Experience the warmth of Calgary's summer with our curated selection of unforgettable date ideas.
From adventurous outdoor escapades to cozy romantic hideaways, we've handpicked the city's top spots to inspire romance and connection. Embrace the longer days and balmy evenings as you embark on a journey through Calgary's vibrant summer scene.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fueled activities or tranquil moments of intimacy, our guide promises to ignite sparks and create cherished memories for you and your partner. Say goodbye to routine date nights and hello to a summer filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities in the heart of Calgary.
1. Try Horseback Riding
Take your date on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure in Calgary's stunning nearby areas. Banff Adventures offers an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced riders.
Imagine spending the day exploring scenic trails along the Bow River or venturing through the captivating Spray River area. These guided rides, ranging from one to four hours, provide a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.
Your journey starts at the stables, where friendly, experienced guides will give you a quick introduction to horseback riding. Even if you’re new to it, you’ll feel at ease thanks to their helpful instructions and gentle horses.
As you ride, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of wooded hillsides and towering mountain peaks. The guides share fascinating stories about the natural landscape, adding a touch of education to your adventure.
The serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies offers a peaceful backdrop, making it one of the most romantic activities in Calgary.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just looking for unique Calgary date experiences, horseback riding promises a memorable outing that brings you closer together.
Location: Banff Adventures - Google Maps
2. Experience Paint & Wine
For a creative and relaxed evening, try a Paint & Wine night in Calgary. It's a fun way to spend quality time together, blending artistry and socializing.
You don’t need to be a seasoned artist to enjoy this experience. Even if you have zero artistic talent, you’ll be amazed at what you can create with a little guidance and a glass of wine in hand.
These events are typically held in cozy, intimate venues around the city. An enthusiastic instructor will guide you step-by-step through the painting process, making it easy and enjoyable.
You'll find a great selection of drinks to enjoy as you work on your masterpiece, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Sip on your favorite wine, let your creativity flow, and enjoy light-hearted conversation with your date.
The beauty of a Paint & Wine night is that it’s all about the experience rather than the final product.
It's a chance to laugh, create, and maybe discover a hidden talent. Plus, you get to take home a personal memento of your date.
Location: Palak Studio Ink - Google Maps
3. Book a Helicopter Tour
Take your date to new heights with a thrilling helicopter tour over Calgary's stunning landscapes. This unique experience offers a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable outing.
Companies like Mountain view Helicopters provide a variety of tours, including trips over the majestic Nihahi Ridge. Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your professional pilot, who ensures you’re comfortable with safety procedures and the aircraft itself.
As you lift off, you'll be mesmerized by the smooth flight and the panoramic views. The experience of soaring above the mountains and valleys is simply unmatched. Whether it’s a clear sunny day or you’re catching the sunset, the vistas are spectacular.
The pilot not only navigates the skies effortlessly but also shares interesting facts about the landmarks you’re flying over, adding a touch of education to the adventure.
This helicopter tour is perfect for those looking for an extraordinary date idea. It combines the thrill of flight with the beauty of nature, offering a private and intimate experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to create lasting memories, a helicopter tour promises a romantic and adventurous date.
Location: Mountain View Helicopters - Google Maps
4. Rent a Canoe
For a serene and picturesque date, consider renting a canoe and exploring Calgary's beautiful waterways.
Head over to the Calgary Canoe Club at the Glenmore Reservoir, a gem that offers a perfect setting for a romantic outing. The club provides a variety of canoe and kayak rentals, catering to both beginners and seasoned paddlers.
As you paddle together, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the reservoir, surrounded by lush landscapes and calm waters.
This peaceful activity allows for easy conversation and shared moments, making it a fantastic way to connect.
The Calgary Canoe Club also offers programs and memberships for those interested in taking their paddling skills to the next level. From sprint racing to recreational paddling, there’s something for everyone.
However, even if you're just out for a leisurely paddle, the club’s knowledgeable staff ensures you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Location: Calgary Canoe Club - Google Maps
5. Enjoy a Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a truly unforgettable date, take to the skies with a scenic hot air balloon ride over Calgary. Sundance Balloons offers a breathtaking experience, providing a bird’s-eye view of Southern Alberta’s stunning landscapes.
From the rolling green spaces to the majestic Canadian Rockies, this adventure offers a unique perspective of Calgary’s natural beauty.
Your journey begins early in the morning when the air is calm, perfect for a smooth ascent. Friendly and experienced staff guide you through the process, ensuring you feel safe and excited.
As the balloon lifts off, you’ll find yourself floating peacefully above the city, taking in panoramic views of trails, provincial parks, and sparkling lakes. The sight of the sun rising over the Rockies is nothing short of magical.
This adventure is ideal for couples looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy each other’s company in a unique setting.
The gentle ride provides plenty of opportunities for conversation and quiet moments, making it a romantic experience like no other.
Location: Sundance Balloons - Google Maps
6. Dine at Calgary Tower Rotating Restaurant
For a date night that combines fine dining with stunning views, head to the Calgary Tower’s rotating restaurant, Sky 360. This unique dining experience offers an ever-changing panorama of the city as you enjoy a meal together.
The restaurant completes a full rotation every 45 minutes, giving you a constantly shifting perspective of Calgary’s skyline and beyond.
The menu at Sky 360 features refined New Canadian cuisine, with dishes that highlight local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
One of the highlights of dining at Sky 360 is the access to the observation deck, included with your meal. Before or after dinner, step out to the deck for an even more expansive view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Watching the sunset from this vantage point is particularly romantic, as the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Location: Sky 360 Restaurant - Google Maps
7. Visit the Calgary Zoo
For a fun and engaging date, spend a day exploring the Calgary Zoo. This popular attraction offers a delightful mix of exotic animals, beautiful gardens, and educational exhibits, making it a perfect spot for couples looking for a memorable outing.
The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, from playful gorillas to majestic big cats, all housed in well-maintained and spacious enclosures.
Strolling through the different zones, you’ll encounter animals from around the world, including the African Savannah, Canadian Wilds, and the Land of Lemurs. The zoo's friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share interesting facts and answer any questions, adding an educational aspect to your visit.
Don’t miss the chance to see the zoo’s popular residents, like the giant pandas and the penguins, which are sure to be a highlight.
The zoo’s lush gardens and scenic pathways provide a relaxing and picturesque setting for a romantic walk.
There are also plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a snack or a coffee, making it easy to spend a leisurely half-day here. Special events and seasonal exhibits add extra excitement to your visit, ensuring there’s always something new to see.
Location: Calgary Zoo - Google Maps
8. Go Wine Tasting
Experience a delightful date by going wine tasting in Calgary. Local spots like the Spirit Hills offer a unique opportunity to sample a variety of exceptional wines, including floral, grape-free options that stand out with their distinctive flavors.
This activity is perfect for couples looking to explore new tastes and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
At these wine tastings, you'll explore a variety of delightful wines made from different grapes and ingredients, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Local winemakers, passionate about their craft, are often present, eager to share their expertise. They’ll walk you through the tasting process, highlighting the subtle differences in each wine and suggesting perfect pairings.
The atmosphere adds to the charm, with a vibrant and lively setting. You can wander through different stalls, soaking in the ambiance and enjoying gourmet treats and artisan goods.
This makes for a perfect outing, blending the pleasure of fine wine with the charm of a local winery.
Location: Spirit Hills - Google Maps
9. Play Some Bowling
For a fun and laid-back date, head to one of Calgary’s bowling alleys.
Places like spiltsville not only offer traditional lanes but also come with a large arcade and an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, making it a one-stop destination for a night of entertainment.
Start your evening by hitting the lanes and showing off your bowling skills. The friendly competition and casual atmosphere make it easy to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Many bowling alleys in Calgary provide lane-side service, so you can order drinks and snacks without missing a beat. Try out the new menu items at the bar and lounge to keep the energy up and the fun rolling.
After a few games of bowling, explore the arcade packed with epic prizes. Challenge each other to various games, from classic pinball to modern video games, and see who can rack up the highest score.
If you’re up for more, head over to the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course for a unique and playful experience.
Location: Splitsville - Google Maps
10. Make Delicious Ice Cream Together
For a sweet and interactive date, why not make delicious ice cream together in Calgary? At Made By Marcus that pride themselves on crafting high-quality, flavorful ice cream, you can dive into the science and creativity behind your favorite frozen treat.
Using dairy from grass-fed cows and real ingredients from trusted farmers, roasters, distillers, and artisans, the experience promises to be both educational and fun.
Join a workshop or class where you’ll learn the secrets of ice cream making. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you and your partner will explore the five basic tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—and discover how they blend to create inventive flavors.
The process, rooted in years of experimentation and a passion for flavor, transforms simple ingredients into the best scoop you’ve ever had.
As you mix and churn, you’ll not only create a delicious dessert but also share a unique bonding experience. The friendly staff in Calgary will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the science behind the sweetness.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your homemade ice cream together, savoring the fruits of your labor.
Location: Made by Marcus - Google Maps
To Sum It All Up
And there you have it—ten unforgettable summer date ideas to explore in Calgary!
Whether you're soaring above the city in a helicopter, paddling across serene waters, or crafting the perfect scoop of ice cream, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. Calgary offers a fantastic mix of activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those who prefer a more laid-back vibe.
So grab your partner and try something new together. From the thrill of horseback riding to the creative fun of a Paint & Wine night, these date ideas are sure to create lasting memories. Don’t forget to check out the breathtaking views at the Calgary Tower’s rotating restaurant or the fun atmosphere of a local bowling alley.