things to see + do
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St . Patrick ' s Island
PRINCE ' S ISLAND PARK
This inner-city park is surrounded by the Bow River and has plenty of pathways , gardens , benches , playgrounds , bike lanes , and picnic areas . Dogs are allowed on leashes . It ’ s the site of many events and festivals throughout the summer , and the hyper-local fine dining restaurant River Café is nestled in the park . It links the family-friendly park to the trendy East Village neighbourhood , and it connects to the stunning red Peace Bridge , one of Calgary ’ s most notable landmarks .
ST . PATRICK ' S ISLAND
Accessible from East Village neighbourhood via the George C . King Bridge is a family-friendly park with a playground , a hilltop with an amazing view of the city and a spot for tobogganing in the winter , a picnic grove with benches , a wading pool , and an art sculpture called Bloom that is illuminated every night .
PEARCE ESTATE PARK
Located near the community of Inglewood , this park features a 15-hectare reconstructed wetland and is home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and the Bow Habitat Visitor Centre , where guests can learn about the river ’ s fauna . There ’ s also a playground , picnic sites , and a trout pond where children can learn to fish .
READER ROCK GARDEN
This inner-city hidden gem is a tranquil spot to take in some beautiful gardens full of dozens of different plants and flowers . Stop by the Reader ’ s Garden Café ( open from mid-May to mid-October ) for some tea and a light lunch or snack .
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Pa r ks + Gardens
Calgary ’ s beautiful public parks and gardens are free to access and easily explored up close on foot or by bike in the summer and winter . Visit calgary . ca / CSPS / Parks for more information .
BOWNESS PARK
This park has pathways for running , biking , and cross-country skiing , a skating rink , a lagoon for paddle boating , picnic tables , wading pools , and a brand-new spray park . Enjoy a casual meal in the Seasons of Bowness Park restaurant , or get your meal to go and enjoy your food outside for a picnic . Canoe , paddle boat , and ice skate rentals are available onsite .
FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
Canada ’ s largest stretch of urban parkland has a plethora of shared paths for walking and biking , benches , fire pits , and picnic tables , and is home to a variety of wildlife including deer , rabbits , owls , and amphibians . Hungry ? In the summer , make a pit stop at Annie ’ s , a casual café with light lunch fare and ice cream , or dine year-round at the elegant Bow Valley Ranche restaurant .
CONFEDERATION PARK
Just a short drive north from the downtown core , Confederation Park is perfect for those who want to feel like they ’ ve escaped the city without actually doing so . The park features bike paths , baseball diamonds , tennis courts , and playgrounds . In the wintertime , there ’ s a public skating rink and groomed cross-country skiing trails .
NOSE HILL PARK
This elevated parkland has one of the best views of the city with sightlines of everything from the Saddledome to The Bow building to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains . Its marked trails are perfect for hiking and long walks . An off-leash area is available for dogs .
RALPH KLEIN PARK
This stunning man-made wetland is an expansive area that features a picnic area , a community orchard , beautiful views , and the gorgeous Environmental Ethics Centre that can be used for events and programs .
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( TOP ) BY NEIL ZELLER ; ( BOTTOM ) COURTESY PARKS CANADA calgary . be part of the energy . visitcalgary . com