Top Things To Do In Calgary, Alberta

Calgary sits in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet. It is the major urban center for the entire southern half of the province of Alberta and is surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment. Calgary has been ranked the 5th most liveable city in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit from 2009-2017. In 2018, Calgary rose to become the 4th most liveable city in the world.

The weather is turning, and Spring in Calgary transforms the entire area into one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of Canada. The city of Calgary sits in the sunny eastern foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet. It is the major urban center for the entire southern half of the province of Alberta and is surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment.

The rapid growth of Calgary is largely thanks to its status as the center of Canada’s oil industry, but the city is much more than that. It’s a dining destination, an arts hot spot, a nature-lovers dream, and as evidenced in its nickname, Cowtown, is steeped in Western culture (thanks in large to the Calgary Stampede – a massive rodeo that takes place in July). No matter what brings you to Cowtown, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Here are just a few suggestions of what to do when you visit Calgary – including a visit to the Backyard Axe Throwing League.

Go Axe Throwing At BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League

Almost 5 years ago the Backyard Axe Throwing League Calgary opened up shop in the North East and has been bringing the urban sport of axe throwing to not just Airdrie, Chestermere, Calgary, and the surrounding area but with guests coming from all over Alberta and Western Canada. Located near Sunridge Mall at Deerfoot Trail and 16th Ave. NE, BATL Calgary offers the best indoor axe throwing experience – pioneered by us at the Backyard Axe Throwing League back in 2006.

You can visit BATL Calgary for our public walk-in axe throwing (BATL Casual) each weekend, or book your own private axe-throwing event (BATL Premium). We’re capable of hosting groups anywhere from 2-150, and each private event booking includes one on one guidance from our resident axe gurus (they’ll have you sticking bullseyes in no time) before launching you into a round-robin tournament followed by a single-elimination playoff. BATL Premium events run 1.5 hours and are guaranteed to be a time to remember. BATL Calgary also has a fully licensed bar and kitchen for you and your guests to nibble on artisanal cuisine and quench your thirst on our local beer, wine, and cooler offerings.

If you live in Calgary and you’re looking for more axe throwing you can join BATL’s axe-throwing weekly league! With no experience necessary you’ll compete individually while receiving tips from our friendly coaches – and plenty of time to hang out between throwing. Our BATL Calgary axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye.

Go Buck Wild At The Calgary Stampede

The 108th-annual Calgary Stampede takes place across the entire city this year from July 3 – 12th, and you can already feel the town starting to buzz. Billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” for a reason, the Calgary Stampede is not just midways and rodeos – but a 10-day celebration of all things Alberta, including live performances in the past by musical acts like Blue Rodeo, Tim McGraw, Dwayne Gretzky, and The Sam Roberts Band

Festivities are stationed at Stampede Park in the heart of downtown, making it easily accessible for anyone. Highlights this year include the Calgary Stampede Parade, Stampede Breakfast, the Thrill Zone, the Indian Oasis, band competitions, and much more. A must-see festival for all visitors to Calgary and the surrounding area (Airdrie, Chestermere, Banff, Black Diamond, Canmore, Cochrane, Irricana, Nanton, Okotoks, Strathmore, and Turner Valley) – a trip to the Calgary Stampede is essential when visiting.

Go Art Hopping Around Calgary

While it might not ring as a world-class art city, Calgary is on the up and coming. Art galleries (both private and public) are popping up all over the city, and making an entire day out of looking at art in Calgary is easier than ever before. Your best bets are checking out TRUCK Contemporary Art in the Beltline area, the Esker Foundation in Inglewood, the Wallace Galleries in the Eau Claire area, and the Contemporary Gallery in East Village.

Sample Calgary’s Food Scene

The fine-dining scene in Calgary has exploded over the past 5 years, and now is the perfect time to explore everything it has to offer. Chris Lorenz, the man behind the menu in the kitchen for the Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL Calgary), recently joined the team at Diner Deluxe offering refined fair at Aspen Landing in the Southwest of Calgary. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, head on down to 17th Ave SW and visit Tubby Dog for gourmet hot dogs, cold beer, and retro arcade games. In the Northeast, head down to Barlow Trail and 32nd Ave NE for an array of multicultural food options. If you’re looking for fine dining with the best view in the city, head downtown and check out Sky 360 – a restaurant at the top of the Calgary Tower.

Go Art Hopping Around Calgary

While it might not come to mind when speaking of world-class art cities, Calgary is up and coming. Art galleries (both private and public) are popping up all over the city, and making an entire day out of looking at art in Calgary is easier than ever before. Your best bets are checking out TRUCK Contemporary Art in the Beltline area, the Esker Foundation in Inglewood, the Wallace Galleries in the Eau Claire area, and the Contemporary Gallery in East Village.

Take In A Sporting Event

It’s no secret that many Calgary residents are extremely passionate about their sports teams, which makes for an unforgettable atmosphere when seeing a game live. Teams like the Calgary Flames of the NHL, the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, the Calgary Stampeders of the CHL, and the Calgary Hitmen of the NLL provide huge entertainment for a great value. Gather your friends and take in a game while cheering on the home team.

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An image of the wall of league winners at BATL Portlands.

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Top Things To Do In Calgary, Alberta

Go Axe Throwing At BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League

Go Buck Wild At The Calgary Stampede

Go Art Hopping Around Calgary

Sample Calgary’s Food Scene

Go Art Hopping Around Calgary

Take In A Sporting Event

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