Calgary may be the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, but you don’t have to leave the city to find incredible places to walk, bike, run and simply spend time outdoors.
In fact, outdoor recreation is woven right into the city.
Calgary maintains more than 620 miles of regional multi-use pathways, plus another 60 miles of trails. The City manages more than 5,600 parks and open spaces, with more than 21,000 acres of parkland and natural areas. That’s roughly 33 square miles of green space scattered throughout the city!
Those numbers sounded impressive. But we wanted to see what Calgary’s outdoor lifestyle actually looked like.
Over 2½ days, we discovered Calgary’s outdoor lifestyle in two ways: first on foot through downtown, then by rental car on a full-day parks road trip around the city. We walked roughly one to three miles at each of the 10 featured stops, from riverfront paths and skyline lookouts to prairie grasslands and reservoir trails.
It turned out to be one of my favorite ways to experience Calgary.
Rather than simply visiting the city’s major attractions, we got outside and experienced Calgary much the way the people who live here do.
How We Explored Calgary in 2½ Days
Day 1 – Downtown on Foot
We explored Prince’s Island Park, Crescent Heights and McHugh Bluff, and RiverWalk in the East Village. With the Bow River and Calgary’s connected walking paths, we didn’t need a car.
Day 2 – Our Calgary Parks Road Trip
We hopped into our rental car, started at Nose Hill Park, then drove counterclockwise around Calgary to Bowness Park, Baker Park, Edworthy Park, Glenmore Reservoir, Fish Creek Provincial Park and Scotsman’s Hill. We sampled each stop with a relatively short walk, rather than planning long hikes. Lunch on the waterside deck at Seasons of Bowness Restaurant was an unexpected treat.
Day 3 – A Final Downtown Wander
Before heading to Banff after lunch, we wandered through smaller downtown green spaces, including the historic confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. Rather than cataloging every small park, we simply enjoyed the city’s everyday outdoor spaces.
Below, I’ve kept the 10 featured stops grouped by area so you can choose your own favorites or follow our itinerary.
North & Northwest Calgary
Nose Hill Park
If you want to understand just how much open space Calgary has within its city limits, start here.
Nose Hill Park covers 2,790 acres, roughly 4.4 square miles, making it an enormous natural area in northwest Calgary. Rather than manicured gardens and recreational facilities, much of Nose Hill protects native Rough Fescue grassland.
We walked a 3-mile section of the park’s extensive trail system, where the rolling grasslands and wide-open views felt surprisingly removed from the city surrounding us.
This is a place to choose a trail and wander. Depending on where you start, you can walk crushed stone pathways or more natural trails, and several elevated areas offer views across Calgary. Wildlife also lives here, so keep an eye out as you walk.
One feature we particularly loved was the park’s designated off-leash dog areas. This was a new concept for us, and what a great idea! Dogs can roam freely in designated sections, while visitors who would rather not have a friendly doggo stop by for a visit can choose trails where leashes are required. It’s a thoughtful way for everyone to enjoy the park.
Parking: 6465 14 St. NW, with additional parking areas around the park.
Amenities: Hiking and multi-use trails, designated off-leash pet areas, wildlife viewing and seasonal/year-round washrooms at several access points.
Why go: For prairie landscapes, long walks and the feeling that you’ve temporarily left the city without actually leaving Calgary.
Website: City of Calgary – Nose Hill Park
Bowness Park
Bowness Park has a completely different personality.
Located along the Bow River, this historic park was developed before World War I as a weekend retreat for Calgarians. More than a century later, people are still coming here to play, picnic, walk and spend the day beside the water.
Pathways wind along the river and around a shallow lagoon, but Bowness is much more than a place for a walk. In summer, you can rent boats, visit the wading pool or ride the seasonal miniature train. In winter, the lagoon becomes an outdoor skating destination.
And then there was lunch.
Our surprise win was lunch at Seasons of Bowness, the restaurant right in the park. The food was fantastic, and we sat outside on the deck overlooking the water. It was an unexpected highlight of our parks road trip, and a wonderful excuse to linger before heading to our next stop.
Parking: 8900 48 Ave. NW, Calgary. There is a large parking area, although it can fill during busy periods.
Amenities: Year-round and seasonal washrooms, pathways, picnic sites and shelters, fire pits, playground areas, Bow River access, lagoon, seasonal boat rentals, wading pool, miniature train and restaurant.
Why go: This is the park where you can easily spend half a day. Walk, eat, paddle, picnic or simply sit beside the lagoon.
Website: City of Calgary – Bowness Park
Baker Park
Just across the Bow River from Bowness Park, Baker Park surprised us. Where Bowness feels like a classic recreational park, Baker feels more like a landscaped garden.
Once the site of the Baker Memorial Sanatorium, a tuberculosis treatment facility, this beautifully landscaped park features manicured lawns, decorative archways and stunning bronze bear sculptures. Its riverside pathways make it an easy stop to combine with nearby Bowness Park.
With pathways connecting to Calgary’s larger riverside trail system, Baker Park is an easy stop to combine with Bowness. Two very different parks, just minutes apart.
Parking: 9333 Scenic Bow Road NW, Calgary. The park has a large parking area.
Amenities: Public washrooms, paved pathways, picnic areas, landscaped gardens, amphitheatre, viewpoints and disc golf.
Why go: For a quieter, beautifully landscaped walk — and an interesting contrast to neighboring Bowness Park.
Website: City of Calgary – Baker Park
Central & Inner-City Calgary
Prince’s Island Park
If I had to choose one park that demonstrates how seamlessly Calgary blends its urban and outdoor life, Prince’s Island would be it.
The 49-acre park sits on an island in the Bow River immediately north of downtown. Bridges connect it with the surrounding neighborhoods and Calgary’s pathway system, making it easy to arrive on foot or bicycle.
We walked the pathways through the park and along the river, surrounded by flower gardens, lawns and skyline views. Birds were everywhere, along with an astonishing number of black squirrels! Out on the Bow River, kayakers paddled past, adding to the lively outdoor scene.
Prince’s Island also hosts festivals and community events throughout the year, so depending on when you visit, it can feel either wonderfully peaceful or very lively.
There is even a full-service restaurant, River Café, tucked into the park.
Parking: There is no general visitor parking on the island itself. Use public parking in the adjacent Eau Claire/downtown area and walk across one of the pedestrian bridges. For navigation, use 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW.
Amenities: Year-round and seasonal washrooms, picnic areas, playground, flower gardens, walking and biking pathways, seasonal water fountains, skating and cross-country skiing, plus River Café.
Why go: For an easy downtown walk that combines the Bow River, skyline views and green space.
Website: City of Calgary – Prince’s Island Park
RiverWalk – East Village
Calgary’s RiverWalk is another example of how the city makes it easy to get outside without leaving downtown.
The Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk follows the Bow River through East Village and continues beside the Elbow River. Dedicated pedestrian and cycling lanes make this a lively route for walkers, runners, cyclists and people on scooters or rollerblades. It is as much a way for locals to get around as it is a place to enjoy the waterfront.
Along the way, there are river overlooks, public art, places to sit and views of the city. The promenade also connects with other pathways and nearby green spaces, making it easy to extend a short stroll into a longer outing.
Parking: Riverwalk Parkade, 620 6 Ave. SE, Calgary (paid). You can also arrive on foot or by transit.
Amenities: Separate pedestrian and cycling lanes, benches, viewpoints, public art, nearby cafés and restaurants, and play features at RiverWalk Plaza. Public washrooms are available at The Open, 7 Ave. and 6 St. SE, a short walk from RiverWalk.
Why go: To experience Calgary’s riverfront as locals do, whether walking, cycling or simply enjoying the Bow River views.
Website: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation – RiverWalk
Crescent Heights & McHugh Bluff
Sometimes you don’t need a huge park. You just need a good path with a great view. That’s what we found along Crescent Road above downtown Calgary.
The pathway follows the top of McHugh Bluff, a 67-acre natural area overlooking the Bow River and Calgary’s downtown skyline. Named after Felix McHugh, an early Calgary homesteader and entrepreneur, the bluff remained largely undeveloped because of its steep slopes. In 2004, the City began restoring the area as a natural park, creating a wonderful green space for walkers, runners and dog owners.
We walked along the ridge, stopping repeatedly to take in the spectacular views.
If you’re already visiting Prince’s Island, this is a great second stop because it lets you see the same part of Calgary from an entirely different perspective, first from river level and then from above.
Parking: Look for street parking along Crescent Road NW, particularly near the lookout around 240 Crescent Road NW.
Amenities: Pathways and natural trails, benches and viewpoints. Facilities are limited compared with Calgary’s larger destination parks.
Why go: One of the easiest places to combine a short walk with a classic Calgary skyline view.
Website: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation – RiverWalk
Edworthy Park
Edworthy Park gave us another look at just how connected Calgary’s outdoor spaces are.
The 418-acre park stretches along the Bow River and connects directly with Calgary’s regional pathway network. There are paved routes for walkers, runners and cyclists as well as more natural areas climbing away from the river.
We saw plenty of bikes, which is no surprise given how easy it is to connect Edworthy with longer rides along the Bow.
We had hoped to hike the Douglas Fir Trail, one of the park’s best-known natural trails, but sections were closed for slope stabilization and trail repairs during our visit. Fortunately, Edworthy has plenty of other places to walk.
Parking: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary. Parking is available on both the north and south sides of the park; check current construction and access conditions before visiting.
Amenities: Public washrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters, fire pits, BBQ stands, gazebo, off-leash areas and extensive pathways.
Why go: For access to Calgary’s Bow River pathway network and a mix of paved recreation and natural areas.
Website: City of Calgary – Edworthy Park
South & Southwest Calgary
Glenmore Reservoir
This may have been the place where Calgary’s outdoor lifestyle became most obvious.
The Glenmore Reservoir is surrounded by a roughly 9.6-mile pathway loop, creating an impressive recreational circuit through southwest Calgary.
We only walked a portion of it, but locals were doing everything. Walking. Running. Cycling. Scootering.
It felt less like a trail built around an attraction and more like part of Calgary’s everyday transportation and recreation system.
The reservoir itself is part of Calgary’s drinking-water supply, so access to the water is carefully regulated. The area is also used for sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking through designated programs and facilities. Swimming and entering the reservoir water are prohibited.
Parking: A convenient starting point is South Glenmore Park at 8415 24 St. SW, Calgary. Another option is North Glenmore Park at 7305 Crowchild Trail SW.
Amenities: Paved multi-use pathways, picnic areas, playgrounds, seasonal and year-round washrooms at various locations, sailing and non-motorized boating facilities and expansive reservoir views.
Why go: For a longer walk, run or bike ride. If we lived in Calgary, I suspect this would become one of our regular routes.
Website: City of Calgary – South Glenmore Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Yes, Calgary has a provincial park inside the city.
And it is huge! At 3,350 acres and more than 5 square miles, this is one park that I regret not having more time to explore.
Fish Creek Provincial Park stretches across southern Calgary, protecting creek valley, forest, grassland and wetlands while providing miles of paved and natural trails.
Because the park is so large, choosing where to start matters. We weren’t trying to conquer Fish Creek in a day. Like every other stop on this trip, our goal was simply to walk a few miles and get a feel for how Calgarians use the space.
Bow Valley Ranch is one of the easiest places for a first-time visitor to begin. From here, trails lead through the Fish Creek valley, and the visitor centre provides a good introduction to the park.
Parking: Bow Valley Ranch area, 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary.
Amenities: Visitor centre, flush toilets, water, picnic/day-use areas and an extensive network of paved, granular and single-track trails. Other sections offer additional day-use areas, fire pits and recreational facilities.
Why go: For a genuine nature escape within Calgary. You could return again and again and explore a different section each time.
Website: Alberta Parks – Fish Creek Provincial Park
Scotsman’s Hill
Scotsman’s Hill isn’t quite a traditional park, and that’s part of its charm.
Located in the Ramsay neighborhood above the Elbow River, this historic hilltop offers spectacular views of downtown Calgary and the Stampede grounds. For more than a century, locals have gathered here, including to watch Calgary Stampede events and fireworks from above.
A line of park benches parallels Salisbury Street, offering front-row seats to the skyline. Below, the mowed grassy hillside is a neighborhood gathering place, where locals spread out picnic blankets, relax with friends or play fetch and Frisbee with their dogs.
We loved the relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere. It was another example of how Calgarians make the most of their city’s outdoor spaces, even when the attraction is simply a grassy hillside with an incredible view.
Parking: Look for legal street parking along Salisbury Street SE in Ramsay.
Amenities: Park benches, grassy open space, a designated off-leash dog area and panoramic city views. No public washrooms on the hill.
Why go: For spectacular skyline views and a chance to enjoy one of Calgary’s favorite neighborhood gathering spots.
Website: City of Calgary – Scotsman’s Hill
Calgary Is a City Made for Getting Outside
We came to Calgary because of its proximity to some of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor destinations. What surprised us was how much outdoor adventure Calgary had to offer, without ever leaving the city.
Over 2½ days, we explored riverfront pathways, prairie grasslands, landscaped gardens, reservoir trails and skyline viewpoints. On our final morning, we wandered through smaller downtown green spaces near the historic confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers before heading to Banff.
And we barely scratched the surface.
By walking these parks and pathways, we experienced a side of Calgary we might have missed if we’d focused only on traditional tourist attractions.
And perhaps that’s the best reason to explore Calgary’s parks and pathways: to get outside and experience the city like the locals do.
Map Your Calgary Outdoor Adventure
Ready to explore Calgary’s green spaces? Use this interactive map to find all 10 locations, plan your route and discover which viewpoints fit into your itinerary.
See Calgary From Above
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Getting High in Calgary
Discover Calgary from above with five memorable experiences, including observation towers, top-floor dining, scenic parks and spectacular skyline views.
Take Calgary Outdoors With You
Planning your own Calgary adventure? Download our free Calgary Parks & Pathways Guide, featuring all 10 locations, parking tips and our 2½-day itinerary to help you explore the city at your own pace.