For those who are wondering about Nose Hill Park... it's a large park within the city (15 min drive…read moreaway) that covers 11 square kilometers! There are a LOT of trails up there which make it great for hiking and biking. I've gone multiple times this year and really enjoy it. There are also chances to see wildlife while up there (I've seen a coyote, but haven't seen the white tailed deer yet). It is also a great place to see the city from, and an amazing sunrise location! Super cool seeing it rise and light up the sky surrounding Calgary. Note that it typically is pretty windy up there.

When I first got to Calgary, I assumed Nose Hill Park would be like NYC's Central Park or Toronto's…read moreHigh Park in that you could easily walk into it. Sure, there might be certain entry gates, but they'd be easy to find. Nope! Not in Calgary, which is technically a walkable city, but has the soul of a highway interchange. The charming streets of Caglary's downtown have six lanes of one-way traffic, so of course there are several lanes of cars speeding around Nose Hill. There are quite a few pedestrian tunnels, just don't expect them to be easy to see with your eyeballs if you're in the area or think they'd be marked on Google Maps. Obviously, it's easy enough to get into the park. Lots of people manage it every day! If you have a car, if you get anywhere near the park you can enter any number of clearly marked parking lots. If you're on foot, however, you need to plan ahead in order to find a tunnel or an overpass. Don't assume there will be a way to enter the park or any sort of crosswalk. Once you've made it into the park, it's surprisingly lovely. There are gorgeous views of downtown, the Rockies on a clear day, and the surrounding farmland. Once you're in the park there's a ton of signage and clear paths. Plus, it's hard to get lost when you can see the whole city! Several of the parking lots offer toilet facilities and trash cans. It's interesting to see the grasses and wildflowers shift throughout the year. There's a surprising diversity of terrain for what appears at first glance to be a big hill. There are also historical sites within the park. There's a large off-leash dog area. If you're hoping to pet some stranger's dogs, alas, there is too much space and not enough dogs for it to not be a little weird. If you step off the trails, pay attention for poo and gopher holes. We're in Calgary, so the weather can turn at any moment. There are very few trees, so you'll be in the sun the whole time. Be prepared for it to be windy.

North Glenmore Park is an idyllic oasis in the city overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir. This vast…read morecity park boasts numerous walking/biking paths, lots of picnicking areas, and a big, brightly coloured playground for the kids. There are lots of wide open fields, perfect for flinging a frisbee around. There's plenty of parking, and this park is also home to the Calgary Canoe Club. It's a great place in the city to escape the hectic pace and unwind. Unfortunately, as I am writing this, there is an extensive construction project at the entrance to the park. No big whoop once you're in, but one wonders if the urban sprawl might not be creeping into this great green space.

I simply love this park, and I've yet to properly explore it still. Being a member of the Red Eyes…read morePaddling Club, I'm here twice a week to train on the Reservoir and get to see the park from it's heart, that is, the beautiful man-made lake that services the drinking water of 1/2 the city. From the cute domesticated ducks that follow the boats around (I named these 2 particular ducklings, L'Orange and Peking), the long paths that wrap all over the place and the interesting waterways to explore, it's a wonderful place to just spend a quiet day or train intensively for victory. Near the center, there's a huge children's park, surrounded by fire pits all over the place (they can be rented out for group events online with the City of Calgary Recreation website), so it's ideal for families to explore and enjoy. Bike paths are everywhere, as well as running paths, and unfortunately cops with radar traps (speed limit is 30...ah well), but that's how it should be I suppose. The only annoying thing I might say about it is that there's virtually few resources like public washrooms for the most part. Forget about snack shops or anything, it's mostly wilderness which is surprising for its size since it's just south of the middle of the city. And when there are special events, like the annual Loops for the Troops or the Betty Run for ALS, forget about parking. Just park a kilometer away and factor that it to your time. To me, my summer begins in April, when I step foot inside the park to start training with my beloved Red Eyes. And I dread when I leave it in October when the season is over. But every time I'm there, no matter how wet, cold, cold or stormy, it's still the place I probably love the most in this city.

Nice, neat, and relaxing. We were at the Farmers market and looked up on parks nearby. I'm so glad…read morethat we went here. It was covered with snow but the walk way was clear of snow. You could walk upto the Bow and listen to the relaxing sound of water. This is not an off leash park. I met a few furry friends who were on leash, of course. Park is better than a mall, no doubt:)

A really nice park on the Calgary / Bow River pathway system. All season. Skating in the winter…read more People seem to like Kayaking here as well. I've seen several people on the bigger pond kayaking around. Always good for people walking, jogging, spending time with family, kayaking, and taking pictures. Lots of people walk their dogs here, and as an In the fall, the changing colours are lovely to see here. It goes quickly though, so make sure you get down there when the leaves start to turn as they won't wait for you. It's a good area to see birds too. Geese are here it seems all year round. I think there are other seasonal / migratory birds which pass through the area as well. White American Pelicans summer along this stretch of the river during the summer. I've seen whitetail deer in this area a number of times. It's highly probably that there are occasional coyotes in the area and so like in many Calgary parks, be watchful of your dog. It's a wonderful park if this is your area.

I'm so glad that Wendy reviewed this on Yelp! I didn't realize I could review parks (didn't think…read morethey had a specific address). I love Sandy Beach! I say this as a cyclist. This park is on the Elbow River Pathway between Stanley Park and the Glenmore Reservoir. When cycling through this park I have a few tips for you. #1 - Keep to the west side pathway. There are two paths that pass through the park, one of which is closer to the river. The one closer to the river is busiest with pedestrian traffic. #2 - Dismount on the suspension bridge, especially if there is another cyclist on the bridge. It's super narrow. There are signs that say to do this. #3 - When riding Southward there is a large steep hill at the end of the park. Go ahead and put yourself into low gear and challenge it! It's a toughy, but short and worth it! I always feel like Superman after I hit the top! I have visited this park a few times to use the outdoor grills. I typically bring charcoal briquettes because I'm cycling or walking in which is light and more compact that bringing firewood. I'd suggest using firewood when possible if you want to cook faster or your food is very raw, like steak. I typically bring hot dogs, marshmallows and quick to heat items. There are bon fire pits as well but you need to get there in the early afternoon in peak times to secure one. Be sure to bring your bathing suit! The beach is beside the suspension bridge which isn't particularly sandy, but a nice cool shallow dip in the Elbow River!

This is one of the best parks in Calgary! It is very central, quiet and on the Elbow River!…read more Being a regular dog walker, this off leash is a haven for letting your pup go for a big run. There are loads if dogs and lots of room for them to safely chase each other around. By sticking to the ridge, cars are a long way off and the gravel pathways keep cyclists and rollerbladers away, ensuring safety for your dogs. There are doggie water fountains and lots of trees and smells! Parking along the park is ample and easy to get to. Overall a mist visit!

Calgary, this is your best kept secret…read more Now, please understand that part of me, wants to keep it that way; the other parts want to share with you... the nature that exists within the confines of the city limits. The Weaselhead Natural Reserve (natural area) is truly, a remarkable place. First and foremost, it lays over a map area that is the delta to the Glenmore Reservoir. It's meandering Elbow River flows through a changing channel that has left deep clefts in the surrounding hillsides and marked it's way across the eskers that exist below Calgary. Whether ye be a biker, a hiker, a runner, a dog walker, a stone skipper, a tree lover, a calm river flowing reveller or any number of combinations of said activities and the inclusion of your own, this place runs the realm on all the above. I've been visiting the Weaselhead for over 20 years. I've seen it change and am still amazed at how, with each visit, it brings me to a new place... most times, within the same places; down the same paths, only to discover something entirely new. And for me, to see the changing face of a natural space over time, is much like understanding one's own life... And indeed, the Weaselhead, is capable of assisting with these types of meditations; in as much as it is capable of showing you what "the now" looks like. Spend an afternoon, evening, early morning... all will do, and you may find yourself, drawn back, much like I was... mythical within reality.

Beautiful park. We took the road less traveled and walked through the small forest trails rather…read morethan the paved biking trails. Look up Jack Rabbit Trail for directions. Gorgeous, relaxing, not too strenuous. Tip though - there are tons of Mosquitos in August, so bring bug spray!

the walkway system along bow river pathway feels like one of the features that quietly defines…read moredowntown calgary. despite running directly through the core of the city, the pathways create an atmosphere that often feels calmer and more open than many urban waterfronts. during my visit, there was a soft breeze coming off the river that made the entire area feel noticeably cooler and more relaxed compared to the surrounding downtown streets. even with office towers nearby, the pathways had a slower rhythm to them. runners, joggers, cyclists, and office workers on lunch breaks moved steadily through the space, but it never felt overly crowded or frantic. the area is clearly designed to function as both recreation space and everyday public infrastructure. there are playgrounds, public washrooms, plenty of seating areas, and multiple access points woven throughout the riverfront, making it feel genuinely usable rather than simply scenic. one of the more surprising details is how resort like parts of the riverwalk can feel during summer. sections with sand, bright yellow patio umbrellas, and pool deck style chaise lounges create an atmosphere that feels almost beach inspired, an unexpected contrast against the downtown skyline and surrounding office buildings. the wildlife presence adds another layer to the experience. i saw several goslings along the riverbanks, all impossibly fluffy looking while extremely protective parent geese kept close watch nearby. despite being in the middle of the city, the pathways still retain moments where urban life and nature overlap in a very visible way. that connection to nature is part of what makes the bow river corridor stand out at a larger scale. the pathway system stretches for hundreds of kilometres throughout calgary, linking together parks, neighbourhoods, bridges, wetlands, and green spaces across the city. it functions less like a single riverside trail and more like an interconnected urban park network. there are also ecological restoration and pollinator friendly areas integrated into parts of the river corridor, including bee friendly habitat zones and native plant spaces designed to support urban biodiversity. i think i may have even seen a beaver dam along the riverbank. another thing worth noting is how clean and maintained the pathways feel overall. even with heavy public use, the riverwalk manages to retain a sense of order and accessibility. signage, landscaping, bridges, seating areas, and surveillance presence all contribute to making the space feel comfortable and safe for both locals and visitors. what ultimately makes the bow river pathways memorable is the balance they create between urban energy and environmental calm. surrounded by downtown development, traffic, and office towers, the river corridor still manages to feel restorative, a place where people are not only commuting or exercising, but genuinely slowing down to enjoy the city around them.

I like it! Came here after dinner for a quick walk. There were quite a lot of people walking and…read morejogging at the River Walk. It can be a long walk from one end to another. Its beautiful. Yes its a very relaxing walk. Great to be able to take pictures. Also the walk is quite easy because there are hardly any elevation. Will head over to the River Walk more often, since I live within 3 mins walking distance from it now.

Stunning, peaceful, clean and well manicured - what a place to have a picnic…read more Tall tress line the pathways that are friendly to bikes, dogs, roller bladers, walkers and one cool guitar player strumming away in his pyjamas! A big park, but not too big. We were able to walk it all. Ponds house the ducks amongst the babbling brooks and happy squirrels run this way and that over acres and acres of grass. There are several ball diamonds and a tennis court. Many places for families to gather as there were an abundance of tables and benches left in memory to loved ones. There were quite a few photographers there today on a Sat - it is just a gorgeous spot. I am going to take more time to slow down, change my walking scene and go down there more often.

Always a great time here. Whether it's taking a walk, enjoying some time outdoors having a picnic,…read moreor attending someone's wedding this is a great space to enjoy. I've attended a couple of weddings here and while it's a public area with people walking by, it never seems to be a distraction. There's lots of trees and other brush to set the scene of being away from it all but still conveniently in the city. There's tons of space here so if you're looking to spend an afternoon with friends or family you can settle down and have lots of space to yourself. Throw a frisbee around or a a ball and enjoy the sun.

A lovely little park with a water feature and even outdoor exercise circuit. It is not quite as…read moreactive as other parks with water features and so it is easy to sit and relax. There is also plenty of trees nearby to provide shade in the hot months. It is a great place for a picnic but it could use a washroom facility nearby.

Awesome park! With the coolest work out equipment all around the perimeter - a set of chinning…read morebars, a balance beam, a sit up bench, some step up stairs and a beautiful path through an area with trees.