10 Best Picnic Spots in Calgary
Calgary is a beautiful city in Alberta, Canada, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. It offers an abundance of picnic spots for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Calgary offers a variety of possibilities for individuals seeking to have a pleasant and relaxed picnic due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the best picnic spots in Calgary and discuss what makes them unique and why you should visit.
Here are the 10 Best Picnic Spots in Calgary:
1. Bowness Park
Bowness Park is a beautiful park located in the community of Bowness, in the northwest quadrant of Calgary. The park’s 30 hectares are located along the Bow River’s banks.
One of the nicest picnic areas in Calgary, it is a popular destination for outdoor pursuits like fishing, boating, strolling, and cycling.
One feature of Bowness Park is the lagoon, where paddle boats can be used in the summer. There is also a transient ice skating rink in the winter.
It’s a perfect site for a gathering with family or friends because the park has several picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits.
For those who prefer to bike or walk, the park has a variety of paved paths that meander through the trees and along the river. There is a children’s playground and a tiny amusement park with rides and activities.
It’s popular to observe animals, especially birds, in Bowness Park. Visitors may witness a variety of species, including ospreys, great blue herons, and bald eagles.
In the Park, you may relax and take in the surroundings in a wonderful and peaceful environment. A romantic picnic, a day excursion with the family, or a peaceful stroll along the river are all excellent activities to enjoy here.
2. Calaway Park
Calaway Park is a popular amusement park located in Springbank. The largest amusement park in Western Canada, it caters to tourists of all ages with a range of rides and attractions.
Roller coasters, water slides, thrill rides, and family-friendly attractions are among the park’s more than 30 rides and attractions.
The Adrenaline Test Zone, Chaos, Bumble Blast Coaster, and Vortex roller coaster are a few of the most well-liked attractions.
Together with the rides, the park offers games, live performances, and daily entertainment, making it one of the best picnic spots in Calgary.
There are several picnic areas in the park where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch with their own food.
Tickets for admission can be purchased online or at the gate, and the park is open for a limited time only, usually from late May to early October.
Group discounts are available, and the park holds special events all season long, including ones with a Halloween theme in October.
You can also find twenty-one food establishments spread out across the park in case you need a dessert or forgot to carry anything.
3. South Glenmore Park
In Calgary’s southwest, there is a sizable urban park called South Glenmore Park. It covers about 160 hectares and is situated near the shore of Glenmore Reservoir.
South Glenmore Park has a fantastic trail system that is perfect for biking, walking, and jogging. As they move through the scenic areas of the park, these walkways provide stunning views of the reservoir.
The Glenmore Reservoir is a popular place for water activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, making it one of the best picnic spots in Calgary. There is also a place where sailboats and motorboats can launch.
Boat rentals are also available at the adjacent Glenmore Sailing Academy for a fantastic day on the water.
The park offers a sizable playground with a range of age-appropriate play structures. Many sports fields in the park are ideal for playing outdoor sports like baseball and soccer.
Other fun activities include tennis courts, hiking, a polo field, trails, a spray park and hiking paths.
Visitors can have a meal or a snack with friends and family at one of the many picnic tables or BBQ pits in South Glenmore Park. They can bring their four-legged companions to South Glenmore Park’s off-leash dog area to run and play.
4. Carburn Park
Carburn Park is a natural park located in the southeast area of Calgary. It is located alongside the Bow River and has a total size of around 135 hectares. Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities at the park.
There are various routes in Carburn Park that are great for cycling, walking, and jogging. These pathways offer beautiful views of the river while winding through the park’s gorgeous regions.
Excellent fishing opportunities may be found along the Bow River, and Carburn Park is no exception. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish can all be caught by anglers.
Visitors can enjoy a meal or snack with friends and family at one of the park’s numerous picnic tables and BBQ pits. The park has a number of picnic sites scattered across it, with one main gazebo area.
There are additionally 6 wheelchair-accessible picnicking tables west of the major parking area.
Prior to or following your picnic, take advantage of the over 135 hectares of animals, waterfowl, as well as wildflowers to enjoy the park’s walking routes.
Many animal species, such as beavers, muskrats, and several bird species, call the park home. Many bird species can be found here for bird enthusiasts.
Visitors can bring their four-legged companions to Carburn Park’s off-leash dog area to run and play, making it one of the best picnic spots in Calgary.
Carburn Park provides cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options during the winter.
Dinghies, canoes, and paddle boats are invited to enjoy this lovely natural region in the city; however, motorised boats are not allowed on the water.
5. Edworthy Park
Edworthy Park is a popular recreational area and covers an area of over 1.27 square kilometres and is situated along the banks of the Bow River.
Thomas Edworthy, a pioneer who lived in the region in the 1880s, is honoured in the park’s name. For tourists of all ages, it provides a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, picnics, fishing, and birdwatching.
The vast trail network in Edworthy Park, which includes both paved and unpaved routes and winds through the park’s forested parts and beside the Bow River, is one of its main draws.
There is a playground, picnic spots, and a sizable off-leash dog area in the park as well, making it one of the best picnic spots in Calgary.
Many historical sites, including the Lawrey Gardens, a collection of formal gardens built in the 1930s, and the Douglas Fir Trail, a natural trail that meanders through a stand of old-growth Douglas fir trees, may be found in Edworthy Park in addition to its recreational opportunities.
6. Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is a popular urban park, situated on an island in the Bow River, just north of downtown Calgary. The park bears the name of Peter Prince, a lumberjack who owned the island in the late 19th century.
It is a well-liked vacation destination for both visitors and residents thanks to its abundance of outdoor activities and attractions. One of Prince’s Island Park’s most notable features is its extensive network of walkways, which are used frequently for cycling, jogging, and walking.
One of the nicest picnic spots in Calgary, the park also features a huge playground, picnic areas, and a wading pool for children.
The park is home to a variety of creatures, including beavers, muskrats, and several bird species. Also, it features a lot of public artwork, including sculptures and murals.
Picnic baskets are available for purchase at the popular River Café in the park and include seasonal cuisine, fruit, drinks, and dessert.
Shakespeare in the Park, the Calgary International Folk Festival, and Canada Day celebrations are just a few of the festivals and events that have made the park famous. The park also serves as a weekly farmers market during the summer.
Altogether, Prince’s Island Park is a beautiful and vibrant urban park that provides a range of activities and attractions to appeal to tourists of all ages.
7. Riley Park
Riley Park is a public park located in the Hillhurst-Sunnyside neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The park covers an area of 7.5 hectares and is situated just north of the Bow River.
William Riley, a pioneer and businessman who gave the land for the park in 1906, is honoured in the park’s name. With a variety of conveniences and recreational opportunities, it is now a well-liked destination for both locals and tourists.
Riley Park’s wading pool, which is a well-liked place for kids to cool off in the summer, is one of its main draws. In addition, the park has a cricket field, a playground, and picnic spots.
The park is renowned for its exquisitely designed gardens, which feature a rock garden, a rose garden, and other plantings. Over the summer, the park’s historic bandstand plays host to concerts and other activities.
Riley Park is home to the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Farmers’ Market, which is open every Wednesday from June through October in addition to its recreational facilities.
The market attracts both bargain seekers and foodies because it offers a large variety of locally made goods for food and crafts.
With a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages, Riley Park is a stunning and well-kept public park and one of the best picnic spots in Calgary.
It is conveniently located in the Hillhurst-Sunnyside neighbourhood, making it a well-liked gathering spot for locals.
8. Shouldice Park
Shouldice Park is a public park located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary. The park covers an area of 77 hectares and is situated on the south bank of the Bow River.
Sports fans frequently visit Shouldice Park since it has a variety of athletic amenities. They consist of a running track, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer grounds.
A sizable indoor arena that is utilized for ice hockey, figure skating, and other indoor sports is also located within the park.
Shouldice Park has a big picnic area, playgrounds, and a wading pool for kids in addition to its sporting amenities. The park is a well-liked location for dog lovers and their pets because it has a sizable off-leash dog area.
The park’s proximity to the Bow River, which provides beautiful views and chances for kayaking and fishing, is one of its main draws. The park also has a network of paths that are well-liked for jogging, cycling, and walking.
9. Olympic Plaza
Olympic Plaza is a city center public space in Calgary. As a memorial to Calgary’s hosting of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the 3.74-acre plaza was built.
Concerts, fairs, and other public performances and activities, as well as cultural celebrations, take place in the plaza’s core regions. The neighbourhood is surrounded by numerous fountains, which are popular summertime attractions.
In addition to its primary entertainment venues, Olympic Plaza offers a number of additional amenities, including a playground, a wading pool, and an outdoor skating rink in the winter.
Around the plaza, there are numerous public art projects, including sculptures, murals, and other works of art.
Olympic Plaza, a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, is close to several attractions, including the Calgary Tower and the Glenbow Museum.
It is one of the greatest picnic spots in Calgary since it provides a unique and active public space and is easily accessible by public transportation.
10. Fish Creek Provincial Park
A sizable natural park called Fish Creek Provincial Park is situated south of Calgary. With an area of more than 1,300 hectares, it is one of the largest urban parks in North America.
The park contains a wide range of natural environments, including marshes, meadows, and woodlands. There are many different plant and animal species that live in these settings.
It has become a popular vacation destination for individuals who appreciate the great outdoors because it also boasts more than 80 kilometres of paths for horseback riding, cycling, and hiking.
Fish Creek Provincial Park provides a variety of visitor attractions, including picnic spaces, playgrounds, and off-leash dog parks, making it one of the best picnic spots in Calgary.
Just a few of the historical sites in the park include the Bow Valley Ranche and the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center.
The park welcomes guests all year long and provides a special and lovely natural setting for them to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I reserve a picnic location in a park in Calgary?
Yes, several of Calgary’s larger parks have picnic spots that can be reserved for a cost. This is a fantastic choice for bigger gatherings or occasions. The City of Calgary website has further information on booking picnic spots.
2. Are grills permitted in parks in Calgary?
In Calgary parks, grilling is legal in approved areas. To ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasurable day, it is crucial to abide by park laws and regulations.
3. Are there any limitations on drinking in Calgary parks?
In all City of Calgary parks, except for designated picnic areas, alcohol is not allowed unless a valid permit is presented.
4. Are there any picnic spots in Calgary parks that are accessible?
Yes, several of Calgary’s bigger parks include designated picnic areas that are accessible to those with disabilities. These locations might have accessible parking, picnic tables, and restrooms.
5. Are dogs permitted in parks in Calgary?
Yes, dogs are permitted in the majority of parks in Calgary, but they must always be leashed. There are also dedicated off-leash sections in some parks where dogs are allowed to run around and play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Calgary has a variety of lovely parks and picnic areas that are ideal for appreciating the outdoors.
Calgary’s parks provide something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a quiet place to unwind with family and friends or a larger location to hold a picnic event.
To make sure everyone has a safe and happy day, be careful to abide by the park’s laws and regulations.
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