Calgary is a fantastic summer destination with plenty to offer. Whether you’re into festivals, parks, or food, you will find something to your liking here. One of the main reasons to spend your summer in Calgary is the variety of activities available. If you’re planning a move here, summer is the best time to come visit and see how you like. If you can see yourself living here after visiting, feel free to check out movers in Toronto for an easy relocation.
The Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a massive annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival that takes place every July in Calgary, Alberta. Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” it draws over a million visitors annually. This ten-day extravaganza includes one of the largest rodeos globally, lively parades, a busy midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural contests, chuckwagon races, and First Nations exhibitions.
The event’s history dates back to 1886 with the first fair held by the Calgary and District Agricultural Society. In 1912, Guy Weadick, an American promoter, organized the first official Stampede. By 1923, it had merged with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition, forming what is now the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. The event has become a world-famous festival, largely due to the efforts of countless volunteers and civic leaders. The Stampede is a major draw for tourists, with its rodeo and chuckwagon events broadcast across Canada. Despite some criticism from animal welfare groups, the Stampede remains a core part of Calgary’s identity, transforming the city into “Stampede City” each year.
Still, if you plan to move during this time of the year, please try to avoid doing so while the festival lasts. The streets get crowded and congested, making maneuvering with a moving truck nearly impossible. Reputable cross province movers will be able to do it, but it will take time and effort, and you can easily avoid this by avoiding this time altogether.
Beautiful parks and outdoor activities
If you are moving from Toronto to Calgary, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful nature. Toronto has access to the outdoors, but not quite as much as Calgary does. Calgary is home to numerous green spaces and outdoor activities, making it a great spot for nature lovers. One of the standout spots is Prince’s Island Park. This lush urban park hosts various events and festivals throughout the summer, offering something for everyone. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic or participate in one of the many activities available.
The city’s pathway network along the Bow and Elbow Rivers is perfect for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks. With over 800 kilometers of pathways, there’s plenty of room to explore. For instance, you can start your day with a bike ride along the Bow River, stopping to admire the stunning views and local wildlife. Another highlight is the proximity to the Canadian Rockies. Just a short drive from the city, these majestic mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring nature. You can take a day trip to Banff or Jasper National Parks, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Festivals and cultural events you’ll find here
Calgary is packed with festivals and cultural events during the summer.
- The Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, held in June, is a major summer event in Calgary. This festival spans diverse venues across the city and includes over 150 bands, comedy shows, films, art exhibits, special events, and conference panels. This year, the comedy headliner is Courtney Gilmour, a JUNO-nominated comedian known for her unique experiences as a congenital triple amputee. The festival also includes family-friendly events like Sled Alley, which features DJs, a local art market, skateboarding, food trucks, and free art activities. Sled Island Film will feature the Alberta premiere of “Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted,” a documentary about cult musician Swamp Dogg transforming his LA home into an artistic playground. Additionally, art enthusiasts can enjoy the Alcove Centre for the Arts Exhibit and the annual Sled Island Poster Show, which pairs local artists with musicians to create limited-edition posters.
- For those interested in jazz, JazzYYC offers year-round jazz events, and its website provides a comprehensive list of live music in Calgary.
- The Calgary Folk Music Festival, held in July, is a big draw. It brings together musical acts from around the world, offering a mix of genres and opportunities to discover new artists. The festival takes place at Prince’s Island Park, adding a scenic backdrop to the musical experience.
- The Calgary Folk Music Festival celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. It is held on Prince’s Island Park and features performances by The Roots, KT Tunstall, James Vincent McMorrow, and more.
- Another popular event is GlobalFest, a multicultural festival in August. It features fireworks displays and cultural pavilions that showcase the traditions of different communities through food, music, and dance.
The culinary delights
Calgary’s food scene is thriving. The city is known for its farm-to-table dining experiences. Many restaurants source fresh, local ingredients and offer delicious meals. One notable event is Taste of Calgary. This food festival showcases the city’s diverse cuisine, and you can sample dishes from various restaurants and food trucks. The city also has many farmers’ markets. The Calgary Farmers’ Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, baked goods, and unique products.
Moreover, Calgary has a range of dining options for those who enjoy dining out. Some of the locals’ favorites include NOtaBLE—The Restaurant, Minas Brazilian Steakhouse, and Pat and Betty. So, once you settle in with the help of reputable Toronto residential movers, we recommend visiting these places ASAP.
The arts scene
Calgary’s arts scene is colorful during the summer. Arts Commons is another must-visit. It hosts a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and dance shows. Outdoor art installations and street performances also add to the city’s lively atmosphere. Stroll through downtown Calgary and discover unique artworks and talented performers. The city’s creative spirit is evident everywhere you go.
Which one of the reasons to spend your summer in Calgary will convince you to do so?
As you can see, there are many reasons to spend your summer in Calgary. From exciting festivals and outdoor activities to a thriving food scene and vibrant arts culture, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re attending the Calgary Stampede, exploring beautiful parks, or savoring local cuisine, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. But if some of the city’s events align with the day of your move, rest assured that you don’t have to deal with your items right away – store them in our storage units, have fun, and finish setting up your home after the festivals have passed.
