Top Rated Parks to Visit in Alberta

"Prince’s Island is a park that divides the Bow River and finds itself between the Peace Bridge on the west and Centre St Bridge on the east. The island is so immense that it is home to many seasonal events and festivals (such as Folk Fest), the River Cafe, the Enmax stage, playgrounds, picnic areas and bike/walk trails. Facing south, you can perfectly capture the office and residence towers in Eau Claire and perhaps catch the geese and ducks in view by the river."

"Calgary’s own version of Central Park, the locals refer to Prince’s Island Park as an urban oasis. Located in Downtown Calgary, you need to cross the bridge to gain access to this park. If you’re traveling with children, get them here for an evening of running around, tossing around Frisbees or just lounging about in the greenery."

"A favourite urban escape for Calgarians, Prince’s Island Park sprawls across 20 hectares on a northward bend in the Bow River. It’s a fantastic place for travellers to enjoy some of the city’s quieter moments. There’s plenty to do in Prince’s Island Park."

"Just northwest of the city of Calgary is a beautiful expanse of grassland. Nose Hill Park covers 11 kilometers of ground, with several hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer in us all. While the park is relatively flat (Calgary is technically in the Canadian prairies even though it is a more westerly city), there is still a massive abundance of wildlife and flora to observe."

"This northwest Calgary park offers up both mountain and city views and has tons of paved pathways and grassy spaces to enjoy. Nose Hill Park also has designated off-leash areas, hiking trails, and native grasslands."

"The largest urban park in Canada, Fish Creek Provincial Park is situated in the southern area of the city, stretching from east to west over a distance of 19km. Fish Creek itself is an offshoot of the city’s Bow River and is a major feature of the park, alongside the man-made Sikome Lake, which is popular for swimming during the summer months. The eastern section of the park is also home to Artisan Gardens, as well as a visitor centre and the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, which is a great fine-dining option."

"Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second largest urban park in Canada, with more than 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. Birding enthusiasts can observe more than 200 bird species along with Great Blue Herons, ducks, geese, songbirds, and bald eagles that nest along the Bow River valley. The Provincial Park is so large it includes a boat launch, the McKenzie Meadows Golf Course, The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, and the Sikome Aquatic Facility for a family friendly day at the beach."

"Many people visit Fish Creek Park because of its natural forested condition. It houses several recreational activities throughout the year. Regardless of your age or physical ability, this park has something for you."

"Carburn Park is a vast natural area park along the Bow River with three man-made wetlands, a regional trail, and plenty of birds, waterfowl, and wildflowers to see. Senator Patrick Burns’ expansive prairie empire included Carburn Park, which was once the right-of-way for a train line that was to run between Calgary and Montana. Carburn Park was founded in the 1970s, and its name derives from “Carburn Aggregates,” the firm that purchased most of the land and built the ponds."

"It also has two man-made ponds, beautiful trees and really nice pathways all along the river. It is quaint and perfect for a short and sweet family photo session."

"If you love big trees, this Calgary park location is for you!. There is a little creek going through the park and really adorable small wooden bridges. It is a well traveled park so it is a little harder to find big open spaces without people in the background, but I am familiar with specific spots where you can be surrounded by all of the beautiful trees and you feel like you are completely alone in an enchanted forest."

"Marking the centennial of Canadian Confederation in 1967, Confederation Park is considered a model in landscape design. Natural wetland areas, thriving with aquatic vegetation and exotic species, sits side-by-side a natural playground, designed to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. A tipped over Voyageur canoe is the centrepiece of the natural playground, along with a multi-level fort and water pump kids will love."

"Confederation Park is located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary. It's one of the largest in the city, spanning through multiple communities including:. It's also home to the Confederation Park Golf Course, a 9-hole course with driving range and putting green."

"Spend the morning at Heritage Park, pick up some cheese buns and cinnamon rolls from the bakery and take them to South Glenmore Park to eat at the sheltered picnic tables. If you’re feeling energetic afterward, walk to the Weaselhead Natural Area or, if you know how to sail, rent a boat from the Glenmore Sailing School. 90 Ave. and 24 St. S.W."

"South Glenmore Park features the Weaselhead Natural Park, which is located on the south side of the reservoir. The Variety Children’s Center, a playground and water park open to autistic children, as well as the Glenmore Sailing School is also located in South Glenmore. Moreover, Quinterra Legacy Garden Project is scheduled to open in 2020."

"It has a toddler area, a big schooled aged play structure and a new nautical spray park. It has recently received new structures to the playground as well. The park area has mature trees and there are pathways that run by the playground that continue along the water."

"Location: 4500 14A St. S.W. This might be the best named beach in town. While there is some sand along the banks of the meandering Elbow River at Sandy Beach Park, there’s not a lot of it. Popular with dogs, toddlers, and rafters, Sandy Beach is actually more pebbly than sandy, but it’s on a quiet riverbank that can be crowded with rafters on the weekend."

"This is a great spot for first-dates or couples with fur babies. Go in the summer or fall for a barbecue or picnic beside the Elbow River down at Sandy Beach. Up on the ridge at off-leash River Park, stop for a chat on a bench and take in the perfect view of the downtown skyline while your pooch frolics on the hillside."

"Sandy Beach is one of those places you just want to pick up a sandwich or coffee from a local inner-city hot spot and head down to the shores of the river for a sunny afternoon. There is so much to do and see here all surrounded by some of Calgary's hottest inner-city neighbourhoods. Learn more about Sandy Beach"

"The large natural environment park runs for 164 hectares along the northern bank of the Bow River. Here you can bring your four-legged friend along and explore the mature riverine forest and grasslands on the hiking trails. Picnic at picturesque spots close to the waterfall where a scenic outlook provide panoramic views of the Bow River Valley."

"The boardwalk leads to Waterfall Valley, which is quite small, but a lot of fun for the kids. The water glistens in the sunlight as it trickles down the very unique rock face and looks very pretty. And since I love sharing fun facts; as per the City of Calgary website, it is “an unusual, spongy-looking, geological formation called tufa”."

"Bowmont Park has some of the nicest and relaxing pathways along the river. Spend your lazy summer days tubing down slow offshoots of the river or go for a long bike ride from here and end up anywhere in the city using the pathway systems. Learn more about Bowmont Park"

"You can’t go to one of the most Canadian cities in the country and not try the poutine. Fries, gravy, cheese curds. We needn’t say more but The Big Cheese in Calgary does anyways."

"A photo posted by Jessica Mossière (@jessicamossiere) on Mar 19, 2014 at 6:31pm PDT. You can get a regular pulled pork sandwich for at this joint for $6.89 – meaning you’ll probably be willing to splurge for a side of chili con carne, baked beans, or fresh corn bread. Address: 416 16th Avenue NEInstagram: @holysmokebbq_yyc"

"Whether you’re after a meal that’s big and meaty or, well, one that is even bigger and meatier, the bulk of Holy Smoke BBQ smoked meat sandwiches are priced to satisfy. Order a regular pulled pork, chopped beef or smoked chicken sandwich and two sides for under $12. Ditto, the smoked-chicken stew and chili con carne."

"With the variety of art pieces in its collection, Stephen Lowe Art Gallery is one of the best Calgary art galleries. The gallery may be smaller than other art galleries, but it is home to masterpieces from 70 Canadian artists. You can find paintings, stone and metal sculptures, glass and ceramic crafts, and other art exhibitions that you can admire and purchase."

"Stephen Lowe Art Gallery carries works by contemporary painters, sculptures, and potters. It is located on the second floor of the Bow Valley Square III building."

"Apik Art Gallery & Floral Boutique is committed to developing and promoting local artists by providing a welcoming artistic environment for them to learn, showcase their work, and be part of their artist collective. Tucked away in the Eau Claire Market, Apik Art Gallery attracts dozens of people to its open house event for Calgary’s Artwalk. This community-focused gallery emphasizes creative expression, no matter what your personal situation is."

"Globefish Sushi and Izakaya in Marda Loop is by far the best of the three Globefish restaurants in Calgary. It has consistently had the best tasting food out of all the locations each and every time. Inside you'll find a cozy, modern atmosphere great for intimate one-on-one dates and / or conversations that need due care and attention."

"This Calgary staple has grown to six locations, all of which are known for serving quality Japanese dishes in a fun, friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more. All of the locations also have a grab-and-go Kinjo Express that offers fresh food and drinks if you’re looking for something quick. Multiple locations, kinjosushiandgrill.com, @kinjo_sushi"

"No one does it better than Kinjo when it comes to chain sushi restaurants. With four locations around the city, its popularity is testament to its success as one of the best Calgary sushi restaurants there is. Kinjo is known for its affordable prices and large menu that gives customers a great selection of not just sushi, but other Japanese cuisine delights as well."

"Sukiyaki House has been the go-to sushi house in Calgary to get authentic Japanese cuisine in a contemporary chic setting, and it still is — but at your dinner table instead. The lunch and dinner menu features elevated items like house-made gyoza, crispy tempura, miso sablefish, and chicken karaage with a yuzu kewpie mayo. Of course, there’s also an extensive list of freshly prepared sushi to order from."

"Our first time visit was a fantastic evening, service was incredible and the server was very helpful in navigating the menu and features for some sushi... (403) 263-3003Order online. Superb178 Reviews4.5"