Edworthy Park Calgary
Vast Calgary park with Bow River access, scenic trails, picnic spots, and a popular off-leash dog area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Edworthy Park Calgary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast Calgary park with Bow River access, scenic trails, picnic spots, and a popular off-leash dog area.
"A huge park with lots of paths, beautiful views, and a great off-leash dog park that feels miles away from the city."
🗺️ Navigate with Care
GPS can be confusing; follow signs for specific areas. Be ready for unpaved paths.
🐾 Doggy Paradise
The off-leash area is a hit! Great for energetic pups to socialize and explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Douglas Fir Trail
Southwest Calgary
Hike through a beautiful forest with steep, potentially slippery sections offering city views. Not for the faint of heart!
Bow River Access
Along the Bow River
Enjoy riverside paths, picnic spots, and the chance to get into the water. Perfect for a refreshing escape.
Off-Leash Dog Park
East side of the park
A favorite for dog owners, offering ample space for pups to run and socialize. Feels like a true escape.
Picnic & Play Areas
Various locations
Numerous open and covered picnic spots, playgrounds, and open fields make it ideal for family gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Edworthy Park
Weekend Crowds & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Navigate with Care
GPS can be confusing; follow signs for specific areas. Be ready for unpaved paths.
🐾 Doggy Paradise
The off-leash area is a hit! Great for energetic pups to socialize and explore.
🧺 Picnic Prep
Some areas lack washrooms. Pack essentials and check amenities before you go.
👟 Trail Ready
Douglas Fir Trail is beautiful but steep/slippery. Wear sturdy shoes!
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Navigate with Care
GPS can be confusing; follow signs for specific areas. Be ready for unpaved paths.
🐾 Doggy Paradise
The off-leash area is a hit! Great for energetic pups to socialize and explore.
🧺 Picnic Prep
Some areas lack washrooms. Pack essentials and check amenities before you go.
👟 Trail Ready
Douglas Fir Trail is beautiful but steep/slippery. Wear sturdy shoes!
🦟 Bug Spray Essential
Don't forget bug spray for warmer months, especially on the trails.
🚗 Parking Patience
Weekends can be busy. Arrive early or be prepared for a longer walk from parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Edworthy Park is a vast and beautiful natural space in Calgary, praised for its extensive trails, riverside access, and excellent off-leash dog park. Visitors appreciate the scenic views, especially during autumn, and the ample picnic and play areas. However, some find navigation challenging, parking can be difficult on weekends, and washroom availability is inconsistent in certain areas.
"It's a huge park, but the area our GPS took us seemed like it took forever/ was convoluted.
Lots of open space. We seemed to be at the off leash dog park, which was fine because we love dogs. But we didn't have our furry friend with us at the time. Lots of paths and such. No paved areas. There were several benches in one area to have a rest. Beautiful view of parts of the city, especially with fall colour's."
Emmy
"Is your dog wound up and in need of some exercise? Edworthy Park is the perfect spot to let em unwind! It’s my go-to off-leash dog walking destination in the city. The people are friendly, the dogs are happy, and the views are stunning. At times, it feels like you’re miles away from the city, especially on the east side of the park among the trees.
You can park in the first lot as you enter and enjoy pathways that extend all the way to the third parking lot. If you prefer not to stick to pathways, the main area usually has plenty of dogs for yours to socialize with.
The only drawback? There are no washrooms! So if nature calls, just remember: it’s not just your dog that might need to answer!"
Ryan Seibel
"Edworthy Park is an enormous picnic place with plenty of open and covered picnic areas, tables, children play grounds, a lot of unending paved and unpaved trails, and huge parking areas on either side of the river that is accessible by an over bridge on foot or by bicycles. In order to park my car on the other side of the river, I had to take a long route; I followed the phone GPS.
The popular picnic spot has hygienic, well- maintained washrooms and a cafeteria to cater to the needs of the visitors.
A very energetic, exhilarating, and mesmerizing place for people of all ages and kinds."
Bharat Shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edworthy Park is located in southwest Calgary. You can access it via Spruce Drive SW. Many visitors find following signs for specific areas like the off-leash dog park or picnic spots helpful, as GPS can sometimes be convoluted.
While specific bus routes can change, checking Calgary Transit's website for routes serving the Spruce Drive SW area is recommended. Be prepared for a walk from the nearest stops.
The park is quite large. Many paths are unpaved, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Following signs for specific amenities like picnic areas or the dog park is often easier than relying solely on GPS.
Yes, parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Popular areas like the railway crossing can fill up quickly. Arriving early or being prepared to walk from a further parking lot is advisable.
Absolutely! Edworthy Park features cycling paths, and the Bow River pathway system connects to it, making it a great spot for a bike ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Edworthy Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty and amenities for free.
As a public park, Edworthy Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific facility hours, if any, would be posted by Calgary Parks.
While many picnic areas are first-come, first-served, it's wise to check with Calgary Parks if reservations are available or recommended for larger groups, especially for covered areas.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws in non-off-leash areas and respecting wildlife. Check Calgary Parks for any specific seasonal restrictions or advisories.
Edworthy Park has fire pits and BBQ areas, making it a popular spot for gatherings. Be sure to check current fire bans and regulations with the City of Calgary before planning a bonfire.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Douglas Fir Trail is highly recommended for its scenic beauty, though it can be steep and slippery. The Bow River pathways offer a more gentle, paved experience.
Amenities vary. Some popular picnic areas have hygienic, well-maintained washrooms, but not all areas do. It's advisable to be prepared, especially if you plan to explore further into the park.
Yes, Edworthy Park has children's play areas and plenty of open space for kids to run around. The riverside location also adds to the fun.
Edworthy Park is very dog-friendly, featuring a popular off-leash dog park on the east side. Dogs are welcome on leash in other areas as well.
You can enjoy beautiful views of the Bow River and parts of the city, especially stunning with fall colors. The hills also offer scenic vantage points.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bow River banks, the Douglas Fir Trail with its unique trees, and the city views from the hills are excellent for photography. Autumn foliage also provides stunning backdrops.
The park's natural setting along the Bow River and its wooded areas make it a potential spot for observing local wildlife, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful lighting for photos, especially along the river and on the hills.
The presence of a railway line where trains frequently pass can offer unique shots, as can the sandstone hills and the mix of urban and natural landscapes.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive park and river views, while a telephoto lens might be good for wildlife. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring the gentler Bow River pathways for easy stroller access or bike rides. The off-leash dog park is also a hit if your family includes a furry friend!
🐾 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Edworthy Park
For a more relaxed experience, the Bow River pathways provide a gentler, often paved, route. These trails are perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, or even a jog. They offer scenic views of the river and connect to other parts of the city's extensive pathway system. The park's natural beauty, with its mix of trees and open spaces, makes it a refreshing escape.
When exploring the trails, especially during warmer months, remember to bring bug spray as mosquitoes can be present. The variety of terrain ensures that whether you're looking for an invigorating hike or a peaceful walk, Edworthy Park has a trail for you.
Family Fun and Picnics
The park is renowned for its picnic spots, with many open and covered areas available. These spots are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or a casual lunch amidst nature. While some picnic areas are well-equipped with washrooms and even cafeterias, it's wise to check the specific amenities of the area you plan to visit beforehand, as not all locations have facilities.
For those with furry family members, the off-leash dog park is a major draw. It provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to socialize and exercise, making it a complete family outing for pet owners.
The Natural Beauty and Wildlife
While not a dedicated wildlife sanctuary, the park's natural setting attracts various local fauna. Visitors may spot birds, squirrels, and other small animals, adding to the immersive nature experience. The changing seasons bring different charms, with autumn foliage being particularly spectacular, painting the park in vibrant hues.
This blend of natural scenery and urban proximity makes Edworthy Park a unique spot. It offers a sense of being away from the city hustle, even though it's conveniently located within Calgary.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit