Get outside. Share your moment. Use #ExploreWinterYYC
Calgary offers tons of opportunities for everyone to play year-round. Research shows that going outside can:
Improve mood, energy, and mental wellbeing. Being outdoors might even increase serotonin and endorphin levels more than indoor workouts.
Help maintain physical health by supporting cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, and aiding in weight management.
Enhance stress recovery and cognitive clarity through exposure to nature, which restores attention and reduces mental fatigue.
Getting outdoors in colder months is arguably more important than any other season. Keep scrolling to see the list below of where to glide, slide, track, run and stroll.
Enter The Campaign & Get a Chance to Win our Giveaway
Head outdoors and play anywhere in Calgary between January 16th to February 22nd, following any of the “5 Ways to Explore Winter”
Capture a photo or video of your winter experience
Share it publicly using #ExploreWinterYYC
Follow @parksfdncalgary
All submissions throughout the campaign duration will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of two prizes:
A pair of snowshoes courtesy of Sequoia Outdoors Supply
A skate rental gift certificate for two (valid for one year), courtesy of Outlaw Sports
A Parks Foundation winter gift bag
Winners will be notified on or before February 28 and will be announced with the winner’s photo.
#ExploreWinterYYC Submissions
Campaign Kick Off
Calgary recently set a January temperature record!
Thanks to Chinook warmth, we get to kick off our Explore Calgary in the Winter challenge with an easy start. This week, visit and enjoy playgrounds in the middle of January.
Calgary offers over 80 playgrounds - many of them were built/rebuilt with the help of community volunteers and the support of our Building Communities Program:
Playgrounds Built in Partnership with Parks Foundation:
Ready to breathe some winter air? Click the link below to find places to play, including inclusive playgrounds, across Calgary.
5 Ways to Explore Calgary in the Winter
1: Where to Glide (Skate & Ice Trails)
Several Calgary outdoor rinks were funded through our Calgary Flames Rink Award. Enjoy these amenities built with the help of community members:
Sandstone MacEwan Community Association outdoor rink (SMCA) – Hockey rink replacement, funded in part by Parks Foundation’s Calgary Flames Rink Award.
Crescent Heights Community Association outdoor rink – Wooden community rink renewal supported through Parks Foundation with access to the Flames Rink Award.
Calgary offers more than 65 volunteer‑maintained skating rinks that are flooded and cared for by community members across the city. Click the button below to explore free, local outdoor skating in parks. Remember to check conditions as all listings are weather dependent.
You can also enjoy Calgary’s popular skating spots like Prairie Winds Park, West Confederation Park, and Carburn Park.
Scenic Ice Trails:
Bowness Park Lagoon: Glide along a 1.6 km ice trail next to the Bow River, with options for ice bikes or casual skating.
North Glenmore Park Ice Trail: A 730 m lit ice pathway that’s perfect for a magical winter evening skate.
Prince’s Island Park: Skating in one of Calgary’s most iconic parks, right in the heart of the city.
2: Where to Slide (Sled & Play)
Tobogganing & Sledding Hills: Bring the family and slide at local hills like St. Andrew’s Heights, Confederation Park, and Prairie Winds Park. These spots are great for beginners with scenic views and fun for all ages.
3: Where to Track (Cross-Country Skiing)
Experience groomed snow trails right within the city:
Bowness Park & Prince’s Island Park Trails – Nordic skiing within urban parks.
Confederation Golf Course – Volunteers help maintain tracks for classic skiing.
McCall Lake & Shaganappi Point – Great loops for all skill levels.
Don’t forget to check ski trail status before heading out!
4: Where to Run
Many runners find the crisp air invigorating and refreshing. Break out your trail shoes or snow-ready running sneakers and hit pathways like:
Bow River Pathway System – Urban running routes with river views year-round.
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Vast winter trails for a peaceful, cardio-filled run.
Local Park Pathways – Many community parks maintain cleared walking/running routes.
5: Where to Stroll
Walking is proven to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health even at a leisurely pace. Sometimes a calm winter walk is all you need:
Bowmont Park – Natural scenery and riverside paths for reflective strolls.
Local Park Trails – Family-friendly routes in parks like Edworthy and Nose Hill.
Stroll & Explore – Take a casual wander and find art installations, sparkling lights, and winter wildlife.
get Outside. share your moment. use #explorewinteryyc.
Calgary’s parks are for all seasons. Take advantage of winter’s unique beauty and get moving, breathing fresh air and challenging yourself in new ways. Share your best moments, inspire your community, and maybe win a prize!
Start exploring and post with #ExploreWinterYYC today!
A big thanks to Sequoia for supporting our campaign!
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At the Parks Foundation, we acknowledge and pay tribute to the original caretakers of the land, whose legacy reminds us of the rich histories that came before us. We celebrate the connection of the community and the land that we live on, and we honor the responsibility we carry to steward the land through our projects and initiatives. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Stoney Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney), the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.