Guide to Visit Parks in Calgary in 2025: Trails, Activities, and Insider Tips

Calgary is a city built for park lovers. With the Bow and Elbow Rivers flowing through the core, views of the Rockies on clear days, and a vast network of paths and natural spaces, Calgary parks are the heartbeat of the city. Whether you are planning a family outing, a solo hike, a scenic run, or a picnic date, this Calgary parks guide for 2025 covers the most popular destinations, what to do, how to get there, and when to go.

Below, you will find park-by-park highlights, seasonal tips, accessibility notes, top trails, and suggested itineraries. Bookmark this guide before your next outdoor adventure in Calgary.

1. Fish Creek Provincial Park: Calgary’s Wilderness Within the City

Location: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, south Calgary

Size: 13.48 km², one of Canada’s largest urban parks

Best for: Full-day nature escapes, family outings, cyclists, and birdwatchers

Why Go

Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second-largest urban park in Canada and a true gem in Calgary. It features over 100 km of trails, stretches along the Bow River, and mixes paved pathways with rugged single-track trails through forest, wetlands, and prairie landscapes. It feels like leaving the city, even though you are still in it.

Highlights

• Sikome Lake: Seasonal man-made lake with a sandy beach for swimming in summer
• Bow Valley Ranche: Heritage site with a historic ranch house, restaurant, and gardens
• Wildlife: Frequent sightings of deer, owls, beavers, coyotes, and songbirds
• Path network: Family-friendly paved paths great for biking, strollers, and rollerblading

Activities

• Hiking and walking, road and mountain biking, picnicking, fishing in designated areas, birdwatching
• Winter: fat biking, snowshoeing on unmaintained trails, peaceful river walks

Tips

• Parking lots fill on warm weekends near Sikome Lake and Glennfield—arrive early
• Follow provincial park rules, stay on signed trails, and respect wildlife distances
• Some areas are off-leash for dogs—watch for signage

2.Nose Hill Park: Wild Prairie With Skyline Views

Location: Northwest Calgary, surrounded by communities like Brentwood, Huntington Hills, and Edgemont

Size: 11.27 km²

Best for: Wide-open hiking, dog walking, skyline photography

Why Go

Nose Hill Park offers expansive prairie landscapes with 360-degree views of downtown Calgary, the Bow River valley, and the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the city’s largest natural environment parks and a sanctuary for anyone craving fresh air and elbow room.

Highlights

• Panoramic viewpoints: Sunrise and sunset vantage points across the skyline
• Grassland and coulee trails: Natural-surface trails with rolling terrain
• Wildlife: Frequent hawk and deer sightings

Activities

• Hiking, running, off-leash dog walks (in designated zones), snowshoeing after fresh snow

Tips

• There is little shade, so bring water and sun protection in summer
• Paths are wide but can be icy and windswept in winter—ice grips recommended
• Multiple access points—choose the parking lot nearest your route

3.Prince’s Island Park: Downtown’s Riverside Escape

Location: Between the Bow River and downtown Calgary, connected by pedestrian bridges

Best for: Picnics, festivals, family walks, river views, pre- or post-dinner strolls

Why Go

Prince’s Island Park is Calgary’s central green space, easily accessible from Eau Claire, Downtown, and the Peace Bridge. It hosts major events like the Calgary Folk Music Festival, features manicured lawns, flower gardens, ponds, and shady pathways along the Bow.

Highlights

• Peace Bridge access: Iconic red pedestrian bridge linking to Kensington
• Riverside paths: Part of the city’s Pathway and Bikeway Network
• Festivals and events: Live music, art, and seasonal programming throughout the year

Activities

• Walking, picnicking, cycling, family playtime, attending festivals, outdoor yoga

Tips

• Parking is limited—walk or bike via the RiverWalk, Eau Claire, or Memorial Drive
• Check event schedules, as parts of the park may close during major festivals
• Enjoy the patio scene nearby in Eau Claire and Kensington

4.Bowness Park: A Classic Calgary Park for All Seasons

Location: Bowness, northwest Calgary, along the Bow River

Best for: Family days, paddle season, winter skating

Why Go

Bowness Park combines Calgary history with modern amenities. Popular since the early 1900s, it features a lagoon, picnic shelters, firepits, and a seasonal miniature railway. In winter, the lagoon transforms into a beloved ice skating destination with lit pathways and riverside magic.

Highlights

• Lagoon: Paddleboats in summer, skating in winter
• Miniature railway: A hit with kids and nostalgic adults
• Riverside walking paths for all ages and abilities

Activities

• Picnicking, boating, skating, walking, cycling, family gatherings

Tips

• Reserve picnic sites for large groups in peak season
• Bundle up for winter evenings—bring a thermos and headlamp for post-sunset skates
• Watch for ice conditions posted by the city

5.Edworthy Park: River Valley Oasis With Steep Forest Trails

Location: Along the Bow River, between Memorial Drive and the river, near Parkdale and Wildwood

Best for: Forest walks, riverside cycling, Douglas Fir Trail

Why Go

Edworthy Park is a go-to for locals who love the mix of shady forest and river access. The Douglas Fir Trail is one of the few forested hiking trails near the inner city, offering a quick but invigorating escape.

Highlights

• Douglas Fir Trail: Short, steep, and scenic—watch for trail condition closures in shoulder seasons
• Lawrence Grassi path and river flats for calmer strolls and cycling
• Picnic areas and playgrounds for family days

Activities

• Hiking, biking, picnicking, dog walking (on-leash), birdwatching

Tips

• Check the City of Calgary website for trail advisories, especially after rain or freeze-thaw
• Combine with a coffee stop in nearby Montgomery or Kensington

6.Confederation Park: An Urban Park With Seasonal Charm

Location: Northwest Calgary, near communities like Capitol Hill, Collingwood, and Highwood

Best for: Family walks, birdwatching, quiet green spaces

Why Go

Confederation Park is a scenic corridor with pathways, bridges, and tree-lined lawns that are perfect for a relaxing walk. It is less crowded than downtown parks and beautiful in all seasons, especially when the fall colours hit.

Highlights

• Peaceful pathways with creek crossings and open lawns
• Norfolk tree-lined views and birdlife
• Close to SAIT and North Hill, making it a great campus-adjacent escape

Activities

• Walking, jogging, birdwatching, casual picnics, photography

Tips

• Limited food vendors—bring snacks or grab a coffee in Capitol Hill or Kensington beforehand
• Quiet at sunrise and early mornings for solo resets

Practical Tips for Visiting Calgary Parks in 2025

Getting Around

• Pathway Network: Calgary’s Multi-Use Pathway system connects many parks—perfect for cycling between Prince’s Island, Edworthy, and beyond
• Transit: Use CTrain and buses to access downtown parks; Fish Creek has nearby transit but driving is most convenient
• Parking: Free and paid lots vary by park—arrive early on weekends

Seasonal Planning

• Spring: Wet trails—stick to paved paths to prevent damage
• Summer: Heat and sun—pack water, SPF, hats
• Fall: Peak colours make park visits extremely popular—weekdays are calmer
• Winter: Many parks remain accessible—bring traction devices and dress in layered warmth

Safety & Etiquette

• Keep dogs on-leash unless explicitly marked off-leash
• Yield to wildlife—do not feed or approach
• Pack out what you pack in—use bins and recycling where available
• Share the path—keep right, pass left, signal when passing

Suggested Itineraries

Family Day Out

• Morning paddle at Bowness Park, picnic lunch, train ride
• Afternoon stop at Edworthy Park for the Douglas Fir Trail if kids are up for a short hike

Downtown Adventure

• Coffee and stroll at Prince’s Island Park
• Lunch on Stephen Avenue
• Sidewalk ride or walk along RiverWalk into East Village

Full-Day Urban Wilderness

• Fish Creek Provincial Park hike or bike ride
• Lunch at Bow Valley Ranche
• End with a sunset viewpoint along the riverside trails

Local Favourites: What Calgarians Love Most

• The Prince’s Island Peace Bridge loop at golden hour
• Sunrise or sunset skyline shots from Nose Hill
• Winter skating at Bowness
• Weekend bike rides along the Bow River pathways
• Quiet, reflective mornings in Confederation Park

Calgary Parks Belong on Your 2025 Bucket List

Whether you are a longtime local or new to the city, Calgary parks offer year-round beauty, accessible trails, and a deep sense of place. From the wilderness feel of Fish Creek Provincial Park to the skyline views of Nose Hill and the riverside charm of Prince’s Island Park, there is always a new route, a hidden bend in the river, or a fresh perspective waiting for you.

Plan your next outing using this 2025 guide, pack your day bag, and step into Calgary’s backyard. See you on the trail.