The cold season has returned, yet again, to Calgary, Alta.
But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the next few months cooped up indoors, even if you hate the gym!
Here are three unique Calgary locations to stretch the legs while staying warm.
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The indoor park at Vivo Centre
The operators of the Vivo Centre recreational complex in northern Calgary tout its indoor park as one-of-a-kind in all of North America.
Designed to mimic the experience of an outdoor park, complete with overhead lights that change colour through the day to match the sun, the sunny, wide-open space can accommodate almost any activity you can do outside in the summer.
Vivo Centre recreational facility in Calgary, Alta//Connor O’Donovan/TWN
The indoor park at the Vivo Centre recreational facility. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
Go for a stroll or a jog around the perimeter boardwalk while your kids tag alongside on their bikes. Throw a football around or run a few drills on the park’s soft turf flooring. Feel the burn while climbing the artificial hills, or just bring lunch and grab a bite along the expansive wall of windows.
The facility’s fitness classes take advantage of the space, as well.
Find more information, including on membership and drop-in fees, here.
Vivo Centre recreational facility, Calgary, Alta./Connor O’Donovan/TWN
The indoor park at the Vivo Centre recreational facility. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
Devonian Gardens and the Plus 15
Dreaming of a tropical vacation, but not seeing any in your calendar?
Good news! There is a warm, green, lush space right here in Calgary that just might help you get by.
The Devonian Gardens, located on the top floor of the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary, feature more than 500 trees, 50 types of plants, an 83-square-metre living wall, multiple fountains, fish ponds, a playground and more.
Devonian Gardens/Connor O’Donovan/TWN
The Devonian Gardens. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
It may not be Cabo, but the gardens offer you a unique, centrally located and free opportunity to stay warm while stretching the legs (until you can finally board that flight, at least).
If you’re really feeling ambitious, head down a few floors to access and explore the Plus 15 skywalk network.
The Plus 15 network features more than 16 kilometres of indoor pathways branching through downtown Calgary like a climate-controlled octopus.
Plus 15/Connor O’Donovan/TWN
(Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
City of Calgary
The first of its 86 bridges was built in 1959. Since then it’s expanded to almost every corner of its core, connecting Calgarians to a near-endless selection of shops, restaurants, workplaces and community spaces––all of which they can visit without ever having to step out into the cold.
Be sure to stay updated on closures, renovations and opening hours, here.
Calgary Public Library central branch
Most are already familiar with the iconic central branch of the Calgary Public Library. The form factor was inspired by the chinook arch.
Of course, that doesn’t make its five beautifully terraced, and wonderfully room-temperature floors any less engaging to explore when cold weather arrives.
Calgary Public Library/Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network
The view from the entry of the Calgary Public Library’s central branch. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
It’s free to enter, and with a library card, Calgarians can access a wide range of activities, experiences and services spread out across the sprawling downtown centre.
Play video games in the teen space, catch a show in the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, sign out a free tablet to work, study or browse, or simply hike up to a high floor and find a comfortable seat to watch the wintry city go by.
You’ll really get your steps in if you endeavour to see it all.
Calgary Public Library/Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network
Calgary Public Library. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
Find more information on location, hours and accessibility online.
(Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)