Calgary boasts hundreds of parks and green spaces. It can be wonderful to revisit your favorites, but it’s also fun to shake things up. If you are looking for a different Calgary park to explore, there are sure to be a few on this list you haven’t been to yet.
Senator Patrick Burns Rock Garden (Riley Park, 800 12 Street NW)
Most people are well aware of Riley Park but, despite the numerous visitors, most miss the rock and flower gardens on the northeast side of the park. Created between tall trees using flagstone from its namesake’s demolished mansion, the beautiful flowers hidden within are sure to delight.
Baker Park (9333 Scenic Bow Road NW)
Bowness Park across the river gets most of the attention, but don’t sleep on Baker Park. Despite their close proximity, the two parks could hardly be more different. Baker Park is much calmer and full of grassy areas, flowers, and pathways. Be sure to check out the bear sculptures while you explore the park.
Rundle Ruins Park (632 13 Avenue SE)
Rundle Ruins is a small park, but offers a view of history that you normally don’t get to see inside the city. Popular for photoshoots, it contains the sandstone ruins of Calgary’s first major hospital, originally built in 1895.
Lawrey Gardens (East end of the Douglas Fir Trail, Cedar Crescent SW)
Generally overshadowed by nearby Edworthy Park, Lawrey Gardens is a great spot if you are craving some wilderness without leaving town. It is a great spot for seeing wildflowers, frogs, and birds, particularly near the ponds.
Silver Springs Boardwalk at Bowmont Park (Access via Silver Springs Boulevard and 54 Avenue NW)
This is one of the few areas in the city where you may be able to see a waterfall. Silver Springs Boardwalk is a lovely family-friendly walk in the larger Bowmont Park. The small waterfall is located at the end of the trail and, depending on the time of year, is not always visible, but the park is still a beautiful walk. You can also find some great viewpoints, wildflowers, and the feeling that you are leaving the city behind.
West Nose Creek Park (300 Beddington Trail NE)
West Nose Creek Park is located just north of Beddington. The park has pathways nice for walking or biking that follow alongside the meandering Nose Creek. Be sure to check out the glacial erratic split rock on the western end of the park.
Edgemont Ravine (9401 Edgebrook Boulevard NW)
Located inside the community of Edgemont is a ravine that has been preserved as park space. In the ravine you can find wetlands, gazebos, a playground, and the delightful art installation Rabbit Rise.
Silver Springs Botanical Gardens (37 Silver Springs Drive NW)
One of the best places to see flowers in Calgary is located in Silver Springs. Highlights include the rose and peony gardens, and the labyrinth.
Weaselhead Flats (66 Avenue and 37 Street SW)
Experience nature without leaving the city in Weaselhead Flats. This park has the only delta in Calgary, creating a unique habitat for plants and animals.
Laycock Park (5979 6 Street NE)
Located in Thorncliffe, Laycock Park is usually pretty quiet and includes wetlands, a playground with accessible flooring, and a covered picnic area.
Carburn Park (67 Riverview Drive SE)
At many points along the pathways in Carburn Park, it is hard to believe you are inside the city at all. The park features a manmade pond and lagoon and, although swimming is not allowed, you can canoe and fish. There are also a number of great picnic spots and it is an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Ralph Klein Park (12350 84 Street SE)
The largest feature of this park is the constructed wetland. Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray while you are out exploring. The park also features one of the coolest natural playgrounds in the city. Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Reader Rock Garden (325 25 Avenue SE)
It is hard to believe this lush garden was once a grassy hillside. The gardens began in 1913 by Calgary’s Parks Superintendent, William Reader. He used the space to experiment with what plants and flowers would grow well in Calgary’s environment with a lot of success. The park impressively blooms from mid-March until mid-November. It is a charming place to explore, but be aware some pathways are uneven and steep, and dogs are not permitted.
Pearce Estate Park (1440 17A Street SE)
Located adjacent to the Bow Habitat Station and Livingston Fish Hatchery, this park features reconstructed wetlands and pathways. This shady park has picnic spots and a playground, as well as access to Harvie Passage.
Dana spends her free time seeking out the best indoor and outdoor places to play in Calgary with her son and blogging about them. Check out their adventures at calgaryplaygroundreview.com.
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