Bowness Park

This is a beautiful place for family.even in winter there are plenty of things to do and enjoy. Area very well kept, secure and protected. Love the ambiente in winter

I love going for walks here year round! Some of the pathways are even ploughed in the winter.

During the winter the pond and rivers are turned into a skating rink/path. There are wood burning fire pits out on the ice and gas firpits on the patio where you put on your skates. The area is beautiful and has lights all throughout. The ice conditions can be quite rough, choppy and dangerous if you're not careful. Sometimes the river and skating paths are closed and only the pond is available for skating so be sure to check the website before you go to see ice conditions. You can also rent skates and skate training aids on site.

I love the tranquility. There were lots of seagulls in the water, a few ducks. The park is very clean and there's a lot of parking available.

My family and I have been coming here to watch the birds since back when there was a mini-golf course and some amusement park rides. It has remained beautiful and is a really lovely place to visit in every season.

Absolutely gorgeous spot, you can paddleboard, have lunch, toss a football, bird watch, people watch, walk and enjoy nature. It's a must for anyone going to or in Calgary

There are many recreational facilities in Bowness park?: children's playground, small train, rowboat, water bike, you can bring food for a picnic, there is a coffee shop, mobile ice cream truck, very suitable for the whole family. The only downside is that there are very few parking spaces, and you often have to wait for a seat during holidays

The park is amazing, all in one, trails, river side, little beaches, bridge to cross the river, boat platform, bbq, fireplaces, event houses, green spaces, lake, boats/bikes to rent, a little train, restaurant with happy hour, coffee and ice cream at the store. All beautiful and nice. Big parking lot.

Bathrooms near the playground are not yet open. Portapottys are clean though. Otherwise, it's a great playground and fun walking paths. Will come again.

The splash park during the summer and the rental boats in the pond
The skating rink during the winter.
The jogging trails.
The playground area for the kids,
The mini train,
The water stream in the river,
The BBQ shelters and the massive parking lot!
All this makes it one of the most desirable parks in the entire province not only Calgary.
Thanks to everyone who made this a reality!

Beautiful inner-city park with kilometres of paved pathways and foot bridges that cross the river. Numerous campsites for various party sizes that can be booked in advance or used on a first-come basis. Facilities are modern and the park is clean. The pond is a lovely spot in both summer and winter months, and the cafe and restaurant are very nice fare.

For families, the wading pool and mini-train for kids are a highlight. Playground equipment for kids is wonderful for every age.

A few things to note before you go:

The price of booking a camp site with the City of Calgary can be quite expensive; and when we've done this in the past we have arrived to find that people don't necessarily pay attention to the signage, and often take over booked sites regardless. This leaves the booking holder with the responsibility to clear out other visitors, which, as you can imagine, doesn't always go well. I would recommend arriving well before your event to secure the desired area, and/or seeking out park staff to lend some authority to the removal of other guests.

Parking is consistently difficult to find. Even on regular summer days, there can be no spaces left and it can consume a lot of time driving in, navigating the parking lots looking for a spot and getting out again to park on the streets. On long weekends or holidays, it can be even worse, with the only free parking bring blocks away, and the access to the park from those side streets limited. I've had to walk a significant distance from my parked car to the entry of the park only to then walk back nearly the same distance just to get to a usable site on the inside of the park.

Very nice park for an Autumn walk. Currently, there are a few constructions closeby the park though but didn't take away from the nice scenery. I always prefer parks with washrooms in case there are children in the company. Highly recommend everyone to visit this park.

Beautiful park on the west side of Calgary. Nestled on an island in the Bow River, lots of family activities, great place to walk, have a picnic, places for campfires. Nice in the winter with skating on the lagoon!

Gorgeous park on the Bow river. Lots of space for picnics including tables, bbqs and firepits. Playground for the kids. You can reserve tables in advance online or by calling (I believe at least a week) but of course if they're free they're first come first serve. I only went for a family bbq but looks like lots of space to explore and my dog seemed to enjoy our little walk! Can't wait to go back. Btw - was packed on a fall Sunday, be prepared to make a few laps looking for parking if you arrive later in the day and weather is nice or make other arrangements.

A place to walk, talk, visit. All season canoes, playground, skating. My parents dated there in 1942. I visit often and walk the paths. Beautiful in all seasons.

Beautiful spot. Very large area for families to have gatherings. Lots of picnic tables and covered areas. Nice playground for kids. This park actually connects via a pedestrian bridge to Baker Park which is beautiful as well.

This is without any doubts one of the best parks to visit throughout the year in the city of Calgary. Each season has different scenery to offer. Wether you just want spend some leisurely time by the river, or walk/jog, this is the place to go.

This tree is confused! It's October 21 and it's budding! I hope it and the other tree's are not being harmed my our wonderful weather?

We love it here. You can take a train ride for a few $, rent a canoe or paddle boat, just walk through the paths, throw rocks in the river, or play at the playground. So much to do for any age. Parking can be difficult on weekends but if you're patient you'll find a spot.

Awesome place for a stroll or a picnic. Gets very busy on the weekends but you can still find a table further away from the parking lot.

It is really a great park in Calgary. I enjoyed walking around with family and friends. Enough bbq accomodations and benches to seat.

Really liked this park.we went in rains but it was fun.boating was closed since sales were low but we took small train ride in the park.parking spots and picnic spots are ample but I'm not sure if they cover everyone during peak.nice park.

Good place for a picnic and photography. Easily going in the city place with huge parking space and free swimming pool for kids.

This park is right by the river and has gorgeous views. In the summer it has a nice wading pool (chilly but fun) and a train that does a small loop in the park. Kids love it! You can also rent boats for a little adventure in the lagoon. In the winter they have a large skating rink. I highly recommend the train!

Beautiful place for a stroll, have a picnic, go paddleboarding on the large pond, launch your canoe/inflatable in the Bow River or eat at an excellent restaurant.

There's a bit of construction/improvement around the area but don't let that distract you. Its a busy and popular park for a reason. Beautiful, big and with wide paths is great year round

Our favourite family park in the city! Beautiful and relaxing in every way possible. We just keep going back to the park all summer, to appreciate all the different facilities it has to offer including the water park for kids, boating, the amazing cafe by the water, little train for a short rode around the park- I can keep going with the list of its offerings …:)

Family enjoyed it. Great place to picnic. Cool off in wading pool, ride the train, or try out canoeing or paddle boats. Great views of the river where you can watch rafters etc as they flow past. Parking was crazy so we went a block away for a spot and just walked in.

Lots of green space. Near the river. Great walking paths and areas for picnics. There are paddle boats you can rent and tour around the inlet. There is an amazing restaurant on the pond side. And a kids outdoor seimming pool and kids rideable train around the park. Along with a large kids play structure for hanging out in.

Lots of free parking, and a free wading pool. There is a playground on the opposite side of the pool. Lots of walking trails a perfect place for a run or to bring your dog. There is a train which is wonderful for children however its 5$a ticket or 10$ for a family of 4

Best park I've been to in a long time. It was lovely and the summer has been so hot, it was great to take the kids to an open splash park!

Love the park. It is in a great location for us, with access to the river on hot days. The only thing that would make it better would be if it had a bench or two inside the fenced park for people who want to sit while their dog plays. I also wish there was a portion fenced off for small dogs only as there are a lot of big dogs at this park. They are generally well-behaved but some smaller dogs may find it intimidating.

Bowness is my favorite Park in Calgary. Very relaxing atmosphere. My grandkids love the park. Whether take the mini train, walk or go to the water park. There is also restaurant. We keep on coming back to these Park.

Gorgeous park by the Bow River. Bring a snack because you will want to stay awhile. There are alot of picnic tables and benches to sit on. Please RESPECT the Geese and ducks. (Keep the kids from yelling or chasing them, thank you.) Mom and Dad, Please hold on to your garbage until you can dispose of it properly. After all it is YOUR job!

This has to be one of the best parks in the city. It has everything you could want - playgrounds, walking paths, paths connecting to the entire city network, picnicking areas - everything. Plus a mini train.

Great place to hangout.bring ur own tent or kayak and sports stuff, bbq and what not.great place for kids and adults alike.

Lots of open space and things to do. Good bike paths and playgrounds. Washrooms need better upkeep.

Beautiful park and great for kids. Very busy there. Always lots of people. Great for spending the day and having a picnic also. Beautiful trails to walk and of course the river is a big plus.

The park is clean!
The ice needs to have water added to cover all the potholes and ice gashes

The main rink and pathways rink were in poor condition (but doable) and it was a lot of people.

I’ve been skating here for a couple winters now, and the main rink is always lovely! Lots of space to skate around and enjoy being surrounded by a gorgeous area. It gets incredibly busy at times.

If you’re one for a thrill, try skating on the path beneath the bridge. It’s cracked, rocky, bumpy, snowy, and icy. I’ve fallen down many times in the span of a few minutes and saw my life flash before my eyes as I crashed onto the cold and unforgiving ground. Bring gloves.

Beautiful park in the winter. This place is a hidden gem. Completely different crowd in the winter and a lot less crowded. We went for skating and some Mexican hot chocolate

Great place to bbq or start off a rafting trip when the weather is good. Huge ground to play soccer or football with friends.

Fun beautiful park and great for wedding photos. The park is in the valley and the large trees shade it to keep the snow in the winter time!

Beautiful inner-city park with kilometres of paved pathways, numerous campsites for various party sizes that can be booked in advance or used on a first-come basis. Facilities are modern and the park is clean. The pond is a lovely spot in both summer and winter months, and the cafe and restaurant are pricy but very nice fare.

For families, the water park and mini-train for kids are a highlight. Playground equipment for kids is wonderful for every age.

A few things to note before you go:

The price of booking a camp site with the City of Calgary can be quite expensive; and when we've done this in the past we have arrived to find that people don't necessarily pay attention to the signage, and often take over booked sites regardless. I would recommend just arriving well before your event to secure a desired area.

Parking is consistently a problem here. Even on regular summer days, there can be no spaces left and it can consumer a lot of time driving in, navigating the parking lots looking for a spot and getting out again to park on the streets. On long weekends or holidays, it can be even worse, with the only free parking bring blocks away, and the access to the park from those side streets limited. I've had to walk a significant distance from my parked car to the entry of the park only to then walk back nearly the same distance just to get to a usable site on the inside of the park.

This is a beautiful place, but the rental service ruined the experience. We wanted to rent some skates and the website said the shop opened until 8pm. After driving 30 mins and arriving at 7: 01, we were denied service and got to start our drive home early. There was no number to call and no information that mentioned an early cutoff. One star for University of Calgary Outdoor Center service.

A beautiful park to come relax in the sun, a ton of fun activities such as bbq pits, huge open fields for kids to play sports, you can go rafting here as well, boat rentals.

Winter review:
The large size of the lagoon for ice skating is great. Improvements this year include wood fire pits on the ice and more skateable area.
There is a restaurant and cafe as well as ice skate rentals.
When snow cover permits there are groomed cross country skiing trails.
The trees are beautifully decorated with lights and overall it is a really nice winter, family destination.

My earliest childhood memories was coming here with my family we still come here and bbq on a nice sunny day, a great place to start off kayaking and kayak all the way down to downtown.

The park is mostly a great place to go as a family and have a picnic or barbecue.

As far as the Park, picnic tables, parking go I give it 5 out of 5 however I went there to use the water and go out and paddle on my own personal stand up paddle board. I was told that you're only allowed to use the lake if you rent the equipment from the University of Calgary which I found absolutely ridiculous since it's a city park and I pay taxes here.

Nobody was on the water as it's fall and quite cold and I was upset that I couldn't go out and enjoy the water.

I'll probably never go back to this park, I went to the kid all the time. If you're going to walk around with a stroller or have a picnic like I said it's 5/5. For my own purpose of using the water I should probably give it a 0 out of 5 but I'll give you three stars. You should probably change this rule, there are hundreds of people that would love to come use this water to paddle around in their personal watercraft.

This is a perfect place to bring kids for an all-around experience. The pool is fun and the train is really cool. However, lifeguards Sarah and Melissa have had headphones in and were on their phones the entire time we were here (4 hours). They also took a couple leisurely naps. Some children in the pool were calling for help and they never even looked up. Everything else about this place is great. Would come here again just for the experience.

What is the nation's parks in Calgary believe me if you're visiting Calgary or you live here must go and see bowness Park

Beautiful park! Boat rentals in the summer and skating in the winter. Good place to feed ducks, go for a walk along the river or have a picnic!

A great place in the city with lots of trees, water and family fun. But also crazy busy on weekends and holidays, and very noisy with Stoney Trail ring road just next to it.

Loved the park, wading pool and ice cream cones. Enjoyed canoing and kayaking. All employees were helpful and courteous. Wonderful place to take the family.

I can call this Bowness Park, “All you can do, for all ages”. I had a fun, relaxing, refreshing day with my family and friends. We had a relaxing barbecue. Lots of snack and food on Canada day. I admire the ducks and geese swimming in the lakes, walking along the lake as they graze in grass.

So much to do like catching a ride in the train, swim in the pool, chill out in the water area with your children, walking your dog, rent a paddle boat or canoeing in the lake. Have a refreshing ice-cream, ride your bicycle and more.

Best place for tourist/local for picnic, fishing, Bar-B-Q, kids play ground, and a lot, but no swimming as water is really rough, and no Life Guard here, Free parking free handicap parking, handicap access, Public washroom, shelters, bring your own camping/picnic stuff as most of the time its very busy and hard to get shelters during rain.