By Andrew Cormier
Even though no cold snap in Calgary lasts very long thanks to the frequent chinook winds, there can still be stretches of freezing weather we have to deal with. If you’re not the type to brave the elements, there’s still plenty of fun to be had indoors this winter. [Photo courtesy of Lisa Amos/Calgary Folk Festival Block Heater]
Whether it’s film, theatre or dance, there’s no better way to distract yourself from the elements than heading into a toasty theatre to catch a show. Calgary’s entertainment companies keep full schedules during the winter months, whether you catch something at High Performance Rodeo or Calgary Folk Festival’s Block Heater. You can also take in the symphony courtesy the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra or see something outside the norm by buying a ticket to one of Calgary’s indie theatres, the Globe Cinema or the Plaza Theatre.
Why not put those hours spent indoors to good use? Winter is a perfect time to better yourself, whether you decide to take up cooking or brush up on your artistic skills. If you’re interested in art and drawing, shops like Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials and Kensington Art Supply are sure bets, while the aspiring chef can learn some helpful tips at SAIT’s Culinary Campus or at the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen.
It’s common to feel like you just want to hibernate and binge Netflix when the weather gets cold. But one of the best ways to feel better is to keep active, even though levels of laziness peak right around the first snowfall. Motivate yourself by trying a new, exciting exercise like boxing or rowing at one of Calgary’s trendy gyms. Row17, Crew Club Athletics and Rumble Boxing are three popular spots for you to try out something new and have fun while doing it.
Though there’s still some time to go until the New Central Library in the East Village opens in November 2018, other libraries around the city are great spots to escape the elements and learn something new, too. If you feel like purchasing a book to take home, check out one of Calgary’s great independent bookstores, including Shelf Life Books, Fair’s Fair and Owl’s Nest Books.
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What else is going on in Calgary in 2018?
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There’s no reason you can’t have fun during the cold season! Calgary has plenty of indoor attractions perfectly suited to chase away the winter blues. Play games and have a blast at The Rec Room, jump as high as you can at The Flying Squirrel and hit the gas at the indoor track at SPEEDERS. And don’t miss your chance for one last skate around a Calgary institution, Lloyd’s Roller Rink, which is closing permanently on Feb. 18.
There’s no reason you need to hibernate during the frigid period in Calgary. Whether you pick up a book, go for a race around the track or pick up a new hobby, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in YYC during winter.
