In the beginning of July we are officially moving to the stage 3 reopening phase, which means we can do a few more things to enjoy our summer this year! Because of this I have put together a list of places in Calgary that you can visit. Most of these are outside activities but I have also included some inside places for those potentially rainy days. One thing to remember is that Calgary has extended the mask mandate beyond July 1st, even for fully vaccinated people, so we still have to follow those rules and continue sanitizing and practicing social distancing.
Water Parks/Pools
Water parks and outdoor pools are opening soon due to the heat warning in effect in Southern Alberta. Most of the spray parks are free to enter, and the outdoor pools are also relatively cheap. Here are just a few of them: 
Plus many more! You can click here to check out more places + information about these parks from the city of Calgary.
Inglewood Night Market
This market is only open for a few select dates in the summer, but they will also be set up at their original location at 10 Avenue & 10 Street SE // 11 Avenue & 11 Street for August and September. People can buy locally sourced food, handmade clothing, antiques, and so on. The cost to enter is $5 which goes directly to the Music Mile Society
Van Gogh Exhibit
The Van Gogh Exhibit is coming to Calgary July 30, but tickets are already being sold (and are going pretty fast!). It is an immersive experience which will show you his best work like you’ve never seen before. The ticket price is a little higher than most of these places, as they start around $30, but it is cheaper to go with a big group and split the cost.
Folk Music Festival
The Calgary Folk Music Festival is happening in Prince’s Island Park this summer with Covid-19 protocols in place. People have to buy seating placements in front of the stage where a wide variety of different musicians will perform. Unfortunately, due to there being limited seating, the ticket prices are higher than before. However, you can share this space with multiple people so it will be cheaper if the cost is split. It is happening July 22-28 so get your tickets now!
The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is a great family option this summer, and the exciting thing is that they have added a new exhibit with mechanical dinosaurs that move and sound exactly like the creatures of the past. The Calgary Zoo also has Zoonights from 5:00 to 8:00 pm which are more 18+ friendly. Tickets for most of these are still being sold online and not on site.
Stephen Avenue
This is a great place in Calgary where you can have brunch, drinks, or just simply go for a walk. Below I listed some of the great restaurants and stores which you can visit. Most of these have patios so you can enjoy the warm weather we will be getting in the next few weeks!
Saltlik – A great steakhouse located in Calgary but also in Banff in case you would like to go on a road trip outside of the city
Rosso Coffee Roasters – This is a local coffee store in the heart of Stephen Avenue
Local Public Eatery – This restaurant has everything from poké bowls to classic burgers, as well as drinks and much more
Coppeneur Chocolate – As the name suggests, this is a small store that sells a range of chocolates and other sweets.
Blue Vinny Diner – A great option for breakfast lunch or dinner
Skyline Luge
In the summer COP is turned into a downhill karting track. You pay for the amount of rides you do, but you can also do a family package. I’ve done this with friends a couple of summers and it is super exciting every time!
Lime Scooters
You have probably seen these lime scooters around Calgary as they are becoming more and more popular. In warm weather it is an easy mode of transportation for Calgarians in the city, but it is also super fun to take them for a ride in the downtown parks.
I have found Curiocity Calgary super helpful in finding fun things to do in and around Calgary. I also hope this helped you find something fun to do this summer! With last summer being almost completely in lockdown and this year being pretty tough on all of us, we deserve to go out and have a good time again. Make sure you are following the city’s virus protocols and take care of your health and that of the others around you.
