Whether you want to check out an urban park near the downtown core, stroll along the river, or head into the forest to feel like you’ve escaped the city, there’s sure to be somewhere in YYC that’ll fit your walking style.
Check out our list of some of the best places to go for a walk in Calgary this spring.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second-largest urban park in Canada at 13.48 square kilometres, and it offers over 100 kilometres of both paved and unpaved trails. A lot of the park has been kept in its natural state, and you’ll find forested areas, river access, and wide open spaces. Fire pits, picnic areas, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a cafe add some city touches to the massive park.
This northwest Calgary park offers up both mountain and city views and has tons of paved pathways and grassy spaces to enjoy. Nose Hill Park also has designated off-leash areas, hiking trails, and native grasslands.
Where: 6465 14th St. NW
North and South Glenmore Parks border the Glenmore Reservoir, making you feel as if you’re lakeside. Weaselhead Flats links the two parks and provides plenty of natural areas, making you forget you are still within city limits.
These parks feature a little bit of everything, from paved pathways to hiking trails through the trees, a waterpark, a bike pump track, and a sailing club.
Where: There are a handful of entrances, including:
Edworthy Park rests in a valley along the Bow River and has a playground, picnic shelters, fire pits, and off-leash areas. The park also hosts the Douglas Fir Trail, perfect for urban hiking, and the Lawrey Gardens, for that extra boost of nature.
Where: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW
Bowness Park boasts a variety of experiences, including pathways that run alongside the Bow River, a restaurant, a wading pool, and boat rentals to paddle on the park’s lagoon. There’s even a small train that runs through the park during the warmer months.
Baker Park is located just across the river from Bowness Park and provides nature lovers with a grass amphitheatre, a disc golf course, and several archways and promenades, making this a popular spot for weddings.
Where: 8900 48th Ave. NW (Bowness Park) and 9333 Scenic Bow Rd. NW (Baker Park)
Ralph Klein Park is a man-made wetland, constructed to improve stormwater quality before it enters the Bow River system. The park has a picnic area and a community orchard, which boasts five varieties of pear trees and eight varieties of apple trees.
The Environmental Education Centre contains an indoor classroom, meeting space, a resource library, an art studio, and interpretive signage to learn more about the wetlands.
Where: 12350 84th St. SE
This southeast Calgary park preserves wildlife habitats and ecosystems and is home to numerous wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers. Carburn Park features three man-made ponds, a pathway system, picnic sites, and spots for fishing.
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE
Prince’s Island Park is the perfect spot to escape the busyness of downtown Calgary without going far. Flower gardens, expansive grassy spaces, and several bridges make for a picturesque park in the city centre.
Where: 4th St. and 1st Ave. SW
This recently revitalized urban park in Calgary’s East Village offers up several unique features to explore. A seasonal beach, “The Rise” hill, the Bloom sculpture, and Lookout Plaza are just some of the many spaces Calgarians can enjoy, along with paved walking paths and trails winding across the island.
Where: 1300 Zoo Rd. NE
Sandy Beach is a popular place for picnics, strolling and lounging along the Elbow River, and swimming and rafting as the weather gets warmer. The southwest Calgary park boasts picnic areas and shelters, fire pits, and playgrounds.
River Park can be found on the ridge above Sandy Beach and offers an off-leash park, gravel pathways, and stunning views of both the valley below and the city skyline.
Where: 4500 14A St. SW
So, there you have it. Happy planning!
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