With the holidays sadly in our rearview and as we enter into the depths of a Calgary winter, we’re not sure about you, but we are eagerly looking for ways to spice up our January. From fun winter activities to covid-friendly indoor events, this list is sure to have something just for you.
Monday Night Toonie Skate at Olympic Oval
One of the redeeming qualities of Calgary’s winter is all the activities that comes with it. Whether you enjoy skiing, sledding, skating or snowshoeing, there are lots of fun winter activities to enjoy. But for those of you who are less inclined to bundle up and face the windchill, we have a fun (and inexpensive) alternative.
The Olympic Oval is excited to host Monday Night Toonie Skating. Lace-up your skates and visit the Oval from 6-8 pm every Monday in January to enjoy $2 skating without the headwinds or snow.
This activity is perfect for families or a date night with your special someone! A friendly reminder, helmets are required on the ice. But don’t worry, everyone will have helmet hair, it’s nothing to be afraid of.
The Big Ball
The event of the year returns! In support of The Prostate Cancer Centre and its initiatives, the Big Ball Gala is an extravagant night of libations, live music, auctions and luxurious cuisine. Hosted at our very own Hotel Arts, this event is sure to shake up your January and kick out the winter blues, all in support of a good cause.
With your ticket purchase is an all-inclusive evening of outstanding eats, sips and music. Whether you’re looking for an event to wine and dine with a client or a night out with your special someone, you will not want to miss The Big Ball.
To purchase your ticket or make a donation, visit the Big Ball Gala website here.
Celebrate Calgary Winter with Chinook Blast
Back by popular demand, Chinook blast will be setting up shop around Calgary for their 6-week winter festival celebration. Beginning January 21st, Chinook Blast will be heating up our city with a celebration of community, culture, and civic pride. The best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport and recreation will be on display.
Visit their website closer to the 21st to learn more about the festival and where you can find the magnificent art installations around the city.
Hit the Slopes at the Winsport Tube Park
If you’re not a fan of downhill skiing but still want to enjoy the thrill of mountain resorts, we’ve got the perfect solution for you… Snowtubing. With absolutely no skill necessary, Snowtubing is a great winter activity to get your heart pumping with all the thrill that the winter season brings.
You can visit Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park or head out west to Calgary’s backyard and visit Norquay or Lake Louise.
A fair warning, if the thought of being spun in circles makes you feel motion sick, this may not be the activity for you.
Embrace the Winter Months with SnowDays
While there are a handful of events in Calgary this January you won’t want to miss, it appears the real place to be is only a few short hours west. This January, SnowDays returns to Banff and Lake Louise from the 19th to the 30th. With many exciting events over the 12 days, you will certainly want to pencil in a few day trips or a weekend getaway to the mountains.
Wander the Ice Magic Festival
I think we can all agree, Alberta is incredible in the wintertime. Even being Calgary locals ourselves, the Rocky Mountains continue to take our breath away. During SnowDays you can experience the beauty of the dazzling peaks by visiting the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival– an extravagant event that combines artistry and architectural design.
This event is sure to take your admiration for the mountains one step further as you watch incredible ice sculptures take shape before your eyes amongst the incredible backdrop of Lake Louise. Talented artists and creators will be competing for the “Best in Show” title for the duration of the festival.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time on the Ice Magic Festival website.
Sip & Mingle at the Tribute Craft Spirits Festival
The TRIBUTE to Craft spirits festival brings together the best craft distilleries from Alberta and British Columbia to showcase the vibrant local food scene in Banff and Lake Louise.
Participating bars and restaurants in Banff will create cocktails showcasing Canadian craft spirits, available for tasting during SnowDays from January 19th to 30th, 2022.
For 2 days only during the festival (January 28th and 29th), participating establishments culminate for an outdoor tasting event on Bear Street where you can visit a range of intriguing food and drink stations. Find yourself a designated driver or make a trip of your visit by staying the night at one of Banff’s amazing resorts.
Whether the mountains are calling or you’re looking to explore around the city, there are a ton of fun winter activities this January that are sure to make the winter just a little more bearable. As always, we encourage everyone to dress for the weather and keep an eye on evolving public health measures. You can visit each event’s website to see the latest updates and news on the events. Stay warm, Calgary!
Feature photo: @citizen_kang
