WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park is a Calgary landmark that offers skiing, ziplining, mountain biking, tubing, skating, bobsleigh, and more across all four seasons. Located just 12 km west of downtown, COP is where Olympic dreams meet family play, pro sports meet recreation, and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views meet city convenience.
History of Calgary Olympic Park
Originally known as Paskapoo Ski Hill, Canada Olympic Park was developed for the 1988 XV Winter Olympic Games. During the Olympics, the park hosted ski jumping, bobsleigh, luge, Nordic combined, and freestyle ski events—setting the stage for some of winter sports’ most exhilarating moments.
Since 1988, the park has continued evolving, now managed by WinSport Canada. It supports elite athlete training, public recreation, and national sporting excellence. Today, the facilities include ski hills, sliding tracks, high-performance training centers, and the acclaimed Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Attractions at Calgary Olympic Park
Skiing and Snowboarding: COP features three alpine sections: downhill racing, casual, and a top-tier terrain park with Canada’s largest halfpipe, modeled after the Vancouver 2010 Games.
Acura Tube Park: The largest tubing facility in Western Canada, offering 10 lanes and towering fun for groups and families.
Bobsleigh & Luge: Ride the iconic 1,800-meter track with a professional pilot at speeds topping 100 km/h—even in summer! Feel Olympic-level adrenaline.
Things to Do at Calgary Olympic Park
Mountain Biking: Enjoy 25 km of lift-access downhill & cross-country trails for all abilities, plus a dynamic skills park—Alberta’s best.
Skyline Luge: A thrilling 1.8-km wheeled luge track, one of only two in North America. Kids under 6 ride tandem with adults (over 110 cm required to ride solo).
Zipline: North America’s fastest zipline, with a 100+ m vertical drop from atop the Olympic ski jump tower and speeds up to 140 km/h.
Mini Golf: An accessible and scenic 18-hole course perfect for families and groups, with views of the Rockies.
Challenge Course & Kids Activities: Climbing walls, Eurobungy trampolines, spiderweb towers, and a dedicated kids’ activity zone.
Calgary Olympic Park – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Winter Ski Hill: November to March, typically 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (some sections may vary).
Zipline, Luge, Mountain Biking, Summer Fun: May to October, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM in peak summer; reduced hours in shoulder seasons.
Markin MacPhail Centre (Arenas, Sports): 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight) daily.
Public Facilities: Main gate open 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Hill Road access 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
How Long to Spend at Calgary Olympic Park
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours; full-day and multi-day adventures are common, especially during camps, tournaments, or Olympic events.
How to Get There
- By Car:
- 12 km (15 min) from downtown Calgary.
- Take Memorial Drive NW, 14th Street NW, or Trans-Canada Highway; abundant free parking.
- By Bus:
- Calgary Transit routes serve nearby Bowness; main stops within 5–10 min walk of the entrance.
- Bus from downtown (The Westin Calgary) to McDonald’s/Calgary Olympic Park: ~12 min.
- Bus from WB Kensington RD @ 10 ST NW to WB Bowness RD @ 83 ST NW: ~27 min, every 20 min.
- Check Calgary Transit and Moovit for current schedules.
- By Taxi/Rideshare:
- 12–15 minutes from downtown (11–12 km depending on route).
- Reliable local cabs: Delta Cab (+1 403-278-9999), Checker Yellow (+1 403-299-9999), Associated Cabs (+1 403-209-1111).
- By Shuttle/Coach:
- On-demand service during special events and through select tour operators; contact WinSport for updates.
- No C-Train (light rail) or boat access directly to the park.
Eateries Nearby Calgary Olympic Park
The park’s food venues and neighbourhood hotspots cater to every taste, from hearty Canadian fare to casual bites and brunches.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Highlights | Approximate Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighty Eight Bar & Grill | Gastropub/Bar | Comfort food, local beers | Inside the park |
| The Lookout YYC | Canadian/Bar-Grill | Scenic views, burgers, salads | Minutes from park |
| NOtaBLE Restaurant | Canadian | Upscale, creative local dishes | ~2 km north |
| Monki Breakfast Club | Brunch/Cafe | Famous brunch, coffee | ~2 km east |
| Vin Room West | Wine Bar/Small Plates | Extensive wine list, tapas | ~5 km west |
| The Keg Crowfoot | Steakhouse | Family steakhouse, contemporary | ~8 km north |
Other Attractions Nearby Calgary Olympic Park
Bowness Park: Riverside park with paddleboats, skating, trails—great for families (3 km north).
Shouldice Park: Sports fields, river pathway access, playgrounds (4 km east).
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame: On-site; all-ages interactive sporting history.
Olympic Plaza: Public event plaza, ice skating in winter, downtown Calgary (15 min drive).
Valley Ridge Golf Club: For golf enthusiasts, less than 5 km west.
Calgary Olympic Park is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers in Alberta. Also known as Calgary Winsport, the park offers world-class facilities for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Visitors can explore the Olympic Park Calgary, home to iconic venues from the 1988 Winter Olympics, and experience adrenaline-pumping activities year-round. The Calgary Winsport Arena and Winsport Arena Calgary host various sporting events and training sessions, making it a hub for athletes and tourists alike. As Canadian Olympic Park Calgary, it also features Olympic history exhibits, zip-lining, and ski jumps, providing an unforgettable experience for families, thrill-seekers, and sports fans.