A Visitor’s Guide to Winsport Canada Olympic Park: Skiing, Bobsleigh, and Year-Round Activities
Canada Olympic Park (Winsport), located in Calgary, Alberta, is a premier destination for outdoor adventure and winter sports. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the park remains a hub for elite athletes and recreational visitors alike. Winsport offers a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to bobsleigh rides and mountain biking, making it a year-round destination for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, try Olympic-style sports, or enjoy family-friendly activities, Winsport has something for everyone.
A Legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics
Canada Olympic Park played a central role in the 1988 Winter Olympics, hosting events such as ski jumping, bobsleigh, and luge. Today, the park stands as a tribute to those historic games and continues to support Canadian athletes through its High-Performance Training Centre. Winsport also serves the public by offering a wide range of recreational activities and training programs, making it an important part of Calgary’s sporting culture.
What to See and Do at Winsport Canada Olympic Park
- Skiing and Snowboarding:
- During the winter months, Canada Olympic Park offers skiing and snowboarding on its variety of slopes, catering to all skill levels—from beginners to advanced riders. The park features multiple ski runs, terrain parks, and a halfpipe, allowing snowboarders and skiers to practice their skills in a fun and safe environment.
- Lessons and Rentals:
- Winsport offers ski and snowboarding lessons for all ages and skill levels, making it a great place for beginners to learn the sport. Equipment rentals are available on-site, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a day on the slopes.
- Tubing Hill:
- For families and those looking for something a little less intense, Winsport’s tube park is a must-visit. This thrilling snow tubing experience is fun for all ages, and the park features multiple lanes with varying speeds, making it perfect for a winter outing with family or friends.
- Bobsleigh and Luge:
- One of the most unique experiences at Winsport is the chance to ride in a bobsleigh or try your hand at luge. Visitors can experience the thrill of Olympic-style sports by taking a ride down the actual track used during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Public Bobsleigh Rides:
- Visitors can book a ride with a professional bobsleigh pilot, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h on the Olympic bobsleigh track. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that offers a rare glimpse into the world of Olympic bobsleigh racing.
- Ice House:
- The Ice House is a unique indoor facility used for training Olympic bobsleigh and skeleton athletes. While it’s primarily for athletes, visitors can learn more about the science and technique behind these thrilling sports during special tours and events.
- Mountain Biking and Summer Activities:
- In the summer months, Winsport transforms into a mountain biking and adventure destination. The park features an extensive network of downhill mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes for experienced riders.
- Mountain Bike Rentals and Lessons:
- Winsport offers mountain bike rentals and lessons for those looking to try the sport or improve their skills. It’s a great way to experience the excitement of downhill biking in a safe and controlled environment.
- Summer Bobsleigh:
- Even when there’s no snow, you can still experience the thrill of bobsleigh at Winsport. The Summer Bobsleigh ride offers the same high-speed experience as its winter counterpart, but on wheels. It’s a popular activity for visitors looking for a unique adrenaline rush during the warmer months.
- Skyline Luge:
- For a family-friendly adventure, visitors can try the Skyline Luge, a 1.8-kilometer track that winds down the hill at Canada Olympic Park. Riders control their own luge as they navigate twists and turns at their own pace, making it a fun activity for both kids and adults.
- The Skyline Luge is available during the summer and is one of the park’s most popular attractions, offering beautiful views of Calgary and a thrilling ride down the hill.
- Climbing and Zipline:
- During the summer, Winsport also offers a variety of climbing walls and ziplines for those looking to test their limits. The Zipline at Winsport is one of the fastest in North America, sending riders soaring over 50 meters above the ground and reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h.
- Climbing Lessons and Courses:
- The park offers lessons and courses for climbers of all ages, making it an ideal spot for beginners or those looking to improve their climbing skills.
- High-Performance Training Centre:
- Winsport is home to Canada’s High-Performance Training Centre, a world-class facility where Olympic and national athletes train year-round. While the centre is primarily for elite athletes, visitors can tour the facility and learn more about the science behind high-performance sports training.
- Public Programs:
- Winsport also offers public fitness programs and access to its training facilities, including fitness classes, skating, and other sports-related activities designed to improve performance and health.
- Winsport’s Canada Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum:
- For those interested in the history of the Olympics and Canadian sport, Winsport’s Canada Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum showcases memorabilia, exhibits, and interactive displays that celebrate Canada’s greatest athletes and their achievements on the world stage. Visitors can explore the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics and learn about the impact these games had on Calgary and Canadian sport as a whole.
- Family-Friendly Programs and Camps:
- Winsport offers a range of family-friendly programs and summer camps for children and teens, providing a fun and educational way to learn new sports and outdoor skills. From ski and snowboard camps to multi-sport adventure camps, there are programs to suit every interest and age group.
- Events and Festivals:
- Throughout the year, Winsport hosts various events, competitions, and festivals, attracting athletes and visitors from around the world. These events include snowboard competitions, freestyle skiing events, and mountain bike races, as well as seasonal celebrations like the Coca-Cola Tube Park’s Winter Carnival.
How to Get There
Winsport is located on the western edge of Calgary, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation.
- Address: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5R5
- Public Transport: The park is accessible via Calgary Transit buses, and there are routes that connect to the nearby CTrain stations. During major events, Winsport often offers shuttle services to and from key locations in the city.
- Parking: Winsport offers ample parking, with free and paid options depending on the time of year and event.
Visiting Hours and Admission
Winsport is open year-round, but hours and admission prices vary depending on the season and activities. Tickets for specific attractions like the bobsleigh, skiing, and Skyline Luge can be purchased on-site or online.
- Hours: Open daily; hours vary based on the season and activities. Check the website for current schedules.
- Admission: Prices vary depending on the activity (skiing, bobsleigh, luge, etc.). Many activities require separate tickets, which can be purchased online or at the park.
- Official Website: https://www.winsport.ca/
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Winsport depends on your interests:
- Winter months (November to April) are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
- Summer months (June to September) are perfect for mountain biking, the Skyline Luge, and ziplining.
For those interested in bobsleigh and other Olympic-style sports, both summer and winter offer unique experiences.
A Must-Visit for Adventure Seekers and Sports Enthusiasts
With its wide variety of activities, from high-speed bobsleigh rides to family-friendly tubing, Canada Olympic Park (Winsport) offers something for every adventurer. As a hub of winter sports and a legacy site from the 1988 Winter Olympics, it’s an iconic destination for both athletes and visitors. Whether you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities, challenge yourself on the slopes, or experience the thrill of Olympic-style sports, Winsport provides a year-round playground for fun and excitement in Calgary.
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