Calgary 
Now that the sun’s out and the leaves are budding, it’s time to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. And lucky for us, Calgary has a lot to offer in that department. Check out one of these 25 Nature Attractions and Parks in and around Calgary. There are hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, off-leash dog parks, birding areas, and much more. Make sure you always bring water and leave no trace when you’re done. Enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and the nature all around you this summer in Calgary!
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Bowness Park
Bowness Park is a beautiful section of land along the Bow River. It has hiking trails and fun areas to explore. Bring a picnic or hop on your bike (or both!) and enjoy this popular park.Location: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary
Confederation Park
With over 162 hectares of land, there’s plenty of space at Confederation Park. Be sure to look for the rock garden as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Location: 905 30 Ave NW, Calgary
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill is the 4th largest urban park in Canada. You can access it from 12 different neighbourhoods! There’s an off leash section for dogs, and a great pond for bird watching. Keep an eye out for the rock labyrinth hidden among the hills.
Location: 5620 14 St NW, Calgary
Tom Campbell’s Hill Natural Park
If you love seeing Calgary’s skyline from a beautiful viewpoint, hit up Tom Campbell’s Hill. There’s an off leash area for dogs, a stunning view of the city, and amazing hiking trails.
Location: 25 St Georges Dr NE, Calgary
Sue Higgins Park
If you’ve never been to Sue Higgins Park, go check it out this summer! You can traverse the island and trek the river banks. There is a great walking loop for your enjoyment as well.
Location: Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary
Reader Rock Garden
This historic site offers beautiful trees, plants, and shrubs that you may not find elsewhere in Calgary. The original tenant used the area to test different plants in order to find out what would grow in Calgary’s sometimes hostile land.
Location: 325 25 Ave SE, Calgary
Douglasbank Park
Head to Douglasbank Park for a place away from it all. Even though it’s in the middle of Calgary, it feels like you’re exploring the countryside. There are bike paths and walking trails to enjoy.
Location: 2191 Douglasbank Crescent SE, Calgary
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
This gem of Inglewood is a beautiful open space with walking paths, beautiful scenery, and lots of birds and other wildlife to keep an eye out for. Bring your binoculars and your friends and enjoy the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary!Location: 2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Carburn Park
If you like hanging out near ponds and picturesque trees, Carburn Park is the place for you. There are three man-made ponds, plenty of benches, and awesome views. You can look for local wildlife while enjoying the sun and stretching your legs.
Location: 67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary
Beaver Dam Flats
This natural park is the habitat to many birds, insects, and other wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for something new every time you go. Bring your bike or take a walk through this beautiful area.
Location: 3A6, Bow River Pathway, Calgary
Weaselhead Flats
Right at the mouth of the Elbow River is Weaselhead Flats, an over 237 hectare park. You can enjoy hiking trails, common wildlife sightings, and beautiful tall trees.
Location: 37 St SW & 66 Avenue SW, Calgary
Griffith Woods Park
Head to Griffith Woods Park and enjoy the Discovery Ridge Ponds as well as awesome hiking paths and beautiful views of the Elbow River. You’ll likely see some ducks and maybe a beaver.Location: 160 Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, Calgary
Edworthy Park
Edworthy Park has it all: lots of space for activities, amazing trees, and big hills. Located along the Bow River, it allows for lots of fun outdoor sports and plenty of nature to explore.
The Douglas Fir Trail is part of Edworthy Park and is known for its dense forests within the city. Here, you will see incredible views of the Bow River Valley from the 200-foot high escarpment.
Location: 5050 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
Stanley Park
Normally home to an outdoor pool, parks, and lawn bowling, you can still enjoy Stanley Park among closures of such things. Check out their pathways, large picnic areas, and Elbow River Views.
Location: 4011 1a St SW, Calgary
Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a favourite among Calgarians. It’s a beautiful island with many species of birds, including swans, and biking and hiking trails connecting you all over the river valley. You just might get lucky and see a busker playing some tunes on a sunny day.
Location: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach has kilometers of small areas near the river that you can enjoy with your family, or large grassy areas for physically distant picnics. Bring your dog to the off leash area, or enjoy the varied biking paths in this beautiful park.
Location: 4500 14a St SW, Calgary
North Glenmore Park
Come enjoy a BBQ at one of the picnic areas in North Glenmore Park. Go for a walk or bike ride along the many trails, and take in the view of the Glenmore Reservoir.Location: 7305 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary
South Glenmore Park
South of the Glenmore Reservoir is this stunning park with extensive hiking and biking trails, great bird watching, and waterfront views.
Location: 8415 24 St SW, Calgary
Bebo Grove
Bebo Grove is a great part of the Fish Creek Provincial Park with a 5.6 kilometer looped trail. It’s a great place to get away from the city and take in some of the natural world around you.
Location: 13610 24 St SW, Calgary
Shaws Meadow
Another section of Fish Creek Provincial Park, Shaws Meadow has fantastic views of the local landscape and trails to walk or bike.
Location: 114 R Shawnee Pl SW, Calgary
Marshall Springs
Marshall Springs is an area within Fish Creek Provincial Park. You can see beaver dams nearby, as well as wildlife and unique vegetation.
Location: 2300 Fish Creek Blvd, Calgary
Lafarge Meadows
A very diverse spot in Fish Creek Provincial Park, this is a good place to try out those new hiking boots. Head to the river or into the grasslands. Whichever way you go, you’ll be happy you went!Baker Park
This gorgeous spot is a common place for wedding photos, due to its picturesque view and beautiful landscaping. Come enjoy the 12 hectares of land at your disposal for walks, bikes, or taking Instagram pics!
Location: 4320 Bow River Pathway, Calgary
Lougheed House – Beaulieu Gardens
Stroll through the formal Beaulieu Gardens, situated on the 2.8 acre Lougheed estate.
Location: 707 – 13 Ave. S.W. Calgary
The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Credit: The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Explore this secret garden in Calgary. There are over fourteen individual gardens each displaying unique features and all identified with a hand-painted garden sign. These garden areas are all accessible by connecting walking paths of mulch leading throughout the entire area.
Location: 37 Silver Springs DR NW, Calgary
