Spring has sprung, love is in the air and the possibilities are endless for couples looking for romantic date ideas in Calgary. From seasonal markets to festivals, unique dining experiences, and activities that will get your adrenaline pumping – here are 15 things happening over the next few months that you can check out with your special someone.

VISIT MICHELANGELO’S SISTINE CHAPEL: THE EXHIBITION

You may not have a trip to Vatican City or Rome on the books, but you can sure as heck pretend that you’re on a romantic Eurotrip for a few hours this spring. From Melbourne and Frankfurt to Vancouver and Montreal, the traveling Michelangelo exhibit has delighted art lovers all over the work by bringing audiences closer to the extravagant art pieces that exist on the walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, and now, it’s Calgary’s turn. Check it out!

When: Thursday, March 3rd – May 15th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $24+

WANDER THE 2022 LILAC FESTIVAL

Food, sun live music, drinks, local vendors, and your special someone! This spring, Calgary’s beloved Lilac Festival and its vendors, musicians, artists, and food trucks are back- and ready to rock your world! You won’t want to miss it!

When: Sunday, June 5th
Where: 4th street between 13th Ave and Elbow Drive
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Cost: Free

ENJOY A MEAL AT FOODIES IN THE PARK

Is there anything more romantic than flowers and food? This spring, check out Foodies in the Park, an intimate dome dining experience held in Calgary’s Fish Creek! It’s going to be a deliciously delightful time.

When: Friday, April 22 – May 22, 2022
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm, and 7:45 pm
Cost: $125+

WALK YOUR WAY THROUGH CONTEMPORARY CALGARY

Coffee and expression? For the artsy couple, there’s nothing better! This spring, wander  Contemporary Calgary – a modern museum with wide-open spaces and many a tale to tell.  The best part? Admission is only $10 – so go ahead, get that extra espresso shot.

When: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Where: 701 11th Street SW
Cost: $10 for GA

SHOP THE STEPHEN AVENUE MARKET

With the warmer weather on its way, so are late-night walks, flip-flops, and markets! One of our favorites? The Stephen Avenue Market, which will run on select Tuesdays between 11 am and 4 pm this June! Fancy a mid-day date? This event is perfect!

When: Select Tuesdays, starting this June
Where: Stephen Avenue, Calgary

VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK 

This spring, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing, and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Cobb’s Adventure Park is set to open again for the season on May 21st and in our opinion, there’s really no better outdoor date idea than this.

When: Saturday, May 21st
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: $20

INDULGE IN A MEAL AT FAIRMONT BANFF’S 360° DOME

Already hit Foodies in the Park – or just happen to be in Banff for the weekend? This spring, indulge outdoors in Fairmont’s magical 360° Dome dining room, an incredible 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 all season long.

When: Year-round
Where: 405 Spray Avenue Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $125+

TAKE A ROMANTIC CRUISE ON LAKE MINNEWANKA

Looking to do something extra special? How about a cruise?! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a beautiful day on the water! This Spring, climb aboard an hour-long tour of one of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes for everything from dinner and drink tours to sightseeing sails.

When: May through October
Where: Lake Minnewanka, 10 mins outside Banff
Cost: $46 +

RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Calaway Park (@calawaypark)


Adrenaline junkies! Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this spring? Why not climb aboard the many rides, or eat all the carnival food your stomach can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park – which is set to open on May 21st.

When: Opens Saturday, May 21st
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary

TAKE AN EVENING WALK AROUND JOHNSON CANYON

Frozen waterfalls, stars, and hot cocoa? Talk about romance!  This April, take a magical walk through Banff’s stunning Johnson Canyon well after dark and experience an Alberta favorite as if it were the very first time.

When: Thursdays – Sundays
Where: 211 Bear Street, Banff
Cost: $82

GRAB A DRINK IN A “HIDDEN BAR”

Looking for something low-key, intimate – but original? Calgary is home to a ton of hidden bars and speakeasies, each of which will offer you a seriously fun experience in addition, to delightful drinks and maybe a bite or two. Check out the link above for our faves.

Where: Click the link above for our picks

HOLD HANDS ACROSS THE KANANASKIS SUSPENSION BRIDGE 

High above the rocks and trees of Alberta’s Peter Lougheed Park is a secret overpass just as impressive as any other swinging aqueduct. Located only 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city of Calgary, Blackshale Suspension Bridge is just the spot to take your next mountain adventure to new heights.

Where: Black Prince Cirque Trail – Black Prince parking, Kananaskis, AB

LOOK UP FOR THE LYRID METEOR SHOWER

Pack the car with some blankets, snacks, and your special someone. This April, lookup for a spacey spectacle of meteors and madness! As long as the sky is clear, Calgarians will be able to catch the Lyrid shower between April 15th to April 29th – with the even peaking on April 22nd. Don’t forget to make a wish!

When: Friday, April 15th – 29th (peak on Wednesday, April 22nd)

HIT THE GLENBOW MUSEUM’S SATTELITE EXHIBITION SPACE

While there’s no stand-in for the real thing, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum’s FREE short-term exhibition space in the Edison comes pretty dang close, featuring art from all over the world and right here in Calgary. Grab dinner before of after – and voila! The perfect (cheap) date night.

Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary

ENJOY A DAY AT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE

Love music? This spring Calgary’s iconic National Music Centre will be shifting to a pay-what-you-can admission model for weekend guests – so in addition to exploring five floors of exhibitions, you can catch regular weekend performances – for less. Check out the link above for more information!

Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: Pay what you can

And there you have it, love birds. 15 romantic date ideas for Calgary couples. What will you check out first? Let us know and have fun!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
Read articles