Take the challenge!

Glide, slide, track, run and stroll and explore the beauty of Calgary’s parks this winter.

Share your winter outdoor moments on Instagram using #ExploreWinterYYC and tag @parksfdncalgary for a chance to be one of three lucky winners of a curated winter gift bag!

Why Step Outside This Winter

Calgary offers tons of opportunities for everyone to play year-round. Getting outdoors in colder months is arguably more important than any other season.

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.

Ready to get out there and breathe some winter air? Keep scrolling to see the list below of where to glide, slide, track, run and stroll.

Remember to check the conditions of your destination first as some venues are weather dependent.

1: Where to Glide (Skate & Ice Trails)

Enjoy Calgary’s free outdoor skating rinks throughout the city. Popular spots include Prairie Winds Park, West Confederation Park, and Carburn Park. Conditions may vary.

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 & Sliding 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.

Remember to check conditions as all listings are weather dependent.

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.

Enter The Challenge & Win

1. Get outside - glide, slide, track, run, or stroll in Calgary’s parks this winter.
2. Capture your moment with a photo or video that encapsulates your winter joy.
3. Share it on Instagram using #ExploreWinterYYC.

Everyone who participates with the hashtag will be entered into a draw for a winter gift bag.
Three winners will be selected!

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

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.