15 Best & Fun Things to do in Calgary For Adults

Are you looking for fascinating Best & Fun Things to do in Calgary for adults? If that is so then this article will help you out.

Calgary is one of the most popular locations to fly into when exploring the Rocky Mountains because it is situated right at the foot of the mountains and has a sizable international airport.

The city also has a ton of fantastic indoor and outdoor activities, giving visitors the chance to choose from a variety of things to do.

Every tourist in Calgary will find a lot of attractions to enjoy. Calgary will be the ideal location for folks interested in revolving around the peaceful environment with a mountainous backdrop.

There are always entertaining things happening in Calgary including free, enjoyable activities for families and children, live music, theater and performing arts, sports, and exhibitions.

For your perfect trip, here are the best & fun things to do in Calgary For Adults

Things to do in Calgary For Adults

1 Heritage Park Historical Village

One of the things to do during the weekend in Calgary for adults is to visit Heritage Park. The park serves as a weekend gateway as it is packed with exciting outdoor activities to keep tourists engaged all weekend long.

Heritage Park Historical Village has a lot to offer both history buffs and those looking for fun, with more than 200 exhibits and attractions dispersed over 127 acres of verdant parks. The park is a popular open-air museum and historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into Western Canada’s history.

Spanning over 127 acres (51 hectares), Heritage Park showcases a collection of historic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that depict life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s.

For history buffs and also for those looking forward to having a fun-filled outdoor spree, Heritage Park serves as a perfect destination to visit.

2 Laugh Loft Comedy at The Attic Bar & Stage

The newest Sunday night stand-up comedy program in Calgary is the Laugh Loft! This femme-centered and femme-curated show is edgy yet affirming, shocking but not debilitating, and it features professional comic acts with TV-quality stand-up comedy material.

To the heart of Inglewood in The Attic, Laugh Loft provides the youthful fun vibe of a hot LA Alternative comedy night.

Victoria Banner, a local icon, and drag performer Karla Marx are the organizers of this show.

Victoria Banner has been performing stand-up comedy for ten years and has a long history of producing unique comedy events. Victoria is dedicated to constantly developing new material both at home and on the road.

She has a fascination for the conventions and rhythms of classic club-style stand-up comedy. The Tall Tree Music Festival, Femmewave, and comedy clubs all around the country have all showcased her act.

The show starts on Sundays at 8 PM so make sure to visit on time.

3 Visit the Calaway Park

One of the perfect things to do in Calgary for adults is to visit Calaway Park a popular amusement park located just outside of Calgary.

The park is the largest outdoor amusement park in Western Canada and offers a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The park features over 30 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, kiddie rides, and family-friendly attractions. Some of the park’s notable rides include the Vortex roller coaster, the Bumper Boats, and the Timber Falls log ride.

Calaway Park operates during the summer months, typically from May to October, although specific opening and closing dates may vary from year to year. It is a popular destination for families, school groups, and tourists looking for a fun day out.

4 Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower is an iconic landmark and observation tower located in downtown Calgary. Since 1968, The Tower has been a part of the city’s skyline.

The Calgary Tower, which rises 190 meters above the city, offers 360-degree panoramic views from its observation floors and rotating restaurant.

The Tower was built in 1967 as a celebration of Canada’s centennial. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of downtown Calgary, the Bow River, and the gorgeous surroundings beyond the observation platform. It is also possible to view the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the distance on a clear day.

The Calgary Tower also houses a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia.

The Calgary Tower should be on your list of things to do in Calgary for adults if you want a truly unforgettable panoramic view.

5 Shop at Stephen Avenue Walk

If you’re looking for a place to go shopping spree in Calgary then it has to be the Stephen Avenue Walk.

Stephen Avenue Walk is without a doubt a popular local & tourist destination to check out as the location is brimming with fantastic name-brand shops, eateries, cafes, and shopping stalls.

Joining a walking tour that passes through this renowned walkway is another opportunity to explore without immediately succumbing to the temptation to overspend at the stores.

Discover some fascinating facts about the city that you didn’t know before as you learn about the stores from the local tour guide.

6 Axe Throwing

Given how popular this sport has become for some people, axe throwing ought to be on your list of enjoyable things to do in Calgary for adults.

Some people consider axe throwing to be one of the most well-known outdoor sports; Calgary is not left out in this category as the city offers an excellent atmosphere for the activity.

The Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) offers axe-throwing leagues and walk-in axe-throwing sessions.

Axe throwing is actually quite cathartic in addition to being a cardio workout and a way to compete with friends. At BATL’s facility in Calgary, there is a full menu and bar, making it social as well.

Axe throwing is more enjoyable than you might originally imagine, and for the majority of people, the learning curve is fast.

Axe throwing should be included on your list of things to do in Calgary if you’re looking for a different way to have fun in the city.

7 Visit Skyline’s Downhill Karting

One of the top fun things to do in Calgary for adults is to visit Skyline Luge Calgary’s downhill karting.  A thrilling, action-packed family outing that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy.

The Downhill Karting experience at Skyline is a one-of-a-kind wheeled gravity ride that gives users complete control over their fall on a specially designed circuit.

You’ll quickly understand why once is never enough as you navigate more than 50 curves and travel more than 1,800 meters on a steady downward slope.

Embark on your go-kart, and let gravity and your spirit of adventure take care of the rest!

Also, Read 15 Best & Fun Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park

8 Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is a renowned annual event that takes place in Calgary every July. Often referred to as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Stampede showcases a unique blend of Western heritage, thrilling rodeo competitions, agricultural displays, live entertainment, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

This well-loved festival attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, captivating them with its vibrant energy and deep-rooted cultural significance.

Cultural displays, including indigenous art and performances, further enrich the experience, highlighting the diverse heritage of the region.

The Stampede has something for everyone from country music concerts, Cultural displays, acrobatic shows, and family-friendly entertainment. The event is thrilling and should not be missed for any reason.

9 The Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is one of the famous tourist attractions in Calgary that is not to be missed.

The Zoo is one of the largest and most visited zoos in Canada, spanning over 120 acres of land in the city’s Bridgeland neighborhood. The zoo houses over 1,000 animals from around the world, representing more than 100 different species.

One of the highlights of the Calgary Zoo is its Panda Passage exhibit, which opened in 2018. It is home to two giant pandas, named Da Mao and Er Shun, who are on loan from China as part of a conservation agreement. Visitors can observe the pandas in a specially designed habitat that replicates their natural environment.

The zoo also offers educational programs, guided tours, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, promote sustainable practices, and inspire a connection with the natural world.

10 Visit Prince Island Park

If you’re looking to escape the bustling life of Calgary City, then head over to Prince’s Island Park. The park is a picturesque urban park located in downtown Calgary.

The park which spans approximately 20 hectares of land has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park is named after Peter Anthony Prince, a prominent early pioneer in the Calgary area. It was developed in the 1950s and has since become a beloved gathering place for outdoor activities, events, and relaxation.

This amazing Park features beautiful natural landscapes, including groves of trees, open green spaces, and pathways along the river. It provides a serene environment for walking, jogging, biking, and picnicking.

In the summer months, the park’s central lagoon becomes a hub for recreational activities. Visitors can rent paddleboats or canoes to explore the water, or simply relax on the grassy banks and enjoy the scenic views. The park also offers outdoor picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and public washroom facilities.

Take some time to explore this stunning, serene area, which serves as a setting for outdoor acts including the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, and different music concerts.

11 Visit Bow River

Among the thrilling things to do in Calgary for adults is to visit the Bow River. The Riverwalk extends for several kilometers and provides picturesque views of the river, downtown Calgary, and the surrounding landscapes.

The River is thrilling with plenty of outdoor activities. Canoeing or Kayaking and fishing are among the numerous outdoor sports to enjoy at the River.

The Bow River is well known for its fantastic trout fishing chances. Bring your fishing supplies and cast a line into the river if you love fishing. Brown, rainbow, or cutthroat trout can all be caught. Please follow Alberta’s fishing laws and make sure you have the proper fishing license.

The River is also dotted with parks and green spaces that provide ideal locations for picnicking and relaxation. Find a comfortable spot along the riverbank, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a picnic with family or friends.

Also, Read 16 Best & Fun things to do in Campbell River

12 Gasoline Alley Museum

For automobile lovers, one of the best things to do in Calgary is to visit the Gasoline Alley Museum.

This huge three-story museum brings motor history from the turn of the 20th century through the 1950s to life.

It has one of the greatest public collections of vintage cars and oil and gas-related objects in the whole globe. Experience a lively street scene, take in a classic drive-in movie on exhibition, and engage in some family-friendly activities and crafts in the Family Gallery.

Everyone who enjoys cars will undoubtedly find a reason to return to Calgary’s Gasoline Alley museum over and over again.

13 The Military Museums

The Military Museums is a significant cultural institution located in Calgary that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the military history of Canada and the contributions made by the Canadian Armed Forces.

The museum which is housed on 20 hectares of land in the southwest region of Calgary was officially opened to the public in 1990. It was established as a joint effort between the Naval, Army, and Air Force museums in Calgary.

Visiting The Military Museums provides an immersive experience of Canada’s military history and the sacrifices made by its armed forces. It offers a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect, and appreciate the contributions of the Canadian Armed Forces throughout history.

14 Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Park is an urban provincial park that preserves the valley of Fish Creek in the southern part of Calgary.

It is bordered on three sides by the city, and on the west by the territory of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, a First Nation. Much of the park remains in a natural, forested state.

Fish Creek provincial park flows along the length of the park and joins the Bow River on the east side of the park.

The park is home to the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Sikome Aquatic Facility, Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, and Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre.

With more than 80 kilometers of pathways, the park is popular for walking, hiking, and biking. Bird watching is also a favourite activity with more than 200 bird species observed here.

15 Visit Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre

On our last list of top things to do in Calgary for adults is to head over to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre.

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is situated in the neighborhood of Inglewood, southeast of downtown Calgary.

This ideal place is known to consist of various habitats, including wetlands, forests, meadows, and a shallow lagoon, providing a diverse and favorable environment for numerous bird species.

Best Time to Visit Calgary

The best time to visit Calgary largely depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to pursue.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Calgary. The weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

This is an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the city. The Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo, and festival held in July, is a major highlight of the summer.

Winter (December to February): Calgary experiences cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, making it an excellent time for winter sports enthusiasts.

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing are popular activities in and around Calgary. The city also hosts the annual Calgary Winter Festival in February.

Spring (March to May) in Calgary can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly to mild. March and April can still be cold, but by May, temperatures begin to rise.

Spring is a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, as it is considered the shoulder season. Keep in mind that weather conditions can be changeable, so pack layers for varying temperatures.