Categories: Things To Do

Calgarians can skate over a frozen lagoon at one of the city’s most popular parks

Photo via Darya Sannikova/Pexels

Welcome to false spring, a period where suspiciously warm temperatures trick us into thinking winter is over before another cold snap or snowfall snaps us back to reality.

But reality isn’t so bad, because there’s still lots of fun to be had before the snow melts for good. You don’t even need to leave Calgary to access a winter wonderland, because Bowness Park has all sorts of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Icy action

Bowness Park is perhaps most famous for its winter ice trail. From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting) visitors can skate the scenic 1.6 km track adjacent to the Bow River. You can also skate on the outdoor lagoon in the eastern portion of the park. Helmets are encouraged, and skate rentals are available at the Outdoor Centre courtesy of the University of Calgary.

If you aren’t a strong skater, ice bikes are a safe and stable alternative available for rental.

You can also try your hand at the most prairie-Canadian game to ever exist: Crokicurl. Yes, it’s a large-scale version of the Crokinole board game combined with curling, and the objective is to earn the most points by shooting a small curling rock into the centre button. The rinks are located in the eastern portion of the park and are open 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Curling stones are provided onsite.

Bowness Park also has a variety of picnic sites, shelters, fire pits, and barbeque stands. Gather the family for a weenie roast after an afternoon of skating, or follow a stroll along the river with a winter picnic.

Winter isn’t over yet, and that’s not a bad thing. Make the most of the snow that’s left by heading down to Bowness Park while the ice is still solid.