Stretching 20 km across the south end of Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park offers a nearby escape for those looking to experience Alberta’s natural landscapes. The park is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing and swimming. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk along the river, a longer hike with mountain views or a coffee between the trees, here are three great ways to experience Fish Creek Park:
1. Shannon Terrace: Quick walk + picnic spot
Located less than 10 minutes from Alpine Park, the Shannon Terrace parking lot is your home base for a quick walk through nature. Experience Alberta’s beautiful natural landscape by meandering along paths through the forest and along the river. From the parking lot, start by heading towards the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center. You will pass along a snake preservation habitat; stay left to follow the path around the bend until you reach the wide dirt path. Follow this path along the river, taking in the dramatic cliffs and clear flowing water of the nearby creek. Once you reach the clearing you can dip your toes in the water, take pictures on the bridge or take everything in from the bench. When you are ready to continue, head north for a few metres until the dirt path rejoins the paved path. Turn left here to follow this path back to the parking lot.
It’s a pretty 20-minute walk but if you have extra time to savour the tall trees and prairie grasses, pack a picnic to enjoy at the picnic tables by the parking lot. With lots of space for kids to run around and washroom facilities, you can spend as much time as you like enjoying this natural escape located in the middle of the city.
2. Bebo Grove: Longer loop with a view
Bring water and a snack for this hour-long walking loop through Bebo Grove and don’t forget to stretch those legs for this one!
Starting at the Bebo Grove parking lot at the end of 24 Street SW, head to the SE corner of the lot, and follow the signs towards Marshall Springs past the Bebo Grove stormwater pond and wetlands.
Take the path down a slight hill, crossing a bridge and then turning right to go uphill when the path splits again. At the top of the hill, admire the wetland plants and animals before taking the dirt path to the left. Follow this path to the top of another hill, where you will be rewarded with expansive views of the park and mountains. Backtrack slightly to the wide main path, taking a left here and a 2nd left at the next intersection to head downhill. At the paved path at the bottom, go left and then a quick right, following signs to Bebo Grove. Cross another bridge, then take a final left turn to go around the pond and back to the parking lot.
3.Bow Valley Ranch: Rustic café + historical encounters
If you prefer to view nature from a porch with coffee in hand, look no further than Annie’s Café. This hidden gem is best accessed by parking at the Bow Valley Ranch parking lot at the end of Bow Bottom Trail SE. The café sits just west of Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and adjacent to the Artisan Gardens.
Located a short walk from the parking lot, the café offers tasty lunch and snack options including coffee, ice cream, and baked goods for you to enjoy on their sunny porch. The neighbouring gardens bring together sculpture artists and native plants to honour the Indigenous people who inhabited the Fish Creek Valley prior to the first settlers.
If you had breakfast at home, spend the day walking through Fish Creek and work up an appetite for dinner at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Formerly the William Roper Hull House in the late 1800’s, this Victorian English style home is steeped in Alberta’s ranching history. The restaurant features an expansive porch, a grand salon, and a number of quaint seating rooms perfect for an idyllic late summer dinner of locally-sourced, upscale fare.
