Chinook Blast Roars into East Village
There’s a warm gust of wind and it’s heading straight for East Village.
Chinook Blast is Calgary’s midwinter round up of outdoor experiences designed to bring a little light to the long, dark days of a Canadian winter. Just like the warm winds of the chinook, these three luminous weekends of safe experiential wonder might just feel a little bit like bliss. The all outdoor lineup will include everything from a motion-activated art installation to safely-distanced traditional Blackfoot storytelling, and an urban cross-country skiing loop thrown in the mix to keep it interesting. Chinook Blast will run from Feb 13-28 in East VIllage and other locations throughout downtown Calgary.
East Village is never the same place twice, and as you walk through the streets during Chinook Blast, you may just find yourself getting happy with winter.
Each activity is designed with AHS protocols in mind to help you (and others) stay safe.
Chinook Blast in East Village lineup
East Village Nordic Loop
A groomed 1km free cross-country ski track, in partnership with Fort Calgary and Foothills Nordic Ski Club. Grab Life by the Poles and enjoy cross-country skiing (and snowshoeing) in the city!
Where: Fort Calgary
Aiksiisopoo at Fort Calgary
Aiksiisopoo
At this tipi camp on the grounds outside Fort Calgary, you will find storytellers who will be sharing Blackfoot stories and winter traditions.
Where: Fort Calgary
The Nook rendering, designed and conceptualized by Master of Architecture students Jonathan Monfries and Madisen Killingsworth
The Nook
The 'Nook' is a motion-activated outdoor art installation designed to celebrate vibrancy and activity in the dark times of winter and social distancing.
Where: RiverWalk
Image courtesy of Many Chief Tours
Many Chief Tour's Winter Storytelling Self-Guided Tour
Many Chief Tour's Winter Storytelling Self-Guided Tour will share local Indigenous culture with visitors to St. Patrick's Island.
Where: St. Patrick’s Island
Nordic Walking Tours
Nordic Walking is a year-round activity that is not only a ton of fun to experience, but it also takes us out into nature, giving us the opportunity to enjoy all the amazing pathway systems that Calgary has to offer. Grab your sanitized Nordic Poles on St. Patrick’s Island to give it a go!
Where: St. Patrick’s Island
Conciliation by Indi City at C-Square
Conciliation
Illuminated laser cut cube installation located at C-Square in East Village, created by Indi City.
Where: C-Square (located along Riverfront Lane [4th Street] between 6th and 7th Avenues SE)
Geometric Selfie Booth
Central Library, always a hub of community activity in East Village, will be home to a new geometric selfie booth featuring the artwork of Racheal Meckling and activated by Calgary Party 50’s balloon pop up (Feb 13-14 & 26-28) & Foxglove Studios’ floral installation (Feb 19-21). These bombastic visual treats will have your eyes popping and your heart soaring.
Where: Central Library
While you’re out enjoying winter-friendly East Village, don’t forget to satisfy your hunger by visiting one of the many restaurants in the area. Find a full list here.
Show us how you are doing Chinook Blast in East VIllage by tagging #eastvillageyyc and #chinookblast. Visit Chinook Blast to learn about all the ways you can get outside and enjoy the vibrancy of our city this winter!
Your social calendar can thank 10 key Calgary organizations for bringing it back to life: City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, Downtown Calgary, One Yellow Rabbit, Calgary Folk Music Festival, TELUS Convention Centre, Arts Commons, and ENMAX.
Chinook Blast 2021 is powered by Shaw.