15 free things to do in Calgary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In conclusion, there are plenty of free things to do in Calgary. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing stroll, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. The cost of living in Calgary has increased over the past few years, so take advantage of the free admissions, tours and events to explore the city and make the most of your time and budget. With so many options available, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Calgary without spending a dime.