A new month is upon us, friends – and this one is going to be wild! While the weather is still pretty dodgy, the sunny season is upon us and with it – a TON of outdoor events, markets, and more! From festivals to hiking trails, here are 26 wonderfully exciting things to do in Calgary this May! Enjoy!
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
CLIMB THE ROCKIES
This spring, face your fears and take a thrilling tour of the Rocky Mountains! Offered between May and October, Albertans of all skill levels can swing, repel and climb their way through the beautiful backcountry with the help of a certified instructor. Why? How about why not!
When: Offered between May and October
Where: Box 2474 Jasper, AB Canada
Cost: $325
CLIMB ABOARD THE LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This May, 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 +
TAKE A HIKE
When the sun makes an appearance – make the most of it! This month, as long as the weather continues to cooperate, why not treat yourself to a stunning spring hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Check the link above for our favorites!
SPOOK YOURSELF SILLY ON A BANFF GHOST TOUR
Halloween is still quite a few months away – but whos counting! This May, wince, cringe, mix and mingle and visit Banff’s most “active” sights on a ghoulish ghost tour through the town. It’s Are you Afraid of the Dark, meets, “oh, that’s where we had dinner.”
When: Offered until October 31st
Where: 333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $32
WANDER THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
Do look down! Up above the world so high, Albertans are encouraged to explore the one-of-a-kind Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Experience a little bit of everything the Rockies have to offer from its wildlife, mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and history all from 918-feet in the air.
When: Open between May 1st and October
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25+
GET SOME FRESH AIR ON AN OPEN TOP TOUR
It’s back! This May, experience the Rockies unlike ever before with an Open Top Tour! From the backseat of a uniquely vintage vehicle, guests will learn about the area’s active wildlife, the area’s colorful history, and their fellow passengers with the help of an interpretive guide.
Where: See locations here
Time: See times here
Cost: $45+ / Adult
GO GLAMPING
Need a break from reality? Why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? This May, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta. It’s high time we all get some fresh air, don’t you think?
RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this spring? Adrenaline junkies are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park which is set to open at the end of this month!
When: Opens Saturday, May 21st
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
RELAX IN AN ALBERTA HOTSPRING
The Spring 2022 weather in Calgary has been wild, but one activity will put us at ease no matter how gloomy it gets. This May, pack up a bathing suit and check out one of Alberta’s beautiful hot springs or year-round pools. Hit the link above for our favorites!
With wholesale prices, 4 locations across the city, and expert staff, the popup glow gardens are back! This annual shopping event is familiar to many and beloved by plant enthusiasts and admirers – so we’d advise that you mark May 1st. their opening date, on your calendars!
EVENTS AND FOOD FESTIVALS
HAVE A SLICE DURING LA PIZZA WEEK
It’s time, Calgary! La Pizza Week is here and from Saturday, May 1st until the 14th, hungry Calgarians will be encouraged to get down and get cheesy with fellow Za-fans all over the country. From coast to coast ovens will be hot and toppings will be plenty, with restaurants competing for your votes. Check out the link above to see the local restaurants participating in this year’s event!
When: Sunday, May 1st – 14th, 2022
Where: See link above
ENJOY A MOTHER’S DAY BITE AT ONE OF CANADA’S BEST BRUNCH SPOTS
From coast to coast Canada has some incredible eateries – and this Mothers Day we’d advise that you take some of them on! Hit the link above and check out one (or all) of the restaurants that OpenTable named among the country’s 100 best brunch spots. Enjoy!
INDULGE IN A MEAL AT FAIRMONT BANFF’S 360° DOME
Still hungry? This May, 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 GOAT YOGA CLASS
Of all the different types of Yoga, ‘goat’ is our favorite. This May, those who don’t mind getting nibbled on during their workout are encouraged to work up a sweat at Granary Road – one of Calgary’s most wholesome sunny season destinations.
When: Classes start May 7th
Where: 226066 112 St W, Calgary
Time: 11 am
Cost: $25
SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH ALBERTA’S INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
It’s that time again, Calgary! This May, like every year before it, Alberta International Beer Fest will once again, take YYC on an indoor booze cruise across the world. Consider our Ubers ordered and our hangover kits ready!
When: Friday, May 6th – 7th
Where: BMO Centre -20 Roundup Way, Calgary, AB
Cost: $19+
GET GHOULISH AT HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN ADULT NIGHT
It’s no secret that Halloween is our favorite time of year and this month – as a way to commemorate the halfway point to Halloween, Cobb’s Adventure Park in Calgary will be hosting an evening of May-hem for adults who just can’t seem to wait to get their spook on.
When: Saturday, May 14th, 2022
Where: 1500 84 St NE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $44
TAKE ON YYCAESARFEST 2022
Created by Walter Chell In 1969, the Caesar is deeply rooted in our YYC’s history so it only makes sense that one of the largest events celebrating the drink be held in Calgary! Between May 19th and the 20th, fans of the drink can hit the Stampede grounds where local bars and restaurants will be showcasing different variations of the boozy bevy under one roof.
When: Thursday, May 19th-20th | Saturday, May 21st – 29th (Caesar Week)
Where: 1801 Big Four Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: TBA
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: Until May 22, 2022
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm, and 7:45 pm
Cost: $125+
ARTS, CONCERTS & CULTURE
ENTER THE PIXELARIUS ZONE
Take gaming one step further! This month, check out Telus Spark’s Pixelarius Zone – a unique VR experience where guests can put their reaction times, logic, and patience to the test.
When: Now open
Where: 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: Included in general admission ($26)
STREAM A FLICK DURING THE ALBERTA NORTHWEST DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
This month catch some incredible documentaries from all over the world right from your couch! Pop some popcorn and lose yourself in Mission: Joy, Mama Bears, and Who You Gonna Call – a film about Ray Parker, Jr., the artist behind the song “Ghostbusters”.
When: Thursday, May 5th – 15th
Where: Online here
ROCK OUT AT THE GREY EAGLE RESORT & CASINO
Attention music fans, TV series maniacs, and live entertainment aficionados! After ruling the Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart with their song ‘Way Down We Go’, the Icelandic blues-rock band KALEO is back on the roads this year and they have a stop in Calgary this week, with Bones Owens. Hosted at the Event Venue at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino this May 5th, you can vibe to the perfectly adrenalized ‘Fight or Flight’ Tour.
When: Thursday, May 5th
Where: 3777 Grey Eagle Drive, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
ENJOY A NIGHT AT THE BALLET
The ballet is back – and this month Calgarians can enjoy a production of Cinderella at the Jubilee Auditorium. Based on the beloved children’s story – this beautiful show will delight audiences of all ages with familiar music, stunning costumes, and timeless magic. Don’t miss it!
When: Until May 7th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW
Cost: $62+
CHECK OUT CONTEMPORARY CALGARY
Color and expression? For the artsy Calgarian, there’s nothing better! This May, wander Contemporary Calgary – a modern museum with wide-open spaces and many a tale to tell. The best part? Admission is only $10.
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Where: 701 11th Street SW
Cost: $10
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 or after – and voila! The perfect spring date night!
Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
BASK IN NOSTALGIA AT THE AVRIL LAVIGNE CONCERT
The myth – the legend, Avril Lavinge is back and her 2022 tour is rolling into Calgary. This month, line your eyes and head over to the Scotiabank Saddledome for the year’s most nostalgic show. You won’t want to miss it!
When: Saturday, May 21st and 22nd
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $105
HEAD OVER TO THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Love music? This May 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
Whew, there you have it, friends, 26 things to do in Calgary this May. What will you check out first?! Let us know – and enjoy!
