Remember being a kid, making colour-coded bucket lists of everything you wanted to do over summer? Well, you can still do that as an adult. Summer is here, and with the warmer weather comes all sorts of fun activities to try before the leaves fall. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 10 ideas to get you started.
Okay, this one’s a little obvious, but how could I not include the stampede? Whether you’re checking out the concerts, sampling the midway menu, checking out the rodeo, or taking in one of the many parties happening in the city, there’s something for everyone at the greatest outdoor show on earth.
When: July 4 to 13, 2025
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Admission: $13+
This modern market has a roster of vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, artisan eats, and more. There’s nothing quite like shopping local in the charming neighbourhood of Inglewood while the sun sets in the distance.
When: June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 5 and 12, 2025
Where: 10th Avenue and 10th Street SE near The Nash Restaurant
Admission: Free
From the folks behind YYC Hot Chocolate Fest comes a colder creation. This summer, entrants across the city will compete to be awarded YYC’s Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop, and special Golden Scoop award. Plus, $1 to $3 from every purchase is donated to Meals on Wheels, so indulging in a sweet treat is actually giving back to the community.
When: July 18 to Aug. 17, 2025
Where: Locations here
Canada’s flagship, trailblazing musical festival is back in beautiful Prince’s Island Park for 2025, and boasts a lineup of more than 70 genre-defining and defying artists. Nothing beats a weekend of good company and great music under the summer sun.
When: July 24 to 27, 2025
Where: Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW
Admission: $97+
Get your adrenaline fix at Canyon Ski Resort’s Alpine Coaster, which is about 1,300 meters long and can travel up to 40 kilometres per hour. Who said ski hills were only for the wintertime?
Where: Canyon Ski Resort — 38433 Range Rd. 264A, Red Deer County
Admission: $27+
If you feel like you’ve hiked every hike in the vicinity, try venturing a bit further to Drumheller. Here you can explore million-year-old hoodoo structures on a designated trail, and it’s sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Where: Directions here
The Rockies meet rapids at this adventure site in Canmore. Book a tour with White Wolf Rafting to experience the perfect mix of thrilling rapids and scenic beauty under the care of an expert guide.
Where: 109 — 829 10th St. Banff
When: Through September
Admission: $130
For a more low-key raft experience, keep things in the city by checking out Lazy Day Raft Rentals. Because what summer bucket list is complete without floating on the Bow?
Where: 720 3rd St. NW
Admission: $19+
Whenever I pass a Pedal Pub on the roads, I sigh and think to myself, “Those people are having way more fun right now than I am.” See what all the hype is about by joining a tour or booking your own private event with a group of pals. It’ll definitely count towards your daily exercise quota!
Where: Locations vary
Admission: $60+
Go out with a bang — literally. Wrap up summer by taking in an evening at GlobalFest, a celebration of culture that features jaw-dropping fireworks shows from various countries.
When: Aug. 14 to 23, 2025
Where: Elliston Park — 1827 68th St. SE
Admission: $24.67+
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