My Perfect Winter Day in Calgary
No person’s winter experience is the same. Some prefer to curl up with a good book under a cozy blanket, while others may decide to embrace the cold and go for a skate. As a Calgarian, I have found my perfect winter day.
Imagine a cold, snowy day. The sky glows as snow reflects the light back up. Snowflakes land on the tip of your tongue. Cinnamon and chai warm your throat, while a nearby burning fire crackles. Come join me on a beautiful winter’s day in Calgary and let me take you on a journey through our city.
Coffee Run
Higher Ground Cafe
Our first stop of the day is Kensington—my favourite place to catch up with friends, people-watch, and write. I’m always drawn to cafés that feel nostalgic, places that carry a sense of familiarity and calm. Higher Ground feels exactly like visiting an old friend’s home.
As a creature of habit, my order hasn’t changed in years. I start with a regular chai latte with oat milk—one of the best in the area, with a bold chai flavour that carries through every foamy sip. If chai isn’t your thing, there are plenty of seasonal options to keep you warm.
For a mid-morning meal, I usually choose the turkey club, grilled and served warm on a plate—hearty, filling, and generous in both flavour and portion. It’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. If I’m in the mood for something sweet, I’ll add a date square: gooey, indulgent, with a buttery base and just the right touch of sweetness.
Pages on Kensington – Bookstore
Once I’m finished at Higher Ground, I wander through Kensington, popping into a few shops along the way. My first stop is always the bookstore Pages on Kensington. The atmosphere and variety keep me coming back—I’ve found some incredible reads here, including near-new copies of classics at great prices.
I always look forward to chatting with the staff, who are genuinely passionate about literature and wonderfully knowledgeable. The main floor features new releases, but I make a point of spending time in the basement, where most of the used books are tucked away. It’s quiet, nostalgic, and feels like a little literary treasure hunt every time.
Skating as a Newbie
Every perfect winter day needs movement — something that gets your blood warm and your cheeks pink from the cold. For me, that looks like doing something I never thought I’d be good at: skating.
To call myself an expert would be a grave exaggeration. I took lessons as a child, but I never truly learned. In the last couple of years, though, I made a quiet promise to myself to try again — not to be perfect, just to be brave enough to show up.
So, the next stop on my ideal Calgarian day is Bowness Park, with three essentials: the ice trails, a pair of well-loved 90s figure skates, and a mug of mulled wine.
Bowness Park
The first time I was asked to go ice skating in Bowness Park I was apprehensive. I didn’t think it would be possible for me to enjoy skating, given I never learned as a child. However, that feeling immediately vanished the moment I saw the Ice trails. The narrow, quiet pathways — tucked away from crowds — created a space that felt safe instead of intimidating.
I laced my skates, used my friend as a human crutch, and stepped onto the ice. The privacy of the ice trails gave me the confidence to skate without help, and to my surprise, I was doing well!
By the end of the afternoon, my mulled wine was gone, my fear was quieter, and I was gliding through the trail with ease.
Calgary Farmers Market
The final stop on my perfect winter day before I head home is at the Calgary Farmers’ Market off Blackfoot Trail – a bustling building full of produce, gifts, snacks, and warm drinks.
Analog Coffee
I start by grabbing a mocha from Analog Coffee to help me warm up. The rich chocolate flavour is offset by the aromatic coffee beans, making it the perfect post-skating drink. I let this defrost my frozen fingers as I look at all the produce available.
Air Fryer Baked Apples
While I’m here, I’m planning on picking up all ingredients required for my favourite winter treat –Air Fryer Baked Apples. Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen – a perfect way to break in your brand-new home in a Qualico Community. They are simple and soft with sticky apple syrup. I love to enjoy it in front of our fireplace with a cozy blanket.
I pick up a bag of Granny Smith apples and stop by Beeland Market for some honey – always choosing their cinnamon-infused jar. The gentle spice paired with natural sweetness is irresistible and perfect for winter baking.
Market Wines
My last stop while at the Farmers Market is Market Wines. Their sommeliers are very flexible with my needs and have guided me through different varieties of wines and have helped me discover wines I wouldn’t have chosen on my own. If you like wine, be certain to stop by and chat with a sommelier. They make it their mission to send you home with a bottle of wine that fits your tastes while also broadening your pallet.
And with that, my perfect winter day comes full circle — warm drink in hand, simple ingredients for a cozy night ahead, and the quiet joy of heading home after a day well spent in the City I love.
Additional information
This article included some of my favourite winter activities in Calgary. However, if you’re looking for additional activities to enjoy in and around Calgary, please see the list below.
Calgary Zoo YYC Zoo | Upcoming Events
Burger it Forward Burger It Forward – Supporting local food banks – Canada Beef
Heritage Park Heritage Park Calgary
Hot Chocolate Fest YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
Plays and Shows Calgary | Jubilee Auditorium
Ski Hills Castle Mountain Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort , Nakiska Ski Resort, Sunshine Village,WinSport | Canada Olympic Park
Spa Day Everwild Canmore — Nordic Spa & Hotel near Banff, Kananaskis Nordic Spa , Basin Glacial Waters | Thermal Wellness Spa in Lake Louise
Winter Festival East End Cold Spell — The Confluence
Winter Olympics Celebration Pop-up Tops Pizza & Steakhouse South