Well. For many of us, it’s officially the last week of school. Report cards are being handed out, exams are (finally!!!) ending, and we’re starting to really think about how we’ll fill our time during summer, the best season of all. So I thought I’d put my two cents in! If you’re thinking of getting your fun from the outdoors this summer, look no further! And if you weren’t contemplating that as an option, read on and be convinced that outdoors is the way to go.
This article will focus on two activities: exploring the Rockies and the Calgary Zoo. Yes, you heard me – you’re never too old for the Zoo! Obviously, there’s a ton of other opportunities out there – Calgary’s 600+ km of biking and walking trails, rafting on the Bow and Elbow Rivers, or even touring the hoodoos or Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, to name a few – but for today, the Rockies and the Zoo it is.
Activity #1: National Parks of the Rocky Mountains
If you’ve got a whole day on your hands, consider a trip into one of Alberta’s three national parks: Banff, Yoho or Kootenay. The cities of Banff, Canmore and Jasper are the closest to these parks from Calgary, and from these towns, you can do just about anything. Great hiking trails abound, as do bike trails (for which Canmore is particularly noteworthy) and more specialized activities like the Icefields Parkway. The great advantage of participating in outdoor activities in the Rockies is the harmony between nature and civilization: once you’re out of rugged nature, a nearby pool, restaurant or even theatre for the evening is easy to find.
If this piques your interest, then simply visit the Banff National Park website, see what’s available, and plan your daytrip! You can also visit the Visitor Centre in any town for trail maps and more.
Activity #2: Relive the Calgary Zoo!
If you’ve sunk into melancholy and you’re missing those childhood times when everything was simpler, then go back in time! Take a trip to the Zoo. This may seem like a strange suggestion at first, but seriously, if you haven’t visited it in a while you will be amazed! The first thing you see walking in is the construction for a brand-spanking-new penguin enclosure that will house an entire colony! Unfortunately, that will only be completed in 2012, but there’s still a real smorgasbord of activities open to you.
- This summer, the Zoo is holding its Spotlight on Gorillas with many special events and presentations centered on these amazing apes. The Calgary Zoo has a band numbering eight gorillas, and one in particular, Zola, made global news with her recent dance routine. See Jen’s recent post for the video, and check Zola out when you pass by their enclosure!
- Another big attraction to check out at the Zoo’s is its two newest giraffes: Sophie, nearly two years old, and Jengo, who was just born in February. Both are super-playful, and Jengo is still figuring out how to walk as gracefully as his elders. Great fun to watch!
- On July 8, a top secret event will take place during the afternoon. So show up and see what happens! Even if it doesn’t turn out to be your thing, you’ll still be at the Zoo – enjoy yourself!
So there you have it: outdoors opportunities both in and out of Calgary. Get some friends together one of these days, and just get out there! You won’t regret it.
Interested in further information? See these links:
- The City’s free downloadable map of Calgary’s pathways
- The Royal Tyrrell Museum: www.tyrrellmuseum.com
- Banff National Parks website: www.banffnationalpark.com
- Banff National Park’s list of trails
- The Calgary Zoo: www.calgaryzoo.com
- The Calgary Zoo map
