SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday Night Stargazing

Free stargazing each Friday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm (weather permitting). Runs until March 7, Telus World of Science, 268-8331, www.telusworldofscience.com.

A Christmas Carol

Theatre Calgary’s annual holiday presentation of Charles Dickens story.

Nov. 23 - Dec. 23, Max Bell Theatre, 294-7447, www.theatrecalgary.com.

12 Days of Christmas

Traditional celebration with crafts, wagon rides, skating and more.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 23 (weekends), Heritage Park, 268-8500, www.heritagepark.ca.

Lions Festival of Lights

Thousands of colourful lights arranged in Christmas themes make for a fun and free holiday excursion.

Nov. 25 - Jan 5, Confederation Park.

Festival of Crafts

Alberta's largest Christmas art and craft show, featuring over 235 artisans from across Canada

Nov. 29 - Dec 2, Round-Up Centre, 261-0101, http://ourbesttoyou.ca/calgary.html.

Zoolights

The 10th anniversary of this popular holiday event features more than two million lights as well as choirs, kids activities, outdoor fireplaces and hot chocolate.

Nov. 30 - Jan. 5, Calgary Zoo, 6 - 9 pm, 232-9300, www.calgaryzoo.com.

Airdrie Festival of Lights

Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through light display.

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, 6 - 9 pm, Nose Creek Park, Airdrie, 912-XMAS, www.airdriefestivaloflights.com.

Handel’s Messiah

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s holiday tradition.

Dec. 7 & 8, 7:30 pm. Dec. 9, Sing-a-long Messiah, 2 pm, Jack Singer Concert Hall, www.cpo-live.com.

The Nutcracker

Alberta Ballet performs holiday classic.

Dec. 19 - 23, Jubilee Auditorium, 245-4222, www.albertaballet.com

Chinese New Year Carnival

Three-day festival celebrating Chinese New Year.

Feb. 1, Chinese Cultural Centre, 262-5071.

Calgary Motorcycle Show

A showcase of new 2008 motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and related products and services.

Jan. 4 - 6, Stampede Park, 245-9008, www.sportshows.ca.

High Performance Rodeo

Calgary’s international festival of the arts.

Jan 5 - 26, Big Secret Theatre, 264-3224, www.oyr.org.

Enbridge playRites Festival

Annual festival of new Canadian plays.

Feb 6 - March 9, Martha Cohen Theatre, 294-7475, www.atplive.com.

Calgary Winter Festival

Opening night lantern celebration, carnival, family fun zone, multicultural events and more.

Feb. 8 - 18, Prince’s Island, Eau Claire Market, Canada Olympic Park, Olympic Plaza, Devonian Gardens, 543-5480, www.calgarywinterfest.com.

Boat & Sportsmen’s Show

Calgary’s largest fishing and outdoor show.

Feb. 14 - 17, Round-Up Centre, 245-9008, www.sportshows.ca.

World of Wheels

America’s premier custom car show.

Feb. 22 - 24, Calgary Stampede Round-Up Centre, 261-0101, www.autorama.com.

COURSES AND LECTURES

Big Rock University Lecture Series

Food, beer and thought-provoking lectures from University of Calgary professors. Topics include: “Whose Muse? ‘Authority’ in Musical Performance” (Dec. 5), “Solving the Climate Problem: Tools for Stopping Global Warming” (Feb. 6), “Maverick Medicine: The Dimensions of Drinking in Alberta History” (Feb. 27), “Medicine Against all Odds: Perspectives from PDR Lao and Tanzania” (March 19) & “From Salon to ‘Son Cubano’: A Portrait of Cuban Piano Music 1860-1940” (April 9).

720-3239, www.bigrockbeer.com/events.

Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Presentations

Slide shows and information on the natural areas throughout southern Alberta. 297-7927.

University of Calgary

Continuing Education offers a wide range of seminars and courses, as well as certificate and diploma programs for professional development and personal enrichment.

220-2866, www.ucalgary.ca.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Continuing education courses in accounting, communications, culinary arts, electronics, health & wellness, multimedia and more.

284-7248, www.sait.ab.ca.

Calgary Parks & Recreation

Numerous courses in art, dancing, fitness and more.

268-3800, www.calgary.ca.

Mount Royal College

The Faculty of Continuing Education & Extension provides practical, strategic and professional development in a variety of areas, including business, information technology, environmental science and health.

440-6875, www.mtroyal.ab.ca.

The Cookbook Company

Offers cooking classes throughout the year.

265-6066, www.cookbookcooks.com.

Ranchman’s

Dance lessons — two-step, cha cha and double shuffle weekdays, in-line dance contest Fridays, www.ranchmans.com.

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 and much more, www.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, www.alpineclubofcanada.ca.

Alberta Association for Disabled Skiers

A volunteer-based organization with its main objective being the promotion of skiing and snowboarding for persons with disabilities in order to promote their full integration into society, 286-8050, www.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, www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture.

Calgary Bobsled Club

Formed in 1984 to promote the sport of bobsleigh, iguanathompson@yahoo.com, www.telusplanet.net/public/oaneale/.

Calgary Five Pin Bowlers Association

23B – 6020 2 St. S.E., 252-5879.

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, many) cold beers, you're hasher material, 254-9014. www.onon.org/asm/.

Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts

An all-season outdoor club offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, backpacking and other outdoor activities. Members can participate in social events, www.corehike.org.

Calgary Outdoor School Consortium

COSC consists of the Kiwanis Club of Calgary, Rocky Mountain YMCA and the Silver Creek Ranch. It offers high-quality outdoor programs (residential and day trips) to 12,000 students per year, 777-7117, nkelba@telus.net.

Calgary Singles Council - Outdoor Group

Providing opportunities for single adults to meet new people while enjoying outdoor activities. The group's activities include hiking, biking, rafting, camping, cross-country skiing and skating, 288-4455 (24-hour activity line), www.telusplanet.net/public/dixiex2/singleclub.htm.

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. Divisions range from recreational to elite, 244-PLAY, www.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, 282-4122, www.calgaryskiclub.org.

Calgary Weekend Hikers

A casual hiking club for all levels offering weekday, weekend and overnight trips, 236-3406, www.calgaryweekendhikers.com.

Canada Olympic Park

Offers courses in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and more, as well as instructor programs, 247-5452, www.canadaolympicpark.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, 269-8239, www.hihostels.ca

Outdoor Centre, University of Calgary

The largest outdoor program and equipment rental centre in the city, the Outdoor Centre offers a variety of courses, programs, educatioinal trips, repair services and outdoor equipment rentals —from beginner skiing to avalanche safety. 220-5038, www.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. For 30 years this club has arranged camping, skiing, hiking, volleyball, social dining and many other activities, www.pscskiclub.com/.

Rocky Mountain Ramblers

A club offering ambitious hiking and cross-country skiing trips as well as social events for outdoor enthusiasts, 282-6308, www.ramblers.ab.ca.

Snowy Owl Tours

Offers a unique dog sledding experience in the Canadian Rockies. www.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, www.skylinehikers.ca.

MULTI-USE AREAS IN CALGARY

Southwest

Edworthy Park & Douglas Fir Trail:

Access north on 45 St. S.W. to Spruce Dr.

Fish Creek Provincial Park:

Access at various points in S.W. and S.E., 297-5293.

North Glenmore Park:

Access via 37 St. S.W. or Crowchild Trail S.

Prince’s Island Park:

1 Ave & 4 St. S.W. or Memorial Dr. & 3 St. N.W.

Richmond Green:

Access off 33 Ave. & 25 St. S.W.

River Park:

Off 14A St. between 38 Ave. & 50 Ave. S.W.

Sandy Beach & Natural Area:

Down the hill from 14 St. & 50 Ave. S.W.

South Glenmore Park:

Access off 90 Ave. & 24 St. S.W.

Stanley Park:

42 Ave. & 1A St. S.W.

Weaselhead Natural Area:

Access off 37 St. & 66 Ave. S.W.

Southeast

Beaverdam Flats Park:

Access off of 18 St. at 66 Ave. to Lynnview Road S.E.

Carburn Park:

Off of 18 St. at Rivervalley Dr. to Riverview Dr. S.E.

Centenary Park:

Off Memorial Dr. & Baines Bridge.

Elliston Regional Park:

17 Ave. & 60 St. S.E.

Northwest

Bowmont Park:

Silver Valley Blvd. & Silver Crest Dr. N.W.

Bowness Park:

8900 - 48 Ave. N.W.

Confederation Park:

Off 10 St. N. at 24 Ave. N.W.

McHugh Bluff Natural Area:

Between Centre St. & 10 St. N.W.

Nose Hill Park Natural Area:

Off 14 St. between John Laurie & Berkshire Blvds. N.W.

Riley Park:

800 - 12 St. N.W.

Shouldice Park:

Bowness Road & 56 St. N.W.

Northeast

Prairie Winds Park:

Off Castleridge Blvd. N.E.

MULTI-USE AREAS NEAR CALGARY

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, www.pc.gc.ca.

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: (403) 673-3985, Canmore Nordic Centre, 403-678-2400, www.kananaskisalberta.ca.

AREA SKI RESORTS

Banff Mount Norquay

Mount Norquay Road, Banff, (403) 762-4421, www.banffnorquay.com

Canada Olympic Park

Canada Olympic Road S.W., Calgary, AB, 247-5452, www.canadaolympicpark.ca

Castle Mountain Resort

Pincher Creek, AB, (403) 627-5101, www.castlemountainresort.com

Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie, B.C., (250) 423-4655, www.skifernie.com

Kicking Horse Resort

Golden, B.C. (250) 439-5425, www.kickinghorseresort.com

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Kimberley, B.C., (250) 427-4881, www.skikimberley.com

Lake Louise Ski Area

Lake Louise, AB, 244-6665, www.skilouise.com

Nakiska

Kananaskis Village, AB, (403) 591-7777, www.skinakiska.com

Panorama

Invermere, B.C., 1-800-663-2929, www.panoramaresort.com

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke, B.C., 1-866-373-4754, www.revelstokemountainresort.com

Sunshine Village

Banff, AB, 1-87-SKI-BANFF, www.skibanff.com

Wintergreen Ski Resort

Bragg Creek, AB, 949-5100, www.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

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, 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 RINKS

City of Calgary of Calgary rink info line:

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., 268-2300.

Optimist/George Blundun

5020 - 26 Ave. S.W., 268-2300.

Southland Leisure Centre

2000 Southland Dr. S.W., 268-2300.

Northwest

Murray Copot Arena

6715 Centre St. N.W., 268-2300.

Olympic Oval

University of Calgary, 220-7890.

Shouldice Arena

1515 Home Road N.W., 268-2300.

Northeast

Stew Hendry

814 - 13 Ave N.E., 268-2300.

Village Square Leisure Centre

2623 - 56 St. N.E., 268-2300.

INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES

Alberta Chinese Recreation Centre

132 -3 Ave. S.E., 264-1237.

Calgary Climbing Centre

6, 7130 Fisher Road S.E., 252-6778.

Calgary Soccer Centre

7000 - 48 St. S.E., 279-8453.

Family Leisure Centre

11150 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 278-7542.

SAIT Campus Centre

1301 - 16 Ave. N.W., 284-8457.

Southland Leisure Centre

2000 Southland Dr. S.W., 251-3505.

Stronghold Indoor Climbing Centre

140 - 15 Ave. N.W., 276-6484.

Talisman Centre

2225 Macleod Trail S., 233-8393.

www.talismancentre.com

University of Calgary

Kinesiology A-Complex, 220-7241.

VRRI - Recreation Department

3304 - 33 St. N.W., 284-2231.

Village Square Leisure Centre

2623 - 56 St. N.E., 280-9714.

Volleydome

2825 - 24 Ave. N.W., 284-3663.

Westside Recreation Centre

2000 - 69 Street SW, 531-5875.

www.westsiderec.com

BOWLING

Southwest

Mountain View Bowl

11 - 3919 Richmond Road S.W., 249-0858.

Chinook Bowladrome

Chinook Centre, 252-5747.

Southeast

Frank Sisson’s Silver Dollar Bowl

1010 - 42 Ave. S.E., 287-1183.

Paradise Lanes

3411 - 17 Ave. S.E., 272-4570.

Toppler Bowl

7640 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 255-0101.

Northeast

Bowling Depot

901 - 64 Ave. N.E., 275-1260.

Let’s Bowl

2916 - 5 Ave. N.E., 569-2695.

Fairview Bowling Centre

1010, 999 - 36 St. N.E., 289-2571.

Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association

5600 Centre St. N., 274-5574.

In compiling this guide, we made every effort to include as many festivals, establishments and organizations as possible, but we know the list is not complete. If we missed your organization or event, 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.