To be perfectly honest, you don’t need to try all that hard to get the mood right between June and September. The heat, the flowers, and the patio drinks do most of the work – of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! This season, really impress that special someone by taking them to do something exciting and unique in and around the city – after all, they deserve it! Not sure where to start? Well, we’ve put together a lengthy list of fun, wild, cheesy, and stereotypical things to do over the next few months. After all, romance is in the eye of the beholder! From candle-lit dinners to mini-golf, Here are 16 of the best summer date ideas in Calgary.
HAVE A RIVERSIDE PICNIC
Food and fresh air? This summer, grab the hand of someone special and hit one of Calgary’s parks for a romantic lunch under the sun. This is probably one of the easiest summer date ideas in Calgary, but also one of the cutest. There really is no better way to celebrate the warmer weather and the company of your favorite person, than with a bottle of bubbly in the grass – just make sure you do it legally!
HIT A U-PICK FIELD
Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Later this summer when the berries really begin to ripen, head to one of the many u-pick fields in and around Calgary and come home with a bucket full of fruit and a head full of memories. Could there be a sweeter way to spend a day? Need some ideas, just click that link above to find our picks!
DO A WINE OR WHISKY TASTING
This summer, head over to one of Calgary’s local liquor stores or distilleries for a private, group, virtual or self-directed liquor tasting! Pick your poison, learn a thing or two, and bond over what your favorites were. A solid place to do exactly this? The Kensington Wine Market, who will be holding incredibly delicious online events all summer long – each of which includes a Zoom link and complete tasting kit that you can enjoy even after the camera is off.
When: All summer long – see dates here
Where: Online
Cost: $25+
Instagram: @KensingtonWineMarket
WANDER THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
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It’s back, Calgary and there really is nothing better. With their hand in yours, browse the art, unique clothing, jewelry, and food offered at the iconic Inglewood Night Market, an annual event practically made for couples, dog watching, and chowing down on samples.
When: Friday, July 9th, August 13th, September 10th – 11th, and September 17th
Where: 10 Avenue & and 10th Street – 11th Avenue & 11th street
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: $5
Instagram: @InglewoodNightMarket
ENJOY A LEISURELY BIKE RIDE
Gear up and let your walls down this sunny season. From Fish Creek and Prince’s Island to Banff and Canmore, Calgary is blessed with hundreds of bike baths throughout the city, the mountains, and by the river. On your way, stop for a bite to eat, take 5 and watch the sunset or go wildlife watching – the province is your oyster.
GO DOWNHILL GO-KARTING
A little competition never hurt anybody, right? This summer, proceed with caution to Winsport Canada and go head to head on their 1800 meters downhill go-kart track or their mini-putting green! The ‘loser’ buys the other a drink afterward!
Cost: $24+
Instagram: @WinsportCanada
TREAT YOURSELVES TO A LAVISH BACKYARD CAMPOUT
Though we love the airport experience, the mountains, and taking a road trip every once in a while, there’s really no place like home. Alberta company Lavish Canvas has really elevated this idea, offering over-the-top camping experiences to those who might not want to stray too far from their front door. This summer, have them set one of their boho-chic 5-star tents right in your backyard, stargaze and make a new memory where it matters most.
Cost: $250 – $525+ per night
Instagram: @LavishCanvas
ENJOY A 5-COURSE MEAL UNDER THE STARS
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This summer, dine like the kings and queens that you are! Foodies In The Park are back, this time with a Bridgerton themed dining experience, and what’s more stereotypically romantic than that?! Until July 4th, enjoy an incredible meal under the stars in one of Bow Valley’s unique, distance-friendly, backyard garden domes – because you deserve a little royal treatment!
When: Until July 4th
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm, 7:05 pm and 9:10 pm
Cost: $75+
Instagram: @FoodiesInThePark
EXPLORE THE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT
This summer immerse yourselves into the wonderfully colorful world of a mad genius! Guided by his own dreams, thoughts and words, experience the world and art of Van Gogh as if it were the first time. This wild exhibit will feature recognizable pieces like “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers,” each of which will actually be brought to life. Transcending time, space and reality together is romantic, right?
When: Opens Friday, July 30th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $35+
Instagram: @VanGoghCalgary
VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Whether you check them out for one of their many adult nights or just go during regular hours, you and yours are bound to have a ton of fun at Cobb’s Adventure Park.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: $20
Instagram: @CobbsAdventurePark
RIDE THE BANFF GONDOLA
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Banff is one of the most magical places on earth. One of the best ways to see it? From above! This summer, let one of Banff’s most romantic attractions take date night to new heights. Snuggle up, snap a few pics and indulge in an incredible dinner at their Sky Bistro all while making some memories along the way.
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Cost: $34 +
Instagram: @pursuitbanffjasper
GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING AT CALAWAY PARK
Are you and your special someone looking for something more fast-paced? Adrenaline junkies prepare yourselves because Calaway Park is officially open for the season. Mask up and head out for a full day of sun, fun and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food. Who said that it had to be 5-star to be considered romantic?
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
Instagram: @CalawayPark
GO SUMMER STARGAZING
Whether you put your feet on the dash and point your peepers through the sunroof or really commit to an evening with snacks and a picnic blanket, stargazing is a fail-safe date idea. This summer, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city – the best of which are listed in the link above. You can thank us later!
HIT THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS
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This one is a bit outside of the city, but man is it worth the drive – which, for the record could also be super romantic with the right playlist! There’s a really good chance you’ve seen photos of Paradise Hill, and with good reason. There really is no other place like it. This summer – when they’re in full bloom, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Nanton and snap a few pics! Who doesn’t love a good couple photoshoot?
When: Usually opens late July or Mid-August
Where: 280011 Township Rd 162, Nanton
Instagram: @ParadiseHillFarm
STROLL THROUGH NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This summer, grab the hand of someone special and wander through fields of flowers, trees and beautifully cut grass of Nikka Yuko.
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $8+
Instagram: @NikkaYuko
WANDER THROUGH THE DOG PARK
They say a way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, but if you give them the choice between fries and a pug snuggle, you’ll find out pretty quickly that this is simply untrue. Whether you’re looking to bond with your partner or your partners’ furry friend, or just want to get some exercise or pup watch, hit one of Calgary’s favorite dog parks.
There you have it, friends. No matter your style, we hope you enjoyed our list of the 16 best summer date ideas in Calgary. Now it’s just a matter of picking your favorites!
