Bowness Lagoon is known throughout Calgary as a scenic place to spend an afternoon. But there might also be a secret lurking in the depths of the still water.
Bowness Park is now situated in Calgary, but it was originally a village separate from the city. In 1952, it was named the town of Bowness, and in 1964, it was amalgamated into the City of Calgary.
In 1984, the Calgary Herald reprinted a story from the 1940s about a river monster that was cornered and caught in Bowness Lagoon. The story claimed locals cut up the creature and ate it, sharing pieces with anyone who wanted some.
The article described the catch as an “Ogopogo,” derived from the Syilx word nx̌ax̌aitkʷ’ meaning “something in the water.” In B.C., the elusive Ogopogo is a mystical creature who protects the waters of Okanagan Lake and has spiritual significance to the Syilx Nation.
Perhaps that story is the origin of the Bowness Lagoon lake monster. Or maybe the monster was angered by the tale and has been waiting in the depths ever since.
At any rate, if you head to Bowness Lagoon and peer into the water, you might catch a glimpse of the rumoured sea serpent.
Mural of Bownessie
A mural of the sea monster, called “Bownessie” appears under a bridge in the park. It was painted by Calgary artist Brad Hays, who drew inspiration from the 1942 Herald article.
Hays thinks what was found in the lagoon was a 1.5 metre-long cod, not a mythical creature, but it did still inspire him in the design for the mural.
He also connected with Randy Bottle, a Blackfoot elder, to discuss the meaning of the land and the water in the area as part of his research for the design.
The result is a mural with the head of a ling cod that transforms as it moves towards the tail, showcasing the Rocky Mountains, rolling hills, a soaring owl, and rocks commonly found in the Bow River.
Could the rumours be true?
Although the Calgary Herald had reported sightings of a mythical sea creature in Bowness Lagoon, you’ll have to head to the park yourself to see if there’s any truth to the tale.
If you miss spotting the mythical monster, you can see Hays’ mural while floating by on a boat or paddleboard, or by booking a reservation to dine at the Seasons of Bowness restaurant.
As you enjoy the warm water on a peaceful summer’s day, keep an eye out for ripples in the water. They might be concealing something unusual in the depths.
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, their dogs Bandit and Stanley, and walks along the Bow River.
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