Five affordable outdoor date ideas

By Tori Taylor, April 6 2019 —

Spring has sprung in Calgary. With the return of warmer weather and longer daylight hours, we can begin to coax our souls back to life. As we fantasize about an actual spring and the lovely summer ahead, it’s a great time to come up with active outdoor date ideas. Budget-friendly activities that involve vitamin D and a little sweat are the best kind.  

Calgary offers all sorts of opportunities within the city and, if you are open to driving further, around Banff and Kananaskis.  

Community tennis courts:  

Our city has several tennis courts located in neighbourhood parks. They’re free to use and rarely have a waitlist. The Point McKay neighbourhood, just south of the University of Calgary, has a court right beside the river path — my partner and I have been here a few times and we’ve never had to wait. There’s also some courts even closer to campus. One is located in the Foothills Athletic Park and the other is at St. Andrews Heights.

Cycling:

Calgary has great paths and adorable communities to explore on your bicycle. The Bow River is beautiful and the riverside paths are well-kept for cycling. With plenty of benches, cafés, patios and restaurants in the Kensington and Eau Claire areas, enjoying a ride can be as active or as social as you’d like.

Run for a cause:  

Throughout spring and summer, various charities puts on walks and runs to support their causes. These range in distance from five kilometres to half-marathons. If you are a couple of athletes, lace up and hit the pavement. This is a fantastic way to spend a morning and an even better way to donate to a cause relevant to both of you. If neither of you are big runners, don’t let that stop you. You can jog or walk together while supporting a great organization of your choice and getting in some light exercise.

Basketball courts and soccer fields:

Grab a ball and head to a basketball court near your community. Play a friendly — or, if you’re like me, an intensely competitive —  game of 21, HORSE or just scrimmage. Likewise, enjoy a soccer field for an active date that will allow lots of physical contact. Both of these activities are completely free and have no start or end time.

Rocky Mountains:
We live so close to the mountains where there are loads of hikes available anytime and at no charge. The only cost is that if you stop in Banff, a park pass is required. The fresh air and unbeatable mountain views are well worth the 45–90 minute drive, depending on where you go. There are little motels, bed and breakfasts and affordable group cabins for those wanting a weekend away. While living in Calgary, make sure you adventure up at least one mountain. You will not regret it. Even if you’re not a fan of hiking, get your butt up there for the ‘gram. You know you want that double-tap.