I visited Prince's Island Park while on a work trip in Calgary. Wow. What a beautiful park. I went…read moreon a jog from downtown Calgary where my hotel was and it is so nice to have a large park so close to the city. I think there's ~50 acres of land with plenty of well-maintained walkways for walking, jogging, biking. This seems like a perfect place to go on a date, walk around a bit during a work break, read a book on the many places to sit there, or just walk/jog like I did. There is also a cafe located near the center in the park. Unfortunately it was closed when I visited but I heard it's good!

This beautiful, 50 acre"urban park" is found on the north side of downtown Calgary by the Eau…read moreClaire neighborhood and is a fantastic place to get out in nature - even though it's in such close proximity to the city. There are paved walking paths and gravel trails - all very well maintained. We saw lots of geese and ducks and butterflies too - it was surprisingly peaceful! I imagine this would be a great place for migratory bird watching when the time is right! Lots of articles call this park the "heart" of Calgary...it certainly is popular but I can see why. It's lovely - there's tons of flower gardens, some native bee habitats, and it's surrounded by the Bow river on all sides and even has a lagoon that you can ice skate on in winter. Calgary holds lots of festivals here. There are picnic areas and playgrounds and even a cute little cafe. Several bridges connect it to downtown Calgary and one of them connects you to the other more northern side as well. It's very walkable and easy to access - I'd definitely say it's handicap accessible as a good portion of the paths are paved and flat. There are lots of info signs dotted around the island as well. Definitely a must see when visiting the city! We loved it!

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.

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.

calm lil place, atmosphere is nice. went here for the solar eclipse. got scammed no eclipse. only…read moreleft with permanent black mark in my right eye overall great

An absolutely gorgeous library. Did you know this is the first library in the province? Over 100…read moreyears old. Surrounded by stunning Gardens- peonies are peaking this time of year

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!

As stated in the City of Calgary invite:…read more "A unique and progressive collaboration between artists, architects, landscape architects and engineers, Parkdale Plaza features benches and bike racks, native vegetation, sweeping river views, an upgraded stormwater outfall and an integrated public art piece. The Outflow artwork is a sculpture of an inverted mountain, namely Mount Peechee, which is just north of Canmore in the Bow River watershed. Also a functioning component of The City's stormwater system, the artwork invites visitors to explore the delicate balance between our natural and built environments. It encourages Calgarians to think about the origins of our water and our role in its protection. Visitors will take an inside look as water travels from our streets and back out to the Bow River." I've watched the progress of this new park and art installation over the past months and have been exited for it's completion. The park is nicely situated and provides a good spot to relax and enjoy the river view. There are comfortable benches and the pathway is individually placed cobbles for a very rustic finish. The art installation "Outflow" is both functional and visually impacting. As a component of the stormwater collection system it stands out as the prettiest storm water retention system I have ever seen. I love the inverted mountain idea and while I have heard a few people say they just don't get it, don't overthink it. The Peace Bridge took a lot of heat and some have been able to shift their view to see the asthetic it adds and I hope they see the same with Outflow.

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.

One enjoyable mid-day walk is to walk parts of Prince's Island Park and maybe climb the stairs at…read moreMcHugh Bluff. It's good for the calves and when I got to the top, I felt that my huffing and puffing was well earned (especially after a heavy Lunch). Another payoff is the view and the desire to go back down and try it again! The last time I made the climb, there were some pretty hard core folks working the stairs. I watched one guy time himself repeatedly as he ran up 2 of the flights at full speed. I saw another sprint the entire 167 stair length. I admired all that action and then decided on a gentler approach of wandering off on one of the other various pathway choices that the Bluff has to offer.

McHugh Bluff is really also called the Stairs. Yes there is the long stairs there where you walk up…read moreto an awesome view. You get to see the view of downtown buildings. Great for picture taking. McHugh Bluff is kind of linked to Prince's Island Park. Great exercise here.

What a lush and beautiful garden, unlike anything I've personally ever seen, right inside a…read moreshopping center. People were seated having lunch, conversations, reading quietly. Meandering around looking at the ponds, fish, plants and other water features gives a sense of peace in a busy shopping environment. Very unique and lovely space.

Okay, this is not an extensive Botanical Garden, but it's still a lovely place, in the middle of a…read moreshopping center. They have a nice selection of different plants. Love the different textures and blooms. Signage is available to let you know what you are looking at. Some excellent spots for taking photos or selfies. The many people I saw, individuals, couples and families were all enjoying the chance to spend some time indoors (it was a little chilly outside) but still be in nature. Nice :)

This is THE venue for Summer Festivals this year. The outdoor space will be the hot spot for local…read morefestivals like the Carifest to the must-go-to events from Major Lazer Block Party and the One Love Tour with NAS and J.Cole! This was my first time here since the science centre moved, I think about 4 years ago, whoaaaa, time flies! It was down-pouring rain the day and night before so I was expecting the lawn to be wet, and wet it was. But fortunately for us, the sun was out and by mid-afternoon the grass was drier not completely dry except on the parts of the land that was more uphill. As a venue I think the Shaw Millennium Park is perfect for small to medium sized crowds. Truth be told, I'm nervous about the Major Lazer Block Party. Last year it was held at Prairie Winds Park, and it was perfect for the 3000 people in attendance. At Carifest this weekend, I would guess that there was probably about 500-1000 people throughout the day at the park, and I could see how this concentration of people affected lines for the bathrooms and food trucks. Takeaways, if the stage is located with the castle-like building behind it, it is extremely breathtaking. The LRT (our transit) is located 2 minutes away. Paid parking is available around the venue. If it has been raining or will look like it is about to rain, wear comfy CLOSED-TOED shoes. Wet feet can and will ruin your day. If you're attending the park for an event, hope that less than 1000 people show up. If more than 1000 people show up, don't break your seal. :)

Once upon a time I had a part time job at Staples on 9th Ave and kids would always come in with…read moretheir skateboards to buy a drink. I would always wonder where they came from... until I found out there was a skate park right across the street in Shaw Millennium park. While out for a run yesterday, I decided to jog on over to check it out. I haven't been spotted on a skateboard since I borrowed my brothers to roll down a hill with when I was 9 or 10, so I figured a run through it would be enough for me to check it out. It's mostly covered in snow for the season, but it wasn't so deep that I couldn't walk around for a looksee! Other than a walk around, there's isn't much for the average park goer to do at the moment... unless you want to head in and check out the murals. Yep! It's got murals, 6 of them total in fact from local artists commissioned by the city. My fave... the graffiti from TheKidBelo entitled Vitae Amoris... although The Birds and The Bees by Wil Yee was a close second! Yelp Kicks Butt Challenge: 2/10