SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday Night Stargazing
Free stargazing Fridays from 7:30 - 8:30 pm (weather permitting) until March 6, Telus World of Science, 403-268-8331, telusworldofscience.com
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Calgary’s annual holiday presentation of Charles Dickens classic.
Nov. 20 - Dec. 27, Max Bell Theatre, 403-294-7447, theatrecalgary.com
Once Upon a Christmas
Traditional celebration with crafts, wagon rides, skating and more.
Nov. 21 - Dec. 20 (weekends), Heritage Park, 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
Lions Festival of Lights
Thousands of colourful lights arranged in Christmas themes at free outdoor display.
Nov. 28 – Jan. 8, Confederation Park.
Zoolights
More than two million lights, kids’ activities, choirs, outdoor fireplaces, etc.
Nov. 27 - Jan. 3, Calgary Zoo, 6 - 9 pm, 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.org
Airdrie Festival of Lights
Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through light display.
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, 6 - 9 pm, Nose Creek Park, Airdrie, 403-912-XMAS, airdriefestivaloflights.com
Handel’s Messiah
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s holiday tradition.
Dec. 4 - 5, 7:30 pm.; Dec. 6, Sing-a-long Messiah, 2 pm, Jack Singer Concert Hall, cpo-live.com
The Nutcracker
Alberta Ballet performs holiday classic.
Dec. 18 - 26, Jubilee Auditorium, 403-245-4222, albertaballet.com
Chinese New Year Carnival
Three-day festival celebrating Chinese New Year.
Dates to be announced, Chinese Cultural Centre, 403-262-5071.
High Performance Rodeo
Calgary’s international festival of the arts.
Jan 7 - 31, Big Secret Theatre, 403-264-3224, oyr.org
Enbridge playRites Festival
Annual festival of new Canadian plays.
Feb 3 - March 7, Martha Cohen Theatre, 403-294-7475, atplive.com
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Art Market Art & Craft Show
Works by over 200 professional artisans from across Canada.
Nov. 19 - 22, Telus Convention Centre, www.artmarketcraftsale.com
Festival of Crafts
Alberta's largest Christmas art and craft show featuring artisans from across Canada.
Nov. 26 - 29, Round-Up Centre, 1-888-773-4444, http://ourbesttoyou.ca/calgary.html
Market Collective
Independent market showcasing the works of local artists, artisans and musicians.
Dec 5 & 6 and Dec 12 & 13, 148 10 St NW, marketcollective.ca
SPECTATOR SPORTS & COMPETITIONS
Calgary Flames
Calgary Hitmen
Calgary Canucks
Calgary Roughnecks
Calgary Roller Derby Association
Canada Olympic Park
Olympic Oval
oval.ucalgary.ca
U of C Dinos
Mount Royal Cougars
cougars.mtroyal.ca
SAIT Trojans
COURSES AND LECTURES
Big Rock University Lecture Series
Food, beer and thought-provoking lectures from University of Calgary professors.
Dec. 2, Feb. 3, Feb. 24, March 17, April 7, 403-720-3239, bigrockbeer.com/#/events
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Presentations
Slide shows and information on natural areas in southern Alberta. 403-297-7927
Calgary Parks & Recreation
Sports, art, dancing, fitness and more. Online program guide includes information about public skating and swimming, lessons, fitness programs, etc.
403-268-3800, calgary.ca
The Cookbook Co. Cooks
Cooking classes throughout the year.
403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com
Mount Royal University
Continuing education courses offer practical, strategic and professional development in a variety of areas, including business, information technology, environmental science and health.
403-440-6875, mtroyal.ab.ca
Ranchman’s
Dance lessons — two-step, cha cha and double shuffle weekdays, in-line dance contest Fridays, ranchmans.com
Salsita
Authentic Mexican cooking classes.
403-289-2202, salsita.ca
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Continuing education courses in accounting, communications, culinary arts, electronics, health & wellness, multimedia and more.
403-284-7248, sait.ab.ca
Sunterra Market
Group and private cooking classes
403-266-2820, sunterramarket.com
University of Calgary
Continuing Education seminars and courses, as well as certificate and diploma programs for professional development and personal enrichment.
403-220-2866, ucalgary.ca
MOUNTAIN PARKS
Banff National Park
Canada's first national park is home to a variety of distinctive natural features and cultural and historical sites. Mountains, glaciers, icefields, alpine meadows, mineral hot springs, deep canyons and hoodoos compose the natural landscape.
General information: 403-762-1550, pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_E.asp
Kananaskis Country
A 2,500-square-kilometre, four-season, multi-use recreation area 90 kilometres west of Calgary. K-Country includes Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Canmore Nordic Centre, Bow Valley and Bragg Creek Provincial Parks. Also encompasses Sibbald, Barrier Lake, Ribbon Creek, the Elbow River and Sheep River Valleys, and the Highwood and Cataract areas.
General information, 310-0000; Canmore Nordic Centre, 403-678-2400, tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/flashindex.asp
SKI RESORTS
Banff Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay Road, Banff, 403-762-4421, banffnorquay.com
Canada Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Road S.W., Calgary, 403-247-5452, winsportcanada.ca
Castle Mountain Resort
Pincher Creek, AB, 403-627-5101, skicastle.com
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie, B.C., 250-423-4655, skifernie.com
Kicking Horse Resort
Golden, B.C. 250-439-5425, kickinghorseresort.com
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley, B.C., 250-427-4881, skikimberley.com
Lake Louise Ski Area
Lake Louise, AB, 403-244-6665, skilouise.com
Nakiska
Kananaskis Village, AB, 403-591-7777, skinakiska.com
Panorama
Invermere, B.C., 1-800-663-2929, panoramaresort.com
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke, B.C., 1-866-373-4754, revelstokemountainresort.com
Sunshine Village
Banff, AB, 1-87-SKI-BANFF, skibanff.com
Wintergreen Ski Resort
Bragg Creek, AB, 403-949-5100, wintergreenresort.com
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Calgary
Areas normally trackset: free — Shaganappi Point Golf Course, Maple Ridge Golf Course, Confederation Golf Course; admission fee — Canada Olympic Park, Hawk Ridge (south of Highway 22X). Areas not trackset: Weaselhead Natural Environment Park, Beaverdam Flats Park, Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, North and South Glenmore parks, Prairie Winds Park.
Surrounding area
Trackset trails, varied terrain and good skiing – West Bragg Creek, Ribbon Creek (Kananaskis Country), Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre), Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley), Canmore Nordic Centre (fees apply), Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Mt. Shark Trails, Smith Dorrien, Chateau Lake Louise, Emerald Lake/Field Trails.
TOBOGGANING RUNS
Southwest
Glenbrook Hill
45 St. & 25 Ave. S.W.
Kingsland Dry Pond
Behind Rose Kohn-Jimmy Condon Arena, 502 Heritage Dr. S.W.
River Park
4500 - 14A St. S.W.
Richmond Green
33 Ave. & 25 St. S.W.
Richmond Park
22 Ave. & 45 St. S.W.
Scarboro
15 Ave. & 15 St. S.W.
Scirroco Point Site
Scirroco Dr. & Signal Hill Heights.
Stanley Park
4011 - 1A St. S.W.
Strathcona
277 Strathcona Dr. S.W.
Turtle Hill
45 St. between 17 Ave. & 26 Ave. S.W.
West Glamorgan
4207 - 41 Ave. S.W.
Southeast
Erin Woods
20 Erinwoods Dr. S.E.
Elliston
60 St. & 17 Ave. S.E.
Maple Ridge Dry Pond
Mapleglade Close S.E.
Northwest
Confederation Park
2807 - 10 St. N.W.
St. Andrew's Heights
2504 - 13 Ave. N.W.
Northeast
Deerfoot Athletic Park
1604 - 14 Ave N.E.
Calgary Marlborough Community Association
636 Marlborough Way N.E.
Marlborough Park Community Association
6021 Madigan Dr. N.E.
Monterey Park
Catalina Blvd. and 28 Ave. N.E.
Prairie Winds Park
223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
OUTDOOR SKATING
City of Calgary of Calgary rink info line:
403-268-2300
Southeast
Olympic Plaza
228 - 8 Ave. S.E.
Northwest
Bowness Lagoon
8900 - 49 Ave. N.W.
Northeast
Marlborough Park
6021 Madigan Dr. N.E.
Prairie Winds Park
223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
INDOOR PUBLIC SKATING
Southwest
Jimmie Condon Arena
502 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-2300.
Optimist/George Blundun
5020 - 26 Ave. S.W., 403-268-2300.
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 Southland Dr. S.W., 403-268-2300.
Northwest
Murray Copot Arena
6715 Centre St. N.W., 403-268-2300.
Olympic Oval
University of Calgary, 403-220-7890.
Shouldice Arena
1515 Home Road N.W., 403-268-2300.
Northeast
Stew Hendry
814 - 13 Ave N.E., 403-268-2300.
Village Square Leisure Centre
2623 - 56 St. N.E., 403-268-2300.
INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Alberta Chinese Recreation Centre
132 -3 Ave. S.E., 403-264-1237
Calgary Climbing Centre
6, 7130 Fisher Road S.E., 403-252-6778
Calgary Soccer Centre
7000 - 48 St. S.E., 403-279-8453
Calgary Climbing Centre Stronghold
140 - 15 Ave. N.W., 403-276-6484
Trico Centre (formerly Family Leisure Centre)
11150 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-278-7542
SAIT Campus Centre
1301 - 16 Ave. N.W., 403-284-8457
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 Southland Dr. S.W., 403-251-3505
Talisman Centre
(Note: the tented portion of the building will be closing in 2010 for roof replacement, check website for details.)
2225 Macleod Trail S., 403-233-8393
University of Calgary
Kinesiology A-Complex, 403-220-7241
VRRI - Recreation Department
3304 - 33 St. N.W., 403-284-2231
Village Square Leisure Centre
2623 - 56 St. N.E., 403-280-9714
Volleydome
2825 - 24 Ave. N.W., 403-284-3663
Westside Recreation Centre
2000 - 69 Street SW, 403-531-5875
westsiderec.com
BOWLING
Southwest
Mountain View Bowl
11 - 3919 Richmond Road S.W., 403-249-0858
Chinook Bowladrome
Chinook Centre, 403-252-5747
Southeast
Silver Dollar Bowl
1010 - 42 Ave. S.E., 403-287-1183
Paradise Lanes
3411 - 17 Ave. S.E., 403-272-4570
Toppler Bowl
7640 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-255-0101
Northeast
Bowling Depot
901 - 64 Ave. N.E., 403-275-1260
Let’s Bowl
2916 - 5 Ave. N.E., 403-569-2695
Fairview Bowling Centre
1010, 999 - 36 St. N.E., 403-289-2571
Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association
5600 Centre St. N., 403-274-5574
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Alpine Club of Canada - Calgary Section
A club providing members of all skill levels with rock, snow and ice climbing courses as well as regular climbing outings, bouldering sessions, social events, etc. alpineclubofcanada.ca/calgary/
Alpine Club of Canada - National Office
Canada's national mountaineering organization. Offers backcountry accommodations, camps, training courses, and provides environmental and access advocacy. 403-678-3200, alpineclubofcanada.ca.
Alberta Association for Disabled Skiers
A volunteer-based organization promoting skiing and snowboarding for persons with disabilities in order to support their full integration into society. 403-286-8050, cadscalgary.ca.
Banff Centre for Mountain Culture
Promotes understanding and appreciation of the world's mountain places and creates opportunities for the international mountain community to share experiences, ideas and visions. 403-762-6369, banffcentre.ca/mountainculture
Calgary Five Pin Bowlers Association
23B – 6020 2 St. S.E., 403-252-5879, calgary5pin.ca
Calgary Hash House Harriers
Hashing is a non-competitive cross-country run through varied terrain. Hashing is to competitive running what slo-pitch is to major league baseball. If you enjoy good times and a few (or many) cold beers, you're hasher material. 403-254-9014. onon.org/asm/
Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts
An all-season outdoor club offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, backpacking, social events, etc. corehike.org
Calgary Sport & Social Club
Co-ed sports leagues, tournaments and events for active people in their 20s and 30s. Winter season starts January 14. Co-ed leagues include volleyball, soccer, basketball and floor hockey. 403-244-PLAY, calgarysportsclub.com
Calgary Ski Club
Offers a variety of recreational and social activities year-round such as downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking and cycling. Promotes education and safety awareness while having fun. 403-282-4122, calgaryskiclub.org
Calgary Weekend Hikers
A casual hiking club for all levels offering weekday, weekend and overnight trips. calgaryweekendhikers.com
Canada Olympic Park
Offers courses in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, etc. 403-247-5452, coda.ca
Hostelling International - Southern Alberta
An international organization that provides a network of safe, friendly and affordable accommodations and services to more than 5,000 hostels in over 70 countries. 403-269-8239, hihostels.ca
Outdoor Centre, University of Calgary
The largest outdoor program and equipment rental centre in the city offers a variety of courses, programs, educational trips, repair services and outdoor equipment rentals —from beginner skiing to avalanche safety. 403-220-5038, calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca
Petroleum City Ski and Social Club
A downhill ski and social club offering day and weekend ski trips as well as social activities for both skiers and non-skiers, such as camping, skiing, hiking, volleyball, social dining, etc. pscskiclub.com/
Rocky Mountain Ramblers
A club offering ambitious hiking and cross-country skiing trips as well as social events for outdoor enthusiasts. 403-282-6308, ramblers.ab.ca
Snowy Owl Tours
Offers a unique dog-sledding experience in the Canadian Rockies. snowyowltours.com.
Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies
Non-profit organization provides annual guided hikes from established base camps in the Rocky Mountains. Also promotes appreciation and conservation of Canada's national parks. skylinehikers.ca
In compiling this guide, we made every effort to include as many special events and organizations as possible, but we know the list is not complete. If we missed something, we apologize. Please send us the name, phone number and/or e-mail, and a brief description, and we’ll include it in next year’s guide.
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