10 Best Parks in Calgary

Calgarians love to get outside and explore the 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas across the city. Here you'll find everything from riverside trails to leafy lagoons to prairie picnic spots.

Grab your picnic blanket, frisbee, or binoculars and experience the great outdoors in the middle of the city at one of these Calgary parks.

Bowness Park is equally as impressive in winter as it is in summer.

In summer, you can paddle across the lagoon, have a family BBQ, or wander along the Bow River. When winter rolls in, the lagoon freezes over, fire pits are set out, and twinkling lights are hung from the trees. Yes, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rents skates, helmets, and ice bikes in the winter. In the summer they rent canoes and pedal boats. They even operate a mini-train that takes you on a tour of the park.

Local tip: Baker Park is directly across the river from Bowness and you can visit both with a picturesque 4 km (2.5 mi) loop.

Location: 8900 48 Ave NW

Bordered by the beautiful Bow River, Edworthy Park is home to hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic sites. Explore the Douglas Fir Trail , a 2.5 km (1.5 mi) dirt trail through a forest of Douglas-firs, with lookout points and views of the Bow River valley. Edworthy is connected to the historic Lawrey Gardens which cover 169 hectares and include an off-leash area, along with a diverse collection of wildflowers and wildlife.

Local tip: Lots of floating trips down the Bow River start or end at Edworthy Park given its distance between Bowness Park and several downtown parks.

Location: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW

Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second largest urban park in Canada, with more than 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. Birding enthusiasts can observe more than 200 bird species along with Great Blue Herons, ducks, geese, songbirds, and bald eagles that nest along the Bow River valley. The Provincial Park is so large it includes a boat launch, the McKenzie Meadows Golf Course , The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant , and the Sikome Aquatic Facility for a family friendly day at the beach. All these activities make Fish Creek Provincial Park a local favourite for a day in the great outdoors.

Location: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE

Nose Hill Park is an impressive feature of Calgary's north west skyline. It's about three times the size of New York's Central Park. It's so big that it's bordered by 12 communities. There are endless hiking and biking trails, plenty of off-leash space, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Nose Hill is one of the most significant examples of a Rough Fescue grassland ecosystem in the Canadian prairies.

Local tip: For stunning skyline views, park at the lot off 14th St NW and for Rocky Mountain views, park at the lot off Shaganappi Trail .

Location: 5620 14 St. NW

Named for Peter Anthony Prince, a lumberman who came to Calgary in 1886, Prince’s Island Park has become a popular downtown oasis. It's impressive location on the Bow River, make it a picture-perfect venue for festivals and events throughout the year including the Calgary Folk Music Festival , and the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival . In the winter, it's frozen lagoon is lit up at night making it a great date night spot.

Local tip: In the spring and summer, River Café offers gourmet picnic baskets with everything you need for a perfect picnic in the park.

Location: 4 St. and 1 Ave. SW

One of Calgary’s newest parks, St. Patrick’s Island was redeveloped in 2015 with hiking and biking trails, boardwalks, and a protected beach area. Take a walk to the top of "The Rise", a grassy knoll used for outdoor movies in the summer and tobogganing in the winter, to get a great view of downtown. The park is connected to the trendy East Village neighbourhood by the George C. King Bridge. Next to the bridge sits one of Calgary's most photographed pieces of public art - the Bloom sculpture - a series of city streetlights designed by artist Michel de Broin.

Local tip: Grab a coffee and pastry from Sidewalk Citizen and enjoy it in the peace and quiet of the park.

Location: 1300 Zoo Rd. NE

Carburn Park is perhaps the most stunning in fall, when its many Balsam Poplar trees turn a brilliant golden yellow.

Wander paved pathways that loop past ponds and lagoons. And make sure to bring your binoculars. The ponds contain fish which attract a number of species of fish-eating birds including Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons. This is one of those parks where you'll quickly forget that you're in the city.

Local tip: The morning light that hits the park, particularly in the fall, makes for stunning photos.

Location: 67 Riverview Dr SE

Central Memorial Park is Calgary’s oldest park completed in 1912.

Tucked in the Beltline neighbourhood, this inner-city green space was modelled after Victorian gardens. It features geometric pathways, elaborate garden beds, and rows of trees. Memorial Park Library at the east end of the park is a National Historic Site and adds a literary backdrop that feels straight out of a novel.

Local tip: Make sure to visit in late spring or summer when the flower beds are in full bloom.

Location: 1221 2 St SW

Located in Chinatown along the Bow River, Sien Lok Park is a peaceful stretch of green space that blends skyline views with community spirit. It's centerpiece is a 15 tonne granite sculpture called "In Search of Gold Mountain" by Chu Honsun.

Sien Lok Park is a place that feels both local and global. It's a reminder that Calgarians speak more than 165 languages and embrace them all.

Local tip: Visit the nearby Chinese Cultural Centre for more insight into the rich history of Calgary's Chinese community.

Location: Riverfront Avenue & 1 Street SW

Welcome to Pearce Estate Park , home to Harvie Passage where you can find some of Calgary’s most unexpected urban fun. Harvie Passage is a channel off the Bow River that was purpose-built for water sports. It's contained rapids make it perfect for white-water kayakers, paddleboarders, and even river surfers.

Prefer dry land? Explore wetlands, cast a fishing line, or visit Bow Habitat Station to learn more about Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems.

Local tip: Even if you’re not paddling, bring a lawn chair and watch the action at Harvie Passage from the riverbank.

Location: 1440 17a St SE