By Sarah Sussman
With summer’s end just around the corner, it’s time to take advantage of the warm weather and finish checking off this bucket list of summer fun. Whether you decide to hit up a farmers’ market, enjoy some local artisan ice cream or take a float down the Bow River, here are five ways to enjoy the final days of the season. [Photo credit: Sarah Sussman]
Though Calgary is unluckily landlocked, the city still has options for those looking for a splash. A classic Calgary summer past-time, rafting down the Bow River is something every local needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. A float from Baker Park all the way down to Price’s Island Park will take you a few hours. If you don’t own a raft, you can rent one at Lazy Day Raft Rentals, The Paddle Station and several other companies around town. Life jackets are mandatory, so don’t get into your raft without one.
If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge with rafting, head on down to Calgary’s man-made Sikome Aquatic Facility for a city beach getaway. The facility is nestled inside of Fish Creek Park and is open daily until Sept. 4. Admission is only $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children or $10 for the entire family. And if you just want an escape from the extreme heatwave, head to your closest outdoor swimming pool or waterpark to cool down.
Currently in its third year of operation, the Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movie Series is an ongoing weekly series of free film screenings in the parking lot next to Purr. The last screening of the season will be Jaws on August 26. It starts at 9 p.m. and there will be free hot chocolate and iced tea.
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The ultimate warm weather treat, ice cream is a Calgary summer essential. The city has numerous ice cream shops including tried-and-true institutions like My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe as well as adventurous new openings like Scrollio Rolled Ice Cream.
If you’ve got the patience for it, it’s always worth the wait in line at Village Ice Cream where the salted caramel is a must-try. And a seasonal limited edition mango flavour will also be available until the end of the summer. If you consider yourself to be more of a soft serve connoisseur, head over to Made by Marcus to try some soft serve topped with Marcus’ millennial pink hued strawberry dip.
One of the best ways to shop local in the summer is by scoping the outdoor artisan and farmers’ markets around town. During the warmer months, the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market takes things outdoors from 3 until 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Score some fresh produce, hand-made treats, home-cooked comfort foods and more.
Another lesser known market at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association, the weekly Sunday Flea Market is always an unpredictable thrifting adventure. Whether you’re looking for cheap NBA jerseys, vinyl records, deeply discounted home tools and appliances or statement home décor, you’re sure to find it there. It starts at 7 a.m. so get there early to get first dibs on the best stuff.
If you live out in the suburbs, the Calgary Night Market takes place Aug. 25 in the Southcentre Mall parking lot. The market vendors include a mix of local artisans and craft makers, as well as food vendors and trucks. You can spend the whole evening at the mall without once having to actually go into it.
And for those with a hankering for Asian street eats, the Moonlight Market is launching its first installation Aug. 26 in the East Village. The Asian night market inspired evening puts the spotlight on the local food scene, featuring more than 24 vendors and dishes ranging in price from $2 to $6. Participating vendors include Foreign Concept, Eats of Asia and more.
With so many exciting new restaurants opening up around the city, make an evening of it and get outside to enjoy adventurous new local cuisine and Calgary standards.
Taking over one of the best hidden patios in town, Prohibition Freehouse is a meatball-centric eatery located in the former location of Molly Malone’s in Kensington. Score a seat on the rooftop patio and eat until you get meat sweats.
For the downtown crowd, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters recently opened their fifth location along the Stephen Avenue pedestrian stroll. The 30-seat patio provides prime people-watching real estate (and some of the best coffee in the city, too).
If you’re looking to get a little fancier than usual, River Café is a Calgary classic restaurant that boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding Prince’s Island Park’s trees and greenery.
And one of the best new additions to the city’s patio roster, Calcutta Cricket Club has a gorgeous outdoor veranda seating area that’s slightly hidden off 17th Avenue. The patio is accented with swanky tropical décor and a beautiful design courtesy of local artist Maya Gohill.
With summer drawing quickly to a close, make sure you make the most of the season by enjoying Calgary’s warm weather. Get outside, treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
