Things to do in Calgary

Working, studying and even just staying at home in general is a challenge for many of us. It’s normal to miss the everyday hustle and bustle and being able to find entertainment outside your four walls. 

Even if we wish things could be different, we have to try and make the best of the time we’re spending at home while social distancing. We’ve come up with seven things to do in Calgary that will give you the opportunity to get outside, be entertained and not break the bank. 

 

1: Order takeout from your favourite local restaurant 

You may not be able to go to your favourite restaurant but you can still support local and have some tasty eats! Many local restaurants are offering discounts on takeout orders either through their own delivery service or DoorDash, Skip the Dishes or Uber Eats. 

If you’re looking for coffee or a light lunch, check out Madison’s 12|12. If you’re in the mood for some ‘za, Carmine’s Pizzeria has an excellent variety of New York style pizza. Or if Chinese food is more your thing, sample a few staples from Peking Garden! 

For more takeout inspo, check out Avenue Calgary’s list of local restaurants offering delivery. 

 

2: Go for a scenic drive

Sometimes getting out of the house is just what we need to recharge. Why not take a short drive through the neighbourhood with your window cracked to get some fresh air? Or if you want a bit more of an adventure, visit the town of Cochrane. A short 20-minute drive from Calgary, Cochrane is a great day trip to get outside the city. Drive through the rolling hills past creeks, through parks and take in the scenery from your car. Maybe you’ll even spot some wildlife along the way.

 

3: Search for murals

If you’re looking for something different to do, go on a driving mural scavenger hunt across the city. 

The Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) has yearly mural festivals which promote tourism and showcase art in local communities. Artists have created murals around the city which you can find on this map. If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, why not make it your own scavenger hunt? Take a drive and snap a pic each time you find one of the murals. And the best part is, you can do it all from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. 

 

4: Try an at-home workout

Maybe you usually hit the gym a few times a week or working out has never been your thing. Either way, now is a great time to give it a try! There are many Calgary gyms and fitness studios offering free online workout classes. 

CrushCamp, which specializes in interval training, is offering free online resources and workouts so people can still get their sweat on while social distancing. The Academy and Junction 9 offer yoga and strength training sessions while Sweat Science and Undrcard Boxing Studio have free boxing classes. Here’s a lengthy list of free workouts in Calgary if you’d like more ideas.

There are also many apps that offer free workouts, classes, training programs and even meal plans. The Nike Training Club App will give you workouts, nutrition advice and expert help so you can get yourself moving. FitOn has hundreds of online classes to choose from as well as recipes and wellness tips. 

 

5: Watch a concert by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

For the music lovers out there, we bet you’re missing going to live shows (us too). Luckily the Calgary Philharmonic has uploaded numerous concerts to their YouTube channel. You can hear music from Beethoven, Strauss, the opera and more. It’s all online and it’s all free so grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy! 

 

6: Order a book from a local bookstore

When you want to get lost in a story, there are many local bookstores that can help with just that. Fair’s Fair Books is taking orders by phone or email and has curbside pickup. Owl’s Nest Books is also doing orders by phone or email with free local delivery or curbside pickup as well. The Next Page does same-day delivery if the order is placed before 3:00 p.m.

 

7: Watch the pandas 

If you’re an animal lover and miss taking trips to the zoo, you can watch the live PandaCam at the Calgary Zoo to check in on their two resident pandas! There are three camera angles and you can tune in to see Er Shun and Da Mao between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. every day. 

As we practice social distancing, we hope you find some inspiration in this list and find a fun activity to help you pass the time.