Plan your next picnic under the prettiest fall scenery in Calgary.
Let’s make the most of this warm fall weather with trips to the park, blanket feasts, and watching the golden sunsets over the Bow River.
Some of the more mature forested areas of the River Valley provide exceptionally colourful areas for picnicking. And the entire parkland surrounding the large Glenmore Reservoir can provide beautiful options for family outings, date nights, or big get-togethers.
Calgary offers reservable picnic sites through nine of the city’s different parks: Bowness, Edworthy, North or South Glenmore, Stanley, Shouldice, Sandy Beach, Prairie Winds, and Pearce Estates Park. But no matter the size of your picnic, these following areas are perfect for a meal under bright and colourful leaves.
There are a wide variety of parks and picnic areas in Calgary which also permit liquor consumption. Learn more here.
Heritage Park
The wide-open and grassy plaza in Heritage Park is a wonderful place for a picnic after a day of exploring the grounds. Pack some snacks or meals in a cooler back, as well as a blanket, and find yourselves a seat. There are a few benches and tables around, too, and you can always stock up on snacks at the Railway Café.
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
When: Until Thanksgiving Weekend
North Glenmore Park
Plan a pretty fall picnic for almost anywhere around the Glenmore Reservoir. North Glenmore Park is one of the city’s largest picnic areas with tree-lined paths sites for groups large or small. You may also reserve a spot here and access picnic sites that can seat up to 100 people. Details
Where: 7305 Crowchild Trail SW
Bowness Park
Travel to the west part of Calgary’s Bow River Valley for a memorable and scenic picnic under the blanket of mature and colourful foliage. Stay a while, and find yourself one of the park’s bookable fire pits or rings (all the fall colours are enhanced at sunset). Details
Where: 8900 48 Ave NW
Carburn Park
Carburn Park takes up over 100 hectares of central Calgary and is a great place to enjoy fall scenery, picnics, and wildlife viewing. But you may want to plan for some recreation around your picnic, as the park also has a lagoon for paddling, and several walking trails.
Spend the first warm fall day in Calgary watching for birds and small mammals, exploring the forested trails, all while enjoying a drink or a meal. Details
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. S.E.
Prince’s Island Park
You won’t find this Calgary park on the list of bookable picnic areas in the city. However, the fall beauty of the park makes it worth a few extra minutes of hunting for a table or blanket spot. The nearby River Café also offers picnic specials to enjoy in the park. Details
Where: 4 St. And 1 Ave. SW