Story | Posted May, 06, 2024
8 Places to Visit near Alpine this Spring
It is officially spring in Calgary and that means that many of our favourite places are opening their doors again. We have created a list of all the places you can venture to surrounding Alpine Park in the upcoming months!
1.Granary Road
Filled with a vibrant array of family friendly events and activities to entertain everyone, Granary Road is the perfect place to enjoy a spring afternoon! The Active Learning Park opened May 1st and the Farmers Market opened the first weekend of May so make sure to go check out all the fun that Granary Road has to offer. From farmers’ markets showcasing the best local produce, to their active playground learning park for the kids, mini golf, and even goat yoga, there is always something exciting happening. In the upcoming months, visitors can look forward to interactive workshops on sustainable farming practices, live music performances featuring talented local artists, and themed weekends filled with fun activities for all ages. The Garden Centre is open daily from 9AM-5PM offering all the best garden essentials for your own green thumb needs. Granary Road’s renowned farmers market and active learning park will reopen the first weekend in May with special opening weekend events including a book reading by local author Christina Hatton-Fearnley and playtime with our goats! Enjoy free admission to the Farmers Market open Friday-Sunday through the summer, and access to the rest of the park is just $22.95 when you buy your tickets online in advance and includes mini golf as well as all the other activities to enjoy! Just 15 minutes south of Alpine Park in Foothills Country, Granary Road is truly a one spot family fun spot to spend a lovely day this spring. Check out their website for the latest updates and to plan your visit.
2.Spruce Meadows
Known for its world-class show jumping competitions, Spruce Meadows is host to many events that showcases world class riders and horses from around the globe. The May Classic at Spruce Meadows takes place from May 9-12 and kicks off the summer calendar schedule of tournaments that go throughout the summer with the final Masters tournament wrapping the season in September. The May Classic is a wonderful chance for spectators to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Spruce Meadows and watch emerging talents and seasoned riders compete in a range of show jumping competitions. Jump over to the website for other events throughout the summer to enjoy a day at Spruce Meadows. This world-class venue is just a short 10 minute drive from Alpine Park.
3.Saskatoon Farm
The Saskatoon Farm is back in full swing after a rejuvenating winter break filled with exciting projects and renovations. Just 25 minutes south of Alpine Park, you can enjoy everything the Saskatoon Farm has to offer from their delectable restaurant offerings to their garden centre and farmers’ market which is open 9:00am-5:00pm from Tuesday to Sunday. If you are looking for a special way to treat a mom in your life, celebrate Mother’s Day at the Saskatoon farm for their 7th Annual Mother’s Day Market on May 11 and 12! There will be plenty to enjoy including live musical performances, morning yoga classes, planter workshops, 60 local vendors, and activities for the kids. There will be a delicious brunch buffet offered from 9:00-2:00 for those interested in some delicious pancakes. Admission is $6 and you can book additional workshop tickets for an added cost as well, making it a special day to enjoy quality time with the mom in your life! Check out the website for more information and for more upcoming events at The Saskatoon Farm such as paint and yoga nights as well as the Blossom Festival later on in May.
4.Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Did you know that Alpine Park is in the Foothills County Dark Sky Country? These protected areas preserve and protect dark skies through responsible lighting and aim to create a balance in our urban and rural communities to protect wildlife, plant life, insects, and our own well-being from light pollution. You can read more about lighting concepts that help aid in the preservation of dark sky country that are incorporated into the design elements in Alpine Park at The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) is located just 10 minutes south from Alpine Park and is a working science facility where the University of Calgary conducts teaching and research. The RAO is only open to the public during programs or events which are amazing opportunities to explore the universe and engage with astronomers. The events are hosted throughout the summer, so visit their event schedule and purchase tickets in advance as these events are popular and tend to sell out. The cost is $10, and tickets can only be purchased ahead of time on Eventbrite with all proceeds going towards the observatory’s educational programs. There are already events underway this spring with upcoming events including a presentation on “How Radio Astronomy is Helping to Understand the Milky Way’s Magnetic Field” presented by Rebecca Booth on Saturday May 11th from 9:00 to midnight. Experience the Milky Way Nights which will be a late-night observing event hosted from July 25-27 from 10:00PM – 2:00AM each night. Tickets will go on sale one month before these events and are going to be an amazing opportunity to use telescopes operated by the University of Calgary astronomers and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to view deep sky objects under dark moonless skies.
5. Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures
An unforgettable journey awaits you amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Foothills and Kananaskis Country at Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures. Offering year-round trail rides, tailored experiences will be created to match horses with riders of all skill and experience levels. Booking in advance is essential with group sizes typically ranging from 4 to 8 riders, allowing for personalized attention and an intimate group setting. Whether you seek a leisurely ride through serene landscapes or a thrilling adventure, Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. Located 30 minutes west from Alpine Park this would be a great day trip activity to enjoy on a beautiful Alberta day. Visit their website for more information and to book an adventure.
6.Bragg Creek
The hamlet of Bragg Creek is just a short half hour drive West on 22X from Alpine Park and is a great spot to check out for outdoor adventures from picnics by the river to bike and hiking trails into Kananaskis. The Bragg Creek Trails system offers over 150km of multi-use trails in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with plenty of options for hikers, campers, mountain bikers and dirt bikers to enjoy! If you are looking for more information on trails to check out or activities you can do in Bragg Creek this summer, make sure to check out their website. If you are looking for a unique entertainment experience to enjoy this spring, Oklahoma! The Musical is being presented by Swamp Donkey Musical Theater Company in Bragg Creek. The local theatre society is performing Rodger & Hammerstein’s romantic tale that embraces hope, determination, and the promise of a new land in this musical adventure. Performances will take place the first two weekends of May so make sure to get your tickets for a fun evening of musical theatre in Bragg Creek.
7.Lloyd Park Disc Golf Course
Looking for a fun way to enjoy a beautiful day this summer while participating in a low impact physical activity? You might find disc golf is your new favourite past time! Nothing quite beats a sunny day playing a game with friends so invite a few neighbours and check out Lloyd Park Disc Golf. Bordering Red Deer Lake just off 22X, Lloyd Park is just a quick 10-minute drive south of Alpine Park so you can enjoy a game after work. Open daily from 8:00AM – 8:00PM, this course has 18 baskets, is $5 drop-in fee and you’ll have to bring your own discs. If you are a beginner and looking to get into disc golf or for more information and maps of the course, check out their website.
8.Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
If you are looking for a tranquil walk amongst nature that is just a short 10-minute drive from your Alpine Park doorstep, look no further than Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. This idyllic place will make you feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Home to 4,800 acres of natural area, with 20km of interpretive trails, the park is open to hikers and snowshoers to enjoy year-round. Ann and Sandy donated this land to be preserved under the Alberta Wildlife Act, and the agreement ensures the safeguarding of the ecosystem via guidelines i to limit impact on wildlife and the land. This means bikes, dogs, drones and cross-country skiing are not permitted in the area, but you can enjoy the beautiful land from 4:00AM – 11:00PM daily. You can more infromation on specific trail map on their website as well.