The 9 Best Forests in Calgary That Are Worth Exploring
This year, I wanted to challenge myself to get out more. I made it a rule that my time out in nature should be equal to my phone’s screen time for the week.
I genuinely thought this task would be a piece of cake at first, but I didn’t realize just how much I checked my socials every day. By now, I’ve been to countless parks, woodlands, and reserves just to fulfill my goal.
This plan actually made me fall in love with Calgary’s natural sites even more, and forests are by far my favorite ones to visit. As a self-proclaimed expert, I’ve listed down the best ones.
1. Glenmore Reservoir
– Media credit: gregographer
Address: 8415 24 St SW
Contact details: 403 268 2489
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Stepping into Glenmore Reservoir feels like entering a different dimension. Once you reach a certain point, the buildings disappear, and you’ll start hearing nothing but the sounds of nature and the water around you.
I think what makes the whole place even more appealing is that it’s very well-kept. The pedestrian paths are paved, making it easier to wander around — whether you’re alone or with a pet.
It’s a pretty great option for those who want to take up hiking as well. There’s a loop that beginner hikers love to start with, one that doesn’t get too steep at any point, but still takes around 3 hours to finish.
If you prefer sticking to the water, you’re also spoiled for choice with activities such as rowing, canoeing, sailing, and kayaking. Sadly, swimming is prohibited, with the reservoir being a source of the city’s drinking water.
| Pro tip: Bug spray is a must-have for the visitors of Glenmore Reservoir. Without it, it’s hard to get a moment of peace from all the mosquitoes, especially in the summer. |
2. Fish Creek Provincial Park
– Media credit: algur
Address: 13931 Woodpath Road SW
Contact details: 403 297 5293
Operating Hours:
- Spring & Summer – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Fall & Winter – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
As one of the biggest urban parks in North America, Fish Creek Provincial Park has so much to offer for everyone. Whether you prefer being more active or taking it slow, you’re bound to find something exciting to do.
Those who want to get their body moving can enjoy some biking on the many snaking pathways. There’s even a mountain bike skill park for the bikers who want to shred something gnarly.
Further inside the grounds and among the trees, you’ll find a man-made beach known as the Sikome Aquatic Facility. Here, you can bring your entire family to swim or play in the sand.
For me, though, I visit this area to birdwatch. I’ve only seen a handful so far, but apparently, over 200 species have been spotted here, and I’m determined to find them all.
| Pro tip: Entering Fish Creek Provincial Park is free, but access to certain facilities, such as the Sikome Aquatic Facility, has a small fee depending on the visitor’s age. |
3. Nose Hill Park
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Address: 6465 14 St NW
Contact details: 403 268 2489
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Nose Hill Park is very much the best of both worlds. From certain angles, it’s all sprawling grasslands and trees as far as the eye can see. But from some areas, you’ll also be able to gaze at one of the best views of the city’s urban jungle.
Although this spot is definitely a must-see for both locals and tourists, I’d advise not to go here unless you’re up for a challenge. If you’re not in shape, you definitely won’t enjoy traversing the uneven terrains and changing elevations.
However, a jog here is so worth it, especially if you’re an animal lover. It’s very common to see herds of deer, porcupines, and other small mammals along the trail — just make sure not to touch or go near them at all.
| Pro tip: Before heading to Nose Hill Park, download the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) IndigiTRAILS app for a special augmented reality experience that’s available in certain areas of the site. |
4. Bowmont Park
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Address: 85 St NW
Contact details: 403 268 2489
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
To non-locals, Bowmont Park may look somewhat plain and nothing out of the ordinary. But true Calgarians know that this place holds numerous secrets.
Its true magic is meant to be discovered in its many trails. Most people start by following an “official” path, but after a while, you’ll start noticing foot trails branching off in different directions. You can either follow one or make your own.
If you choose the paved pathways, you’ll be greeted by lots of dogs being walked by their owners, cyclists, and comfortable benches. On the other hand, the dirt paths will lead you to surprises such as hills, diverse wildlife, and maybe even a waterfall or two.
It truly is a choose-your-adventure type of experience, and I’d recommend blocking out several hours just to fully explore the area. Don’t worry, it’s one of the rare places where you’ll be completely safe even if you diverge from the main path.
| Pro tip: Feel free to bring your pets to Bowmont Park. There’s a new fenced off-leash area where your pups can run and play with other dogs to their heart’s content. |
5. Douglas Fir Trail
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Address: Near Edworthy Park, 5050 Spruce Dr SW
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Just like plenty of other locals, I was sad to hear that local authorities were closing a chunk of Douglas Fir Trail. According to official reports, some paths had become too dangerous to use due to erosion.
But after a recent visit, I’m convinced that it’s still the same iconic trail it used to be, albeit a little shorter.
For those unfamiliar with it, it’s by no means an easy one. You have to make sure to wear good shoes for the rough and steep terrain, and be ready to meet a lot of bugs.
Once you get into it, though, there’s a tranquility inside the forest that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll be surrounded by tall Douglas-firs that house magnificent birds, and gain access to several lookouts with breathtaking views.
Every time I reach one of these spots, the exhaustion from climbing simply vanishes, and I’m motivated to keep going forward.
| Pro tip: A visit to Douglas Fir Trail is incomplete without a stop at Angel’s Cafe, which is nestled near the start of the trail. Most people either get some of their takeout for a picnic or treat the coffee as a reward after finishing a hike. |
6. Bow River Pathway
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Operating Hours:
- Daily – Open 24 hours
When most people talk about the Bow River Pathway, they probably think about the paths with views of the nearby city center or the areas connected by the Peace Bridge.
However, what many don’t know is that the entirety of the Bow River Pathway actually spans 43.5 km. Despite it being generally flat and paved, it’ll still take most people around 12 hours to completely finish the loop.
There are sections that are more secluded and hidden behind a blanket of trees. It’s in these spots that you’ll get more peace and quiet and have higher chances of encountering wildlife.
As someone who goes here all the time, I’d suggest dropping by during weekend mornings. That’s usually when there aren’t a lot of people walking or biking around, so it feels much more tranquil.
| Pro tip: Even though the Bow River Pathway isn’t a challenging trail, it’s still highly recommended to wear ice grips during the colder months. This is when a lot of its areas develop icy patches that tend to be super slippery. |
7. Griffith Woods Park
– Media credit: mykhailo.zapolskyi
Address: 160 Discovery Ridge Blvd SW
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Griffith Woods Park is where I go when I really want to reconnect with nature. It’s such a well-preserved site that, once I’m inside, I feel like I’m not even in the city anymore. Plus, it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem, so it never really gets too crowded.
Visitors are welcome to explore the different trails across the park, which is a mix of paved and unpaved paths. While exploring any of these, it’s common to stumble upon vibrant flora and diverse fauna.
There are orchids along the paths, and people are always happy to see beavers building dams on the creeks. However, it’s very important to remember not to approach them and to always be mindful of your surroundings.
If you’re bringing your kids, make sure to pack some rubber boots. There are shallow bodies of water all over the place, and children seem to really love playing in them.
| Pro tip: The paved pathways in Griffith Wood Park are quite spacious, making them stroller and wheelchair-accessible. |
8. Bearspaw Dam Trail
– Media credit: chris_planti
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Bearspaw Dam Trail is full of contradictions and ups and downs, both literally and metaphorically. It’s definitely for those with hiking experience, but I’ve also seen kids as young as 10 years old complete the hike.
What makes the trail taxing is that it switches from having uphill climbs to downhill sections. And yet, it’s still short enough that most people finish it in around 1 to 2 hours.
As for its challenges, it can get pretty muddy at times. But the most common obstacles you have to look for are the dry tree roots that can cause you to stumble.
Still, when all is said and done, I would do this trail over and over again just for the stunning view of the tall trees and the water at the end.
| Pro tip: Bearspaw Dam Trail isn’t developed like other parks, so it doesn’t have restrooms. If you need to go during your time there, you’ll either have to dig a cathole or bring a sealed waste bag with you. |
9. Discovery Ridge and John Simonot Trail Loop
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Contact details: 403 268 5343
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
You’ve probably heard of Discovery Ridge as this idyllic residential community in the Southwestern part of Calgary. Well, that’s absolutely true, largely because it’s surrounded by beautiful, natural landscapes.
One of these terrains is the Discovery Ridge and John Simonot Trail Loop, which has been voted as the second-most stunning trail in the city (after Glenmore Reservoir Loop).
Its path will take you through a rich, mixed forest that looks picturesque no matter which angle you look at. Believe me, you’ll regret it if you don’t bring a camera here.
Depending on the weather or the season, some areas may be closed due to flooding or moose sightings. Not to worry, there are many other routes to choose from, so you can continue on your journey.
Don’t be afraid to walk around freely. Even though this place is 80% forest, all paths (paved and unpaved) are clearly marked, making them safe for exploration.
| Pro tip: When visiting the Discovery Ridge and John Simonot Trail Loop, remember to bring footwear that can get wet. Most of the paths pass through sections with shallow water. |