Spend a Winter Day on Retail Main Street

From fun outdoor activities to cozy eats and relaxing stops, there is something for everyone in U/D in every season. Read on for some fun winter visit ideas: 

Lace Up & Hit the Ice

Grab your skates or rent a pair during select hours at the Skate Hut, and take a spin at U/D’s skating rink in Central Commons Park for a fun and active way to embrace the season.

Enjoy the outdoors and stay active while skating at the Central Commons Park outdoor skating rink.

5 Ice Skating Tips for Beginners

1. Dress for Comfort and Safety: Wear warm, layered clothing that allows for easy movement. Try to avoid jeans, skirts or dresses. Make sure to wear gloves to keep your hands warm and protected. A properly fitted helmet is highly recommended.

2. Choose The Right Skates: Properly fitted skates provide the best support and control. Make sure they fit snugly but comfortably, with your toes lightly touching the front when standing and heels secure when laced up.

3. How To Lace Your Skates Properly: Once you have the right size skates, lacing them properly is just as important.

• Sit down and press your foot firmly into a loosened skate, resting your weight on the heel with your toes slightly upward.
• Start with the laces closest to your toes. Grab both sides of the laces and firmly pull, but make sure it’s not too tight and your toes can move comfortably.
• Tighten more securely around the middle of the skate to keep your foot stable.
• At the top, secure the ankle firmly but make sure you can still bend your ankle. Try to avoid excess slack by double-knotting the laces or tucking it into the skate to prevent tripping.

4. How to Skate with Ease: Keep your knees slightly bent, maintain a relaxed posture, and use short, controlled strides to glide smoothly on the ice. Focus on balance and let your body move naturally.

5. How to Stop Safely: Learning how to stop protects you and others from injury. 

• The Pizza Stop for Beginners: Keep your feet straight under your shoulders and bend your knees. Slowly turn the toes of both feet inwards and point your heels out. Then push out from the middle of the feet. Do not lean forward and maintain balance.
• The Hockey Stop for Advanced Beginners: Start in a wide stance with knees slightly bent. While skating, lighten the pressure on one skate and turn it inward to shave the ice. Gradually add weight to its inside edge to stop.

As you stroll around University District, stop and warm up at the fire features located throughout Central Commons Park.

Find Your Flow with Hot Yoga

Hot Yoga on University District, one of U/D’s newest fitness spots, offers a welcoming space to build strength, clarity and inner balance. Founded more than two decades ago by Elmira and Paul Barry, their first studio opened on 17th Avenue in Calgary. Hot Yoga on University District’s classes blend strength and fluidity, set to energetic playlists that leave you feeling both grounded and refreshed. Now, with their newest studio on Retail Main Street, you can experience the heat and humidity of a sauna-like environment—a fantastic way to warm up and recharge this winter.

To book a class at Hot Yoga on University District, visit their MindBody page. 

Visit Bronze Baxx as Part of Your Health and Wellness Routine

Bronze Baxx offers the expertise and welcoming charm to help you feel and look your best this winter.

Escape the winter gloom and leave your co-workers wondering if you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation with a visit to Bronze Baxx Luxury Tanning and Wellness. They don’t just offer tanning—they also provide a wide range of services, including cryotherapy, the Ballancer®Pro, Hydration Station and their Red Light Beauty Angel. 

Feel like you’re basking in the sun, no matter what’s happening outside! To book an appointment, visit this link. 

Pick up Some Takeout from UNA pizza + wine

UNA pizza & wine in U/D offers plenty of takeaway options to make your cozy dinner at home feel extra special.

After a day strolling around University District, why stress about dinner? Let UNA pizza + wine take care of it with their incredible takeaway options. A Calgary staple since 2010, UNA has been serving up California-inspired pizzas, fresh pasta and their iconic crisp kale caesar salad. In April, Avenue Magazine released its Best Restaurants 2024 list, naming UNA the Best Chain Restaurant in Calgary in recognition of their delicious food. Looking for more pizza options? Check out Connie and John’s Pizza, Borough Bar + Grill and The Canadian Brewhouse all located on Retail Main Street.

Escape the Cold by Catching a Movie at Cineplex

Don’t let winter keep you stuck at home — treat yourself to a movie night at Cineplex VIP Cinemas! With heated reclining seats, in-seat dining and underground parking, you can skip the winter chill entirely. Enjoy the newest blockbuster with top-notch food and drinks delivered right to your seat, making every showing feel like a first-class experience. 

Stay warm, get cozy and enjoy a movie at Cineplex VIP Cinemas.

Grab a Hot Drink from Monogram Coffee

Monogram Coffee is more than just a great spot to catch up with friends—it’s also a go-to study escape for nearby University of Calgary (UCalgary) students. As Emily, a UCalgary student explains, “I enjoy stepping away from campus and breaking my usual route to explore the neighbourhood, grab a cortado and chia parfait, and settle into Monogram’s aesthetic space to renew my focus.”

 Chucho y Chata Hot Chocolate by Native Tongues Taqueria 

Brown Butter Cocoa Bliss Hot Chocolate by Borough Bar + Grill

Black Forest Cake Hot Chocolate by Monogram. Image credit: YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

Want to learn more about our incredible retailers? Click here to discover this month’s feature: Hearing Loss Clinic! Don’t miss out on the final weeks of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest—celebrate with Monogram, Native Tongues Taqueria, and Borough Bar + Grill! Whether you’re skating on the Central Commons Park rink, practicing yoga, getting a tan or enjoying delicious takeout, U/D offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities, relaxation, and comfort. Plan your visit today and make the most of the winter season on Retail Main Street.

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