A prolonged cold snap that brought record-breaking low temperatures to Alberta is expected to finally come to an end over the Family Day long weekend.
Calgary had been under an extreme cold warning since Monday, but on Friday, Environment Canada finally dropped the warning.
Despite this, daily highs in Calgary are still forecast to be frigid over the next few days.
The cold weather doesn’t mean Calgarians will be stuck at home over the long weekend, as several events and activities are still going ahead.
Things to do in Calgary over the Family Day long weekend
Chinook Blast
Though the weather outside is frightful, Calgarians will be able to beat the winter blues by checking out the city’s first-ever Chinook Blast festival this weekend.
The free, family-friendly and walkable outdoor experience starts on Saturday, Feb. 13.
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
- Emergency crews called out after recycling truck gets stuck in Calgary sinkhole
- Calgary councillor labels Danielle Smith’s Bill 20 social media post ‘misinformation’
- City council repeals Calgary’s single-use bylaw after public pushback
- Gusts up to 90 km/h could be seen in Calgary on Tuesday: Environment Canada
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest continues this weekend, allowing Calgarians to sip on something sweet and help support a local charity.
During the month-long charitable competition, local cafés and restaurants sell specialized hot chocolates, with $1 from each — or $2 from boozy hot chocolates — going to Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Celebrate Year of the Ox
Calgary’s Lunar New Year celebrations are going online this year.
A one-hour program from the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre featuring traditions like the dragon dance, the Calgary Chinese Orchestra and martial arts demonstrations will be streamed on the cultural centre’s website on Feb. 15.
Go skating at one of Calgary’s outdoor rinks
Celebrate the Family Day long weekend by tying on your skates and taking a spin on one of Calgary’s many outdoor rinks.
A map of where all of the city’s rinks are located can be found on the City of Calgary’s website.
Go skiing or snowboarding
After several days of being closed due to the cold, the ski and snowboard hill at Canada Olympic Park reopened on Friday with reduced hours.
Regular operating weekend hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. return on Saturday, with one chair lift and limited conveyors depending on guest numbers.
In Banff, Sunshine Village reopened to the public Friday.
Nakiska Ski Area in Kananaskis, meanwhile, was closed on Friday with the potential to reopen on the weekend if temperatures improve. Nakiska later announced that it would open on Saturday.
Dine out or grab drinks at a local eatery
On Monday, Feb. 8, the province lifted COVID-19 restrictions that prohibited in-person services at all restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes.
Now you’re allowed to eat breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner at your favourite restaurant as long as you’re visiting by yourself or with members of your household cohort or your two designated contacts if you live alone.
Getting around Calgary over the Family Day long weekend
Calgary Transit Family Day weekend service
On Family Day, (Monday, Feb. 15) Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service.
Riders can check Calgary Transit’s schedules page to find out when their bus is running.
Free on-street parking on Family Day
On Monday, Feb. 15, on-street parking in Calgary will be free and holiday rates will be charged in select Calgary Parking Authority parkades and surface lots.
Visit calgaryparking.com for more information.
Comments