The cheapskate way is knowing how to have fun without breaking the bank. There’s plenty to do around Calgary that won’t leave you looking for beer money under your couch cushions.
GO TUBING
In the summer, the Bow River is filled with people in rafts and inner tubes floating along. Well, it’s not going to completely blow the bank for you to be one, too. Lazy Day Raft Rentals is running a sale right now, and renting an inner tube — or a “bowtube” — will run you $19 for a single. If you’re going with a friend, get the double inner tube for $29. That’s down to $14.50 per person. For more info and rentals, head to lazydayraftrentals.ca.
TAKE A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE BOW RIVER
Calgary has incredibly scenic bike paths, covering around 1000 km across the whole city. Take advantage of these with a bike rental. Toonie Tours downtown offers half-day rentals for $30.63 and full-day rentals for $37.83. That being said, if riding around on an e-bike is more up your alley, go to Bow Cycle in the East Village. It’s located right by a bike path along the Bow River, and a 3.5-hour rental will cost you $60. It’s a couple of bucks more than what Toonie Tours offers for around the same amount of riding time on an e-bike, but without having to navigate around downtown bike paths. Learn more at toonietours.ca and bowcycle.com.
PLAY PICKLEBALL
If you hopped on the pickleball trend this year, then you’re in luck. Most public tennis courts around the city have been modified for pickleball play, and they are all completely free to use. Keep in mind that city courts can be booked, usually for tournaments or private instructions, so you may lose your spot if you’re just dropping in. If you don’t want to run that risk, you can book a court for $8.40. For court locations and bookings, check out calgary.ca.
EXPLORE NATURE IN A CITY GARDEN
The plants are in full bloom this time of year, so take advantage of one of the city’s many gardens. Reader Rock Garden is a short walk away from the Erlton/Stampede CTrain station, and is filled with not just beautiful plants, but is also an officially designated historical site. Just make sure you’re not too hungry when you come, because the cafe in the garden is definitely not cheapskate friendly.
JAM OUT AT A FESTIVAL
Summer is the season of festivals, and even if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for tickets, you still get to have fun. Enjoy Folk Fest from the free stage, just a few steps away from the festival’s main gate (it’s near the cannabis consumption area — follow your nose!).
GET INSPIRED AT AN ART GALLERY
There’s always something new and interesting on exhibition at the Esker Foundation in Inglewood, and entry is free. You also get complimentary parking for up to 90 minutes in the lot behind the building, so no hidden costs there. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Check what’s on at eskerfoundation.com.
PLAY ARCADE GAMES
While you could definitely blow some cash at a dedicated arcade bar, there’s way better opportunities for fun with little to no cost.
On Mondays at Boogie’s Burgers, at both their Renfrew and Marda Loop locations, all of their arcade games are free to play. And if you head down to Pinbar on Mondays and Wednesday, you can play all the pinball you want at no cost. Bring along $10 for a Bastion Burger, while you’re at it. Learn more at boogiesburgers.com and pinbaryyc.com.
HAVE A PIZZA DATE
Date night doesn’t have to mean Domino’s and a bottle of Naked Grape. Head over to Posto Pizzeria and Bar on Wednesday nights after 4 p.m. for their date night deal. The deal includes your choice of pizza, a chocolate cake dessert and an entire litre of wine for just $55. Lots of restaurants have date night deals, but at less than $28 a head, this is one for the cheapskates — and who doesn’t like pizza? Plan your date and make a reservation at posto.ca.
