Staycation series: Natural beauty and western hospitality in Calgary

by Bianca Bujan

Combining big-city energy and natural beauty with western hospitality, Calgary has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of the city, or enjoy nature and namaste just outside of town, these staycation ideas should help you plan the perfect (and safe) summer getaway only minutes from your own backyard.

 

For family fun

Few things scream classic Calgary summertime fun like a float down the Bow River! Kick off your staycation on a river ride with The Paddle Station and immerse yourself in nature. Start your paddle down the Bow and curve around the river to reveal a fresh, new perspective of downtown Calgary. Then, head to Calgary Farmyard where you can enjoy acres of outdoor fun with the family. With its barnyard petting farm, miniature train rides, giant slides, zip lines, mini golf, jumping pillows, wild west paintball gallery, gemstone mining, and of course, giant mazes, there is hours worth of down-to-earth entertainment to enjoy.

For free family fun, head to Bragg Creek Provincial Park for an adventurous family hike. There, you’ll find everything from short and easy strolls, to arduous trekking challenges. Check out Elbow Falls or try the Fullerton Loop if you’re up for a challenge!

Stretch out your staycation with an overnight city stay at the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel, found near the airport, and cool off at Oasis River Country Water Park, the area’s largest hotel water park, featuring two large waterslides. Then tuck into a cozy room to complete your family getaway in the city.

For a farm-like stay, consider heading to Bragg Creek, only 30 minutes by car from downtown Calgary, and stay in a unique artisan-crafted log cabin at Folk Tree Lodge. Located on 30+ acres of beautiful property, with a pond, walking trails and outdoor play areas for children, you can spend your whole day enjoying the farm life, or make this your country-style home base after a day of exploring the city.

 

For a couples trip

For a remote rendezvous in the wilderness, consider a stay in this rustic yurt, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The off-grid retreat sits on a 13-acre family-run equine hobby ranch in a private forest, overlooking a peaceful meadow and surrounded by trees. Enjoy evening sunsets from the boardwalk, cycling loops located steps from your door, and strolling through the pristine, internationally acclaimed parks found only a short drive away.

If a city getaway is more your speed, opt for a couple’s staycation in the city with a stay at Calgary’s newly-renovated boutique-style hotel, Hotel Arts. A short walk from the city’s downtown attractions, you can explore your own city like a tourist, and then enjoy cocktails and a swim at the outdoor poolside oasis located at Hotel Arts (recently reopened). Experience the vibrancy of Calgary on complimentary commuter bikes, included with your stay, and cycle through the city in style. Complement your adventure with a picnic prepared fresh by the Yellow Door Bistro and find a park to cuddle up and enjoy your picnic lunch for two.

While you’re in the city, consider taking a few moments to give back to your community. Donating blood can be a very personal, private thing to do. It’s a selfless way to give patients in need the possibility of a stronger tomorrow — and donating blood with someone you love can be a bonding experience. The blood donation process is simple, and about an hour of your time could save someone’s life. There are a few different locations around Calgary, and booking an appointment is easy.

For true nature lovers, Prince’s Island Park is another great picnic spot, where you can stroll along The Chevron Learning Pathway — an environmental educational pathway on the east end of Prince's Island Park. The pathway winds around a constructed wetland designed to treat stormwater before entering back into the Bow River. Interesting interpretive signage explains how a wetland works and presents meaningful information about wildlife, habitat and water quality along the way.

 

For a wellness weekend

Enjoy views of Bow River and Calgary’s hippest neighbourhood from a cozy room at the Alt Hotel, found in Calgary’s East Village. Along with providing the ultimate comfort stay for reasonable prices, the Alt recognizes the environment as one of its top priorities, built according to eco-friendly building standards and proud to flaunt its eco-hotel designation.

For outdoor wellness adventures, consider biking the extensive pathway system found along the Bow River — the longest-multi-use urban pathway in the world. With pathways connecting 55 neighbourhoods, Calgary is begging to be explored by bicycle. Hop on a bike to travel along the mighty Bow River, which cuts through the city’s downtown core or into Fish Creek Provincial Park, the largest urban park in Western Canada.

Interested in trying something new? Try surfing right in the heart of downtown Calgary. Outlier Surf will be hosting yoga and surf events throughout the summer, which include one hour of surf inspired yoga followed by beginners’ lessons on the 10th Street Wave.

If you’re looking for a wellness retreat in the woods, check out Kananaskis Nordic Spa, where you can enjoy the healing powers of hydrotherapy pools surrounded by trees in the Rocky Mountains. Treat yourself to a spa getaway that soothes and rejuvenates the body and mind, and then extend the zen feeling with a stay in the modern mountain getaway located a few steps away.

 

Bianca Bujan is an award-winning travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Canadian Geographic, Chatelaine, WestJet Magazine, The Globe & Mail, and others. She is also the Editor for WestCoast Families magazine. When she's not off on a new adventure or sharing stories of her travels, Bianca is exploring the outdoors with her family on BC’s North Shore where she calls home. For more travel inspiration follow her at bitsofbee.com, or on Instagram @bitsofbee.