Our family loves spending weekends in Calgary’s green spaces. Here are our 10 favorite parks that you should visit too!
As a parent, I’ve always believed that the outdoors is the best playground for kids. Instead of letting them get lost in screens, we make it a weekend tradition to explore parks, where they can run free, climb trees, and discover the wonders of nature.
This parenting philosophy has led us on countless adventures. We’ve tried out park after park, and we’ve uncovered some real gems along the way! Curious to know which parks made our family’s list?
I’m sharing our favorite parks in Calgary, perfect for family fun and exploration. Join us as we explore these green spaces and discover which parks you should visit next!
1. Prince’s Island Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/princes-island-park.html
Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Prince’s Island Park, nestled on an island in the Bow River, feels like a retreat from city life. Imagine wandering through beautiful green spaces, taking in the scenic views—it’s the perfect setting for family outings and lazy picnics.
It’s hard to believe that this beautiful park spans over 20 hectares and has a rich history. It was originally part of a sawmill in the late 1800s, but it was transformed into a public park in the 1950s.
It’s now a lively hub where locals and tourists come together for various festivals, like the Calgary Folk Music Festival or the fun-filled Canada Day celebrations. If you’re a dog owner, you’ll be glad to know that leashed pets are welcome all year round.
Pro tip: Explore the Chevron Learning Pathway! It takes you through beautifully landscaped gardens while teaching about local wildlife and wetlands. |
2. Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Website: http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/fish-creek-pp/
Address: Alberta Parks, 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2J 5E8
Contact details: +14032975293
Operating hours: 10 AM–4 PM
Fish Creek Provincial Park covers over 13.48 square kilometers, making it the second-largest urban park in Canada! You can wander for days on more than 100 trails, whether hiking, biking or just enjoying birdwatching.
What I love most is the history wrapped up in this place. It goes way back to around 13,000 B.C., at the end of the last Ice Age. Officially, it became a provincial park in 1975.
There are picnic areas perfect for family gatherings, restrooms for convenience, and even a golf course if that’s your thing. Remember the Sikome Lake Aquatic Centre, especially in the summer—it’s such a refreshing spot for a swim!
Pro tip: Take advantage of the early morning hours. If you arrive just after sunrise, you’ll beat the crowds and witness some incredible wildlife activity, as animals are often more active during this time. |
3. Nose Hill Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/nose-hill-park.html
Address: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Nose Hill Park is especially beautiful because you can see stunning views of downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains almost anywhere in the park. It spans over 11 square kilometers, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America!
It was established in 1980, thanks to local residents who rallied together to save it from becoming a residential area. There, you’ll find one of the last remaining patches of native Rough Fescue grassland in Canada.
There are 60 kilometers of hiking trails for persons and dogs (designated off-leash areas!), or just going for a family outing, you can soak in those breathtaking views.
Pro tip: Here’s a cool feature: the IndigiTRAILS app! It offers an augmented reality experience that showcases important historical moments tied to the Indigenous communities in the area. It’s like taking a step back in time while you’re out exploring. |
4. Edworthy Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/edworthy-park.html
Address: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B2
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Edworthy Park straddles the northwest and southwest parts of the city and sprawls over 1.27 square kilometers. It’s named after Thomas Edworthy, who settled in the area in 1883.
Before it became this beautiful park, the land was used for sandstone quarries that helped build Calgary. The city picked it up in 1962 and saved it from becoming a highway, thanks to many passionate locals who didn’t want to see it go.
Today, you can bring a picnic, find a cozy spot under the trees, or hit the trails for a hike or bike ride. There are even off-leash areas for our furry friends. The park is designed for fun and relaxation, with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and BBQ pits.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to explore the hidden gems along the Douglas Fir Trail. This trail showcases some of Calgary’s oldest trees and offers breathtaking views of the river valley, especially at sunset. |
5. Confederation Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/confederation-park.html
Address: 905 30 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2K 0A2
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Confederation Park is a beautiful spot perfect for families. A natural playground was built to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, featuring this impressive Voyageur canoe sculpture.
And if you’re into seasonal festivities, you’re in luck—it’s home to the famous Lions Festival of Lights. The way they light everything up is breathtaking, and it’s such a cozy way to spend those chilly winter nights.
It was established in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial, and it was called the “North Hill Coulee.” Can you imagine? They transformed this rugged coulee into this serene recreational area we enjoy today.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through the park. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the snowy landscape while exercising—just remember to check trail conditions beforehand! |
6. Bowness Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/bowness-park.html
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Bowness Park is like a little piece of paradise right here in Calgary. In the winter, you can lace up your skates and glide on the ice. Then, when summer rolls around, you can hop on a paddle boat and enjoy the sunshine on the lagoon.
It’s been around since 1911, thanks to a land developer named John Hextall. The park also has a charming lagoon that transforms with the seasons. It was even home to Canada’s first floating fountain and a carousel.
Now, plenty of picnic tables and even fire pits if you want to roast some marshmallows. And if you have kids with you, they’ll love the wading pool and the vintage Mini-Train that they can ride—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Pro tip: Check out the Bowness Park Tea House located by the lagoon. It’s not just a great place to grab a coffee or snack; it also offers stunning views of the water and surrounding greenery. |
7. Prairie Winds Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/prairie-winds-park.html
Address: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3J 1P6
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Prairie Winds Park is this wonderful place tucked away in the northeast of Calgary that has become a real family favorite. Picture this: kids laughing, splashing around in the spray park, and wading in the pool while others swing and slide on the playgrounds.
The park is perfect for soccer matches, cricket games, or kicking a ball. There are also fitness stations scattered around, which is great if you want to sneak in a workout while keeping an eye on the kiddos.
It opened its doors in 1990 but underwent renovation between 2014 and 2017 to reflect the cultural diversity of the surrounding neighborhoods. One thing you have to see is the “Seed Pod” public art installation.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit during the summer when the spray park opens at 9 AM, try arriving right at opening time. This way, you can snag a good parking spot and enjoy the water features before they get crowded—trust me, it’s worth it for that first splash! |
8. St. Patrick’s Island Park
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Website: http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/St.-Patrick’s-Island-Park.aspx
Address: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
St. Patrick’s Island is a transformed urban park with lush hiking and biking trails, a cool public plaza, and easy access to the river—all just waiting for you to explore. It spans 31 acres and really combines urban and natural vibes.
There’s a playground for the kids, picnic spots to kick back and relax, and even a fishing cove for anyone who wants to cast a line. You’ve got this super fun event called Sunday Funday, which occurs from late June to September.
On Canada Day, the entire park comes alive with live music, food trucks, and all sorts of entertainment, like face painting and outdoor games. The vibe here is just perfect—lively yet peaceful, with stunning views of the Bow River and Calgary’s skyline.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the George C. King Bridge, which connects the island to the East Village. This bridge offers stunning views and easy access to nearby cafes and shops where you can grab refreshments before or after your park visit. |
9. Riley Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/riley-park.html
Address: 800 12 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0S2
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 24/7
Riley Park is a 19.6-acre park with quite a history. Once part of the vast Cochrane Ranch, it was homesteaded by Thomas and Georgina Riley in 1888. After Thomas passed away, the park officially became part of Calgary in 1909.
One of the standout features here is the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens. These stunning gardens were built in the 1950s using materials from Burns’ torn-down mansion. Can you believe they used over 20,000 pieces of flagstone?
On hot summer days, the wading pool is a perfect oasis to cool off in, especially if you’ve got kids splashing around. There’s also a cricket pitch where you can catch local matches, making it a hub for sports lovers.
Pro tip: Check out the hidden rainbow bridge in the Sunnyside area of the park. It’s a charming spot that often goes unnoticed but offers a unique perspective of the park’s landscape—perfect for a little adventure or a romantic photo op! |
10. Sue Higgins Park
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/sue-higgins-park.html
Address: Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 1S1
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
Sue Higgins Park is a sprawling 62-hectare green space along the beautiful Bow River. It’s the largest off-leash dog area in the city. The park has this interesting mix of open fields, woods, and even some river access, making every walk an adventure.
They have multiple fenced areas where dogs can run free, including this awesome agility course where your furry friends can show off their skills. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, you’ll find plenty of tables among the trees, perfect for a laid-back meal.
The paths are well-kept, so you can easily stroll down to the river—and oh, the joy of watching dogs splash and play in the water is priceless. If you’re a nature lover, you would appreciate the park hosting programs that teach you about the local wildlife.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out Nora Tuckey’s Grove, a quieter section of the park ideal for training sessions or family picnics. It’s often less crowded than other areas, providing a perfect escape to enjoy quality time with your furry friend. |