Sports and Recreation

Calgary abounds with year-round recreational opportunities. Within the city there are so many parks, off-leash dog areas, arenas, pools, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, the list goes on. As host city of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, there is a significant legacy in sport and training facilities including Canada Olympic Park. Canmore and Banff are just an hour away where the mountains entice you and yours to hiking, skiing, sightseeing and relaxing.

Parks

There is an abundance of outdoor green space in every quadrant of the city. In fact, the City of Calgary maintains over 700 kilometres of pathways and over 7,800 hectares of parkland. Whether you want to have a picnic and let your little ones play in the splash pool at Riley Park, or go on a more adventurous hike with the dogs in Nose Hill Park, there is a park to meet the challenge. There are also 149 off-leash dog parks for your canine companion. For a complete list of parks in the City of Calgary, check out their list of parks

Recreation and Leisure Centres

City of Calgary Recreation Centres

There are a number of city-operated recreation centres around the city designed for active, fun living. They offer just about everything from drop-in fitness classes to public skating and swimming. Visit their recreation page for a list of activities and centres around the city.

Westside Recreation Centre

Westside Rec Centre is in the SW (west end of 17th Street SW and 69th Street). You can go for the day or purchase an annual membership. Skating, swimming and fitness are just part of the active lifestyle is this popular area of the city. Visit Westside's web site for more details.

Cardel Place

Located in the north part of the city and serving Panorama, Country Hills, Harvest Hills and the newer communities of Sage Hill, Nolan Hill and Evanston, Cardel Place is a family-focussed recreation facility that includes two arenas, pool, library, wall climbing, fitness, party rooms and gymnasium. Visit Cardel's web site for more details.

Trico Centre

In the southeast part of the city is the Trico Centre. More than just a recreation facility with arenas, pool and fitness, Trico offers before and after school care, kids' camps, childcare and party facilities. Visit their web site for more details.

Lloyds Rollerrink

If you fancy strapping on your roller skates, then take a trip to Lloyds Rollerrink off Macleod Trail in the SE of the city. Birthdays, events, lessons or just a fun evening of skating is offered by Lloyds Rollerrink. Visit their web site for more details.

Community Associations and Recreation Centres:

There are a number of older communities that have recreation centres within the community. For example, Brentwood and Hillhurst both have a community association building complete with a rink, meeting rooms and adjacent athletic park/playgrounds. If you are interested in buying in a community with existing recreational facilities, review a detailed description of each community at the Federation of Calgary Communities.

Golf courses

Calgary and surrounding area has a number of public, private and municipally-owned and operated golf courses. Here is an index of golf courses. For city of Calgary golf courses, click here. For a mix of public and private golf courses, check out Play Golf Alberta.

Ice Arenas

Calgary boasts 111 arena venues, many with multiple ice surfaces making Calgary one of the most hockey/figure skating/speed skating/shinny - friendly communities in Canada. In addition, many communities maintain outdoor rinks in the winter time. Arena maps has the most comprehensive list complete with address and directions.

Canada Olympic Park (COP)

Operated by Winsport Canada, this facility is a must-see destination for tourists and residents alike. Every winter Olympic sport can be learned at the park and many national team athletes train here for international competition. The Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is also located in the park, along with National Sports School and the Calgary Gymnastics Centre. Regardless of your age or skill level, you can learn winter sports here at this internationally renowned facility and legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympic games.