City: Calgary
Top Things to do in Calgary
Countries
What to do and see in Calgary, Canada: The Best Free Things to do
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. St. Patrick's Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Usia2014 - Calgary, Canada
The pathways are great for walking and biking around St. Patrick's Island. It's a wonderful place for families to have a picnic, kids were splashing in the protected inlet joined to the Bow River, the huge hill had a few people rolling down it and the climbing structures in the playground were certainly well utilized. There are washroom facilities and plenty of shade. Lovely little island in the heart of the city.
2. Prince's Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,398 reviews
This recreational island is located in the Bow River, providing stressed-out urbanites opportunities to bike, hike and fish.
Reviewed By JLOUcomotion7
This is one of the most beautiful parks in Calgary. This is a must-go-to park for those who are visiting, for sure. Peace Bridge is there, Kensington, the popular stairs where people go to for either pictures or do cardio, fancy restaurants, rafting, Eau Claire Market mall, Sheraton Hotel, movie theatre, YMCA, they’re all nearby. It’s so nice to go for a walk or run or bike, or sit by the river. There’s even lots of events that’s going on there. Whoever said it’s a boring park and there’s nothing to do here, has obviously never explored much.
3. Nose Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
This park's rugged, hilly terrain is full of paths and trails for hikers, bikers and runners.
Reviewed By O7059EArossm - Airdrie, Canada
Awesome ride on EBikes - well we checked out the park - 14.4 Kms- on and off pathways and into the fields and single path trails. Awesome views of downtown, mountains and Olympic Park
4. Fish Creek Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
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!
5. Carburn Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
A perfect destination for family outings, featuring a playground and lots of trails for hiking and biking.
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
This is such a gorgeous park, located in SE Calgary. It truly has something for everyone: picnic tables and areas for families; a small lagoon for safer standup paddle boarding or kayaking with the kids; nature trails; asphalt paths for easy walking; less formal trails for exploring the woods. A real gem!
6. Bow River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
This feisty waterway is popular for its adjacent walkways used by walkers and bicyclers.
Reviewed By 9rocket9 - Medicine Hat, Canada
Kayaked from Bowness to the Peace Bridge in downtown Calgary, had an absolute blast! Some fast water and some calm! Lots of people out but very calming
7. Calgary Pathway System
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
A series of paths used for recreational purposes.
Reviewed By coldbike
These are some of the best recreational pathways I have seen anywhere. I have biked and walked many of them, and they are all different and all enjoyable. From Forest, to prairie, to river bank, to inner city, these paths have it all.
8. Confederation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
A recreational park offering picnic tables, tennis courts and beautiful landscape.
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
Confederation Park in NW Calgary is part of a substantial chain of green spaces. There's a large cemetery immediately to the east, and immediately to the west is a golf course, and to the west of that is another large green space, Canmore Park. In the summer, the golf course is off-limits to the general public, but in the winter, they maintain cross-country trails there, and it's permitted to walk there, as long as you respect track. On our recent visit, we just walked a bit in the Confederation Park, and enjoyed the sunny day.
9. Riley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
10. Bowness Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By T1160IPstephenm - Okotoks, Canada
Great place for an afternoon hike. We parked down by Valley Ridge Drive NW and walked down to the River. Beautiful landscape, lots of mature trees and we finished it off with some time at the park.
