Summer in Calgary, Alberta 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 centre 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 centre 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 this summer, 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 BATL Axe Throwing.
1) GO BUCK WILD AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
The 106th-annual Calgary Stampede takes place across the entire city this year from July 6 – 15th, 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 by Blue Rodeo, Colter Wall, Whitehorse, Lindi Ortega and Mike Plume.
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.
2) GO AXE THROWING AT BATL AXE THROWING
Almost 3 years ago BATL Axe Throwing 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 BATL Axe Throwing back in 2006.
You can visit BATL Calgary for our public walk-in axe throwing each weekend, or book your own private axe throwing event. 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. Private events run 2-2.5 hours. 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. Find out more about BATL Calgary here, and experience the unique thrill of axe throwing.
If you live in Calgary and you’re looking for more axe throwing you can join BATL Axe Throwing's 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. To learn more and to join a league click here.
3) SPEND A LAZY DAY ON THE BOW RIVER
The lazy river is a tried and true formula for a day of relaxation, and tubing down the Bow River in Calgary is the ultimate activity for a hot summer day. There’s nothing more relaxing than floating on a river. The gentle moving current, the sun on your face and the cool water below have the uncanny ability to make your troubles disappear, one by one. If you’re looking for a cool way to spend a few hours, this is it. Many companies just off the Bow River such as Lazy Day Raft Rentals offer affordable rentals with all the necessary equipment provided.
4) 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.
6) 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 ream 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.
The next time you plan a trip to Calgary, let us help you make the most of your time at BATL Axe Throwing.