Calgary 
Alberta is inviting public feedback on the draft terms of reference for the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park Management Plan. The online survey is open until September 16, 2025, and is part of a broader consultation process that includes engagement with Indigenous communities, local municipalities, and landowners.
Credit: Govt. of Alberta
The management plan aims to balance rising visitor demand with the need to protect Glenbow Ranch‘s unique ecological and cultural resources. The park, located along the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane, spans over 1,314 hectares and receives close to 100,000 visitors annually. Approximately 80 per cent of the park consists of native fescue grassland, an increasingly rare ecosystem threatened by urban expansion. Other natural features include aspen woodlands, wetlands, springs, creeks, and sections of the Bow River.
Glenbow Ranch was officially designated a provincial park in 2008 and opened to the public in 2011. Its infrastructure includes a trail and pathway system, parking, toilets, and education and visitor centres. The park operates from sunrise to sunset, with exceptions made for specific events.
The land was originally acquired from the Harvie family, who continue to support the park through the Harvie Conservancy Foundation. The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, through a partnership with the provincial government, plays a key role in park operations, infrastructure development, and public engagement efforts.
Cultural and historical features within the park include archaeological sites, the remains of the Glenbow sandstone quarry, and the Canadian Pacific Railway line built in 1883. These elements reflect both Indigenous history and early settler activity in the area. The park also presents opportunities for Indigenous-led tourism based on traditional practices and cultural connections to the land.
In addition to the survey, Albertans can contribute feedback through an interactive online map or by participating in scheduled trailhead conversations with government representatives at the park.
The public’s input will help shape the final management plan, which will guide future conservation, recreation, and operational decisions for the park.
Glenbow Ranch Management Plan Details
