There’s nothing better than sunshine and fresh air at an event! Whether you’re looking for a venue that is completely outdoors or one that has an indoor facility with the option to hold portions of your event outside, here is just a sampling of some of our favourites!
Lynnwood Ranch (Calgary)
Lynnwood Ranch Catering & Events
Just 15 minutes outside of Calgary, the Lynnwood Ranch borders the Sheep River. Outdoors you will find lots of green space, campfire areas, a skating rink, horseshoe pits, and a picturesque pond and bridge for photos. Indoors there is 9,000 square feet of indoor venue rental space equipped with full catering and AV Equipment. 403-398-2203, lynnwoodranch.com
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden (Lethbridge)
Located in Lethbridge, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden was rated amongst the top Gardens in Canada by HGTV and Chateline in 2017. Whether you’re looking for a wedding ceremony or a private reception, these traditional Japanese Gardens are a photographer’s dream. 403-328-3511, nikkayuko.com
Moonlight Bay Centre
Located along Wabamun Lake, the Moonlight Bay Centre has lakefront property including a dock and cabin rentals, green space, including firepit areas, picnic tables, cabins, a recreation hall, a dining hall, and a commercial kitchen. The Centre is operated by the Bissell Centre, and revenue supports their Family Camp programs. Maximum capacity is 100 people. 780-242-9438, moonlightbaycentre.org
Meadow Muse Pavilion
Meadow Muse Pavilion (Fish Creek Provincial Park)
The Meadow Muse Pavilion is located in the Fish Creek Provincial Park, just south of Calgary. A little oasis outside of the city, the Pavilion is a not your normal tent – it comes with hardwood floors, lighting, and retractable walls to open your event into the park! 403-305-7701. meadowmuse.ca
Leduc West Antique Society
If you want your event to include a train station, this is the venue for you! The Hooper Building Reception Hall holds up to 184 people seated at round tables, plus a dance floor and head table. There are plenty of photo opportunities at the antique buildings on-site, including a school, church, gas station, and blacksmith! 780-446-7652, leducwestantique.com
Willow Lane Barn
Tucked in between wheat fields and a working farm just outside of Olds, you’ll find the Willow Lane Barn. The barn is 7,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 200 guests. It comes complete with a commercial kitchen, loft, bar area, outdoor courtyard with a firepit, and outdoor ceremony space with bench seating. 403556-7454, willowlanebarn.com
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary (Calgary)
In June of 2018, Fort Calgary opened a large outdoor tent that is available for rentals! Overlooking the Bow River, the tent is 4,000 square feet, and can accommodate up to 300 people. There are also other outdoor sites available that accommodate groups of 20 to 20,000. 403-290-1875, fortcalgary.com
The Gathered
When you combine a rustic atmosphere with farm-to-table catering, you have The Gathered. Suitable for up to 140 people, this venue offers a heated tent, lots of outdoor space, and catering that is largely supported by ingredients that are locally grown, mostly right on the farm. Located in Kathyrn, this venue is only 30 minutes northeast of Calgary. 403-702-5220, thegathered.ca
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Located in Parkland County, just outside of Edmonton, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden combines cultivated gardens, indoor showhouses, and a stunning nature trail system. Opening in 2018 is the Aga Khan Garden, which is a Moghul-inspired garden that will feature trails, water features, terraces, and an orchard of local plants. There are also multiple options for indoor meeting space, including a classroom! 780-4923050, botanicgarden.ualberta.ca
Country Roads RV Park
Country Roads RV Park (Grande Prairie)
Country Roads RV Park is a campground located in Bear Creek Valley by Grande Prairie. The campground is fully serviced, has high-speed wireless Internet, a playground, horseshoe pits, and a fish pond. It also has scenic walking trails, large outdoor garden chess and checkers, and a cornfield maze. There is also a fully serviced barn hall with catering, as well as a community pavilion/gazebo! 780-5326323, countryroadsrvpark.com
~ Meghann Tanner
