Walks and Views

One of the biggest urban parks in North America, a provincial park stretching 19 km along Fish Creek in south Calgary, with dozens of kilometres of paved and dirt trails, picnic areas, deer, beavers and the historic Bow Valley Ranche. Start at the Bow Valley Ranch visitor centre or any of the day use areas, each with free parking. Free to enter all year; gates open at 8 AM (the Sikome Lake swimming facility in summer is paid, everything else is free).

A huge natural grassland park on a hill in northwest Calgary, more than 11 square kilometres of prairie, aspen groves and trails, with sweeping views over downtown and the Rockies on a clear day. You may see deer, hawks and coyotes, and the Siksikaitsitapi medicine wheel on top is a sacred Blackfoot site. There are several entrances with free parking and off leash areas for dogs. Free, open daily 5 AM to 11 PM.

A quiet riverside reserve on the Bow River where migratory birds have rested since 1929, with more than 2 km of level gravel trails through the forest, along the river and around a lagoon, plus viewing decks and Calgary's first forest bathing trail. Chickadees will land right beside you in winter. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset and the entrance is free. No dogs or bikes inside the sanctuary.

A 50 metre high suspension bridge swaying over a rainforest canyon with waterfalls and deep green pools below, in a free public park run by the District of North Vancouver. Unlike the paid bridge nearby, crossing here costs nothing, and trails continue to Twin Falls and the 30 Foot Pool. There are about 30 steps down to the bridge, so it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Park gates open daily 7 AM to 6 PM.

The Coal Harbour stretch of the Seawall runs from the Convention Centre to the entrance of Stanley Park, past marinas, float planes landing and taking off, and views of the North Shore mountains. It is flat, paved and about 2 km, perfect for strollers or a lunchtime walk. Free, open all year.

The Seawall continues all the way around False Creek, past Olympic Village, Science World, Granville Island and Yaletown, with little ferries, boats and the skyline on every side. Pick any stretch for an easy flat walk or do the whole loop. Pedestrians and cyclists have separate paths in most places. Free, open all year.

The highest point in Stanley Park, with a sweeping view over the Lions Gate Bridge, the harbour entrance and the North Shore mountains. Reach it by car or bike on Park Drive, or on foot by the forest trails. The lookout is free and open during park hours (the restaurant and gift shop there are separate businesses).

A 32 million year old sea stack with a lone tree on top, standing just off the Seawall between Third Beach and the Lions Gate Bridge. It is sacred in Squamish tradition, and a plaque tells its legend. See it from the Seawall or from the lookout above, reached by the Siwash Rock Trail. Free, open during park hours.

A calm 17 hectare lake at the downtown entrance of Stanley Park, with a 1.75 km path all the way around, a lit fountain and lots of ducks, swans and herons. It is an easy, flat walk for strollers and kids, with skyline views at sunset. Free, open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Dow's Lake. The NCC clears it of snow in winter, while most of the pathway network is not cleared. Free to use.

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along Colonel By Drive, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Hog's Back. It is one of the few pathway sections the NCC clears of snow in winter, while most of the rest of the network is not cleared. Free to use.

A 6.3 km NCC trail in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt, reached from parking lot P23 or by linking from Trail 51. Its southern section has a wooden footbridge that is a good spot for seeing turtles and frogs. Leashed dogs are permitted from April 15 to November 30. Parking at P23 is free year round and access to all Mer Bleue trails is free.