Calgary 
Fish Creek Provincial Park makes it easy to see a wilder side of Calgary.
Escape some city noise and enjoy the park’s natural surroundings alongside the Bow River or the Fish Creek- any time of the year! The park’s trails, one of Fish Creek Park’s main attractions, are open all year and can be followed on bike or foot for over 30km through Provincial areas. Beyond the Provincial Park, however, are even more paved trails leading out of the park and into neighbourhoods, or all the way downtown.
Spring and fall are beautiful times for picnics, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and exploring the scenery. Sikome Aquatic Centre, and the peaceful Bow River boating, make Fish Creek an equally as popular summer destination.
1. Birdwatching & Wildlife Watching
The park is a convenient stop for anyone travelling across southern Alberta. Escape the noise of Calgary’s city streets and take a walk in the large southern park!
Fish Creek winds through most of south Calgary with part of it following the Bow River.
There is an extensive network of paths in the park which will reveal the hundreds of birds which you may spot on a hike or bike ride. Some of the migratory birds you could spot here include pintails, teals, grebes, green herons, eagles, and hawks.
Some permanent resident birds include blue jays, chickadees, and woodpeckers.
2. Indoor or Outdoor Dining
Take your pick from 12 different picnic areas within the park for a beautiful riverside or Creekside dining experience. These day-use areas also have amenities like washrooms, tap water, or shelters.
You can plan yourself a luxury picnic, or plan for a luxury dining experience with the park’s Bow Valley Ranch Restaurant. The scenic restaurant has extensive dining options, too, like afternoon tea, dome dining events, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Remember to book your Thanksgiving Brunch as soon as possible.
3. Biking & Mountain Biking
You can follow paved bike paths either north, south, or west through Fish Creek PP. A ride to the west on the paved trail takes you alongside the Fish Creek Ravine, while a north-to-south trip can begin at Lafarge Meadows or Mallard’s Point. It is easy to lose track of time exploring the relatively easy bike paths around the park! And if you’re confident in your mountain biking skills, you can take to the maintained trails or the Mountain Bike Skills Park.
4. Boating on the Bow
Launch your boat onto the Bow from Fish Creek Park and enjoy a peaceful ride that takes you out of the southeast corner of Calgary. The Boat Launch and day use area are open until October 11th in 2022. The next major stepping-off point is at McKinnon Flats.
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5. Photography & Fall Colours
Bring your camera or ensure your phone is charged for a visit to the park! The trails, bridges, river, and creek are all lined with a colourful and warm display of trees and shrubs. The fall season is also a great time to watch for birds and wildlife. You’ll find numerous spots around the park for backdrops in weddings, family, or any other group photos.
6. The Ghosts of Fish Creek Walking Tour
Get dressed in your scariest Halloween costume, and join for a ghost tour with Wayne Meikle, Founding Member of the Friends of Fish Creek and former Alberta Parks Staff. You can hear about the myriad of mysterious happenings as you tour the historic Bow Valley Ranch area. The Ghosts of Fish Creek Walking Tour
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Planning your Trip – Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is unique in that it is within Calgary’s city limits and stretches quite a distance through parts of the city’s south side.
The provincial park offers a quiet escape for those who live here and a fun place to go for visitors. Part of the park follows the Bow River and creates an extensive network of paths within the river valley. Bikers, e-bikers, joggers, hikers, and fat-tire-bikers alike can enjoy these multi-use pathways.
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Best time to go:
Open year-round.
Ghost Tour in October
How to get there:
East access: Take Bow Bottom Trail SE all the way to the south end; or, access Sun Valley Blvd. SE via Stoney Trail
West access: exit Stoney Trail on 130th Ave SW, and head south on Woodpath Rd. SW
How Much?
Free!
Ghost Tour: $8.45
For more information:
Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre
