Are you looking for a fun and affordable way to explore the city of Calgary? Then look no further! With our list of 15 free things to do in Calgary, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local, a visitor or just moving to Calgary, these activities are sure to provide an exciting adventure without breaking the bank.

From exploring one of Canada’s largest urban parks and discovering unique art installations throughout downtown, to visiting historical sites and enjoying outdoor concerts at Olympic Plaza, this list has it all. You can visit museums filled with fascinating collections, or just relax in one of the many green spaces located around town. And if that isn’t enough for you, don’t worry!

There are plenty of other free activities available as well. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring Calgary on a budget!

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15 free things to do in Calgary

Calgary was ranked the 3rd most liveable city in the world by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

However, there is no doubt that the cost of living in Calgary has increased. So make the most of the free admissions, tours and events to explore the city and make the most of your time and budget.

Take a stroll through Prince's Island Park

Prince’s Island Park is a large urban park located in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The park is situated on an island in the Bow River and features a variety of recreational activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park offers several walking trails that meander through natural areas, a playground for children, a large pond and a variety of picnic areas. The park also has a playground, a large pond, and several picnic areas.

The park is a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and fishing, as well as for hosting events such as concerts, festivals, and markets. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the Bow River, the downtown Calgary skyline, and the surrounding mountains.

Admission to Prince’s Island Park is free, visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and recreational activities at no cost.

Image by Chris Amat via Travel Alberta
Prince's Island Park

Explore the Stephen Avenue Walk

Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrian mall located in the heart of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The mall is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as cultural and entertainment venues. It’s a great place to stroll, window shop, dine, people watch and make new friends. Stephen Avenue Walk is also a popular spot for street performers, musicians, and other entertainers.

Walking along Stephen Avenue Walk is free of charge, visitors can explore the mall at their own pace and enjoy the various shops, restaurants, and street performers along the way.

Visit the Calgary Farmers' Market

The Calgary Farmer’s Market is a popular market located in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The market features a wide variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and handmade crafts. The market is open year-round and is a great place to find locally grown and produced goods.

The market also offers a wide variety of special events, such as cooking classes, live music, and cultural events that are free to attend. A market is a great place to find unique and locally made products, and to support local farmers and artisans.

While browsing the market is free, visitors will need to pay for any products they purchase.

Visit Patrick's island

Patrick’s Island is a beautiful and popular park located in Calgary, Alberta. The island features a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. The park is open year-round and admission is free to the public. However, certain activities such as renting boats or equipment may require a fee.

The park is accessible by footbridges and a pedestrian tunnel under the Bow River and is a great spot to have a picnic, have a walk and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. Patrick’s Island also features a wide range of educational and cultural activities, making it a great place for learning.

Visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities at no cost.

Patrick's island
Image by Roth & Ramberg via Travel Alberta

Take a hike in Nose Hill Park

The park covers an area of 11 square kilometres (4.25 square miles) and features a variety of recreational activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park offers several walking trails that meander through natural areas, a playground for children, and a variety of picnic areas.

The park is also a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and bird watching, as well as for hosting events such as concerts, festivals, and markets. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding areas and the city.

Nose Hill Park is free to use, visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and recreational activities at no cost.

Visit Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre is a beautiful and tranquil park located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is a popular spot for bird watching, as over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the grounds! The sanctuary consists of an artificial lake, wetlands, and numerous pathways throughout the area. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the sanctuary, as well as to learn about the birds that inhabit it. The Nature Centre also offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours for visitors to enjoy.

Admission to the sanctuary is free; however, donations are accepted.

Stroll along the Calgary Pathway System

The Calgary Pathway System is a network of urban pathways located in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Spanning more than 750 kilometres of pathways, the system has something to offer everyone – whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or an ambitious bike ride.

The pathway system was established in 1907 and features a variety of paved paths, as well as running and hiking trails. The pathways are also great for exploring the city’s parks and other attractions.

The pathways are free to use, and visitors can explore Calgary’s streets, parks, and natural areas at no cost.

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Play sports at Shaw Millennium Park

Shaw Millennium Park is a popular urban park located in the heart of Calgary. The park features a wide variety of recreational activities, including a skatepark, basketball courts, soccer fields, and a playground, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. The park is also home to a large outdoor stage, which hosts a variety of free concerts and events throughout the year. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic while surrounded by the beautiful views of the city.

The park is open year-round and admission is free to the public.

Take a walk along the Bow River

The Bow River is a major river located in the Canadian province of Alberta. It originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through the cities of Banff and Canmore before reaching the city of Calgary, where it continues on its journey eastward toward the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.

The Bow River is a popular spot for a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Visitors can also hike or bike along the many trails that run alongside the river, or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenic views and Calgary neighbourhoods. The river is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Admission to the river is free and open to the public.

Check out the Wonderland Sculpture

The Wonderland Sculpture is an iconic public art piece located in the heart of Calgary, Alberta. It was created in 2005 by artist Corrine Hunt and stands at a height of over 6 metres (19 feet). The sculpture is composed of two large red figures intertwined with one another and surrounded by a circle of seven bronze sculptures representing different aspects of nature and the environment. The artwork is meant to reflect the cultures and values of Calgary and can be seen from many locations around the city.

Viewing the sculpture is free and open to the public.

Wonderland Sculpture
Image by Neil Zeller via Travel Alberta

Read a book at the New Central Library

Visiting the New Central Library in Calgary is a great way to spend a day. Located in the heart of the city, it is the largest public library in Canada and was opened for service in 2018. The library houses an impressive collection of over 1.5 million books, magazines, periodicals, and other items; it also features an audio-visual centre, an exhibition area, a cafe, and study rooms. Visitors can also take advantage of the library’s many public programs, such as lectures, readings, workshops, and performances. Admission to the library is free and open to the public.

The library also has a range of amenities available for visitors, including free Wi-Fi, public computers, and a wide selection of books available for loan. It is the perfect spot to relax with a book or explore the city’s rich cultural history.

The library is open year-round and admission is free to the public.

Explore Calgary’s Cultural District

Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, the Cultural District is a vibrant area filled with galleries, restaurants, theatres, and other cultural venues. The district is also home to numerous public art installations, including sculptures and murals which reflect Calgary’s diverse cultural heritage. Many of the city’s popular festivals and events are held in this area, making it an ideal spot to explore Calgary’s rich culture and history.

Free admission and is open year-round.

Take a stroll around the Olympic Plaza

The Calgary Olympic Plaza is a popular public space located in the heart of downtown Calgary. The plaza was built as the main venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics and now serves as a community gathering place and a venue for events and activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free activities at the plaza, including public skating in the winter, splash park in the summer, and free fitness classes all year round. The plaza also features a large outdoor stage which hosts a variety of free concerts and events throughout the year.

The Olympic Plaza is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the plaza and admire the iconic Olympic cauldron and other Olympic-themed sculptures. The plaza also has a playground and picnic areas, making it a great spot for families.

Admission is free to the public, and the plaza is open year-round.

Olympic Plaza
Image by Roth & Ramberg via Travel Alberta

Relax in Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park is a large natural area located in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, spanning over 8,000 hectares. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and biking trails, as well as picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitors’ center.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, deer, and over 250 species of birds. Fish Creek Park is a great place for outdoor activities, and it’s also a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Admission to the park is free and open to the public. The park is open year-round, but some of its facilities are closed during winter months.

Visit Peace Bridge

The Peace Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in Calgary, Canada. It spans the Bow River and connects the communities of Sunnyside and Eau Claire. Completed in 2012, the bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and has become an iconic symbol of the city.

The Peace Bridge features two white steel arches which span the river and provides pedestrians with a stunning view of Calgary’s skyline. It is also equipped with lights that change colour according to the phase of the moon, making it a popular spot for evening strolls.

Admission to the bridge is free and open to the public. The bridge is open year-round and makes a great spot to explore Calgary’s skyline.

Conclusion


Nicola Wightman

Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.

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