Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Explore vast grasslands, rolling hills, and the Bow River valley with abundant wildlife and historical remnants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer people
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Best Time
Golden light, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vast grasslands, rolling hills, and the Bow River valley with abundant wildlife and historical remnants.
"A perfect getaway spot not too far from Calgary, offering stunning views and wildlife encounters."
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on many trails! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Trails are easy with minimal elevation, but good walking shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rolling Grasslands
Throughout the park
Vast, protected fescue grasslands offering breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of open space.
Bow River Valley
Lower elevations
Scenic river valley with gentle trails, offering a refreshing contrast to the open hills.
Wildlife Encounters
Various locations
Opportunities to spot deer, cows, horses, and even badgers in their natural habitat.
Historical Remnants
Throughout the park
Discover remnants of industrial and indigenous history scattered across the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Etiquette & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on many trails! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Trails are easy with minimal elevation, but good walking shoes are recommended.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, even on weekends, making it easy to start your adventure.
🐎 Horse & Cow Sightings
You might see horses and cows; keep a safe distance and enjoy the unique encounters.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on many trails! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Trails are easy with minimal elevation, but good walking shoes are recommended.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking, even on weekends, making it easy to start your adventure.
🐎 Horse & Cow Sightings
You might see horses and cows; keep a safe distance and enjoy the unique encounters.
🗺️ Trail Variety
Mix of paved, gravel, and natural trails. Some allow e-bikes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park's stunning natural beauty, vast open spaces, and diverse wildlife encounters. The easy trails and proximity to Calgary make it a perfect getaway. Some note the lack of shade and the climb back to the parking lot, but overall, it's highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.
"The park is huge and stunning with breathtaking views and a variety of hiking and biking trails. The trails are east with little elevation. There is a beautiful river down the valley A perfect getaway spot not too far from Calgary. Some areas of the park may be used as a pasture for cows so the access to those areas might be limited. Sometimes it is possible to see horses and they come close to you (fenced area). Keep an eye out for deer as well! Plenty of parking even on weekends. A fantastic destination not too far from Calgary makes it a perfect getaway spot for outdoor enthusiasts."
Daria Kurovskaya
"Beautiful and serene with hardly anyone around for miles. Great outdoors with an easy trail; we even chanced upon a doe less than 1 m from the walking path!"
Anthony Teh
"It was a nice walk on minimal elevation trail. It is very refreshing of seeing farms with canola field, cow grazing on the field with bow river. Lots of sun screen application, hat, a pair of shade is recommended as there is no shade along the trail."
Rosa Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is conveniently located just 20 minutes northwest of Calgary, right off Highway 1A and only 5 minutes from Cochrane. 
Currently, public transportation options directly to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The main parking lot is easily accessible from Highway 1A. From there, you can begin exploring the various trails.
Cyclists can access the park via Highway 1A. Some trails are paved and suitable for biking, including e-bikes, though it's wise to check signage for specific rules.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a short 5-minute drive from the town of Cochrane, making it a perfect addition to a visit to Cochrane.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a provincial park managed by Alberta Parks, and typically, provincial parks in Alberta do not have entrance fees for day use.
The park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. Specific facility hours, like outhouses, may vary seasonally.
Yes, guided golf cart tours are available and highly recommended for a comprehensive experience of the park's history and scenery. Booking in advance is advised.
Access to certain areas might be limited seasonally due to pasture use by cows. Always check for posted signs regarding access and trail conditions.
Alberta Parks, in partnership with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, is seeking public feedback on the new Glenbow Ranch management plan. Check their websites for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including paved and gravel paths, suitable for easy walks and hikes. All paths from the main parking lot involve a climb back up.
Yes, the park has cleared trails suitable for biking, including some that allow e-bikes. Winter biking is also a popular activity here.
Visitors often spot deer, cows grazing in pastures, horses, and sometimes even badgers and red-tailed foxes.
Yes, picnic tables are available near the parking lot, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxed lunch amidst nature.
Outhouses are available throughout the park, and picnic tables are located near the main parking area.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling grasslands, the Bow River valley, and the expansive skies offer stunning photographic opportunities. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful here.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for landscape photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the rolling hills.
Yes, with patience and a safe distance, you can photograph the diverse wildlife, including deer and horses. Remember to use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the animals.
The higher points in the park offer panoramic vistas of the grasslands and the distant mountains, making them ideal for capturing the park's grandeur.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography. A tripod can be beneficial for sunrise/sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided golf cart tour for a unique family experience that combines sightseeing with engaging historical narratives.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to experience the park's tranquility with fewer people around.
🚴♂️ Cyclists
The relatively flat terrain on many trails is perfect for a relaxed ride, while the climbs back to the parking lot offer a good challenge. Cyclists can enjoy the scenic beauty of the rolling grasslands and the Bow River valley as they pedal through the park. Remember to be mindful of other trail users, especially hikers and equestrians. Always check for any posted signage regarding trail usage and e-bike regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Be aware that while many trails are gentle, the paths leading back to the main parking lot often involve a decent climb.
Wildlife and Nature
Visitors frequently report sightings of deer, often at very close range, as well as horses and cows grazing in designated pasture areas. The diverse flora, including wildflowers and bushes, adds to the natural beauty, especially during spring and summer. It's crucial to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. While encounters can be thrilling, remember these are wild animals in their natural habitat. Avoid feeding them, and never approach them too closely.
The park's commitment to preserving these grasslands means that visitors can experience a relatively untouched natural environment. The presence of these animals is a testament to the success of the park's conservation efforts, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature.Historical Significance
The park's acquisition by the Alberta government was a significant move to preserve its splendor for public enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit