Toboggan Fun for the Whole Family

Written by Dana Wheatley, Photo: Thomas Northcut/Lifesize/Thinkstock

Calgary's abundance of parks has many natural and artificial hills that look perfect for tobogganing. But did you know that downhill tobogganing and sledding in Calgary parks is only allowed on designated toboggan hills? There are 17 such hills located throughout Calgary. These hills are large enough to be tons of fun, but are in safe locations free of trees and other obstacles. Here are three Calgary toboggan hills that provide different kinds of toboggan experiences:

 1. Confederation Park - 2800, 10 Street NW (north side of park immediately west of Rosemont Community Centre). This hill features fun but not too challenging toboggan runs just a short walk from the main parking lot. This would be a good choice if your kids were on the younger side, as it is unlikely to be overrun with big kids. Additionally, in the golf course to the West, you can find the Lions Festival of Lights - a Christmas light display that you can walk around in (or even do some cross-country sledding).

2. Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Boulevard (north side hill). This huge man-made hill practically begs for toboggans. It's high and fairly steep, which will be a big hit with older kids. Another fun feature: planes fly so close it almost feels like you could reach out and touch them.

3. Glendale Park - 25 Avenue and 45 Street SW (west side). This was my husband's favorite toboggan hill as a kid (and as a university student, too!). It has a variety of different kinds of runs so younger kids can be playing safely not too far from where bigger kids are enjoying the slopes.

Other Official City of Calgary Toboggan Hills. Head for the Hills – Safely!


First Check out the Hill:

• Choose snowy hills, free of ice with a gentle slope and long run off area.

• Be sure the hill is free of bumps, holes and obstacles such as trees, signs, fences and rocks.

• Stay away from roads, rivers, railways and parking lots.

• Only sled in the daylight or on well-lit hills and to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, don't go out below -19°C.
  
  

Second Check Your Style:

• Go down the hill sitting up or kneeling, never head first or standing up.

• Be sure the path is clear, and if you fall off the sled, quickly move out of the way.
  
  

Third Check Your Gear:

• Dress properly with hats, mittens or gloves and warm waterproof footwear.

• Don't forget your helmet. A good CSA approved bike or ski helmet (designed for high impact collisions) is your best choice.

• Do not wear scarves or clothes with drawstrings as they can get caught up in the sleds.

And Finally, Check out the Supervision:

• Children under 12 should be supervised, and children under five should have a responsible adult on the sled with them.

North West Parks

• Royal Oak - 50 Royal Birkdale Drive NW (north side of hill)
• St. Andrew's Heights - 2504, 13 Avenue NW

North East Parks

• Big Marlborough Park - dry pond - 6021 Madigan Drive NE
• Deerfoot Athletic Park - 14 Avenue and 16A Street NE
• Marlborough Community Association - 636 Marlborough Way NE
• Monterey Park - Catalina Boulevard and California Boulevard NE (NE corner only)
• Rundle Dry Pond - 4120 Rundlethorn Drive NE (behind Rundle Elementary School)

South West/South East Parks

• Kingsland - dry pond - Heritage Drive SW (behind the RoseKohn/Jimmy Condon Arenas)
• Maple Ridge - dry pond - Mapleglade Close SE
• Richmond Green - 33 Avenue and 25 Street SW
• Sacramento - dry pond - Sacramento Drive and 104 Avenue SW
• Scarboro - 15 Avenue and 16 Street SW
• Signal Hill - Sirocco Drive and Signal Hill Heights SW
• Stanely Park – 4011, 1A Street SW

Dana spends her free time seeking out the best indoor and outdoor places to play in Calgary with her son, Gordie, and blogging about them at www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com.