Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Calgary

"For a little slice of Central Park in the heart of Cowtown, take the bridge over to this island, with grassy fields made for tossing Frisbees, plus bike paths and ample space to stretch out. During the summer... Notable Building in Calgary"

"Prince’s Island Park is the perfect spot to escape the busyness of downtown Calgary without going far. Flower gardens, expansive grassy spaces, and several bridges make for a picturesque park in the city centre."

"It seems there’s no shortage of history in Alberta, because here’s another historical attraction that ranks pretty high on our list of things to do in Calgary. Fort Calgary was initially constructed to control the highly illegal U.S. whiskey trade and to clear the way for the incoming Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, you can walk through recreated houses (including a Métis hunting cabin) and immerse yourself in the visions of the past, and a protective structure that set the foundation for communities to grow and thrive in Western Canada."

"This original site dates way back to 1875 when West Mounted Police (now the RCMP) built Fort Calgary near the confluence of the Bow River and Elbow River. There are all kinds of great reproductions of scenes from the olden days as well as a beautiful 40-acre riverside park."

"Featuring 11sqkm (4sqmi) of native grasslands, Nose Hill Park is Calgary’s biggest park. It might be surrounded by residential neighborhoods, but the overall effect of the wild moors is one of rugged remoteness. Visitors are asked, kindly (this is Canada, after all), to stay off the grasslands as they’re a threatened ecosystem, but hikers and cyclists are still privy to panoramic views of downtown Calgary in the distance."

"Numerous hiking trails wind through 1129 hectares of indigenous grasslands to the summit of Nose Hill. The plateau provides spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the Bow River Valley, and the vast plains to the east. The aspen and willows along the north-facing slopes shelter many wild animals."

"To start our list of best dog parks in Calgary, we have the wonderful Nose Hill Park. This multipurpose park is located in the northwest part of Calgary and is a mutual favourite amongst humans and their four-legged friends. In terms of terrain, Nose Hill is quite hilly."

"Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second largest urban park in Canada, with more than 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. Birding enthusiasts can observe more than 200 bird species along with Great Blue Herons, ducks, geese, songbirds, and bald eagles that nest along the Bow River valley. The Provincial Park is so large it includes a boat launch, the McKenzie Meadows Golf Course, The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, and the Sikome Aquatic Facility for a family friendly day at the beach."

"As the second largest urban park in Canada, Fish Creek Park is overflowing with activities. With Sikome Lake, educational programs and local events happening constantly, there’s never a dull moment in this park. Make sure to hit the visitor centre on your way in so they can tell you what’s happening around the park that day and if any areas are closed to do marathons, local events or construction."

"Many people visit Fish Creek Park because of its natural forested condition. It houses several recreational activities throughout the year. Regardless of your age or physical ability, this park has something for you."

"Bowness Park boasts a variety of experiences, including pathways that run alongside the Bow River, a tea house, a wading pool, and boat rentals to paddle on the park’s lagoon. There’s even a small train that runs through the park during the warmer months. Baker Park is located just across the river from Bowness Park, providing nature lovers with a grass amphitheatre, a disc golf course, and several archways and promenades, making this a popular spot for weddings."

"Perfectly manicured and home to flowers of all kinds, Baker Park is one of my favourite places in Calgary for photo sessions of all kinds. Couple, family, maternity or branding sessions, this is a great location for portraits. You can even book the main area with the stairs overlooking the Bow River for a wedding ceremony."

"This park is an incredible place to enjoy the south sun and have a picnic. Golf Frisbee anyone?. One of the best courses is here in Baker Park."

"Make Riley Park your destination for a day outside with family and friends. A wading pool and playground make it the perfect spot for a family picnic. Explore the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens, named after one of the Big Four who founded the Calgary Stampede, with over 20,000 pieces of flagstone from the senator’s demolished mansion."

"Located right in Calgary’s inner city, this picnic spot is just down the hill from SAIT and up the road from the hustle and bustle of Kensington. Buy some picnic supplies from Sunnyside Natural Market and spend the whole day in the park. There’s a cricket pitch for the sports fans, a playground and flower and rock gardens."

"The park contains a cricket pitch, a huge wading pool and the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden. Take a stroll into Kensignton for a drink or lunch and then head over to one of the most visited urban parks Calgary has to offer. Learn more about Riley Park"

"You can think of St Patrick’s Island as a massive public backyard, but more so than just your average public park. Spanning 31 acres, St Patrick’s Island is a perfect middle ground between urbanism and nature, where different elements come together to form something unifying, fun, and community-driven. Things like public art, playgrounds, a wetland sector with a boardwalk, a fishing cove, and wooded sections with winding pathways all make up a part of this enormous urbanized parkland."

"Take the George C. King Bridge over to St. Patrick’s Island. The 31-acre outdoor space has public art installations, a play space for kids, a fishing area, an amphitheatre and plenty of pathways to stroll. Explore 50 more gorgeous parks across Canada."

"Calgarians found a place to get in touch with nature in the middle of the city’s concretes. Nature lovers and urban explorers can marvel at the natural beauty of St. Patrick’s Island Park. After its restoration, people now dub it a wild oasis."

"If you’ve visited the Bow Habitat Visitor Centre or the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, then you have been in this park. Home to 15 hectares of reconstructed wetlands, this gorgeous park is located barely northeast of the city’s downtown and just off of the Bow River. Whether you want to picnic, hit the playground, explore the expanse of trails or visit the hatchery, there’s plenty to do when you come to Pearce Estate Park."

"This one gets the award for the most underrated Calgary location for engagement and family photography. The Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery is located at Pearce Estate Park which makes it an ideal spot for a fun filled family day. You can have your photo taken and teach your kids about the Bow River wildlife on the same day!"

"Picnicking here will make you feel as though you’ve escaped the city. Home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and a 15-hectare reconstructed wetland, this is the place to soak in the beauty of nature while eating at one of the picnic sites."

"Go off the west end of Glenmore Reservoir (where Calgary gets its drinking water) and you’ll find the city’s only delta and wild preserve, which is connected to trails that lead hikers up and around the reservoir. During the summer, the area is filled with people fishing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. It has the largest strands of coniferous forest in the region, and is hands down a hotspot for North American wildlife."

"North and South Glenmore Parks border the Glenmore Reservoir, making you feel like you’re lakeside. Weaselhead Flats links the two parks and provides natural areas, making you forget you are still within city limits. These parks feature a little bit of everything, from paved pathways to hiking trails through the trees, a waterpark, a new bike pump track, and a sailing club."

"You can really see how big the area is and what an amazing job the city has done at preserving it. I love taking photos at the very top before going down the hill to access the waterfront. The trees, winding paths and bridges offer a huge variety of backdrops for portrait photography."

"Creating a meal with your partner is one of the best bonding activities you can find. At ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen, you’ll be able to create a delicious meal and take it home, too. Choose classes from themes like baked goods (cakes and holiday cookies ) to Thanksgiving dinner prep and stuffed pasta."

"This bright, eclectic coffee shop in the heart of Bowness is the perfect place to grab a nice breakfast with little ones. If they’re really well-behaved during breakfast, you can always treat them to a skate around the Bowness lagoon. (6407 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-247-9955, cadencecoffee.com, @cadence_coffee)"

"A photo posted by cadence coffee (@cadence_coffee) on Oct 29, 2016 at 11:21am PDT. Cadence serves its breakfast menu until its kitchen closes daily at 4 pm. Diners can order Breakfast On A Bagel, or indulge in some more hearty like the Power Breakfast or Huevos Rancheros."

"8 locations in Calgary and more elsewhere in Alberta, BC and Ontario http://www.purdys.com/. Purdy’s is a regional chain that started in Vancouver. Purdy’s typically offers a selection of around 8 of their own flavors as well as sundaes and ice cream bars."

"This new French café by local kitchenware brand Hutch Kitchen does shareables, lunch, brunch and high tea, as well as takeaway. Chef Jay Magnaye (formerly of Blink, Mélo Eatery and Foreign Concept) serves up sweet and savoury daytime classics like a decadent croque madame and a pain perdue with berries, Chantilly cream and maple syrup, alongside goodies from local spots such as Yann Haute Patisserie and Wow Bakery. There are also deli sandwiches, a picture-perfect high tea for two and a seasonal lobster roll and lobster bisque combo."

"It seems there’s no shortage of history in Alberta, because here’s another historical attraction that ranks pretty high on our list of things to do in Calgary. Fort Calgary was initially constructed to control the highly illegal U.S. whiskey trade and to clear the way for the incoming Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, you can walk through recreated houses (including a Métis hunting cabin) and immerse yourself in the visions of the past, and a protective structure that set the foundation for communities to grow and thrive in Western Canada."

"This original site dates way back to 1875 when West Mounted Police (now the RCMP) built Fort Calgary near the confluence of the Bow River and Elbow River. There are all kinds of great reproductions of scenes from the olden days as well as a beautiful 40-acre riverside park."

"Galaxie Diner is the Calgary breakfast restaurant that will transport you to the 1940's with their vintage bar stools and booths as well as their classic menu options. Open seven days a week, Galaxie Diner has an all-day breakfast that includes meals like their Montreal Smoked Meat Hash, Galaxie French toast, pacific omelette, and don't forget their legendary breakfast burrito!. What makes this Calgary diner stand out is their insistence on using REAL butter and PURE maple syrup for all of their dishes."

"It’s a thin strip of a restaurant with barely enough room to accommodate the tiny kitchen, line of tables and seats at the counter, which inevitably means there will be a wait. But the kitschy vibe, robust dishes and quick service make it worthwhile — not to mention the endless coffee refills while in line. 1413 11 St. S.W., 403-228-0001, galaxiediner.ca"

"Be prepared to wait in line for this one, but it’s worth it. Galaxie Diner boasts bottomless coffee, toast AND hash browns as well as having the only one price, unlimited choice omelette in Calgary. The unlimited choice omelette allows you to choose any number of fillings for the same price."

"I hadn’t either, until I discovered Pacini, and my life was forever changed. Keep everyone at the table busy sampling Pacini’s different margarine spreads and debate whether it’s better to add your margarine before or after you grill your bread, and then decide which of their four flavours (presto, garlic, tomato and basil, or regular) tastes the best!. There is a Mini Bambini menu for kids under 6 and a Grande Bambino menu for kids 6-12 with different pasta and pizza options available."

"Pacini’s is an Italian restaurant chain that originated in Quebec. Not only do they have a kids menu with pasta and pizza options, they also have a special kids menu for kids under 6. They also feature an all you can eat bread bar with a variety of breads that you can toast on the grill."