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| Calgary’s Public Parks and Zoos |
If you want to experience the Calgary that locals have learned to love then visit the various public parks. There are several parks to choose from depending on what you intend to do. If you want to go deer or elk-spotting then visit the Fish Creek Provincial Park. If you want to bask in the natural beauty of an untouched land then go visit the Nose Hill Park.
When going park-hopping you have to remember the basic rules involving time requirements and prohibitions. Calgary parks generally open at 5 in the morning and close at 11 in the evening unless some parks indicate different schedules.
Always observe basic safety rules like the wearing of safety equipment as well as the speed limit of 20 kilometers when driving along pathways. If you happen to visit the park with a pet then always keep them leashed and clean up after them unless you want to pay a fine of $250. Admire the plants but never prune or remove them or else pay a fine of $500.
1. Clearwater Tipi Park
The Clearwater Tipi Park is a good place for family picnics as it is secluded giving you the privacy you need to enjoy a quiet day in the park. It is a favorite destination of schools and other organizations as it offers day only or overnight bookings.
Located along Highway #8, the park has been earmarked as a venue for programs and events hosted by community groups. It has been identified as a reservation area and it is being managed as such pending the completion and implementation of a master plan to ensure the park’s sustainability.
You can visit the park anytime between Easter and Thanksgiving every year. It can accommodate up to thirty people and provides up to 40 acres of free space for community activities.
It is an ideal venue for overnight stays offering four tipis, each of which can accommodate up to seven kids or up to six adults. It also has a festival tent for group picnics, two toilets, fire rings inclusive of firewood, mini kitchen with stoves, cookware and utensils as well as a storage room.
2. Off-Leash Parks
Calgarians are generally dog-friendly and the rising number of dogs in the city has urged the city government to allow the establishment of off-leash parks on certain communities. As a general guide, all Calgary parks are on-leash parks except when there is a posted notice that it is to be considered as an off-leash park. But despite this notice, dogs should be put on leash when they are at least 20 meters away from a playground.
Calgary has very strict rules on dogs so you have to take note of the basic rules involving pet dogs like they should be on leash when passing pathways. The size of the leash should be less than two meters and you have to pay a penalty of $75 if you exceed this length.
Biking, skateboarding or inline skating while carrying a dog on a leash is prohibited and is also subject to a penalty. Bodies of water inside the parks are also off limits for dogs.
3. Riveredge Park
The Riveredge Park can be found along 1215 - 50 Avenue S.W., near Elbow River and Sandy Beach. While it is located in the center of Calgary it is however secluded and has a fenced open space of about 35 acres.
It is a very good site for camping with areas for tents, washrooms, cooking and storage. Campers can also have access to an emergency phone. It is often occupied by campers during summer.
4. Outdoor Skating Rinks
There are plenty of outdoor skating rinks in Calgary that are open to the public from December to February. An exception is the Olympic Plaza which boasts of a refrigerated ice facade so it is open from November to March every year. Outdoor rinks that are maintained by the Park authority are free but they do not allow the use of hockey sticks.
The City of Calgary operates the following outdoor skating rinks:
Bowness Lagoon
Olympic Plaza
Prairie Winds
Marlborough Park
5. Parks with BBQ Pits/Stands
It is advisable to book ahead of time to make sure the place is available on an exclusive basis. They provide firewood for cooking for booked visits. The Park however allows camping stoves.
The following parks have BBQ stands
Stanley Park
Bowness Park
Shouldice Park
North Glenmore Park
Sandy Beach
Pearce Estate Park
Edworthy Park
6. Tennis Courts
If you do not want to miss out on your tennis practice even while on vacation at Calgary then no worry because the city operates at least one hundred and sixty outdoor tennis courts in various locations. Nets are however set up only before the start of the tennis season which is between the months of May and October.
Public tennis courts are padlocked when tennis is off season to protect the courts and to prevent damage. The courts may however open early depending on the weather condition. When the tennis courts are open and the nets are set up then anyone can play subject to the rules and regulations. If you want to learn tennis in Calgary then take advantage of the tennis lessons offered by the government.
7. Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo which can be found on St. George’s Island along the Bow River has its beginnings as far back as the 20th century. The Zoo prides itself for providing animals with a natural habitat which protects them from predators. The zoo aims to encourage the breeding of endangered species.
This is a place that will surely be adored by children who will marvel at the life-size replicas of dinosaurs as well as the magnificent sight offered by the butterfly garden.
8. Prince’s Island Park
The Prince’s Island Park was named as such because of its location. Families will fall in love with this Park which located in an island along the Bow River. It is adjacent to the Eau Claire Market and one can just as easily travel from the zoo to the marketplace for a quick bite or some sightseeing and shopping.
The Park is a favorite destination of both children and adults who love biking and roller blading under the warm summer sun. Summer is also a time for various music festivals held in the park for its visitors.
9. Fish Creek Provincial Park
The Fish Creek Provincial Park provides vast greenery to both locales and tourists. Those who love to go horseback riding can explore the horse trails strategically placed inside the Park. It offers hiking and biking facilities as well as learning facilities for children. Take your pick of the Canadian food fare offered by the Bow Valley Ranch House just within the park’s vicinity.
10. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is adjacent to the Bow River and a good spot for bird watching. The 80 square meter Park was originally owned by a police officer. This is a favorite spot for bird watchers because local bird species can be spotted anytime of the year. However a lot of other species can be spotted along the park during spring and fall.
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