University of Calgary Outdoor Centre

University of Calgary Outdoor Centre We're right beside the Olympic Oval in the Kinesiology block. Access is via 24th Ave. Free 15-min Loading Zone.

Outdoor programs, lessons, rentals, ski tuning and bike repairs are running. 🏔️🛶🎿

❄️ Public Welcome ❄️

📍Located in NW Calgary, only five minutes from the Trans-Canada highway, and 45 minutes from the Rockies (on University of Calgary campus).

Happy first day of spring! 🌸☀️ Adventure season starts now, and our spring & summer programs are open for registration! ...
03/20/2025

Happy first day of spring! 🌸☀️

Adventure season starts now, and our spring & summer programs are open for registration! Whether you're paddling on the water, climbing rock faces, or soaring through the skies, there's an experience waiting for you.

👉 Swipe to explore the possibilities!

Find a full list of programs on our website: https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/programs/summer-programs

We're Hiring: Youth Climbing Instructors 🧗‍♂️ Love climbing? Love working with kids? This is your chance to turn your pa...
03/10/2025

We're Hiring: Youth Climbing Instructors 🧗‍♂️

Love climbing? Love working with kids? This is your chance to turn your passion into an epic summer job!

What You'll Do:
- Teach climbing lessons to Grades 2-8
- Lead fun games & activities
- Supervise and inspire young climbers
- Keep our climbing space clean & safe

Job Details:
Starting at $20/hour
Staff Training: June 23-27, 2025
Camps Run: July 2 - August 22, 2025

Deadline is May 15th! Learn more and find the link to apply here 👉https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/JobPostings/2025YouthClimbingInstructor.pdf

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!  Our team is the heart of the Outdoor Centre, and today, we’re celebrating the awesome ...
03/07/2025

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

Our team is the heart of the Outdoor Centre, and today, we’re celebrating the awesome humans who keep the adventure going.

Swipe through to meet the crew and learn a little something extra about the people who make outdoor fun happen every day!

Got a fave OC memory with one of our team members? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

Read more about our staff on our "Staff Bios" page!: https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/about-us/staff-bios

New program alert! Hike + Spa Day Tour 🏔️♨️ Who's in for the ultimate mountain day on March 30th? Starting with a guided...
03/03/2025

New program alert!

Hike + Spa Day Tour 🏔️♨️

Who's in for the ultimate mountain day on March 30th?

Starting with a guided ice hike through Grotto Canyon, we’ll walk on a frozen creek to discover stunning icefalls—plus, you might even see some ancient pictographs along the way!

After the hike, we’ll head to Kananaskis Nordic Spa to kick back in outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and more.

📍 Meet in Calgary
🕗 8 AM - 6 PM
💰 $320 (Includes Hydrotherapy booking & transportation)

We’ll handle the driving—all you have to do is explore, relax, and enjoy the day. Spots are limited, so grab yours now!

🔗 Learn more!: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/HikeTour

📸 Photo Creds: Parks of Calgary

Bowness Park summer jobs! Looking for summer work? We're hiring Boathouse Attendants and Supervisors for the 2025 season...
02/28/2025

Bowness Park summer jobs!

Looking for summer work? We're hiring Boathouse Attendants and Supervisors for the 2025 season! 🛶 🌞

Part time (10-25 hours/week), weekdays, evenings and weekends—perfect for students or anyone seeking regular summer work.

💰 Pay: $16-20/hr
🕒 Hours: 10-20 per week and up to 35 peak season
📅 Term: May – September/October 2025
📍 Location: Bowness Park

Send your application to [email protected] by March 15 to apply!

Check out this link for full job details —>https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/JobPostings/2025BownessSummer.pdf

❄️🚲 Fat Bike Season is Here! 🚲❄️ Missing those summer rides? Don’t let the snow stop you—fat biking is where it’s at! Cr...
02/24/2025

❄️🚲 Fat Bike Season is Here! 🚲❄️

Missing those summer rides? Don’t let the snow stop you—fat biking is where it’s at! Cruise snowy trails with a Norco Bigfoot fat bike, built for traction, stability, and all-terrain fun.

Choose your ride:
🔹 Bigfoot 3 – Stable, grippy, and ready to roll ($30)
🔹 Bigfoot 2 – Upgraded with a dropper seat & 12-speed gearing for extra adventure ($35)

Rent one today on our website and turn winter into your playground! 🤘: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Rental

Indoor climbing is booming—now’s your chance to jump in! In just 2.5 hours, our friendly, certified instructors will get...
02/20/2025

Indoor climbing is booming—now’s your chance to jump in!

In just 2.5 hours, our friendly, certified instructors will get you climbing confidently while teaching you the skills to pass a top-rope belay test at any gym in the city.

You'll learn how to move efficiently on the wall, master footwork and handholds, and get hands-on with harness fitting, knot tying, and belaying. Climb smarter, climb safer, and most importantly—have a blast!

We provide all the gear—just bring your sense of adventure.

Register now! 👉 https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/programs/summer-programs/climbing-bouldering

Due to the cold weather, Bowness will be closed Friday February 14. We will review the remainder of the long weekend on ...
02/15/2025

Due to the cold weather, Bowness will be closed Friday February 14. We will review the remainder of the long weekend on a day-by-day basis.

Please check our Bowness calendar for live updates: https://teamup.com/kswuficekxfveyggtw

Thank you for your patience and understanding! Stay warm out there. ❄️

Teamup is a free sharable online calendar for groups and projects.

New Sampler Days!! Want to give cross-country skiing a try? Due to the fresh snow, we’ve opened up more days for our Cro...
02/12/2025

New Sampler Days!!

Want to give cross-country skiing a try? Due to the fresh snow, we’ve opened up more days for our Cross-Country Ski Sampler on Feb 23 & March 1 at Confederation Park!

It’s a 2-hour lesson right in the city—no long drive needed. You’ll learn the basics of balance and movement on gentle terrain, making it a great way to see if skiing is for you.


📍 Confederation Golf Course
🕘 Morning & afternoon options available

~$60 per person~

If you’ve been thinking about trying cross-country skiing, this is the perfect chance.

Register here!: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/CrossCountrySampler

Your Adventure, Your Way! Our Private Instruction & Guiding is fully customized to fit your experience, goals, and sched...
02/05/2025

Your Adventure, Your Way!

Our Private Instruction & Guiding is fully customized to fit your experience, goals, and schedule.

Whether you're looking for a one-on-one lesson or a private guided trip, we can make it happen.

📧 Email us at [email protected] to start planning!

AST 1 Giveaway & Valentines Sale!!! 🥳 Thinking about taking Avalanche Skills Training? Now’s your chance to learn, save,...
01/31/2025

AST 1 Giveaway & Valentines Sale!!! 🥳

Thinking about taking Avalanche Skills Training? Now’s your chance to learn, save, and maybe even win! 🎉

🌟 Giveaway: Register for any AST 1 course between Jan 30 – Feb 10, and you’ll be entered to win a FULL REFUND on your registration!

But WAIT, there’s more…

👯‍♂️ Bring a Partner, Get $30 Each: Sign up with a friend during this window (Jan 30 – Feb 10), and you’ll both score $30 in Outdoor Centre credit to use on rentals or future courses!

To claim your credit, email [email protected] with both names and your AST 1 date—don’t forget to include the code OCLOVE!

Register for AST here: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/AST1

Let’s make the backcountry safer, together. 💘

Hey UCalgary students—want to add some adventure to your week? Join us on February 6 for Active Living Day and try somet...
01/29/2025

Hey UCalgary students—want to add some adventure to your week?

Join us on February 6 for Active Living Day and try something new for FREE! With your Active Living membership, you can explore UCalgary’s facilities and take part in any (or all!) of the 8 events happening throughout the day.

The Outdoor Centre is bringing the excitement with CLIMBING at the UCalgary Climbing Wall and NIGHT SKATING at Bowness Park! 🧗‍♂️⛸️

Can’t make it to an event? No problem! Take part in our virtual Goosechase trivia scavenger hunt and compete for prizes by testing your knowledge, attending events, and completing fun photo challenges. Top point earners win prizes! 🎉

📲 How to Join Goosechase:
1️⃣ Download the Goosechase app
2️⃣ Enter the code PTDH4L
3️⃣ Use your full name (no nicknames) so we can contact you if you win!

🔗 Registration is OPEN! Sign up now here > https://active-living.ucalgary.ca/memberships-drop/ucalgary-students/active-living-day

We can’t wait to see you there!

Less than a week away! Indoor Trad Climbing Nights start soon 🧗‍♀️ Ready to kick off your climbing goals for 2025? The c...
01/23/2025

Less than a week away! Indoor Trad Climbing Nights start soon 🧗‍♀️

Ready to kick off your climbing goals for 2025? The countdown is on—our first Indoor Trad Climbing Night is next Wednesday!

What to Expect:

• Practice placing trad gear in a safe indoor setting.
• Climb on cracks and features that mimic outdoor rock.
• Get tips and coaching from ACMG-certified guides (instructional nights only).

📅 First Session: Jan 29 (non-instructional, top-rope mock lead)
⏰ Time: Check-in at 6:30 PM | Climbing until 9:00 PM
🎟 Cost: • Students & Active Living members: FREE • Non-members: Regular drop-in fee

⚠️ Reminder: You’ll need a current Outdoor Centre top rope belay test.

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! Register now through our website: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/ClimbingTradEvening?path=All_Climbing-and-Bouldering-Walls

Have you stopped by our rental shop to grab your discounted Banff Sunshine Village day passes? 🏂 We offer a variety of e...
01/21/2025

Have you stopped by our rental shop to grab your discounted Banff Sunshine Village day passes? 🏂

We offer a variety of exclusive discounted rates:

* UCalgary Students: $119.80 + GST
* UCalgary Faculty & Staff: $132 + GST
* UCalgary Alumni AND General Public: $139 + GST
* Youth & Child passes are also available at discounted prices!

Visit our shop (KNB 180) during operational hours to pickup your passes. All sales are final and non-refundable.

Students & Employees: Don’t forget your Unicard for purchase and carry it when using the ticket!

Read more about our Deals & Discounts on our website: https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/deals-discounts-gear-sales

Ski you out there! ⛷️✨

🌲 Elevate your cross-country skiing skills this winter with our 4-week Skill Builder Series! Join us in Kananaskis Count...
01/15/2025

🌲 Elevate your cross-country skiing skills this winter with our 4-week Skill Builder Series!

Join us in Kananaskis Country on Saturdays for personalized instruction and plenty of practice on everything from diagonal stride to downhill techniques.

🗓 Dates: Feb 8, 15, 22 & Mar 1
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Pocaterra Hut (Feb 😎, TBD for other dates

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert coaches will guide you every step of the way. Improve your speed, technique, and confidence on varied terrain.

Find our registration page here: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/CrossCountrySkillSeries

❄️ We’re excited to announce that we’ll be at Winter Safety Day in Kananaskis as a presenter! Join us and a variety of o...
01/13/2025

❄️ We’re excited to announce that we’ll be at Winter Safety Day in Kananaskis as a presenter!

Join us and a variety of other awesome vendors for a day packed with winter activities and education. You can look forward to avalanche safety demos, fat biking, snow shelter building, snowshoeing, and so much more! Plus, enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate. ☕

This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a Sunday in the mountains. Don’t forget to bring your reusable mug, and your own gear if you have it. 🙌

🗓️ January 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Canoe Meadows Day Use Area, Hwy 40, Kananaskis Country

Find more info here: https://kananaskis.org/winter-safety-day/

We hope to see you out there!

Get ahead of the summer and build your kayaking skills in our UCalgary pool! 🌊 🛶Some of our courses include:👉 Whitewater...
01/09/2025

Get ahead of the summer and build your kayaking skills in our UCalgary pool! 🌊 🛶

Some of our courses include:

👉 Whitewater Kayaking Basics (Available Jan 12 or March 2)
Learn how to paddle, perform a wet exit, and have a blast with games and expert instruction. This is a great course to take with your whole family and sample the world of whitewater kayaking! No experience needed.

👉 Sea Kayak Intro (Available March 23)
Master flatwater kayaking skills, from stroke techniques to wet exits—everything you need for smooth summer adventures.

👉 Whitewater Kayak Roll Intro (Available Jan 19, Feb 16, and March 9)
A kayak roll is an essential skill to learn once you have mastered the basics and it will increase your confidence on the river. In this course, receive step-by-step instruction to help you complete your first roll in the safety and warmth of the UCalgary pool.

✅ Includes: Instructor + all kayak gear
✅ Prerequisites: None for most courses (check details!)

Check out our indoor kayaking page to learn more! 👉 https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/programs/winter-programs/KayakWinter

New Year, New Challenges: Indoor Trad Climbing Nights! 🎉 Looking to refine your trad climbing skills in 2025? These sess...
01/07/2025

New Year, New Challenges: Indoor Trad Climbing Nights! 🎉

Looking to refine your trad climbing skills in 2025? These sessions offer climbers the chance to:

• Test trad gear placements in a controlled indoor setting.
• Practice on climbing wall cracks and features that simulate outdoor rock.
• Receive supervision and coaching from ACMG-certified guides during instructional nights.

📅 Session Schedule:
Jan 29 & Feb 12: Top-rope mock lead (non-instructional)
Mar 19 & Apr 9: Top-rope & supervised trad lead climbing (instructional)

⏰ Check-In: 6:30 PM | Climbing: Until 9:00 PM

🎟 Cost:
Students & Active Living members: FREE
Non-members: Regular drop-in fee

⚠️ Prerequisite: Current Outdoor Centre top rope belay test. Lead climbing practice available to those who have passed the Outdoor Centre lead belay test.

Don’t miss out—start your year strong and climb with us! Register now: https://activelivingportal.ucalgary.ca/Program/ClimbingTradEvening?path=All_Climbing-and-Bouldering-Walls

Address

Kinesiology B180, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB
T2N1N4

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