Statistics say that Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North Canada. Come here on a sunny day and you will not doubt it. Originally, the island was used to catch felled trees floating down the Bow River from logging projects upstream. Now this bit of serenity in downtown serves as a favorite venue for joggers, football tossers, family picnics, flocks of Canadian Geese, buskers, Shakespearean actors and nearly every major festival that Calgary hosts. This is also a great place for a quiet paddle down the river.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is Canada's largest urban park, covering much of the south side of the city and dividing established and newer suburbs. The park features no organized recreational grounds, with daily usage intended for walking, cycling, and picnics, although tobogganing is popular in the winter. At the far east and south end are the man-made Lake Sikome beach and swimming area. The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center, at the west end of the park, is intended primarily for school groups. At the east end, the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Center, a small bakery cafe, and a more upscale sit-down restaurant, dubbed The Ranch, greet visitors.
Voted as one of the most fun outdoor sites in the country, Calgary Zoo features more than 1,100 animals from around the world and an ever-growing portfolio of innovative exhibitions. The fascinating programs put on by the zoo, allow guests to get up close and personal with its less ferocious animals through the Creature Features Program. Life-sized dinosaur models lurk in the badlands of the Prehistoric Park, and the more genteel setting of the Botanical Park includes a butterfly garden that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Winding its way from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Alberta foothills, Bow River is an expansive waterway. Along its route, the river passes through Calgary and the river banks are a popular outdoor recreation spot for the city dwellers. Many walking paths and scenic vistas can be found along the river. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can find kayak rentals, fly fishing options, cycling tracks and much more. Deer, great horned owls, and beavers have been spotted along Bow River.
Heritage Park Historical Village, one of Canada's largest historical villages, is divided into a pioneer Northwest Mounted Police outpost and a Main Street from 1910. The latter has a working antique amusement park, with rides that are safe even for small children. Other attractions include a working full-scale locomotive thundering through the park, and on the nearby Glenmore Reservoir, a vintage double-decker sternwheeler ship that takes visitors on lake cruises. Shops and restaurants are plentiful in the park, including a turn-of-the-century bakery. All park staff work in costume and character. Entertaining events for the whole family are scheduled year-round, including September's Fall Fair. The opening timing may vary for different experiences at the park.
During the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Olympic Plaza was the focal point of much of the event, including most of the medal ceremonies, laser, and fireworks displays. Tens of thousands of people jammed into the square on any given evening during the games. The square looks much as it did then and is now the focal point for many civic events, particularly for welcoming successful athletes home from the recent Olympic Games. The large area in front of the stage is now a wading pool in the summer and flooded for ice skating in the winter.
Located in Calgary's southeast quadrant, this 43-hectare park has a unique character consisting of balsam poplars, wetlands, shrubs and gravel flats. It has become a popular nature trail for people living in this side of the city. Beaverdam Flats has become home to a number of birds and wildlife ranging from mallards, woodpeckers, beavers, amphibians, and smaller animals like squirrels and chickadees. The park encourages people to explore in any season, as there are trails, pathways, and even a playground for children.
Located on the northern side of the Bow River, Bowmont is a lush natural park established in the 1980s. The park features miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, a soccer and baseball field. This expansive park is spread out over 164 hectares (405 acres) and attracts adventure sports enthusiasts, families, birders, dog walkers and those looking for a fun day outdoors. Be sure to check out the park near sunrise or sunset for spectacular photo opportunities!
Take an exciting ride down the longest Luge track in the world at this fun-filled seasonal attraction. Skyline Luge Calgary lets you ride a gravity-propelled Luge cart and race down the track as you compete against your friends on who will cross the finish line first. Start your adventure by taking the chairlift up to the top, then strap on a helmet, get into your Luge cart and zoom off. This 1800 metres (5905 ft) long track has 50 curves that will leave you breathless, it also runs along the official Winsport winter Olympic Luge track. Whether you want to race for speed with your thrill-seeker friends or you want to slowly ride next to your kids, this is the perfect way to spend a summer day.
One of the world's great equestrian facilities is located in the rolling ranch lands just south of Calgary's city limits. Built and maintained by the Southern family, this sprawling site is now home to some of the world's top show-jumping events. The facilities are also a year-round attraction for horse-lovers and aspiring competitive riders. Competitions occur on six different grass rings, including the main venue that can seat 30,000 spectators for events. Four major competitions take place during the season, the biggest of which occurs in mid-September.
The Seaman Stadium is a baseball stadium and home of Okotoks Dawgs. Built in 2007, the stadium has a capacity of 1600 people. The stadium hosts several tournaments as well.
Voted as one of the most fun outdoor sites in the country, Calgary Zoo features more than 1,100 animals from around the world and an ever-growing portfolio of innovative exhibitions. The fascinating programs put on by the zoo, allow guests to get up close and personal with its less ferocious animals through the Creature Features Program. Life-sized dinosaur models lurk in the badlands of the Prehistoric Park, and the more genteel setting of the Botanical Park includes a butterfly garden that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.