There’s something about summer in Calgary that just hits different. After what always feels like the longest winter (and 5 false spring starts later), the minute the lilacs bloom and the patios open, I’m outside. My calendar fills up with everything from baseball games to spontaneous walks for tacos, and while it’s not always perfectly curated, it’s full of the kind of moments that make me love this city even more.
Here are a few of my favourite ways to spend summer days (and evenings) in and around Calgary:
Kick things off Right with Lilac Fest
This one feels like the unofficial start to summer. The 4th Street Lilac Festival is always one of my favourite Sundays of the year. Music in the streets, local vendors, good food, and a chance to bump into everyone you know. We make a full day of it with the kids, wandering 4th Street with an iced latte in hand and absolutely no schedule. It’s the perfect mix of city energy and neighbourhood charm.
Yes, I buy my plants at Canadian Tire—don’t judge
I know there are a handful of beautiful local greenhouses in Calgary like Greengate and Golden Acres (and I love those too), but something about wandering through the Canadian Tire garden centre with a cart full of herbs and hanging baskets just feels right. It’s an annual ritual that brings me joy and bonus points if I can sneak in a solo trip while the kids are out and about. What can I say, it’s a treat when I can take my time perusing the perennials and fill the car without a trunk full of sports gear.
Baseball and softball, all summer long
If you’ve known me for a while, you know we’re a big ball family. Most evenings and weekends from May ‘til September are spent at diamonds across the city cheering, sun screening, snack-packing, and somehow always forgetting at least one folding chair. It’s busy, yes, but it’s also one of the most grounding parts of our summer as a family. If you’ve never booked a diamond before or want to learn more about places you can get your crew together, check out the City of Calgary’s website. The booking process is a breeze.
A touch of adventure within the city limits
Some of my best thinking happens on quiet trails, and luckily for us there’s so many amazing spots just in our backyard here in Calgary. Whether we’re biking through Glenmore or Fish Creek, or heading out for a quick afternoon hike in Nose Hill, I love that we have so many beautiful spaces in the city that still feel like a getaway. It’s my favourite way to clear my head, move my body, and make the most of those long daylight hours.
A little cottage getaway
Just over an hour outside of the city limits, cottage weekends in Invermere are a must. When we get the chance to escape to the cottage, I go full reset mode. No alarm clocks or emails, just books, board games, and kids who magically entertain themselves with nothing but a dock and a snack. Those are the weekends that remind me what life’s all about, and it’s always the reset I didn’t realize I needed.
Whatever summer looks like for you – slow, busy, or a little of both – I hope you find space for the small joys. I’ll be over here watering my garden centre finds, wiping dust off my folding chair, and soaking up every bit of sunshine I can get.
