Parks and Play

A small wetland park in Olympic Village, built for the 2010 Games, where the seawall passes ponds, boardwalks and a rocky shoreline. Cross to Habitat Island to watch for herons and the resident beavers, then let kids climb at the playground. Free to visit any time; washrooms and cafés are one block west at Olympic Village Square.

A big waterfront park at Kits Point with views of downtown, Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. Open fields, ponds and the seawall make it the city's favourite spot for flying kites, picnics and sunset walks. Free and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (the museums inside the park charge admission).

A 62 hectare riverside park in southeast Calgary with the largest fenced off-leash area in the city. Paths wind along the Bow River past an island, flood plain and marshes, and you will find picnic tables and the public artwork Deux Chiens Assis. Free and open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A large natural park on the north bank of the Bow River in northwest Calgary, with an escarpment that shows the city's geological history. Trails lead to Waterfall Valley, Nautilus Pond and Dale Hodges Park, with river views along the way. Free and open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an off-leash area for dogs.

A big park of 347 hectares along the south shore of the Glenmore Reservoir, with lakeside pathways and trails, the inclusive Variety Children's Park playground, a bike pump track and views across the water to the mountains. In summer the spray park opens; in winter the City grooms a cross country ski trail when there is snow. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free to use; boat rentals and sailing school cost extra.

A 63 acre rural park on the northwest tip of Richmond with walks among farm plots, community gardens and heritage buildings, boardwalks and viewing platforms for birds, and wide views of the Salish Sea. Kids love the big Adventure Play area with climbing structures. Free, a City of Richmond park. No dogs allowed.

A 90 hectare park founded in 1891 on the Vancouver and Burnaby border, with level walking paths through tall coastal rainforest, duck ponds, a children's playground and an outdoor fitness circuit. It is right next to Patterson SkyTrain station, so it is easy to reach without a car. Open from dawn to dusk all year. Free, a City of Burnaby park.

A long, crescent shaped park of more than 160 hectares in a former coulee, created for Canada's centennial in 1967, with winding paths, a wetland full of ducks and geese, picnic spots and a natural playground built for Canada's 150th. In winter a cross country ski track is groomed on the golf course when there is snow. Free, a City of Calgary park.

A peaceful bog forest park with an elevated boardwalk (wheelchair accessible), soft wood chip trails, a pond and a wildlife garden. The Nature House has hands on displays and a free trail guide, and the City runs free family events here through the year. The park is free, with free parking; the Nature House asks for a donation. No dogs allowed, to protect the bog.

A much loved park a short walk from the Kensington shops, with big lawns, a playground, cricket pitches and the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden, a terraced garden of local sandstone and flowers. In summer the children's wading pool opens, usually from mid June. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free, a City of Calgary park.

Calgary's only indoor public park: a hectare of tropical plants under a glass roof on the top floor of the CORE shopping centre downtown, with more than 500 trees, a living wall, fountains, fish ponds and a playground for kids. It is a warm green escape in winter, run by City of Calgary Parks. Free, open during the shopping centre's hours (generally Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 5 PM).

A green island park in the Bow River right next to downtown Calgary, reached by footbridges, with big lawns, shady paths, a playground and a restored wetland where the path winds around the water. It is the city's favourite spot for picnics and summer festivals, and the river pathways run straight through it for walks and bike rides all year. Free, a City of Calgary park.