Bowness Park Calgary
A picturesque Calgary park with a lagoon, boat rentals, scenic train, and beautiful trails, perfect for all seasons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy boating before crowds
Bowness Park Calgary
Best Time
Enjoy boating before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Calgary park with a lagoon, boat rentals, scenic train, and beautiful trails, perfect for all seasons.
"It's a great place to enjoy the leisure of everyday life, with a different atmosphere from Bow River."
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free but can be limited, especially on busy days. Arrive early!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Essential for summer visits to protect against sun and mosquitoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lagoon & Boat Rentals
Central Lagoon
Paddle a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak on the serene lagoon. A quintessential Bowness Park experience!
+1
Scenic Train Ride
Park pathways
A charming miniature train ride perfect for families, offering a delightful tour of the park.
Fall Foliage Spectacle
Throughout the park
Witness vibrant autumn colors painting the landscape, ideal for photography and peaceful strolls.
+1
Winter Ice Skating
Lagoon
When winter arrives, the lagoon freezes over, becoming a picturesque spot for ice skating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Seasonal Fun & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free but can be limited, especially on busy days. Arrive early!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Essential for summer visits to protect against sun and mosquitoes.
📸 Perfect for Fall Photos
The autumn colors make Bowness Park a prime spot for stunning photography.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Features a playground and a miniature train, making it great for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free but can be limited, especially on busy days. Arrive early!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Essential for summer visits to protect against sun and mosquitoes.
📸 Perfect for Fall Photos
The autumn colors make Bowness Park a prime spot for stunning photography.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Features a playground and a miniature train, making it great for families.
🛶 Boat Rentals on Lagoon
Rent kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats for a fun time on the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bowness Park for its natural beauty, seasonal charm, and family-friendly amenities. It's a beloved spot for picnics, outdoor activities, and photography, offering a peaceful escape within the city. Some mention parking can be challenging during peak times and mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer.
"A park where you can experience a splendid summer. Despite recent issues, it's still a beautiful neighborhood. If I lived here, I would be so happy. I should come back for a barbecue later. Walking along the quiet paths, it felt like happiness would stay by my side forever. It's a great place to enjoy the leisure of everyday life. It has a different atmosphere from Bow River."
Summer
"Bowness Park has always been our favorite Fall spot. It's so beautiful that we keep coming back every year to do our yearly fall photos. It's also a great park during summer as there is a waterpark free for kids. Also, lots of people enjoy the bow river rafting with their own rafts or rental. Some people actually go swimming too, although I'm sure the water will be too cold. Winter is also beautiful as people can ice skate along the park. You can do a walking/biking loop trail from here to Baker Park, which is very easy. You will have to pass a nice bridge that connects the river. Path is open all season. There is also a path at the end (close to the green bridge) going up to the community residential area. People walk or even bike going up there. It is now fully developed. There is a lot of squirrel in the area, which is a treat for the kids. If you need to get drinks, there's a small shop that sells beverages, which is great, especially during the winter season. I love this park as it's very spacious and has a lot to offer. Also summer time if you get lucky, there's a guy that plays music and collects donations for a few charities."
miss_j
"My favourite park in the city tied with Prince's Island! It's very pretty and a great place to come for a picnic, BBQ, with a boat, or just to hangout near the Bow river. I run here and it's always nice to see people having fun and existing.
Great place for kids too, as there's plenty of playground areas, and even a little train for them to ride!"
Faiz Hanafi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bowness Park is located at 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available. Public transit options are also available, though travel times may vary.
Yes, Bowness Park offers free parking. However, it can fill up quickly on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Bowness Park is connected to Calgary's extensive pathway system, making it a great destination for cyclists. You can even bike from here to Baker Park.
Bowness Park is located in the northwest part of Calgary, approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown, depending on traffic.
Yes, Bowness Park is situated near Baker Park, which offers disc golf, and is a short drive from other Calgary parks like Griffith Woods Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bowness Park is free to enter and explore. There are costs associated with specific activities like boat rentals or the miniature train.
Bowness Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering ample time to enjoy its amenities.
Yes, if you plan to use a designated picnic site with a shed and fire pit, it's recommended to book in advance by calling 311.
While park entry is free, activities like boat rentals, the miniature train, and potentially e-bike rentals (if available) will have associated fees.
Yes, you can bring your own food and use portable stoves at available picnic tables. Some booked picnic sites also include fire pits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Bowness Park offers a variety of activities including boating on the lagoon, riding the miniature train, ice skating in winter, picnicking, BBQs, and exploring walking/biking trails. +1
Yes, it's a fantastic family destination with a playground, a miniature train, and open spaces for kids to play.
Definitely! There are scenic walking and biking trails, including a loop that connects to Baker Park along the Bow River.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Bowness Park, but they must be kept on a leash.
Bowness Park is beautiful year-round. Summer is great for water activities, fall for colors, and winter for ice skating. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an onsite restaurant that offers locally sourced meals. There's also a small shop selling beverages.
Yes, Bowness Park has picnic sites with BBQ facilities and fire pits, some of which can be booked in advance.
The onsite restaurant offers locally sourced meals, providing a convenient dining option within the park.
Absolutely! Bowness Park is a great spot for picnics, and you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, there's a small shop within the park that sells beverages, which is convenient, especially during colder months.
📸 📸 Photography
The lagoon, the Bow River banks, the scenic bridge, and the park's pathways are all excellent for photography. The fall foliage offers particularly vibrant scenes.
Yes, Bowness Park is renowned for its stunning fall colors, making it a prime location for autumn photography.
You're likely to see squirrels and various bird species in Bowness Park, which can be a treat for wildlife photographers.
Look out for the cute bear statue near the river, the miniature train, and the picturesque views of the lagoon and Bow River.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The lagoon, Bow River, and charming bridges provide diverse scenic backdrops. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for capturing the park's beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like squirrels for candid shots. 🚴 Cyclists and Runners
❤️ Couples and Picnickers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Activities at Bowness Park
As fall arrives, Bowness Park becomes a photographer's dream. The park's trees erupt in a spectacular display of autumn colors, making it a prime location for fall foliage viewing and photography sessions.
+1 Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the colorful pathways. Winter brings a magical transformation as the lagoon freezes over, creating a beautiful natural ice skating rink. It's a cherished activity for Calgarians seeking outdoor winter fun.
Family Fun and Accessibility
The park's layout is generally accessible, with paved pathways that are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The open spaces and picnic areas provide ample room for families to spread out and enjoy their time. Dogs are also welcome on a leash, making it a great spot for families with furry members.
The proximity to the Bow River and the general serene atmosphere contribute to a relaxed and enjoyable outing for all ages.Exploring the Bow River and Pathways
The pathways are well-maintained and open year-round, providing opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer bike ride, the trails around Bowness Park offer a refreshing escape into nature within the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit