The month of love is here and with it comes cold air, plenty of snow, and tons of great events, activities, and adventures to be had. Not so sure where to start or what to do? From A-Z, indoor and outdoor, here are 25 exciting things to do in and around Calgary this February!
FOOD AND DRINK
STUFF YOUR FACE DURING LA POUTINE WEEK
What’s more Canadian than poutine? Well, that’s a hard question to answer, but if you’re feeling patriotic (and hungry) this month, La Poutine Week is for you. This year’s event will span an entire two weeks and will see a whole slew of Calgary restaurants whipping up their best poutine creations.
When: February 1st – 14th
Where: Participating Restaurants
SIP COCOA AT YYC HOT CHOCOLATE FEST
Get cozy! Calgary is about to be drenched with hot cocoa. The annual YYC Hot Chocolate Festival kicks off this February with over 70 restaurants and cafes around the city participating. You can hit one, hit a couple, or (and watch that sugar-intake) hit them all, and taste your way around town.
When: February 1-28
Where: Participating Restaurants
FALL DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AT THE ALICE POPUP
Curiouser and curiouser… This month Calgarians can experience a topsy turvy event where colours are a little brighter, directions are up for interpretation and unbirthdays are as merry as can be at the Alice In Wonderland Popup bar. Here guests can sip themed cocktails, play games and snap as many picks as their little hearts desire. Enjoy!
When: Until March 31st
Where: #1 – 3300 14th Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: $47
EVENTS
GET OFF THE APPS AND ONTO 17TH AVE
The month of love is here! Until February 28th, 17th Avenue will be holding a community-wide two-week long singles ‘festival’, showcasing a bunch of local businesses. For more information about where and when you can check one of their many events, check out the link above!
When: Now until February 28
Where: 17th Ave SW, Calgary
LIGHT THE NIGHT AT CHINOOK BLAST
Celebrating culture, creativity, and Calgary, YYC’s Chinook Blast has returned for another year of light, fun, and colour! This February, enjoy the very best in local art, music, theatre and recreation in addition to a number of incredible light displays that will be visible throughout the city’s core.
When: February 4th – 27th
Where: Downtown Calgary
VISIT THE NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Looking for something truly enchanting? This month, check out the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens – one of the most beautiful places not just in Alberta, but all of North America! Though it’s best known for its flower gardens, this winter, guests can experience the magic of its Winter Light Festival – an event that will take your breath away.
When: Until February 27th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
‘CHILL’ WITH THE PENGUINS AT THE CALGARY ZOO
Looking to spend the day with the kidlets or the animal lover in your life? While this event may not warm your hands, the Calgary Zoo Penguin Walk is back to warm our hearts for its 10th year in a row. This event is weather permitting, so make sure you check out their website before heading out!
When: Until mid-March (weather depending)
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: $29.95+
CHECK OUT SPARK AFTER DARK
They say you’re supposed to learn one new thing every day, but we think that on the very first Thursday of every month, you should do it with a drink in your hand. The best place to do that? Telus Spark! This February, check out their many exhibits, then, hang by the bar and vibe to some music, or get interactive with this month’s “adult” display at Spark After dark!
When: Thursday, February 10th
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $26+
BASK IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT AT THE ZOO
Love is in the air, and the kids are tucked away in their beds at home. This month, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Calgary Zoo will hold a cheeky adults-only date night, featuring fantastic food, a scandalous presentations and drinks!
When: February 12th – 14th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm
Cost: $115+
CONCERTS AND SHOWS
CATCH CARLY’S ANGELS AT THE ATTIC
Calgary’s longest-running drag show is back! This month, every Saturday watch as some of YYC’s best and most energetic dance, sing and entertain in heels higher than your highest expectations. For more information check out the link above or their Instagram here!
When: Every Saturday
Where: 1413 9th Avenue SW
Time: 9:00 pm
Cost: $45.62
BLUE RODEO AT THE JUBILEE
Performing all their greatest hits, country-alt rock legends, Blue Rodeo, will take Calgary’s Jubilee Auditorium this February as part of their Many a Mile Tour. Dust of your boots, you won’t want to miss this one!
When: February 18th – 19th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $52+
JOJO LIVE
Speaking of music legends, JoJo is returning to the stage! She’s been putting out new music these past couple of years, with more on the way, but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t mostly recommending this for the chance to hear ‘Too Little Too Late’ in person.
When: February 20th
Where: 6107 104 Street NW
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $29.50+
LAUGH OUT LOUD AT JUBILATIONS NEW SHOW ‘SHIPP’S CREEK’
It’s never too soon for a parody! Despite Canadian smash hit, Schitt’s Creek just wrapping not too long ago, the Jubilations dinner theatre is here and ready to share their own totally original, on-stage take of the highly successful show. Expect laughter, good food and writing you won’t soon forget.
When: Until March 19th
Where: 1002 – 37th Street SW Calgary
Time: 6:15 pm
Cost: $38.95+
HERITAGE PARK DINNER AND A MOVIE
It’s back, Calgary! Heritage Park’s Dinner and movie return this month with the critically acclaimed film Hidden Figures. Serving a themed meal and a cast of strong female leads, this even will have you stuffed full of food and knowledge.
When: Wednesday, February 23rd
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
HIT THE ICE BAR AT FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Drinks, maple taffy and a killer view? This month, bundle up and head to the mountains for a day of sipping and skating. From not until the bar literally melts away, check out the Chateau Lake Louise’s magically delicious ice bar – and grab a cold one!
When: Until mid-April (weather permitting)
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
GO FOR A WINTER WALK
Want to get some fresh air and stretch your legs? This February, slip into a pair of boots and bundle up for a relaxing walk around the city. Not sure where to go? Check out our list above for 10 of the best places to go for a stroll in and around YYC.
TREAT YOURSELF FOR PALENTINE’S DAY
Single? February 14th is YOUR day! This v-day, link up with your bestie for the Fairmont Banff Springs indulgent Palentine’s experience, a build your own staycation package featuring drinks, dinner’s and afternoon tea dates that will make you feel like the king, queen or fearless badass that you are.
When: Friday, February 11th – 13th
Where: 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Cost: Cost varies
RENT A FIREPIT
Bundle up, s’more lovers. After an incredibly successful pilot year, the FREE Calgary community fire pits are back and available to the public in hopes of warming the chillier months. Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one of these bad boys!
HIT UP OLYMPIC PLAZA SKATING RINK
Lace-up and get ready to feel the chilly wind through your hair! Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s favourite ice skating rinks, is frozen over and open to the public. Check it out and enjoy, folks!
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 am – 11 pm
OR ONE OF CALGARY’S ICE TRAILS
Feeling more ‘linear?’ Winter is in full swing and while our feet are tired from lugging the rest of our bodies through another crazy year, we can’t wait to shove ’em into a pair of skates! This month, those looking to get their blades frosted can hit one of the two magical ice skating trails, now open within Calgary’s city limits.
EXPLORE THE ATHABASCA ICE CAVES
Looking for something seriously magical this season? Gear up for one of the most incredible winter experiences in Alberta. Located along the Columbia icefields this one-of-a-kind spot is an iconic tourist destination – and just looking at the photo’s it’s pretty clear why. Surrounded by rich blue ice, the Athabasca caves are a sight to behold.
Where: Directions here
SKI THE EAST VILLAGE ICE LOOP
It’s back, snowfolk! Calgary’s East Village Nordic Loop has reopened for the winter season, but there are a few things to take note of before hitting the ol’ powder trail! Check out the link above for everything that you need to know before getting behind a pair of poles.
Where: See location above
Time: 7 am – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
WATCH NIGHTRISE AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
This winter, the company behind the high climbing Banff Gondola attraction introduced Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling and nature for what they’re calling a “new and inspiring perspective” and wow, is it something special! For more information and tickets, check out the link above
When: Until March 12th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $56
TAKE A DIP IN A HOT SPRINGS
This winter, warm up – with a view! Located in Canmore, a lesser-known spot called Mystic Springs is far less busy than hot baths in the area, and man is that a treat! An incredibly well-kept secret, guests who visit this month will be able to relax without all of the chaos!
Where: 140 Kananaskis Way, Canmore
GO INNER TUBING AT WINSPORT
Not everyone is comfortable on a pair of skis, which is why we’re a big fan of the Winsport tube park! Almost anyone can enjoy the breeze, the snow and themselves with this adrenaline-inducing Family Day activity – check it out!
When: See dates above
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: Prices vary
Whew, there you have it, friends. 25 things to do in Calgary this February. What will you check out first? Let us know and remember to stay safe, wash your hands and have fun. We’ll see you out there!
