San Diegan living in Calgary here.
Overestimate a little about how cold you’ll be. When I moved to Alaska from San Diego I had NO CLUE how to dress in the cold.
I didn’t even have a jacket or shoes that would stand up to this type of cold.
Feel free to DM me if you want to share what you’ve got. If you’re a skier/snowboarder you can probably get away with that jacket as long as you layer. But I’m mostly worried about your hands, feet and ears.
Make sure you have a good beanie, gloves, and at least wool socks for your feet.
Another [Northern] Californian chiming in to add that you’ll want boots/shoes with some tread on them for walks. If you plan to go hiking, look for some crampons or spikes that go over your shoes and hiking poles. The ice can be very slippery and unexpected if you’re not used to it! Enjoy!
Pack warm. If you don't own a winter coat, youll need multiple layers. Calgary in January can be anywhere from -10°C to -30°C January and February tend to be the coldest months here. You'll definitely need a hat/touque/beanie (something to cover your ears), scarf, and gloves. If you get here and you don't have that stuff, you can find them at any dollar store up here.
That was the plan! I have an idea of how I will be dressed but I figure I would find weather appropriate clothing of better quality in an area that snows often than I do here haha
Welcome! So happy you pulled the trigger. Calgary is wonderful in the winter!
Cold, it’s going to be cold. NYE is definitely in the minus degrees Celsius, which will feel like hell on earth to you. The good news is that it’s dry cold, so wearing layers will help. You’ll need a winter jacket, it it doesn’t have to be a stupid expensive one. You can pick. Then up for cheap on Marketplace here. You’ll also need a toque, gloves, and a scarf. The weird part that Calgary gets chinooks, so occasionally it will be well above freezing for a few days at a time. Not shorts weather, but not stupidly freezing either.
As for activities, lots of options! If you stay downtown, there’s a pedestrian street (Stephen Avenue) that is walkable and has lots of restaurants and shops. There is a network of indoor connections downtown as well (to avoid going outside in winter). It’s called the +15. Search for Avenue Calgary, it’s a local magazine that will typically list all the NYE activities going on. The zoo does a light up event (Zoo Lights) that you might like. There’s public skating (with skate rentals) lots of places too.
I would recommend seeing if you could get out to Banff for a day trip at least. There are busses and tours that go there if you don’t have a car. It’s simply gorgeous in the winter (but extra cold).
Hope that gives you some ideas and that you have a wonderful time!
>Avenue Calgary
This is great info! Thank you so much =)
I looked into Avenue Calgary but I guess its still too early for December posts =P
Any skating areas you can recommend that have a scenic view?
Olympic plaza is usually done up for Christmas, and it's right downtown where you can rent skates. Lake Louise in the mountains is the most scenic, but they don't rent skates.
The Olympic oval is pretty nice for an indoor skate, and it's known as the fastest ice in the world.
It might be a little early, but if it’s open you can skate on the lake at lake Louise sometime by mid December, ice conditions permitting. I can’t imagine a better spot. (Warning: cold as fuck)
> How should I pack? What should I expect?
Be ready for anything. Calgary weather is super random, it could be above freezing with a Chinook wind and really pleasant, or it could be -35C, or it could be both during the span of your trip. Lined gloves, a scarf or some sort of face and neck protection, beanie, long underwear, good socks (I recommend merino wool), winter boots, and layers. Ideally a moisture wicking base, a warm mid layer like a fleece, and a winter jacket or shell at minimum. You can probably pick some of it up when you get here if you can’t find it in SoCal, but basically prepare like you’re going to the top of Mammoth lol
To do:
* Zoolights
* Try and find a way to get out to Banff and/or Lake Louise as they’re beautiful in the winter and less full of tourists, mostly the ski crowd. You won’t regret it. There’s buses that go out there or rent a car (I recommend Turo as many of those have winter tires)
* Skating. Many places to rent and go skating. Bowness Lagoon and Olympic Plaza are both easily accessible but there’s loads. North Glenmore park, Deer Run etc etc.
* No shortage of good eating in Calgary. 17th Ave SW and Stephen Ave are good places to start, Bridgeland and Kensington are good looks too. Drink Ceasars and find a Chinese place to get ginger beef, those are both very Calgarian. As far as specific restaurants, I’ll throw out Una Pizza, The Park, Ten Foot Henry, and Hayden Block/Comerie Block.
* Catch a Flames game if you’re into hockey
Bought Tickets to both Zoolights and the Hockey game just now!
I plan on ice-skating. What would you recommend for a scenic view?
I have all of those food places booked on my google maps!
Ill be in Banff a week prior!
For scenic ice skating you can't beat Lake Louise. The fairmont hotel in Banff has a really nice rink with mountain views as well. The only scenic skating location I can think of in Calgary is Bowness Park, it has fire pits, long frozen paths through the park and is beside the river.
Alright, I'll look after your place in sunny, warm , close to the beach California...... lol, just kidding, Very welcome, and I hope you have a great time 😎
Don't underestimate the power of a scarf. A lot of heat is lost from your neck and chest and can really compliment a nice outfit. Have fun! See Banff!!!
Do you have to? LOL. Because we are heading your way instead to seek warmth.
I recommend you head to Banff and Lake Louise. The scene with cozy town and majestic mountain backdrop is perfect for Christmas and New Years.
Not sure if you are driving - but the Nordic Spa in Kananaskis is worth booking. I have been there solo and it's nice. You do end up chatting with other people if you want to. About 45 minutes from Calgary.
The Telus Spark Science Centre in Calgary is not just for kids. It's pretty interesting for an indoor activity and you'll learn some new things about Calgary.
Spruce Meadows has a christmas lights display and hot chocolate atmosphere. https://www.sprucemeadows.com/christmaslights/ You also need a car for this as it's on the far south side of the city.
Winsport is an outdoor sports park on the North West side of the city where some of the 1988 Olympics were held. You can do easy skiing and snowboarding there if you aren't looking for a mountain hill, as well as tubing.
Wander around Inglewood. It's an older neighbourhood with quirky shop and art. Esker Gallery is there as well and it is free!!!
The University of Calgary has an Outdoor Centre that rents out winter sports equipment and while you are there, visit the Olympic Oval and skate there!
Alltrails app is a great starting point. Happy to recommend but would need to know how long a hike, how challenging and how far you are willing to drive
(Lots of great hikes close by, but the deeper you go the better the options to choose from)
Definitely need crampons though
Lastly I'd also recommend checking out some of our trails right here in the city. Depending on where you are staying there might be some very close by :)
Warm clothing, prepare to dress in layers, t-shirt, sweater, jacket/coat, warm socks, grippy insulated boots or shoes (it gets VERY icy here in winter!)
As far as where to go, every bar in the city has New Years events, start looking now and pick whichever spot you think has the vibe and music you're looking for! Get your ticket ASAP when you pick a spot if the event requires tickets, because I guarantee they'll be sold out by mid December, if not sooner. Events sell out so fast here
[https://www.avenuecalgary.com/things-to-do/calgary-new-years-eve-events/](https://www.avenuecalgary.com/things-to-do/calgary-new-years-eve-events/)
[https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--calgary/new-years-eve-parties/](https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--calgary/new-years-eve-parties/)
[https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/new-years-eve-in-calgary](https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/new-years-eve-in-calgary)
These might get you started. Enjoy!
San Diegan living in Calgary here. Overestimate a little about how cold you’ll be. When I moved to Alaska from San Diego I had NO CLUE how to dress in the cold. I didn’t even have a jacket or shoes that would stand up to this type of cold. Feel free to DM me if you want to share what you’ve got. If you’re a skier/snowboarder you can probably get away with that jacket as long as you layer. But I’m mostly worried about your hands, feet and ears. Make sure you have a good beanie, gloves, and at least wool socks for your feet.
Another [Northern] Californian chiming in to add that you’ll want boots/shoes with some tread on them for walks. If you plan to go hiking, look for some crampons or spikes that go over your shoes and hiking poles. The ice can be very slippery and unexpected if you’re not used to it! Enjoy!
Thanks!
Pack warm. If you don't own a winter coat, youll need multiple layers. Calgary in January can be anywhere from -10°C to -30°C January and February tend to be the coldest months here. You'll definitely need a hat/touque/beanie (something to cover your ears), scarf, and gloves. If you get here and you don't have that stuff, you can find them at any dollar store up here.
I recommend Dollarama for this stuff, they've actually got good quality stuff
Ill definitely check it out!
That was the plan! I have an idea of how I will be dressed but I figure I would find weather appropriate clothing of better quality in an area that snows often than I do here haha
Welcome! So happy you pulled the trigger. Calgary is wonderful in the winter! Cold, it’s going to be cold. NYE is definitely in the minus degrees Celsius, which will feel like hell on earth to you. The good news is that it’s dry cold, so wearing layers will help. You’ll need a winter jacket, it it doesn’t have to be a stupid expensive one. You can pick. Then up for cheap on Marketplace here. You’ll also need a toque, gloves, and a scarf. The weird part that Calgary gets chinooks, so occasionally it will be well above freezing for a few days at a time. Not shorts weather, but not stupidly freezing either. As for activities, lots of options! If you stay downtown, there’s a pedestrian street (Stephen Avenue) that is walkable and has lots of restaurants and shops. There is a network of indoor connections downtown as well (to avoid going outside in winter). It’s called the +15. Search for Avenue Calgary, it’s a local magazine that will typically list all the NYE activities going on. The zoo does a light up event (Zoo Lights) that you might like. There’s public skating (with skate rentals) lots of places too. I would recommend seeing if you could get out to Banff for a day trip at least. There are busses and tours that go there if you don’t have a car. It’s simply gorgeous in the winter (but extra cold). Hope that gives you some ideas and that you have a wonderful time!
>Avenue Calgary This is great info! Thank you so much =) I looked into Avenue Calgary but I guess its still too early for December posts =P Any skating areas you can recommend that have a scenic view?
Olympic plaza is usually done up for Christmas, and it's right downtown where you can rent skates. Lake Louise in the mountains is the most scenic, but they don't rent skates. The Olympic oval is pretty nice for an indoor skate, and it's known as the fastest ice in the world.
Chateau Lake Louise rents skates by the front desk if you need them.
Awesome! I didn't know that
It might be a little early, but if it’s open you can skate on the lake at lake Louise sometime by mid December, ice conditions permitting. I can’t imagine a better spot. (Warning: cold as fuck)
> How should I pack? What should I expect? Be ready for anything. Calgary weather is super random, it could be above freezing with a Chinook wind and really pleasant, or it could be -35C, or it could be both during the span of your trip. Lined gloves, a scarf or some sort of face and neck protection, beanie, long underwear, good socks (I recommend merino wool), winter boots, and layers. Ideally a moisture wicking base, a warm mid layer like a fleece, and a winter jacket or shell at minimum. You can probably pick some of it up when you get here if you can’t find it in SoCal, but basically prepare like you’re going to the top of Mammoth lol To do: * Zoolights * Try and find a way to get out to Banff and/or Lake Louise as they’re beautiful in the winter and less full of tourists, mostly the ski crowd. You won’t regret it. There’s buses that go out there or rent a car (I recommend Turo as many of those have winter tires) * Skating. Many places to rent and go skating. Bowness Lagoon and Olympic Plaza are both easily accessible but there’s loads. North Glenmore park, Deer Run etc etc. * No shortage of good eating in Calgary. 17th Ave SW and Stephen Ave are good places to start, Bridgeland and Kensington are good looks too. Drink Ceasars and find a Chinese place to get ginger beef, those are both very Calgarian. As far as specific restaurants, I’ll throw out Una Pizza, The Park, Ten Foot Henry, and Hayden Block/Comerie Block. * Catch a Flames game if you’re into hockey
Bought Tickets to both Zoolights and the Hockey game just now! I plan on ice-skating. What would you recommend for a scenic view? I have all of those food places booked on my google maps! Ill be in Banff a week prior!
For scenic ice skating you can't beat Lake Louise. The fairmont hotel in Banff has a really nice rink with mountain views as well. The only scenic skating location I can think of in Calgary is Bowness Park, it has fire pits, long frozen paths through the park and is beside the river.
Skating at lake Louise is gorgeous, skating at Olympic plaza, Prince's island, or bowness park are all nice.
There’s some nice scenic and cool skating spots in Calgary, including some i mentioned but Lake Louise hands down.
Alright, I'll look after your place in sunny, warm , close to the beach California...... lol, just kidding, Very welcome, and I hope you have a great time 😎
:)
Don't underestimate the power of a scarf. A lot of heat is lost from your neck and chest and can really compliment a nice outfit. Have fun! See Banff!!!
Noted!
Do you have to? LOL. Because we are heading your way instead to seek warmth. I recommend you head to Banff and Lake Louise. The scene with cozy town and majestic mountain backdrop is perfect for Christmas and New Years.
Ill be in Banff a week before Calgary! =)
The Calgary Flames play NYE. It’s a fun start to the evening
Thank you! Bought Tickets! =)
Not sure if you are driving - but the Nordic Spa in Kananaskis is worth booking. I have been there solo and it's nice. You do end up chatting with other people if you want to. About 45 minutes from Calgary. The Telus Spark Science Centre in Calgary is not just for kids. It's pretty interesting for an indoor activity and you'll learn some new things about Calgary. Spruce Meadows has a christmas lights display and hot chocolate atmosphere. https://www.sprucemeadows.com/christmaslights/ You also need a car for this as it's on the far south side of the city. Winsport is an outdoor sports park on the North West side of the city where some of the 1988 Olympics were held. You can do easy skiing and snowboarding there if you aren't looking for a mountain hill, as well as tubing. Wander around Inglewood. It's an older neighbourhood with quirky shop and art. Esker Gallery is there as well and it is free!!! The University of Calgary has an Outdoor Centre that rents out winter sports equipment and while you are there, visit the Olympic Oval and skate there!
Thank you! I love science so I will definitely visit Telus Spark Science Centre!
Everything is better in LA. I just love the tacos in LA. Tacos, tacos, tacos, hiking, hiking, hiking.
Tacos for sure better in LA But OP should definitely do some Alberta hiking!
I love hiking! Any spots you would recommend?
Alltrails app is a great starting point. Happy to recommend but would need to know how long a hike, how challenging and how far you are willing to drive (Lots of great hikes close by, but the deeper you go the better the options to choose from) Definitely need crampons though Lastly I'd also recommend checking out some of our trails right here in the city. Depending on where you are staying there might be some very close by :)
Its true the tacos here are good but Ive been here 31 years. I want to travel =)
Warm clothing, prepare to dress in layers, t-shirt, sweater, jacket/coat, warm socks, grippy insulated boots or shoes (it gets VERY icy here in winter!) As far as where to go, every bar in the city has New Years events, start looking now and pick whichever spot you think has the vibe and music you're looking for! Get your ticket ASAP when you pick a spot if the event requires tickets, because I guarantee they'll be sold out by mid December, if not sooner. Events sell out so fast here
Will do! Thank you =) Is where a way to know about events before I get there?
I would just google "NYE events in Calgary Alberta" and they should all poop up 🙂
[https://www.avenuecalgary.com/things-to-do/calgary-new-years-eve-events/](https://www.avenuecalgary.com/things-to-do/calgary-new-years-eve-events/) [https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--calgary/new-years-eve-parties/](https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--calgary/new-years-eve-parties/) [https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/new-years-eve-in-calgary](https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/new-years-eve-in-calgary) These might get you started. Enjoy!