Fall Activities in Calgary for 2022

The leaves are starting to change colour, you've probably felt the weather cooling down, especially in the evenings, and many of us are starting to dust off our cozy sweaters. It’s here again… fall in Calgary, one of the best times to see this city transform.  

There is no shortage of things to do this fall in Calgary. Truly, there is something for everyone. We’re talking about hiking to see the gold larches, getting lost in a corn maze, catching up with friends over a seasonal beer, or getting your adrenaline pumping in a haunted house. That’s just to name a few.

Here’s a list of 20 fall activities in and around Calgary that will keep you busy all season long!

Explore Colorful Scenic Trails by Foot

Where: Rocky Mountains, Waterton Lakes, Jasper, Banff, Glenbow Ranch

When: All season long

There’s no better way to give mother nature the undivided attention it deserves than to explore it on foot. Watch Calgary come alive with colour by exploring one of the many national parks or mountains in the surrounding area.

Some of our best suggestions include the Rocky Mountains, Waterton Lakes National Park, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, and Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

There are options for those willing to take on a challenging hike, or those who want to bundle up and explore leisurely. Either way, we suggest throwing a camera in your backpack because you’re going to come across some stunning fall Instagram-worthy landscapes.

Take in the Fall Colors by Horseback

Where: Boundary Ranch, Rafter Six Ranch, Someplace Ranch, Clip Clop Inc

When: All season long

Exploring fall in Calgary by horseback is an incredible experience that can’t be missed! You’ll see birds, wildlife, and scenic views in places that you just can’t reach on foot.

You won’t want to forget a camera for this one either because you’ll be surrounded by bursting autumn colours at all moments.

Boundary Ranch offers different packages of trail rides and adventures. A one-hour ride for those who just want a taste, or their most popular 2-hour ride which includes a 1-hour lunch.

Rafter Six Ranch offers different packages as well ranging from 45-minute rides to 2-full hours of adventure.

Fall Park Picnics

Where: Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Glenmore Reservoir, Bow River Valley

When: All season long

Sometimes it’s easy to forget what is right in our own backyard. The best part about this activity is that we can enjoy the beauty of fall without needing to leave the city. A fall picnic is a perfect activity for couples, families, and friends!

Rediscover places like Edworthy Park or Bowness Park in the fall. Plan an afternoon of scenic photos or an evening around a campfire. Many picnic sites in the city have fire pits, picnic tables, and trails for when adventure strikes.

Soak in the Golden Larches

Where: Banff, Kananaskis, Moraine Lake Lodge, Larch Valley  

When: Second week of September - First week of October

Yes, you have to catch this amazing sight at the opportune time, but it’s totally worth it!

Plan a trip out to Kananaskis National Park, Banff National Park, Larch Valley, or Moraine Lake Lodge, to see the beautiful colour-changing larches this fall season.

These unique trees turn a gorgeous golden shade and only thrive at higher altitudes. Sure, it might be a trek but you’ll forget all about it when you’re touching the soft needles of the golden larches.

Last Golf Swings of the Season

Where: Shaganappi Point Golf Course, Lakeview Golf Course, Blue Devil Golf Club

When: All season long

The weather may be getting cooler, but it just so happens to be the best weather for golfing. Take this opportunity before winter settles in to practice your swing or try something new with friends and family.

Breathing in the fresh fall air on the course while surrounded by bursting fall colours sounds like the perfect way to spend a day.

Take the last swings of the season at Shaganappi Point Golf Course, an expansive course that features 18 holes, has a putting green and club house, and overlooks downtown Calgary.

Bonus: Dont' forget, Calgary is now home to two Launchpad Golf simulators that are a must visit for golfers and they have large heaters and great food / beverages so you can golf throughout the year. 

Hiking in Banff

Where: Banff National Park

When: All season long

Fall in Calgary brings about some of the best times to explore the great outdoors. Have a whole day of fun and adventure by taking a day trip to Banff National Park and exploring one of the many hiking trails.

Visit the parks Canada website and check out the trails to choose which one you think you feel like tackling. There’s something for everyone, from 40-minute hikes to 4-hours hikes. The Fenland Trail, Marsh Loop, and Silverton Falls trails are all 1 hour or under.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hike to the Bow Falls in Banff to overlook the magnificent waterfalls.

Bring in the Season With Bird Watching

Where: Glenmore Reservoir Trail, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary

When: All season long

Fall in Calgary is a fantastic time to birdwatch. You might be surprised at what you hear and see!

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Preserve have plenty of walking paths, birds and wildlife to enjoy in a picturesque setting. Migratory birds often find solstice here, to date 270 species of birds and 21 species of mammals have been recorded here.

Make it a day trip and take a drive out to Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary. This nature preserve and bird sanctuary covers nearly 300 acres with beautiful trails, gardens, and viewing decks.

Glenmore Reservoir Trail and Discovery Ridge and John Simon Trail Loop are great local areas where you’ll spot dozens of species of birds.

See What’s Fresh for Fall at Local Breweries

Where: Check out this list of trendy craft breweries

When: All season long 

With the weather getting a little chilly, it’s time to take it inside for some chill and relaxed fun. What better way to do that than visiting one of Calgary’s craft breweries? After all, there are over 40! Enjoy some one-of-a-kind beers and great conversation with friends and family.

Many Calgary breweries will come out with new and unique seasonal fall brews. Pumpkin-spiced beer anyone?

Some breweries, like Dandy Brewing Company, even have cozy patios with fire pits to really settle into that autumn feeling. Perfect fall couple activities or outings for the whole family.

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life at Local Cafes

Where: Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar, Hexagon Board Game Cafe, Analog Coffee

When: All season long

It’s officially sweater weather, and you know what that means… pumpkin spice season! If classics are more your thing, then a simple cup of hot coffee hits the spot.

Calgary is home to some amazing cafes which are the perfect spot to chill in the fall. Meet with friends, hang with the family, go on a date, or spend some quality time alone. Cafes are the perfect spaces to relax and warm up over a drink, or even sit with your laptop and get some work done.

Places like Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar offer coffee and wine, sandwiches and pastries, and even live music to really set the vibe. Book a table at a place like Hexagon Board Game Cafe to enjoy some hot coffee with a friend or family and play one of their 600 board games.

Fall Days for Pumpkin Picking

Where: Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Rd 224

When: September 23 - October 30

Looking to create some traditional fall memories? Do it at one of Calgary’s premier fall destinations, The Calgary Farmyard.

Hours of fun are just waiting to be had from pumpkin picking and photo-ops to corn mazes and wild west shooting galleries.

Fall Days are held from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:30 am - 5:00 pm on Sundays and Holidays. Check out pricing on their website.

Cobbs Corn Maze and Adventure Park

Where: Cobb’s Adventure Park

When: September 6 - October 27

There’s nothing that says fall activity quite like getting lost in a corn maze. At Cobbs Adventure park you can do just that! 

Cobbs is a family-friendly park that hosts many attractions, special events, and animal interactions. Spend a day enjoying pedal carts, tractor rides, giant slides, black light mini golf, the trampoline park, and the kangaroo petting zoo. Test your directional skills by making your way through the iconic Cobbs Corn Maze.

Dates, times, and pricing can be found on their website.

Bragg Creek Paintball

Where: Bragg Creek Paintball, 2221 Highway 22

When: September 1 - October 31

Calling all action enthusiasts, we made sure to pick a fall activity exclusively for you!

Spend a day at one of Calgary’s closest options for a real, outdoor paintball excursion. The field features obstacles, different terrains, and bunkers for an exciting experience.

When you’re all worn out, Bragg Creek Paintball has a huge picnic area with over 60 picnic tables and propane BBQs. Bring your own food and use their grills! You’re bound to be hungry after an intense paintball match.

Catch Calgary Flames Home Games

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: October 13, 18, 20, 22, 25, 29

This one is for the sports fans in Calgary, it’s Flames season. Whether you’re a seasoned NHL fan or a first-timer, experience the thrilling action of the Calgary Flames Home Games!

Going to hockey games is a quintessential fall activity in Calgary, and all over Canada. The atmosphere is unmatched, join in on a chant, be inspired by the athleticism, and enjoy a beer while you’re there.

Pumpkins After Dark

Where: WinSport, Canada Olympic Park

When: September 16 - October 31

Pumpkins After Dark brings the spook and the creative autumn vibes which make it a one-of-a-kind fall activity in Calgary.

This renowned, award-winning Canadian event features over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. All the pumpkins are carved to look like dinosaurs, dragons, movie stars, pop culture icons, and classic Halloween characters.

Magical pathways are filled with lit-up pumpkins displays and sculptures. Music, sounds, and special effects set the mood all around. This is a fun fall activity for the whole family and makes an Instagram-worthy couples night out.

Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard

Where: Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Rd 224

When: September 22 - October 31

Looking for a nighttime adventure? Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard transforms the farm into a colourfully lit wonderland with thousands of lights.

All regular attractions are open, but now able to be enjoyed under the evening sky in a magical atmosphere. Everything is lit up in a fantastic display, except for the corn maze! The giant corn maze stays dark to provide an extra challenge for visitors, you may want to bring a flashlight… and some good batteries.

Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Where: Jasper National Park

When: October 14 - 23

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival lights up the town of Jasper, making it sparkle with non-stop dark sky events.

Enjoy an exclusive dinner while stargazing atop the Jasper Skytram, cozy up with a blanket and listen to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, or witness an inspiring choreographed drone show. This festival celebrates the art, science, and culture that surrounds the night sky.

This fall event near Calgary extends across 11,000 square kilometres of the mesmerizing Jasper National Park. Visitors come from all over for the life-changing experience of seeing the most stunning night-sky views in the world's largest dark sky preserve.

Granary Roads Harvest Days & Pumpkin Fest

Where: Granary Road, 226066 112 Street West

When: Oct 1 - 30th (October Harvest), October 22 - October 23 (Pumpkin Fest)

Celebrate the new season with Granary Roads in Calgary if you want a place that truly has all the fun fall activities in one place.

Pick locally grown pumpkins, drink hot apple cider, play some mini golf, or get lost in a spooky bat maze. The fun doesn’t even end there, visitors can pick up unique pieces from local artisanal vendors, enjoy a classic hayride, or get some shopping done at the Farmers Market.

The Farmer’s Market is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

True Crime Walking Tours

Where: Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave SE

When: October 20 - October 27

Spooky season is right around the corner, do you know about Calgary’s most frightening stories?

This walking tour is for all the true crime addicts out there. It goes beyond hauntings and ghost tales. True Crime Walking Tours, hosted by Fort Calgary, teach visitors all about the murder, crime, and execution that occurred in Calgary’s early days.

Bundle up for the twilight tours, expect some uneven terrain and hauntingly real stories.

Field of Screams

Where: Cobbs Adventure Park

When: October 14 - 15, October 21 - 22, October 28 - 29

This fall activity in Calgary is a must-try for any Halloween lovers out there.

Cobb’s Adventure Park takes full advantage of spooky season by turning a lovely harvest atmosphere into a “terrifying, thrilling, and spine-tingling terror show.” Field of Screams features 6 nightmare-inducing haunted houses.

There are also rides, activities, food and drinks for the whole family to enjoy.

Screamfest

Where: Stampede Park Grandstand

When: October 7 and 8, October 14 and 15, October 21 and 22, October 27 – 29, October 31

Horror fans in Calgary will tell you that Screamfest is the plan to be this Halloween season.

You’ll find your heart racing and adrenaline pumping at this annual fall event. There are 6 outdoor haunted houses including, Clown Town, Reapers and Grimm, and What Lurks in the Dark. Rumour has it a brand new haunted house has been added for 2022… you’ll have to go see it to believe it.

Other activities include axe throwing, thrill rides, carnival games, food trucks, and more.

That’s a wrap on the best Calgary fall activities for 2022. All you have to do now… decide which one you’re doing to do first!

What are your favourite fall Calgary activities? Share them in the comments below!