Top Rated Parks to Visit in Calgary

"For a little slice of Central Park in the heart of Cowtown, take the bridge over to this island, with grassy fields made for tossing Frisbees, plus bike paths and ample space to stretch out. During the summer... Notable Building in Calgary"

"Prince’s Island Park is the perfect spot to escape the busyness of downtown Calgary without going far. Flower gardens, expansive grassy spaces, and several bridges make for a picturesque park in the city centre."

"Featuring 11sqkm (4sqmi) of native grasslands, Nose Hill Park is Calgary’s biggest park. It might be surrounded by residential neighborhoods, but the overall effect of the wild moors is one of rugged remoteness. Visitors are asked, kindly (this is Canada, after all), to stay off the grasslands as they’re a threatened ecosystem, but hikers and cyclists are still privy to panoramic views of downtown Calgary in the distance."

"Numerous hiking trails wind through 1129 hectares of indigenous grasslands to the summit of Nose Hill. The plateau provides spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the Bow River Valley, and the vast plains to the east. The aspen and willows along the north-facing slopes shelter many wild animals."

"To start our list of best dog parks in Calgary, we have the wonderful Nose Hill Park. This multipurpose park is located in the northwest part of Calgary and is a mutual favourite amongst humans and their four-legged friends. In terms of terrain, Nose Hill is quite hilly."

"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."

"As the second largest urban park in Canada, Fish Creek Park is overflowing with activities. With Sikome Lake, educational programs and local events happening constantly, there’s never a dull moment in this park. Make sure to hit the visitor centre on your way in so they can tell you what’s happening around the park that day and if any areas are closed to do marathons, local events or construction."

"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."

"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."

"Whether it's the winding paths, creek or the multiple parks to play on, you will love visiting Confederation Park. Learn more about Confederation Park"

"Bowness Park boasts a variety of experiences, including pathways that run alongside the Bow River, a tea house, a wading pool, and boat rentals to paddle on the park’s lagoon. There’s even a small train that runs through the park during the warmer months. Baker Park is located just across the river from Bowness Park, providing nature lovers with a grass amphitheatre, a disc golf course, and several archways and promenades, making this a popular spot for weddings."

"Perfectly manicured and home to flowers of all kinds, Baker Park is one of my favourite places in Calgary for photo sessions of all kinds. Couple, family, maternity or branding sessions, this is a great location for portraits. You can even book the main area with the stairs overlooking the Bow River for a wedding ceremony."

"This park is an incredible place to enjoy the south sun and have a picnic. Golf Frisbee anyone?. One of the best courses is here in Baker Park."

"You’d never know you were inside a shopping mall; instead, you might think you’re in an enormous exotic greenhouse. It is completely encased in glass and features a koi pond, a living wall, and several fountains. There are sprawling tropical plants and a distinct sense of being in an exotic greenhouse abroad, while actually in a Western metropolis."

"Opened in 1977 in the heart of downtown Calgary, this 2.5 acre indoor park and botanical garden is on Stephen Avenue between 2 St SW and 3 St SW. Recently renovated, it is completely enclosed in glass and includes a living wall, fountains, koi ponds and more than 500 trees. There is also a play area for kids. Admission to the gardens is free."

"This recently revitalized urban park in Calgary’s East Village offers up several unique features to explore. A seasonal beach, “The Rise” hill, the Bloom sculpture, and the Lookout Plaza are just some of the many spaces Calgarians can enjoy, along with paved walking paths and trails winding across the island."

"NE (you can access it by car through the South Zoo parking lot). Completed as part of the St. Patrick’s Island redevelopment project, this playground (and park) has become a Calgary favorite. The playground has a wonderful setting and includes unusual equipment."

"East Village Playground – East Village – 7 Ave and 6 St SESt. Patrick’s Island Playground – 1300 Zoo Rd."

"A post shared by Wayne Abat (@wacabat) on Jul 22, 2019 at 10:49pm PDT. When you head to this spot to dine, expect some seriously Insta-worthy moments courtesy of the bullet train sushi system, a concept that originated in Japan. Guests simply order on a tablet, and their food shoots out on a miniature train minutes later."

"Whether you love sushi or just enjoy a fun dining experience, you will find both at The One Sushi. This spot allows you to order your dishes on an iPad and they provide plenty of great choices. This is much like dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet without leaving your table."

"There is no server (they are there in case you need help but you only talk to them at the end of the meal when you pay for it). You order everything on an iPad (it’s very easy!) and it gets delivered via a bullet train."

"Offering a lunch ($17.95) and dinner ($27.95) buffet Monday to Thursday, and on Friday to Sunday for a dollar more, this spot serves up unlimited Japanese and Thai food you’ll need to satisfy your soul. Address: 201 10 Street NW"

"Kabuku Downtown is a comfortable sushi restaurant in Downtown Calgary with a simple, calming décor and an outdoor patio space. They specialize in serving fresh fish and artfully presented sushi rolls. Their menu has a wide selection of tempura, sashimi, nigiri sushi, and maki sushi rolls to choose from."

"This fast-casual eatery is focused on clean conscious eats and offers customers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options packed full of nutritious local ingredients. Address: 926 16 Avenue SW, CalgaryPhone: 403-561-9856"

"If you’re a vegan looking for some variety in your life, you’re in luck. Tamarind Vietnamese Grill & Noodle House is an incredibly tasty vegetarian Vietnamese establishment that serves up great dishes. It’s more than just your average pho house."

"1886 Buffalo Cafeonly serves breakfast, so as you’d expect, they’re really good at it. Their menu only has brunch items, breakfast burritos, egg dishes, omelettes, steak, etc. There are a few smaller dishes as well, if you’re not that hungry."

"If you’re looking for another breakfast nook with early opening hours, then this next entry is perfect for you. Brekkie Cafe opens up as early as 7 AM to welcome anyone who’s looking for a fresh and food-forward breakfast experience. This restaurant creates chef-made and perfected breakfast meals made from local and seasonal ingredients."

"If you’re a total breakfast babe, you’re going to love Brekkie as much as we do. They offer every breakfast option you could ever want to start your day. You must try their black velvet pancakes."