Calaway Park opens May 17 after spring snow delay as Calgary attractions and Medicine Hat events recover
Calaway Park opened for the 2026 season on Sunday, May 17, after heavy spring snow forced a one-day delay, with crews and operators across southern Alberta assessing damage and resuming long-weekend activities.
Calgary woke to clear skies and a cool 5 C on the morning of May 17, 2026, offering relief after a day of widespread rain and up to three inches of wet snow on Saturday. Calaway Park postponed its planned opening to prioritize visitor safety and began operations at 10 a.m., while other attractions adjusted schedules or reopened as conditions improved. Event organizers and facility managers said the priority was ensuring safe loading zones and ride systems were free of ice and functioning before admitting guests.
Calaway Park opens one day late after heavy spring snow
The amusement park’s general manager, Bob Williams, said crews delayed opening because snow and ice on decks created unsafe loading and unloading conditions. Staff worked overnight to clear walkways and check ride components before welcoming guests back on Sunday morning.
Two rides remained offline early on Sunday as technicians allowed hydraulic systems to warm up and undergo safety checks, Williams said, adding that the park planned to open them later in the day once crews confirmed normal operations.
Ride safety checks and operational adjustments
Park officials described a methodical approach to returning attractions to service, prioritizing mechanical integrity over schedule. Williams noted that when decks are covered in snow and ice, the risk to riders and attendants increases, so engineers completed targeted inspections before authorizing riders.
Calaway Park also adjusted its hours to run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the long weekend and into summer, and staff cautioned that initial turnout might be lower than expected following the storm. The park emphasized that readiness for the season included upgraded parking, a new admissions area, three new live shows, additional food offerings and a new film for the on-site theatre.
Other Calgary attractions reopen after brief closures
Saturday’s snowfall briefly shut several local attractions, but many reopened by Sunday with modified operations. Calgary Farmyard resumed public hours after a one-day closure, and WinSport’s downhill karting reopened at regular hours once staff cleared tracks and verified safety systems.
Heritage Park experienced a snowy start to its opening day on May 16 but moved forward with seasonal programming once conditions improved. Operators across the city said the rapid swing from winter-like weather to sun and wind required flexible staffing and quick cleanup efforts to meet visitor expectations.
Victoria Day Classic in Medicine Hat shortened to 36 holes
Outside Calgary, the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club canceled the second round of the 69th Victoria Day Classic on Sunday after staff observed four to five centimetres of wet snow on the course. General manager Cam Jacques said the snow left the greens “pretty, but not very golfable,” and temperatures dropping below zero compounded the problem.
Organizers opted to skip the second round and proceed to the scheduled third round on Monday, reducing the tournament from a planned 54 holes to 36. Course crews will shovel greens where possible and delay Monday’s tee times to noon to allow time for mowing, tee setup and additional thawing.
Kananaskis campground operates despite wintry conditions
Near Kananaskis, Trappers Hill Lodges and Campground reported steady bookings and no cancellations despite the weekend’s snowfall. Owner Paolo De Soto said his brother, who supervised the site, reported campers kept fires going and that sold firewood was in demand as wet snow melted quickly during daylight hours.
De Soto described the scene as resilient, with visitors accepting classic spring volatility and making the most of outdoor amenities. Campground staff monitored conditions continuously but did not require guests to vacate or alter reservations, reflecting a local trend of weather-hardened operators managing short-lived storms.
Spring volatility prompts reminders from operators
Weather swings this weekend underscored the unpredictable nature of Alberta’s spring, with Saturday’s heavy precipitation giving way to sunshine and brisk winds by May 17. Operators urged visitors to plan flexibly, dress for variable conditions, and confirm hours with venues before travel.
Park and event managers emphasized that decisions to delay openings or cancel rounds were made on safety grounds and that crews would continue inspections and maintenance to prevent incidents. The quick turnaround by many operators reflected coordinated efforts to restore services while keeping public safety paramount.
Calgary’s long-weekend activities showed both the impact of an unexpected burst of spring snow and the capacity of local attractions to adapt, with Calaway Park and other venues moving cautiously but reopening as conditions allowed.
