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 Year-long outdoor park activities |
8900 48 Avenue Northwest (Bowness) Calgary, AB T3B 2B2 Canada +1 403 268 3888 |
On any mild winter day, the frozen lagoon in this park is filled with skaters. An open expanse of ice with smaller tributaries that wind off out of view, the man-made lagoon is great for youngsters just learning to skate, or others who need to burn some energy. A fire burning in the on-ice pit warms chilled hands. Canoes, foot-powered watercraft rentals, a miniature train ride, mini-golf, carnival rides, a kiddie spray pool, playground and sports fields are all available in the summer. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lorraine Trendiak |
 Photo: Kevin Saff  |
 Photo: Angie Speedy |
 Photo: ballinteer2 |
 Photo: Debby Fraser |
 Photo: Lauren Mann |
 Photo: goodnightsatchel |
 Photo: Nan |
 Photo: Rich Johnson |
 Photo: Michael Brown |
 Why the city looks so pretty |
208 - 50th Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2S 2S1 Canada +1 403 287 3469 http://calhort.org/gardening/c... office@calhort.org |
Formed almost 100 years ago, to educate people on the harsh growing conditions in Alberta, the Calgary Horticultural Society is one of the largest and most active horticultural societies in Canada. And you don't have to have a green thumb to belong. The Calgary Horticulture Society offers a number of membership benefits, including regular speakers and an extensive gardening library. They also hold chat sessions on the Internet and offer discounts at garden centers throughout the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Some of Calgary's favourite places |
Stretching 350 kilometers throughout the city Calgary, AB T2P 2M5 Canada +1 403 263 8510 (Tourist information) |
Calgary boasts the largest pathway system in North America. Nearly every day of the year, regardless of the weather, you can find Calgarians running, walking, riding, rolling and even skiing along 360 kilometres of paths. The network twists its way through countless municipal parks, alongside rivers and reservoirs, past skyscrapers, into valleys and through mini-forests, fields of wildflowers and other surprises. Use of the pathways is absolutely free. Maps are available from several outlets. Contact Calgary Parks and Recreation for information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: debashree_halder |
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Explore, Discover & Grow |
1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, AB T2M 4R8 Canada +1 403 232 9300 http://www.calgaryzoo.org/ trishep@calgaryzoo.ab.ca |
Attractions Canada recently voted this park the top outdoor site in the country. It features more than 1,100 animals from around the world and an ever-growing portfolio of innovative exhibitions, which allows guests to get up close and personal with grizzly bears, moose and wolves. Life-sized dinosaur models lurk in the badlands of the Prehistoric Park, and the more genteel setting of the botanical park includes a butterfly garden. See website for event calendar, educational programs, online ticketing and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Russil Wvong |
 Photo: Beothuk |
 Photo: Beothuk |
 Photo: Russil Wvong |
 Photo: Eric Martens |
 Photo: cakeordeath |
 Photo: Pattie Anderson |
 Photo: Dennise Watson |
 Photo: cunniffe2007 |
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Oh Canada! |
Memorial Drive (Prince's Island Park) Calgary, AB T2G 0C6 Canada +1 403 268 3888 http://www.calgary.ca/ canadaday@calgary.ca |
Each July 1, Canada celebrates its birthday in Calgary with this massive festival at Prince's Island Park. Regardless of weather, the park is always teeming with patriotic Canadians on this day; last year some 45,000 showed up. There are several stages featuring bands and cultural groups, face painting and craft booths for children, countless buskers and vendors dishing out all sorts of summer snacks. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nancy Desai |
 Photo: Travis Gertz |
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Serene urban park |
10 Street and 24th Avenue Northwest Calgary, AB T2K 1H2 Canada +1 403 268 3888 |
This stunningly peaceful park is one of the city's most beautiful green spaces. Large shade trees tower over a slow moving stream, and pathways cross over arched bridges and along the foot of a dozen rolling hills. There are picnic tables, cross-country ski trails, tennis courts and playgrounds. Still, aside from the wedding parties that come here on Saturdays for photos, visitors always feel as if they have the park to themselves. It is a mystery why this park isn't packed on sunny days, but the regulars are not complaining. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bernie |
 Photo: pontistang |
 Photo: James |
 Photo: Stick Compston |
 Photo: pixel.builder |
 Photo: Eric Cayouette |
 Photo: Zbigniew Wcislo |
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A downtown oasis |
317-7th Avenue Southwest Level 4, Toronto Dominion Square Calgary, AB T2P 2Y9 Canada +1 403 268 3830 / +1 403 268 5207 http://www.calgary.ca/parks/de... |
When a cold north wind is howling and the mid-winter temperature is too frigid, this downtown greenhouse is a welcome oasis of greenery and warmth. Alberta's largest indoor garden, the 2.5 acres under glass and above a shopping mall, are a showcase for some 20,000 local and tropical plants, fountains, waterfalls, reflecting pools stocked with carp, wooden bridges, and a small playground where harried parents can let loose their children. No admission charge at any time and access is from numerous points within TD Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daryl Mitchell |
 Photo: Jimmy Changa |
 Photo: Ricky Romero |
 Photo: Anne Elliott |
 Photo: PsychoJenic |
 Photo: Frank Danapfel |
 Photo: Jennifer Fehr |
 Photo: Paul Telford |
 Photo: Hendie Dijkman |
 Photo: jaime bourne |
 Photo: Liz Janzen |
 Photo: Chris Brulak |
 Photo: ferreth |
 Photo: Mike O'Neill (Pygo) |
 Photo: frankl_mail |
 Photo: Jennifer McLean |
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Explore the forest |
North on 45th Street Southwest Spruce Drive Calgary, AB T2N 0C0 Canada +1 403 268 2300 |
Located at the base of an escarpment created by an ancient and much mightier Bow River, this natural area is just 15 minutes from downtown's office towers. Picnic and playground areas are suitable for families or larger groups, and a running/cycling path tracks closely to the river. The big attraction is the Douglas Fir Trail, a reasonably short but strenuous hike up and down a series of steps and walkways placed between the bases of beautiful, towering fir trees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachel |
 Photo: Kevin Volkmann |
 Photo: Grant Huntington |
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'A World of Difference' |
Elliston Park International Ave (17 Ave) and 60 St SE Calgary, AB T1Y 5Z6 Canada +1 403 569 9679 http://www.globalfest.ca/ contactus@globalfest.ca |
GlobalFest - Canada's way of celebrating cultural diversity is a festival which includes trademark features such as International Fireworks Competition, Cultural Pavilions, and the recently added Calgary Foundation Centennial World Stage and GlobalFest Film Festival. The events take place at Elliston Park and lasts all night long. The Fireworks competition starts as soon as the sun sets. In order to enjoy this explosive celebration you can book the tickets at any Calgary Co-op or online. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Hartley |
 Photo: Derek Hanking |
 Photo: whistlepunch |
 Photo: James Butler |
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The Lights of the Season |
14 Street Northwest (between 24 and 28 Avenues) Calgary, AB T2M 4P7 Canada +1 403 273 5466 |
For Calgary families, the Christmas season would not be complete without a pilgrimage to the annual light display. Each year The Lions Club, with the help of a variety of other sponsors, adorn the east side of the Confederation Golf Course with thousands of colourful lights arranged in Christmas themes. There are waving Santa Clauses, singing angels, dozens of flashing Christmas trees and holiday greetings spelled out in a variety of languages. Kids love the display, and it makes for a charming evening excursion. This is a free event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picnic perfection |
7305 24 Street Southwest (84 hectares surrounding the north side of the reservoir) Calgary, AB T3E 5N5 Canada +1 403 268 2300 (Office) http://www.calgary.ca/ |
The south end of Crowchild Trail or 37th Street SW brings motorists and cyclists to the long stretch of grass and trees that make up this park along the raised north shore of the Glenmore Reservoir. From the high bluffs overlooking the backed-up waters of the Elbow River, which supplies drinking water to the city's south end, visitors can look over the reservoir waters at small sailboats, kayaks and canoes. At the east end, the competitive Calgary Canoe and Rowing Club resides, whose athletes are regularly on the waters building their strength and skill. Looking west, visitors get an unobstructed view of the Canadian Rockies, over the brush and flats of the still-wild Weaselhead Natural Area. Endless grass on which to lay a blanket down and several proper picnic areas are perfect places to enjoy a meal. Public washrooms and numerous parking areas are available. The park is joined to the massive Calgary pathway system, enabling people on foot or wheels to travel hours in either direction. Within the park, the path is split into a paved walking path and a separate cycling/blading path. Paths encircle the reservoir, joining North Glenmore Park to South Glenmore Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pamela Gusul |
 Photo: Karl B. Staddon |
 Photo: Karl B. Staddon |
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The best view in Calgary |
5620 15 Street North West (bordered on the east by Shaganappi Trail) Calgary, AB T2N 4C9 Canada +1 403 269 8289 / +1 403 269 6688 (Calgary Parks & Recreation Outdoor/Nature Services) |
From here, the view of Calgary is incomparable. The location requires a bit of effort to hike the kilometre up a gentle slope to the top of the hill. Once there, the reward is a 360-degree view spanning the Rocky Mountains, with the skyscrapers of downtown rising out of the Bow River Valley and the prairie stretching off to the east. The surrounding long-grass prairie offers glimpses of the local wildlife, as numerous deer, jackrabbits and the red-tailed hawk call it home. Take the train from downtown to the Brentwood station, then hike up Charleswood Avenue to the park gates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Doug Waylett |
 Photo: A. Benner |
 Photo: A. Benner |
 Photo: dirk m |
 Photo: winston & michelle |
 Photo: David Samson |
 Photo: Miles Dickinson |
 Photo: Alan Taylor |
 Photo: Neal Sanche |
 Photo: Brent Boguslaw |
 Photo: George |
 Photo: Doug MacKay |
 Photo: Maureen Flynn-Burhoe |
 Photo: A.L. van der Breggen |
 Photo: Marc Arnault |
 Photo: pick-nick |
 Photo: Mathieu Legros |
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Beautiful and popular island |
1st Ave and 4 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 4R5 Canada +1 403 268 3888 |
Statistics say that Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North America. Come here on a sunny day and you will not doubt it. Way back when, the Island was used to catch felled trees floating down the Bow River from logging projects upstream. Now this bit of serenity in downtown serves as a favourite venue for joggers, football tossers, family picnics, flocks of Canada Geese, buskers, Shakespearean actors and nearly every major festival that Calgary hosts. This is also a great place for a quiet paddle down the river. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mike.in.ny |
 Photo: James Tworow |
 Photo: Kynan Cheng |
 Photo: Paul Ashton |
 Photo: Randy Peters |
 Photo: Ross Murphy |
 Photo: Jean-Guy Dallaire |
 Photo: Allyn Pul-agan |
 Photo: botten72 |
 Photo: Darrin Ross |
 Photo: Malu Acra |
 Photo: Doug Purvis |
 Photo: Edmund Wang 王春晓 |
 Photo: Lauren Mills |
 Photo: brett ohland |
 Photo: indra kartawidjaja |
 Photo: crack! McCoon |
 Photo: Paul Studiman |
 Photo: Wayne Minnis |
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An idyllic bit of urban green |
800 12 Street Northwest Calgary, AB T2N 1W3 Canada +1 403 221 3955 |
Kensington is adored for its hip shops and cafes, but if you are looking for something a little more tranquil nearby, visit this urban park. Riley Park features vast expanses of green space (perfect for throwing around a football or just lying in the sun), a cricket pitch, picnic tables, a refreshment stand, playgrounds and well-tended flower gardens. On sunny days, children find excitement in the popular wading pool, splashing around with the neighbourhood kids while parents and baby-sitters watch wearily on. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Breitkreutz |
 Photo: Roland Ferrer |
 Photo: Paul Smith |
 Photo: Vanessa V |
 Photo: wjiang_calg |
 Photo: wjiang_calg |