Sports travel is shaping the way people plan trips for 2026. The Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup will dominate headlines, but not every great story will play out on those stages. Calgary, Alberta, is putting together a schedule that mixes global championships with fast‑growing sports and lively festivals, giving fans plenty of reasons to visit.
For travelers who build trips around big moments, Calgary delivers variety: adrenaline‑filled winter competitions, community‑driven golf tournaments, and football celebrations that feel like festivals. These events highlight why the city could be one of the most surprising sports tourism destinations of the year.
Skijoring: Western Flair Meets Winter Speed
Dates: February 21–22, 2026
Western flair on skis, Calgary‑style.
(Brendan Klem/PARK Productions)
Skijoring has quickly become one of the most talked‑about winter sports in North America, and Calgary is set to host a marquee stop on the 2026 tour. The event pairs horses with skiers in a race that blends speed, skill, and tradition. Riders and skiers charge down snowy tracks in full Western gear, giving visitors a distinctly Alberta experience that is equal parts spectacle and sport.
For travelers, skijoring offers something different: a blend of heritage and high‑energy racing that is as photogenic as it is thrilling. It is the kind of event that turns a winter weekend into a cultural immersion.
The GOOD Games: A Festival of Sport
Dates: February 13–15, 2026
Athletes compete in Teqball at the GOOD Games.
(The GOOD Games)
Calgary hosts Canada’s largest festival of sport, known as the GOOD Games. This event is more than a competition; it is a celebration of athletic diversity. Visitors can watch arctic games, freestyle trampoline, teqball — a fast‑growing sport that blends soccer and table tennis on a curved table — and arm wrestling, all within a single weekend.
The Olympic‑style Festival Village adds another layer of appeal, with live music, food vendors, obstacle courses, and a family fun zone. For travelers, the GOOD Games deliver both spectator excitement and participatory fun, making it one of the most accessible sports events of the year.
Women’s World Curling Championship: A Marquee Moment
Dates: March 14–22, 2026
Sweeping up victory in Calgary!
(Andy Henry)
Curling may not be a global powerhouse sport, but in Canada, it is woven into the national identity. Calgary’s WinSport Event Centre will stage the Women’s World Curling Championship, drawing the best teams from around the world. Canada comes in with 19 titles to its name, including back‑to‑back wins, so the home crowd will be loud and proud.
Fans will see athletes compete in a game built on precision and teamwork, where every stone and every sweep matters. For visitors, it is also a chance to step inside curling culture at its most passionate and experience the energy that makes the sport so beloved here.
PGA Rogers Charity Classic: Golf With Impact
Dates: August 17–23, 2026
Rogers Charity Classic Event at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club.
(Todd Korol/Rogers Charity Classic)
Golf lovers will find their highlight in August, when all 78 stars of the PGA TOUR Champions arrive at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club. The Rogers Charity Classic week begins August 17 with practice rounds and community events, building anticipation before the official tournament play from August 19–23.
The Classic is known not only for its lively atmosphere but also for its community impact. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $164million for over 316 youth‑focused charities across Alberta. For sports tourists, this tournament offers the chance to see legends of the game while supporting a cause that resonates locally.
The Grey Cup: Canada’s Biggest Football Party
Date: November 15, 2026
Aeriel view of McMahon Stadium during the Grey Cup.
(Larry MacDougal/CFL)
The Canadian Football League’s championship game, the Grey Cup, is more than a sporting event. It is a week‑long festival filled with fan experiences, family‑friendly activities, parties, and major entertainment. In 2026, the Calgary Stampeders will host, ensuring that the city becomes the epicenter of Canadian football culture.
For travelers, the Grey Cup offers the kind of atmosphere usually associated with global mega‑events. It is loud, colorful, and inclusive, making it one of the most memorable sports tourism experiences of the year.
Why Calgary Belongs on Your 2026 Travel List
Taken together, these events show why Calgary is shaping up to be one of the most exciting sports tourism destinations of 2026. The city’s calendar offers something for every fan, from winter adrenaline seekers to golf enthusiasts and football diehards.
For travelers who want to go beyond the obvious global spectacles, Calgary provides a chance to experience sports in a way that feels both local and international. It is a reminder that sports tourism is not just about the biggest stages but also about discovering new traditions, communities, and celebrations.
To explore more about how sports tourism fits into broader travel trends, check out my story on 2026 travel trends.