Summer is here and on the days when the temperature is just right, there’s nothing like being outdoors. This season, whether you’re the picnic-packing type, are looking for somewhere new to take a walk or have just forgotten how many incredible spots there are to dip your toes, here are the best spots to hang out near the river in Calgary.
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CARBURN PARK
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Lounging, biking, walking, running or even fishing! At Carburn Park, no two viewpoints are the same, no riverbed is alike and no path is unpleasant. This park is pretty vast and so are your opportunities. Have a fire, have a drink or just catch up – this certainly is not a bad place to do so.
Where: 67 Riverview Drive SE, Calgary
SHOULDICE PARK
Talk about versatility! With Bow River access, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, tables and more, Shouldice Park is the place to go if you’re looking to spend your entire day outdoors and want to keep yourself busy and buzzing.
Where: 4900 Monserrat Dr. NW, Calgary
SANDY BEACH
So, no it’s not your tropical vacay-type beach but it is beautiful! Located along the south side of the bow, this popular spot is another great place for lounging, catching a few rays and breathing in the fresh air.
Where:4500 14A St. SW, Calgary
GRIFFITH WOODS
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A walk, a picnic or a bike ride through Griffth Woods will make you feel like you are hours away in the middle of nowhere. Here, there are a ton of different trails that wind in around the banks of Elbow River. It’s incredibly peaceful, super quiet and heck, you might even see some animals, so why not check it out?
Where: Entrances along Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, Calgary
FISH CREEK PARK
As the largest urban park in the entire country, Fish Creek really has it all, including what feels like an endless amount of trails, pathways, and routes alongside the river. No matter how many times you’ve hit this spot, we can almost promise you that by taking the path less travelled you’ll see something you definitely hadn’t before.
Where: Directions here
PRINCE’S ISLAND PARK
Could we even do a list about the river without mentioning this one?! A favourite amongst Calgarians, it should come as no surprise that PIP makes the list. By spending the day lounging about, you’ll be surrounded by people running, walking dogs, playing frisbee, and occasionally, running for their lives from angry geese. It’s lively, it’s vibrant and it’s worth visiting several times over this spring.
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
PEARCE ESTATE PARK
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Pearce Estate is a beautiful, lush, green park with pathways, tables and trails along the Bow River. It’s also the home of the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, as well as the Bow Habitat Visitor Centre meaning you’ll likely see some adorable critters along the way.
Where: 1440 17A St. SE, Calgary
EAST VILLAGE RIVERWALK
This is one of the most photogenic riverside spots in the entire city of Calgary- hands down. Grab a camera and cozy up with someone special or your best pal while you people watch, catch up, have a bite or get your feet wet – The East Village River Walk is 10/10
Where: 6th Street and 6th Avenue SE, Calgary
BOWNESS PARK
With beautiful views of the city skyline, an always lively crowd and a ton of tables, benches, sprawling green spaces and even places fit for launching a canoe or raft, Bowness Park is one of Calgary’s best and most popular riverside parks. If you haven’t already, check it out!
Where: 8900 48 Ave NW
EDWORTHY PARK
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If you’ve lived in Calgary for a while, then you know that Edworthy is a dynamite spot. With Gazebos, benches, seasonal washrooms, and of course, plenty of places to lounge near the river, this SW area makes for a wonderful, comfortable day out with the doggo, your family, or your friends.
Where: Spruce Drive SW Calgary
LINDSAY PARK
Located along the Elbow River in Calgary’s Southeast, Lindsay Park has all the makings for a perfect riverside day. Picnic sites, playgrounds grass as far as the eye can see and a solid river bed, this one might not be as popular as others on the list, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Where: 2225 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary
SOUTH GLENMORE PARK
Overlooking the reservoir and the Elbow River, South Glenmore Park is a beautiful spot for hanging out with friends, reading a book, working on your tan or taking a walk, bike run or going for a run. Watch the boats, the geese, the people and the sunset – it’s a great place for all!
Where: 90 Ave. & 24 St. SW, Calgary
Well, there you have it, friends. The best spots to hang out near the river in Calgary! Which one will you check out first this summer? Let us know!
