Best Parks in Calgary for Outdoor Leisure & Recreation

Calgary is well known for its extensive pathway and park system that interconnects communities across the city. With over 8,000 hectares of parks and natural reserves, these are often home to baseball diamonds, soccer fields, wading pools, barbecue pits, and recreation centres, making them year-round hotspots for locals and tourists alike. Below, we explore several of Calgary’s best parks and what they have to offer.

Fish Creek Provincial Park 

• Address: South Calgary
• Key Features: Sikome Lake, 80+ km of pathways, picnic areas, group shelters, birdwatching, boat-launching, cross-country skiing, learning centres, Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of Calgary’s best parks. It just so happens to be one of Canada’s largest urban parks as well, offering more than 80 kilometres of paved and unpaved trails for year-round walking, hiking, biking, and exploring.

Sikome Lake, a shallow man-made lake perfect for families, draws summer crowds for swimming and picnics, while the park’s beautiful forests, prairie meadows, and riverbanks are ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

You’ll also find fishing spots, group shelters, and local dining at the historic Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Its accessible, sprawling landscape makes Fish Creek Provincial Park a favourite for outdoor adventures, especially for those living in the South Calgary District.

Heritage Park 

• Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• Key Features: Living history museum, historic village, exhibits, bakery, restaurants, seasonal events, family-friendly activities, farm animals, train ride, boat ride

Heritage Park is Canada’s largest living history museum, spanning 127 acres along the Glenmore Reservoir in southwest Calgary.

Step back in time with costumed actors, over 180 exhibits, and a genuine historical village featuring old-school buildings and artisan shops. Ride an antique steam train or the S.S. Moyie paddle-wheeler, enjoy fresh treats from the bakery, or dine at one of several on-site restaurants.

The park hosts seasonal festivals and educational events that are delightful for young children throughout the year. Its immersive experiences and charming setting make it one of the best parks in Calgary for families, school groups, and history buffs alike.

Nose Hill Park

• Address: 6465 14th Street NW
• Key Features: Natural grassland, 60+ km of trails, off-leash areas, native prairie ecosystem, city and mountain views, wildlife viewing

Nose Hill Park is a massive urban natural area in northwest Calgary, covering 11 square kilometres—making it one of the largest city parks in North America.

Its rolling hills and native grasslands offer more than 60 kilometres of trails for hiking, running, and biking. Enjoy panoramic views of the downtown Calgary skyline to the south and Rocky Mountains to the west amid its beautiful natural prairie setting.

Spot deer, hawks, eagles, coyotes, birds, and other wildlife amid its abundant trees and grasslands, but make sure to keep an eye on your dog in off-leash areas. For those looking for quiet solitude amid nature’s beauty, Nose Hill Park is a true local treasure that’s got you covered.

Stanley Park 

• Address: 4011 1A Street SW
• Key Features: Wading pool, swimming pool, barbecue pits, picnic tables, baseball diamond, outdoor ice rink, Elbow River access

Stanley Park is quite popular with locals and offers plenty to visitors. In the summer, its outdoor BBQ areas, baseball diamond, swimming pool, and wading pool are hotspots for activities and family fun.

The park also provides safe access to and from the Elbow River for water recreation such as kayaking and tubing. It’s an excellent place to go if you want to have an outdoor BBQ, play games on an open field, float on the river, or perhaps sit poolside and soak up the sun.

Situated close to MNP Community & Sport Centre, many people park at the recreation centre and run to Stanley Park, or vice versa, for a workout along the meandering river pathways.

Confederation Park 

• Address: 905 30th Avenue NW
• Key Features: Paved pathways, children’s playgrounds, wetland, toboggan hills, picnic areas, bike pump track, Confederation Park Golf Course and driving range

Confederation Park is a sprawling urban green space stretching through several northwest Calgary neighbourhoods. It’s known for its long-paved pathways—ideal for cycling, jogging, and dog walks—alongside a beautiful eight-hectare wetland that attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

The park is home to a 9-hole golf course and driving range, plus wide-open fields excellent for soccer, frisbee, and picnics. In winter, locals flock here for tobogganing and cross-country skiing across its slightly sloped terrain.

Families enjoy the playgrounds and calm creek ambiance, while teenagers love the bike pump track. Overall, Confederation Park is by far one of the best Calgary parks you’ll find in the northwest.

Shouldice Park 

• Address: 4900 Monserrat Drive NW
• Key Features: Children’s playground, Bow River access, water sport rentals, swimming pool, sports fields, hockey rink, batting cage, tennis and basketball courts, open fields

Shouldice Park is a riverside park in northwest Calgary known as a hub of sports activity. The park features numerous sports amenities, including baseball and football fields, tennis and basketball courts, a hockey rink, a swimming pool, and a batting cage, making it a favourite for sports enthusiasts.

It also has an accessible playground with ramp access for children of varying abilities. Paddle Station’s on-site rentals make launching a kayak or raft on the Bow River easy and convenient. Picnic tables and scenic river pathways are also found at this best park in Calgary’s northwest, perfect for leisurely gatherings and strolls.

St. Patrick’s Island 

• Address: 1300 Zoo Road NE
• Key Features: Natural wading pools, riverside pathways and parks, children’s playground, tobogganing hill, small amphitheatre, lowland channels, elevated walkways

St. Patrick’s Island is a beautifully restored green space in downtown Calgary, nestled between the Bow River and the Calgary Zoo.

This best-in-class park spans 31 hectares and features unique elements like natural wading pools, a children’s playground, inviting picnic lawns, and several scenic spots to take in downtown’s beautiful riverside views. Elevated walkways and a lowland channel with tall trees wind through its parkland, offering quiet places to stroll or relax by the water.

In summer, the island transforms into a lively festival hub, with food trucks and community events attracting locals and visitors alike. The small amphitheatre hosts various events and gatherings in a laid-back riverside setting, while the children’s playground and tobogganing hill doubles as seating for live performances. The east side of the park connects directly to the Calgary Zoo and shares a parking lot, making it an ideal place to stop in before or after.

Edworthy Park 

• Address: 5050 Spruce Drive SW
• Key Features: Firepits, BBQ stands, picnic sites, gazebos, seasonal washrooms, trails and pathways, off-lease areas, Bow River access, children’s playground

Edworthy Park is a sprawling riverside retreat straddling both sides of the Bow River, making it easy to reach from northwest or southwest Calgary. It has an extensive network of forested trails that are perfect for walking, running, or cycling, leading to Bowness Park to the west and to the walkable Kensington BIA to the east.

Families love Edworthy Park’s picnic sites, gazebos, playground, and numerous fire pits, ideal for barbecues or gatherings with loved ones. Enjoy scenic riverbanks with shallow waters, which provide excellent spots to launch rafts and canoes.

Situated on the north side of the park, Angel’s Café offers delicious sandwiches, ice cream, wraps, and more delightful treats in a comfortable, home-like setting.

Rotary Park 

• Address: 617 1st Street NE
• Key Features: Open green space, children’s playgrounds, water spray park, seasonal washrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, off-leash dog area, Mount Pleasant Tennis Club

Rotary Park is a gem located in Calgary’s inner city community of Crescent Heights, with sweeping views of downtown and the Bow River Valley.

Families flock to the park during summer for the large children’s playground, water spray park, and vast open green space perfect for picnics and play. There’s a popular off-leash area where dogs can run free alongside shady pathways.

The park also has picnic spots, seasonal washrooms, and plenty of open space to relax or toss a frisbee. Enjoy the tennis courts and lawn bowling, which are operated independently for those seeking more activity.

Prince’s Island Park 

• Address: 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
• Key Features: Open green fields, amphitheatre, children’s playground, paved pathways, wetlands, flower gardens, picnic areas, water fountains, ice skating, annual festivals, River Café

Prince’s Island Park is a lush, 20-hectare retreat just steps from downtown Calgary and the sought-after Eau Claire condo community.

As one of Calgary’s best parks, it hosts major annual festivals like Canada Day, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Expo Latino, and Afrikadey, drawing crowds throughout the summer.

Scenic pathways wind through beautiful flower gardens, wetlands, and spacious green lawns perfect for picnics, leisure, and relaxing by the river. Kids can enjoy a large playground, while winter brings outdoor skating on the lagoons. The highly reputed River Café offers a uniquely Canadian dining experience with fresh, local ingredients in a stunning riverside garden setting.

Tom Campbell’s Hill 

• Address: 25 St George’s Drive NE
• Key Features: Panoramic city and mountain views, paved trails, off-leash dog area, grassy slopes, fireworks viewpoint

Tom Campbell’s Hill Natural Area is a unique inner-city park perched above the sought-after Bridgeland community, overlooking Memorial Drive and the Bow River. Spanning 18 hectares, it offers spectacular panoramic views of downtown Calgary and the distant Rocky Mountains to the west.

The park’s network of paved and natural trails attracts hikers, bikers, and dog walkers, with dedicated off-leash zones for dogs to enjoy. Grassy slopes are excellent places to relax, picnic, and enjoy the panoramic city views.

Many Calgarians use the park for unobstructed views of fireworks, especially during New Year’s celebrations at the nearby Calgary Zoo.

Weaselhead Flats 

• Address: 37th Street & 66th Avenue SW
• Key Features: 237 hectares, hiking and biking trails, paved and dirt pathways, cross-country skiing, seasonal washrooms and water fountains, abundant wildlife

Weaselhead Flats is one of Calgary’s largest and most diverse natural parks, covering 237 hectares at the edge of the Glenmore Reservoir. Its extensive network of paved and unpaved trails offers year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring.

In winter, visitors enjoy peaceful cross-country skiing surrounded by nature. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts flock here to spot a wide range of plant and animal species unique to this river delta ecosystem; you could also see bears and wolves, so be careful!

Seasonal bathrooms and water fountains make visits more convenient, whether you’re on a long bike ride or a family stroll. Enjoy this best park in Calgary’s southwest area at any time of the year!

Calgary Parks are the Best!

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, Calgary’s best parks offer something for everyone all year round. Step outside and discover your new favourite green space in this vibrant city, and enjoy!

See more of the Best in Calgary activities, restaurants, and events today!