From Calgary Zoo escape rooms to the start of the summer camping season, March is packed with fun and safe things to do in and around the City of Calgary. Try out an ice bike, celebrate pie day, or repurpose some of the activities we recommend for an at-home New Years’ Eve celebration.
Activities Happening In Calgary
Calgary Zoo – Locked Zoo: Penguin Pursuit
If you’re a fan of escape rooms and penguins, you won’t want to miss this brand-new daytime edition of Locked Zoo. Puzzle your way through Calgary’s largest escape experience! Your household party will find indications, solve the puzzles and explore the zoo to save the day!
There’s plenty of animals to visit along the way, and the Calgary Zoo has started offering pre-order lunch boxes.
Pro-tip: The challenge will not be timed, making this the perfect activity for families with teens and younger children.
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: March 6th, 2021
Admission: $45.00 + GST or $60 + GST with lunch box included.
Calgary Zoo – Locked Zoo: Penguin Pursuit (Adults Only 18+)
Back by popular demand, it’s the Adult’s Only Night at Locked Zoo. While this game is similar in content to the March 6 daytime Locked Zoo event, it is designed for adults.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge and the same fun Calgary Zoo experience, this is the Locked Zoo event for you!
Some of the details are still being announced, so tune into the Calgary Zoo Events page closer to the event date for more information.
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: March 26th, 2021
Admission: TBA
Penguin Walk Calgary Zoo
During the winter months, the King Penguin colony tours the Calgary Zoo grounds to keep their brains and bodies healthy. These daily walks allow zoo visitors to get an up-close look as these penguins explore, exercise, and waddle their way through the zoo!
Because this is a free-choice exercise for the penguins, the walk is subject to weather conditions, & animal inclination. But on a good day, visitors may see as many as 13 adult king penguins participating in the daily walk.
Also, this year will be the 1st, for the zoo’s newest king penguin chick, Boudicca, who hatched on July 18, 2020.
Pro-tip: Everyone is asked to remain in their viewing spot for the duration of the walk (~15 mins). So, visitors should plan to arrive before the walk starts if they want a good location.
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: January 15th, 2021 – March 31st, 2021 (Weather permitting)
Admission: General Admission
Zoo Quiz Night: St. Paddy’s Day
Test your luck with Zoo Quiz Night: St. Paddy’s Day at the Calgary Zoo. Enjoy an Irish-inspired pub-style dinner, music, and a hosted pub quiz.
Some of the details are still being announced, so tune into the Calgary Zoo Events page closer to the event date for more information.
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: March 17th, 2021 – March 18th, 2021
Admission: TBA
Eat some pie on Pi Day
Pi Day has become a fun excuse to eat actual pies every March 14th. If you’re looking to support local businesses and get your hands on some great pie, check out Pie Junkie, Pie Cloud, Simple Simon Pies or the iconic flapper pie from Blackfoot Truckstop Diner.
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: March 17th, 2021 – March 18th, 2021
Admission: TBA
Alberta Parks Camping Season Starts
The summer camping season will officially start this March 2021! Camping reservations for individual Alberta Parks campsites will open on March 4th, followed by comfort camping sites on March 5th. After March 4th, you can reserve an individual campsite at any time, any day (within the 90-day booking window).
Due to COVID-19, group camping bookings stand closed and shower facilities and one-half of the shared amenities available at Alberta Parks Campsites. This change will affect things like picnic tables and fire pits located in shared campsites.
On the bright side, if Alberta Parks initiate any eliminations due to COVID-19 restrictions, campers will be warned, and then receive a full refund – including the reservation fee.
Pro-tip: Backcountry reservations are campground-specific only, not site-specific, meaning people who book into the campgrounds select vacant sites upon arrival.
Where: Various Campsite Locations
When: Booking Season Begins March 4th, 2021
Admission: Book Online With Alberta Parks
Outdoor Public Skating Rinks
Currently, there are seven, free to use skating rink locations maintained by the City of Calgary. These skating rinks are flooded as needed during low usage hours and are available on a first-come-first-served basis for all Calgarians.
So why not lace up your skates and get outside for winter fun?
Where: Various Locations in Calgary
When: (Weather permitting)
Admission: FREE
Ice Bikes at Bowness Park
Discover the latest way to experience outdoor skating with Ice Bikes at Bowness Park. Ice bikes are a safe, durable, and a fun way to get on the ice. Bicycles are available for rent on location with the front wheel replaced by skates.
Where: Bowness Park
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Admission: For Rent
Bridgeland Arctic Adventure
Challenge your friends (at a distance) to the Bridgeland Arctic Adventure. Choose your experience for a fun scavenger hunt, and check out the Bridgeland Distillery ICE BAR each weekend.
Where: Bridgeland
When: February 12th, 2021 – March 31th, 2021
Admission: FREE
