Things to do in Calgary, Canada: The Best Nature & Parks

October 8, 2021 Madelene Haan

The sophisticated city that grew out of the Canadian West, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm. For the full western experience, show up in time for the annual Calgary Stampede, complete with rodeos. Year-round you'll find abundant shopping, dining and nightlife; a short drive away are some of Canada's finest national parks.
Restaurants in Calgary

1. Fish Creek Provincial Park

13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 5R6 Canada +1 403-297-5293 [email protected] https://albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/fish-creek-pp/
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 971 reviews

Fish Creek Provincial Park

One of the largest urban wildernesses in the world, with over 54 miles of trails for hiking, biking and running.

Reviewed By JimDCalgary - Calgary, Canada

If you're into birding, want to spend the day cycling some beautiful bike paths, planning a family picnic, swim at Sikome Lake, fly fishing on the Bow River, or simply go for a walk in nature, you should visit this park when you come to Calgary. This is where south Calgarians go to relax and have fun right in the city! I'll probably see you there!

2. North Glenmore Park

7305 Crowchild Trail SW North shore of Glenmore Reservoir, Calgary, Alberta T3E 5N5 Canada +1 403-268-2489 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/North-Glenmore-Park.aspx
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

North Glenmore Park

Reviewed By I6287TRralphd

Yet another great park for Calgary. Gorgeous views of the reservoir and the attractions around the lake. A wonderful place to jog, hike, or to ride a bike.

3. Spruce Meadows

18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW 14th Street and Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2X 4B7 Canada +1 403-974-4200 [email protected] http://sprucemeadows.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Spruce Meadows

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. Spruce Meadows is also home to the Canadian Premiere League's Cavalry FC.

Reviewed By AME283

took a drive out to Spruce meadows to see the Christmas lights, fantastic show and free - due to construction on 22x it was a little confusing as to where to enter - heading west use the first entrance

4. South Glenmore Park

90th Ave & 24 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1J4 Canada +1 403-268-2489 http://www.calgary.ca
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 109 reviews

South Glenmore Park

Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada

South Glenmore is a bit the opposite of its cousin North Glenmore Park, which has oodles of parking and picnicking, but overall, is lacking in wild spaces. The shoreline to the Glenmore Reservoir in South Glenmore Park is beautifully wild, and starts right at 24 Street, and continues west to where the Weaselhead Natural Area begins. There are some great walking loops for the adventurous, using the asphalt path on the edge of the hillside, and then returning via the midway, less formal trails, or the shoreline itself to get back (or visa versa). The picnicking and playgrounds are near the 24 Street access point. On the west side, where 90 Avenue ends, is the best access to the wilder parts, and to the Weaselhead Natural Area.

5. Reader Rock Garden

325 25 Ave. S.E., Calgary, Alberta T2G 5V1 Canada +1 403-268-2489 http://calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SE-parks/Reader-Rock-Garden.aspx
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Reader Rock Garden

Reader's Garden Cafe is located inside the gardens.

Reviewed By afshanm - Calgary, Canada

If you're in Calgary you MUST go here. Very beautiful walk and an oasis in the city. It isn't the best place if you're mobility impaired although the restaurant does have a ramp access. The flora here is gorgeous and you can easily spend a day sitting and reading or having a picnic.

6. Devonian Gardens

317 7 Ave SW CORE Shopping Centre, Calgary, Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada +1 403-268-3830 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/Devonian-Gardens.aspx
Excellent
31%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 382 reviews

Devonian Gardens

Set in the middle of the city, this indoor garden spans three acres and is home to waterfalls, trees and thousands of plants.

Reviewed By mjmoss - Doncaster, United Kingdom

We happened across this garden, while doing some shopping, and after eating at the nearby food court, decided to stop and chill-out for a while. It was certainly a surprise to find a garden inside the mall, especially one of this size! It is full of different shrubs and trees, and even has fishponds with (i think) Koi Carp swimming around. It is set away from the rest of the mall, and is really peaceful. Very nice if you need a break from shopping or just 10 minutes out of the way of the downtown hubbub.

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