Calgary's Winter Weekend: Polar Plunges, RV Shows and Olympic Excitement
Calgary's Winter Weekend: Polar Plunges and RV Shows

Calgary's Winter Weekend Showcases Outdoor Adventures and Community Events

Postmedia Calgary photographers documented a dynamic winter weekend in the city from January 23-25, 2026, capturing residents embracing the season through various activities and events.

Friday: Winter Sports and Olympic Excitement

The weekend began with sunny conditions at WinSport, where photographers captured snowboarders and skiers silhouetted against bright skies. The same day saw significant Olympic news as Canada's bobsled team made a special announcement at Olympic Heights School.

Team members including Bianca Ribi, Yohan Eskrick-Parkinson, Dawn Richardson-Wilson, and Jay Dearborn interacted with students, signed oversized boarding passes to Italy, and posed for photographs. The event generated excitement as Calgary residents connected with athletes preparing for international competition.

Friday evening brought NHL action to the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Calgary Flames faced off against the Washington Capitals. Photographers captured intense moments including Alex Ovechkin warming up, goalie Devin Cooley making key saves, and players battling throughout the game.

Saturday: Snowy Scenes and RV Exploration

A fresh dusting of snow transformed Calgary's parks on Saturday, with photographers capturing peaceful scenes of residents walking dogs across the Edworthy Park pedestrian bridge and through Confederation Park tunnels.

The BMO Centre at Stampede Park hosted the 2026 Calgary RV Adventure Sale & Show, attracting crowds of all ages. Hundreds of recreational vehicles filled the venue as Calgarians explored various models, from compact campers to large travel trailers with slide-out living areas. Families including young children like Niko (1) and Milena (3) examined the vehicles, demonstrating broad community interest in outdoor adventure equipment.

Sunday: Icy Immersions and Skating Pleasures

Sunday featured one of Calgary's most distinctive winter traditions: the polar plunge at Bowness Park. Residents took dips in the icy Bow River waters, continuing a weekly practice that has gained popularity for its reported mental and physical benefits.

Nearby, other Calgarians enjoyed more conventional winter recreation on the Bowness Park skate track, basking in Sunday sunshine while gliding across the ice. The contrasting activities highlighted Calgary's diverse approaches to winter enjoyment.

Throughout the weekend, Postmedia photographers documented how Calgarians embrace winter through sports, community events, and unique traditions. From professional hockey and Olympic announcements to family-friendly RV shows and invigorating cold-water plunges, the city demonstrated its active winter lifestyle despite seasonal challenges.

The photographic coverage reveals Calgary's resilience and creativity in making the most of winter months, combining indoor events with outdoor adventures to create a vibrant seasonal experience for residents of all ages.