-regulated rink, fire features and community gathering spots, this urban park is the perfect destination to reconnect with family and friends.
U/D is also home to 12 kilometres of interconnected pathways, perfect for a walk with friends, getting exercise with your dog or taking a fat bike out for a spin. Nearby Bow Cycle has convenient rental options for all skill levels in case you haven’t tried a fat bike before.
2. Hit the slopes at Winsport – Calgary’s Winsport is home to so much more than a ski hill. Their tube park, public skating rinks and terrain park give you plenty of options to make this winter an adventurous one. Not sure where to start? Winsport offers lessons and rentals, and they also offer evening skiing and sliding under the lights.
PC: Neil Zeller, Chinook Blast
3. Visit ChinookBlast – Held annually at the end of January and early February, Calgarians are invited to celebrate winter through theatre, live music and community installations across the city during Chinook Blast. The public event showcases the best of Calgary’s recreation and arts scene while bringing warmth to some of the city’s coldest months. Events include light and art installations in Olympic Plaza, 10-minute plays by the High Performance Rodeo and plenty of live music at the Block Heater musical festival.
4. Go tobogganing in Confederation Park or in St. Andrew’s Heights – If the rush of skiing or tubing down Winsport is too much for you, keep it lowkey at a community toboggan hill. Northwest Calgary is home to four city-approved hills including Confederation Park, Hidden Valley, Royal Oak and St. Andrew’s Heights. If an incline isn’t your idea of fun, Confederation Park is also home to one of the city’s most popular cross-country tracks.
5. Visit the U/D Winter Pop-ups. As Calgarians we are used to not letting the winter weather keep us indoors. U/D is embracing the season and helping the community warm up to winter with some fun events.
On January 21 from 1- 4 join us in Central Commons Park for some winter fun. If you missed the skating performances at the Central Commons Park opening you are in luck as they are back again to dazzle us on the outdoor rink. You can also try your hand at Cabane à Sucre – maple sugar taffy making, first 150 complimentary, and take in the music and entertainment.
Then on February 18 from 4 -7 head to the skating rink for a date night! With music, entertainment and hot drinks it’s the perfect way to spend some time with that special someone taking in the sights, sounds, and lights of Central Commons Park.
Watch our social media for all the details on the winter pop-ups.
Don’t let the cold temperatures keep you inside! For more fun ways to embrace winter in the city, visit the Tourism Calgary events page.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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