The 8 Best Bachelorette Party Ideas in Calgary That All Brides and Bridesmaids Love
One of the most special moments in our friendship was when my best friend asked me to be her maid of honor. I remember being so touched that I couldn’t stop crying tears of joy that night.
She’s been such a good friend to me over the years that it felt like a simple dinner wouldn’t be enough to thank her. Luckily, I knew it was my job to plan her bachelorette party, so I was determined to wow her before the wedding.
I quickly went to work and looked for activities that I knew she’d love. In case you’re also planning a hen do, these are the bachelorette party ideas in Calgary that many brides and bridesmaids have given two thumbs up on.
1. Have drinks at Major Tom Bar
– Media credit: themajortombar
Address: Scotia Centre, 700 2 St SE #4000
Contact details: +1 403 990 3954
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Take your bachelorette party to the next level — or more like, up 40 levels — by having it at Major Tom Bar. This stylish establishment is situated high above Downtown Calgary, where you’ll have access to some of the best views in the city.
If you can, try and drop by during their Golden Hour, from 3 PM to 5 PM daily. This is when most of their signature cocktails are available at a discounted price.
I particularly adore their Peach Old Fashioned, which has a nice smoky taste on top of its tangy, fruity flavor.
They’ve got a ton of other tasty liquors on the menu, so each person in your bachelorette group is sure to find something they’ll love. In this bar, I’m confident that both drinks and fun conversations will be flowing throughout the night.
| Pro tip: You don’t have to worry about the size of your party as long as you book ahead. Major Tom Bar has got a variety of private rooms that can accommodate up to 140 guests. |
2. Party on a Pedal Pub Tour
– Media credit: pedalpubcalgary
Address: 1417 9 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 472 5697
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Why stress about the location of the hen party, when you could have it all over the city? The Pedal Pub Tour will take your entire group on an invigorating bike adventure across Calgary.
It’ll be up to you and your friends to decide which area you want to explore. If you want something more trendy and vibrant, you can opt for the Beltline Tour. But those who prefer unique flavors and experiences should go with the Inglewood Tour.
Whichever you choose, expect to see scenic views throughout the night. The tour will also be taking pit stops in several bars and restaurants where you can sample delicious food.
Personally, I think the hosts are the highlight of the tour since they really bring the energy. In fact, they’re the ones who’ll keep your party dancing for the rest of the night.
| Pro tip: Keep in mind that this is an activity that’ll require you to pedal. Even though they’ll look great with your outfit, it’s highly recommended not to wear heels when you go on this tour. |
3. Unwind at the Fairmont Palliser
– Media credit: fairmontpalliser
Address: 133 9 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 262 1234
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 24-hour front desk
Make the bride feel like a queen by having your bachelorette group stay at the historical Fairmont Palliser. This Calgary institution has been around for more than a century, and it has hosted several royals throughout the years.
You’re all definitely going to feel like royalty once you have the chance to visit their award-winning spa. Everyone, especially the bride, can luxuriate with several treatments, facials, massages, and more before the big day.
Throughout your stay, you’ll be taken care of by friendly and attentive staff who will go the extra mile to get you everything you need. Believe me, it’s hard to have a bad day when every staff member you meet greets you with a huge smile.
| Pro tip: Before the end of your stay, don’t forget to participate in the High Tea Experience at Hawthorn Restaurant. All the bridesmaids are totally going to love tasting the hotel’s decadent treats and desserts. |
4. Float the Bow with Lazy Day Raft Rentals
– Media credit: lazydayraftrentals
Address: Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St NW
Contact details: +1 403 258 0575
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
One of the best things about living in Calgary is that it has the Bow River. Naturally, you should go take advantage of the current and get the bride and her bridesmaids in the water.
With Lazy Day Raft Rentals, you can get your hands on your preferred mode of floating. Rafts are for the groups who want something more exciting and rugged. But those who wish to relax should get a tube, since it comes with drink holders and back support.
As someone who can’t swim, let me be the one to tell you that all choices are safe and fun. The company will provide you with a personal flotation device (PFD) and a safety kit to give you peace of mind.
Oh, and did we mention that pets are welcome to join? It’s one of the rare hen party activities that’ll allow the bride to bring a furry friend. They’ll even be given their own PFD!
| Pro tip: Although locals float the bow from June up to September, the best time to do it is actually from mid-July until August. This is when the weather is still pleasantly warm and the river’s current isn’t too fast. |
5. Dance at PoleJunkies Studio
– Media credit: polejunkiesyyc
Address: 2629 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 479 7653
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
You can get the bride to dance any pre-wedding jitters away by getting her a class at PoleJunkies Studio. The instructors here have been teaching Calgarians how to move for over 2 decades.
In recent years, they’ve gotten more and more popular as a unique and memorable hen party idea. Lots of ladies agree that it’s a fun and satisfying bonding activity with friends.
And what’s great is that you don’t have to be a skilled dancer to participate. Their beginner session may even help you discover your passion for dancing.
The instructors are very kind, helpful, and most importantly, encouraging. I can guarantee that you’ll feel much more confident by the end of the class. They’ll even help you come up with a short choreography if you want something to perform as a group.
| Pro tip: In pole dancing, what you wear is very important. Put on something comfortable like leggings or yoga pants, and make sure to leave all your jewelry at home. Remember not to use any lotions or oils before you attend the class as well. |
6. Paint at Vin Gogh Paint & Sip Studio
– Media credit: vingoghyyc
Address: 7160 Fisher St SE
Contact details: +1 403 475 4644
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Friday – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – Closed
Everyone can unleash their artistic side with the help of Vin Gogh Paint & Sip Studio. Tap into your inner Picasso, as you savor their curated wine selection and a few easy-to-eat snacks.
You and your bachelorette group can either join one of their classes or book a private session to paint. The lovely instructors will be there to guide you on how to transform a blank canvas into a colorful masterpiece.
They’ve got a wide array of paintings to choose from. Your group can learn how to paint faces, animals, or natural landscapes. I also checked and saw that there are several romantic options that are sure to get everyone excited for the wedding.
The most exciting part is that everyone gets to take home their painting by the end of the night. So not only will you have a good time, you’ll also have a beautiful souvenir that’ll remind you of an awesome bachelorette party.
| Pro tip: If your group prefers to stay comfy, you can opt for one of Vin Gogh Paint & Sip Studio’s Paint-At-Home Kits. This comes with everything you’ll need, including the paints, brushes, and step-by-step instructions on how to create your chosen painting. |
7. Indulge at Vine Arts
– Media credit: vinearts
Address: 1310 1 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 290 0700
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
If bars aren’t the bride’s scene, then your bachelorette group can share a more sophisticated experience at Vine Arts. This welcoming wine shop hosts one of the most incredible and unforgettable wine tastings in the city.
They’ve got a fantastic selection of liquors, including unique cocktails, craft beers, potent bitters, and curated wines from all over the world.
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate any of it. Their friendly experts will be there to explain everything you try in detail, such as the nuances of its aroma, mouthfeel, and distinct notes.
Plus, they’ll take the time to help you discover which wines match your preferences.
I especially like that they prepare a charcuterie spread for the entire group to enjoy. The combination of the drinks and the different cheeses is simply divine.
| Pro tip: One of the more unique wedding gifts that you can give the bride is a subscription to Vine Art’s monthly Wine Club. Every month, they’ll deliver 3 to 4 hand-picked bottles of wine right to her doorstep. |
8. Feel at peace with Outdoor Yoga Calgary
– Media credit: outdooryoga
Address: Stanley Park, 330 42 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 408 6576
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Planning a wedding is stressful. Help the bride feel zen by treating her to a session with Outdoor Yoga Calgary. They usually hold classes in some of the most scenic parks in the area.
Often cited as one of the best yoga classes in the city, both beginners and pro yogis are sure to enjoy this workshop. People especially love it since they get to breathe in fresh air and feel the sunshine on their face. Trust me, the whole thing feels rejuvenating.
For the most part, the entire class is easy to follow. But if you find any sequences challenging, you can just let the instructor know, and they’ll be happy to provide you with modifications.
They usually have two sessions every Sunday, so just pick which one works best for the group. There’s one in the morning at 10 AM, and one after lunch at 1 PM.
| Pro tip: Although practicing yoga outdoors feels refreshing, the only downside is that there are usually some bugs hanging around in the nearby flowerbeds. It’s best to bring bug spray so that you and the rest of your bachelorette group won’t have to worry. |