Spring has sprung, YYC! This month, get out, enjoy the sunshine and breathe in some fresh air because after snow, sleet, and wind you deserve it! Here are 25 socially distant events and activities to do in Calgary this April, to ensure that you feel like you’ve made the most of it! Be safe, be smart and have fun, friends!
CELEBRATE ROUGE’S 20T BIRTHDAY
Birthdays are the best days but this spring, Calgary restaurant Rouge wants to celebrate, not for a few hours, but for an entire month! In honour of its 20th anniversary, the staple spot will be launching a tasting menu compiled of crowd-pleasing appetizers, entrees, and desserts from their menu since they opened in 2001.
When: Thursday, April 1st – May 1st
Where: 1240 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: $110+
HUNT FOR GHOSTS
What do you do when the Ghostbusters line is busy? Well, you can keep dialing, or you can become your own hero by graduating from the paranormal investigator’s course taught by the pros at Ghost Hunt Alberta. During their wonderfully wicked weekend workshop, spook-seekers will learn the fundamentals on-location in a real haunted house, just outside of Calgary.
When: Friday, April 2nd -4th
Where: 6107 Thornaby Way NW, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $228.69
TAKE AN OPEN TOP TOUR
Anyone who has lived in Calgary for a while has likely seen Banff in every light, in every season, from every angle and at every time of day. This April, unless you’re a time traveller, see the Rockies like never before when you take an Open-Top Tour of Alberta’s favourite mountain town in a vintage-style coach. Hit the link above to book yours!
When: Opens for the season on April 3rd
Where: See locations here
Time: See times here
Cost: $45+
ORDER IN FOR EASTER
Hoppy April! In celebration of the upcoming holiday, pre-order or make your reservations at one of Calgary’s incredible restaurants. Check the link above to see which eateries are offering Easter specials in anticipation of Sunday!
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
From Lundbreck to Athabasca, where there are mountains, there are also plenty of breathtaking waterfalls. This spring we’d recommend seeing as many of them as you can, but not just because it’ll give you something to do. This season is actually the best time to go waterfalls watching due to the water pressure being so high from all of the ice melting and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on all of the action.
HIT THE PATIO WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND
This spring, leash up your best furry friend and hit the town! Calgary is spoiled for choice when it comes to pet-free patios, so really, it’s just a matter of where and when! Check the link above for some of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in YYC.
WATCH PAUL BRANDT’S YYC HOMAGE
Alberta’s golden boy is back at it, but this time his love for YYC won’t be heard on any radio station, it’ll be seen on the big (ish) screen! Calgary sweetheart Paul Brandt is making his cinematic debut this April with Beauty of Pursuit, an ode to his hometown and the sport of flyfishing.
When: Friday, April 9th
Where: Online here
When: 5 pm MT
Cost: Free
ATTEND THE CHROMEO VIRTUAL LIVE SHOW
Live music? We hardly remember her. It’s been far too long since we’ve swayed and bopped at a concert, but we’re putting our feet down! We refuse to be vibeless any longer! This month, Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo will remind North Americans what life can look like beyond isolation by holding not one, but two concerts in participation with Stub Hub. Hit the link above for tickets!
When: Friday, April 9th and Saturday, April 10th
Where: Get tickets above
Time: 6 pm (Friday) 1 pm (Saturday)
Cost: $18+
ATTEND A CIRCUS
Step right up, step right up… just mind the railing! This month, Hotels Live, the folks behind some of the coolest events we’ve seen since the beginning of the pandemic, presents what might be their best show yet. Don’t miss Le Cirque De La Nuit a high flying performance, unlike anything that you’ve seen in the last year.
When: Saturday, April 10th
Where: Delta Calgary South – 227 Southland Drive SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $99+
WANDER THE KENSINGTON MARKET
Warmer weather is well on its way which means so are late-night walks, flip-flops, and sunny day activities! One of our favourites? The Kensington Market! If you’re a big fan like we are, hold on to your bags, because they’ve already set a date for the first one of the season!
When: Saturday, April 10th
Where: Parking lot next to the Tim Horton’s, Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB
CHECK OUT A YYC DOG PARK
Whether you’re looking to bond with your furry pal, get some exercise, or just to pup watch, there’s really nothing better than grabbing a coffee and wandering one of Calgary’s dog parks! Not sure which one you should check out? Click the link above for our favourites.
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TAKE A HIKE
The sun is out and the snow and ice are melting. That can only mean one thing! Spring has nearly sprung and the mountains are calling our name! This month lace up your boots, pack up the car, and head to the Rockies where trails aplenty await. Click the link above for the most beautiful hikes you can do near Calgary this spring!
TAKE A PEDAL PUB TOUR
If we’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that it is absolutely possible to drink and exercise at the same time. This April, join Calgary Pedal Pubs as they redefine what we’ve come to know as multitasking our way through quarantine simply by adding some fresh air to the mix! Book your trip now by checking out the link above!
When: See available dates here
Where: See available tours above
Time: See times above
Cost: $599
GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT
This spring, dine like the kings and queens that you are! Foodies In The Park are back, this time with a Royal-themed dining experience. From April 15th until May 16th, enjoy a romantic meal under the stars in one of Bow Valley’s unique, distance-friendly, backyard garden domes – because you deserve a little royal treatment!
When: Thursday, April 15th – May 16th
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm, 7:05 pm, and 9:05 pm
Cost: $115+
BOOK YOUR SPRING CAMPSITES
To say that we’re ready for camping season would be an understatement and we know that we aren’t alone in feeling this way. Luckily, the wait is almost over! According to the Parks Canada website, their booking service will finally open this April. Campsites book up quickly, friends, so don’t miss your chance!
GO ‘GOLFING’ AT HOTEL ARTS
Miss hitting the range? This April, check out Hotel Arts’ brand new virtual golf ‘course,’ where regardless of the weather, you and your partner will be able to hit a few balls, have a few drinks, and take a lesson or two poolside!
Where: 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: $50+
GRAB A CONE AND TAKE A WALK
Elevate your weekend walk through Fish Creek by stopping into one of Calgary’s many hidden gems, Annie’s Cafe! This underrated ice cream and coffee shop is located in the heart of one of YYC’s best parks and is guaranteed to make your day that much better. Get your steps in and eat your weight in Neopolitan!
Where: 15985 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary (west of the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant)
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
ENJOY DINNER AND A MOVIE AT HOTEL ARTS
Miss going to the movie theatre to catch a flick? Well, the folks at Calgary’s Hotel Arts want you to grab some popcorn and enjoy with their dinner and movie staycation package. For less than $300 enjoy a night of luxury and fun in one of their suites.
When: See dates above
Where: 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: Whenever
Cost: $275+
BINGE NETFLIX’S APRIL RELEASES
From documentaries comedies and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through another month of craziness. This April, those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through isolation with a ton of new releases! Enjoy!
DINE IN BANFF’S 360° DOME
Big news, Calgary. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel just launched an incredible new experience. No matter the time of year, indulge outdoors in their brand new 360° Dome dining room; an unbeatable private venue with unreal food and a spectacular view. Located on their Upper Garden Terrace, the dome will feature a gourmet brunch, afternoon charcuterie, and an extravagant 5-course menu. Check out the pricing above!
When: Year-round
Where: 405 Spray Avenue Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $125+
GO FOR A SCENIC ALBERTA DRIVE
Grab some snacks and hit shuffle on that ‘road tunes’ playlist of yours! We live in a beautiful province and one of the easiest ways to really experience its beauty is from behind the wheel. Bundle up and start your engines – because we’ve put together a list of the 10 most scenic drives in Alberta. Click the link above for more information!
GET WILD AT THE CALGARY ZOO
April is upon us, friends and one of Calgary’s favourite attractions wants you out, about, and having fun… without your kids! This month enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo, where they’ll be holding an 18+ evening where guests will be able to get up close (but not too close) and personal with their adorable hippos.
When: Friday, April 15th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm
Cost: $45+
BINGE YOUR WAY THROUGH CUFF 2021
For the second year in a row, the Calgary Underground film festival is going digital! This month stream a ton of the best of 2021’s independent cinema right from your couch at home. Check the link above for their lineup!
When: Thursday, April 22nd – May 2nd
Where: Online above
Times: See times above
Cost: TBA tickets available April 7th
INDULGE IN A POUTINE FOR A PURPOSE
Get your poutine on and do some good during Calgary’s 2021 Poutine with a Purpose! Every year, this event is able to feed local families in need through their partnership with Meal Share, with their buy-one-give-one model – so don’t miss it!
When: Friday, April 23rd
Where: See participating restaurants here
Cost: Prices vary
HIT THE LITTLE MODERN MARKET
This month, check out the Little Modern Market, a two-day celebration of local vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists, as well as the sunnier days ahead. The best part? This event is totally free to attend, so check it out!
When: Saturday, April 24th and 25th
Where: 11500 35 St SE #1000, Calgary
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
There you have it! That’s our roundup of the best things to do in Calgary this April! Have a ton of fun out there, folks!
