What are the Best Parks to Visit in Calgary?

When it comes to parks, the city of Calgary is one of the most visited cities in Canada. With its stunning natural beauty, miles of parkland and trails, and plenty of attractions for all ages, it’s no surprise that this city is an ideal destination for family vacations. From bustling city parks to tranquil forest trails, Calgary has something for every traveler. For those looking to visit Calgary and explore its many parks, here is a list of the best parks in the city. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk in nature or an exciting adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks offer a wide range of activities suitable for everyone.

Prince’s Island Park

Prince’s Island Park is one of the most popular parks in Calgary and it’s easy to see why. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, the park features an outdoor amphitheatre, an interpretive centre, play areas for kids, picnic sites, an artificial lake with a spectacular fountain, and stunning pathways throughout the park. It’s also connected to the Bow River pathways, offering visitors an ideal starting point for cycling and walking trails. Plus, during special occasions such as Canada Day and Folk Festivals, the park plays host to some of the city’s most popular events.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, covering over 15 km of parkland and boasting several lakes, ponds and creeks. Bordered by the Bow and Elbow Rivers, this park also has seven day-use areas, which feature stunning golf courses, sandy beaches, picnic sites and over 130km of trails. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing and boating on the lake while during the winter months cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.

Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park is the largest natural area in Calgary, covering nearly 12 km2 of native prairie grassland. It’s also home to over 250 species of wildlife and birds, making it an ideal spot for bird-watching enthusiasts. In addition to its spectacular natural beauty, the park also has several kilometres of walking paths that provide stunning views of downtown Calgary.

Pearce Estate Park

Pearce Estate Park is located along the Bow River just east of downtown Calgary and is renowned for its picturesque gardens and landscaping. The park boasts a vibrant mix of meadows, wetlands, woodlands and ponds layered amongst meandering pathways and scenic pathways throughout. Pearce Estate Park is also home to outdoor musical performances during summer months and has plenty of spots perfect for picnicking and enjoying a sunny day in Calgary.

Shaganappi Point Golf Course & Driving Range

The Shaganappi Point Golf Course & Driving Range is located on the Bow River in northwest Calgary and offers a challenging yet beautifully maintained 18-hole golf course. With spectacular views of downtown Calgary, the golf course offers a beautiful setting for golfers of all skill levels. The driving range offers a variety of options for practicing your swing before heading out on the golf course. The driving range also features a heated covered putting green for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your golfing plans.

Confederation Park

Confederation Park is a 30-hectare park in northwest Calgary that offers plenty of outdoor activities for couples and families alike. The park has several kilometers of scenic pathways throughout its lush green space as well as plenty of ponds and wetlands onsite. Visitor attractions include numerous outdoor sculptures, a wonderful outdoor ice rink during winter months and a spray park during summer months. Confederation Park also offers a great selection of educational programs throughout the year such as nature tours and volunteer opportunities.

Edworthy Park

Edworthy Park is located on the edge of downtown Calgary but it feels worlds away thanks to its dense forests and stunning valley surroundings. The park offers plenty of outdoor activities perfect for couples or families such as biking trails, fishing spots, picnic sites, playgrounds, volleyball courts and plenty more. One of the main attractions here is Waskasoo Woods – a 350-hectare forest along with Fish Creek and its tributaries that offer spectacular views any time of year. Calgary is full of amazing parks for travelers to explore! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful setting or an exciting adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life, there’s something for everyone in this stunning Canadian city. From bustling city parks like Prince’s Island Park to tranquil forest trails like Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park, there are plenty of options to choose from to make your visit to Calgary memorable. Every park offers something unique, so why not visit them all! To find out more information about these parks and a complete list of all the parks in Calgary, visit the official website of the City of Calgary.