Five Ways to Beat the Cold

It can be quite chilly outside when it comes to Calgary’s winters, but it’s no fun to be stuck inside during the cold months, either. We compiled a list of five indoor gems you can enjoy to beat the cold outside and keep the boredom away. We hope you enjoy!

Devonian Gardens: Enjoy this urban oasis in the heart of downtown, tucked away on the fourth floor of the CORE Shopping Centre. The sprawling Devonian Gardens offer one hectare of botanical gardens boasting more than 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, water fountains, fish ponds, a playground for children and a 900 sq. ft. living wall. This indoor green space offers a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, where you can read, enjoy snacks from the food court, walk and talk with a friend or just bring the family to keep them busy. The best part is, it’s free! Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap some botanical magic.

Devonian Gardens, courtesy of City of Calgary

Calgary Selfie Museum: Many Calgarians may not know that Calgary has its very own “Selfie Museum”, which is exactly what it sounds like: the city’s most Instagrammable spot. A unique interactive experience built especially for photography enthusiasts, the Calgary Selfie Museum is the city’s first and only venue dedicated to the art of selfies. With dozens of interactive photo stations, visitors are invited to spice up their social media feeds with creative and fun backdrops to create memorable photos. Not only is this hot spot family-friendly, but you can also bring your dogs to get some extra special photos of your furry friends.

Esker Foundation: Speaking of museums, this contemporary art gallery located downtown offers a chance for Calgarians to enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. This museum offers an intimate vibe with art that sparks dialogue through discovery. What makes this spot even more alluring is that admission is sometimes free or through donations, which makes it accessible for the whole family. There are several exhibits on right now, including Bridge Space: We Are The Lodge, on until Feb. 28, 2026, featuring ribbon skirts and shirts created by youth ages 17–20 during a series of workshops in collaboration with Discovering Choices alternative high schools.

Bridge Space: We Are The Lodge, courtesy of Esker Foundation

Studio Bell: Calgary’s Studio Bell is Canada’s National Music Centre, a 160,000 square-foot architectural masterpiece in the heart of East Village. Spanning over 450 years of music history and innovation, Studio Bell’s collection boasts more than 8,000 pieces that illustrate the diverse musical history of Canada. Visitors are granted unprecedented access to music history and more than 200 fully functional historic instruments. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame exhibit features musical artifacts and one-of-a-kind memorabilia from some of Canada’s most renowned music industry icons, including K.D. Lang, Bryan Adams and Shania Twain.

Studio Bell, courtesy of Studio Bell and Bitterman Photography

​Calgary Boozy Lectures: This new, unique and engaging event only popped up in Calgary earlier this year, but it’s already a massive hit with Calgarians thirsty for an activity that unites attendees through thought-provoking topics. Boozy Lectures are a series of informal talks that blend curious minds, local drink culture and expert presenters not in traditional classrooms but in relaxed social settings such as pubs and cafés. Attendees are invited to enjoy a beverage while listening and engaging with big ideas and complex subjects in a conversational way over drinks and snacks. Usually held every Thursday night, these lectures are free, but attendees have to sign up online ahead of time. Past topics include talking about the rise of the incel movement, Taoism and the villainification of evil.

Boozy Lectures at Bank & Baron P.U.B., courtesy of Boozy Lectures