Calgary is notoriously overlooked as visitors flock to Banff and Jasper for weekend getaways. But what do we know about enjoying our city? Check out five things you can do in YYC this summer to stay social while discovering the beauty of our city. Crusie along over 1000 km of maintained city pathways, or float down the Bow River and feel the sun on your face. There is something everyone will enjoy. 

City Pathways

Calgary communities, parks and natural reserve areas are connected by a network of park pathways available for all Calgarians to enjoy throughout the summer months. Whether your’re walking, running, skating or cycling, you can enjoy 1000 km of pathway and 96 km of walking trail. 

Cycling and walking routes can be found using the interactive pathways and bikeways map below. Download the print

Community Fire Pits

Don’t have access to a fire pit? Utilize the many fire pits located around the city, explore the City of Calgary’s bookable fire pits finder to see if there is one near you! Smaller residential-style fire pits have been set up at select community parks across the city. These are free for the public to use from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. The city’s pilot project runs from May 14 to Oct 11, 2021, so enjoy this while you can. Book using the online tool. 

Picnic in the Park

With Calgary’s flowing rivers come beautiful park spaces to enjoy outdoor picnics. Picnics are great for socializing outdoors and supporting local food vendors. Beautiful parks within the city include Lindsay Park, Stanley Park, Confederation Park, and Sandy Beach Park. 

Many local Calgary vendors offer the perfect eats to enjoy on a picnic. Check out local eateries such as Sidewalk Citizen Bakery near East Village, Moose and Poncho tacos in Chinatown (their DIY taco kit is perfect for picnics), or Tokyo Street Market in Cresent Heights. 

Garden with the SAMRU Community Garden 

The community garden is a unique space on the MRU campus and is located at the Student Residence East Court. The community garden is a communal endeavour and members are encouraged to treat it as their own. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, we kindly ask you to register to volunteer in advance and once you are qualified to start, you’ll get to take home garden-fresh produce and greens.

Float Down the Bow and Elbow Rivers

Take a load off and enjoy the summer heat by floating down one of Calgary’s two rivers. With the rivers flowing throughout the entire city, each offers a different float experience. Rafters can launch at various points within the city such as Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, and Prince’s Island Park. For a map of river access areas, visit Calgary River Access Locations. Plan your trip in advance and ensure there is a car parked at your endpoint to transport your supplies back.

Floating down the Bow River can take between one to seven hours, while the Elbow River takes three to six hours depending on where you launch your raft from. Always wear a lifejacket while floating on the rivers and ensure to keep up-to-date on the current City of Calgary Water Safety Bylaws.

Need supplies? There are many places around the city that offer raft and lifejacket rentals. Book ahead in advance as rafts sell out quickly. 

You can check out Lazy Day Raft Rentals, Sports Rent, and The Paddle Station.

Pride Month Scavenger Hunt

Think you know the MRU campus? The Pride Centre’s Sarah Armstrong is hosting two scavenger hunts outdoors on campus on June 8 at 2 p.m. and June 23 at 11 a.m. Two mystery bags full of goodies from local queer artists, authors, and tattoo artists (yes, this is your chance to get some tattoo cash) will be hidden somewhere on campus. Tune into the @samrubuzz Instagram for clues for your chance to find the hidden bags. For more Pride Month content visit Pride Programming.