Latest news with #RiptideGrill
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Calgary's outdoor attractions navigate unpredictable summer
A wet July dampened attendance at some of Calgary's major outdoor attractions, but the summer is still shaping up to finish strong. Article content Calaway Park saw a promising start to the season before rainfall hit historic levels, forcing them to pivot. Article content Article content 'May and June were outstanding, we really had a good start to the summer season,' said Bob Williams, the park's general manager. 'Our season pass sales exceeded our expectations, especially in the spring. So, we're optimistic about the month of August.' Article content Article content Despite the area facing 212 millimetres of rain in July, Williams said that the Stampede season was still steady and that the RV park had strong visitation from Americans and Europeans. Article content Article content The weather did have some more notable effects on the park during the month, sometimes forcing management to close certain rides — or, on one occasion, closing the park due to torrential rainfall. Article content 'What's interesting is, we did have a number of guests come in on rainy days, and they experienced no lineups and had the best day ever,' Williams laughed. 'So, good for them, not so great for us, because obviously we want the sun shining and we want lots of guests. So, it depends who you talk to.' Article content Williams said domestic tourism is also up and that management remains optimistic about August, which is often the busiest month of the year for the park. Article content New to the park this year is the Riptide Grill restaurant, which accompanies last year's new ride, Riptide Racer. The park also launched a new game called Water Wars which has proven popular. Article content Article content 'It's a water balloon launching game where people get absolutely wet, and on a hot day it's absolutely packed . . . Last weekend we were slammed, it was very busy which was great,' Williams said. Article content The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept. 1. Beyond that, the park will launch its Halloweekends event, where guests can get dressed up and celebrate Halloween early on weekends from Sept. 6 to Oct. 13. Article content The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo experienced similar challenges this summer, with July attendance down about 10 per cent compared to last year. Article content 'It's been kind of tough, but August has been off to a great start,' said Jamie Dorgan, chief operating officer for the zoo. 'We're feeling pretty optimistic with the long weekends coming our way this month as well. So, fingers crossed.'
Calgary Herald
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Rainy days didn't dampen spirits as Calgarians marked Victoria Day weekend at theme parks, charity motorcycle ride
Despite a soggy forecast, Calgarians made the most of the Victoria Day long weekend with the seasonal reopening of popular local attractions, downhill karting and a charity motorcycle ride, with a bit of sunshine on Monday afternoon to cap things off before people return to their daily routines on Tuesday. Article content Article content Calgary received 2.1 mm of rain on Friday, 3.5 mm on Saturday and 14.7 mm on Sunday, totalling more than 20 mm over the Victoria Day weekend as of early Monday afternoon, according Environment and Climate Change Canada. Article content Article content ' Weather aside, Saturday and (Victoria Day) have certainly exceeded our expectations for our grand opening weekend here at Calaway Park,' said Chelsea Barteaux, marketing manager at Calaway Park. 'We have done better than we projected from an attendance perspective.' Article content Article content New this year at the park is the Riptide Racer ride, a restaurant called Riptide Grill and a family-friendly water balloon fight. Article content Article content Even on Sunday, guests still came out in the rain to enjoy the park, bringing their rain jackets and umbrellas, Barteaux said. Article content Heritage Park's Historical Village also reopened for the season on May 17, inviting visitors aboard Calgary's only paddlewheeler, the S.S. Moyie, and to enjoy returning attractions on the Antique Midway. Article content Article content Over at WinSport's Canada Olympic Park, Skyline Downhill Karting launched its summer season Saturday. The activity is open to all ages and abilities, with varying hours posted online.
