Arguably one of the most diverse landscapes in our city, you’ll find a little bit of everything in Bowmont Park.
This long greenspace runs along a tall bank of the Bow River in Calgary’s northwest, providing spectacular views of both the city and the distant mountains. In fact, this area was originally shaped by glaciers moving across the prairies years ago. They sculpted the rolling hills and valleys you see today, leaving behind sediment deposits contributing to the diverse ecosystem you can see in the park today.
And much like the rest of our city, Bowmont Park has undergone major changes as Calgary has grown over the years. Once home to a gravel pit, concrete plant and greenhouses, Bowmont Park has experienced major restoration to return the greenspace to its natural state.
Covering 470 acres, you’re probably wondering what you should do here, and where you should start. That’s why we’ve compiled our favourite activities, trails and hidden gems so you can experience everything this urban natural space has to offer.
Wanna help keep our Calgary parks wild and natural? Learn the 7 Adventure Principles To Leave No Trace
7 Ways To Spend Time Outside In Calgary’s Bowmont Park
1) Explore The Whole Park On Extensive Pathways
The Bow River pathway runs through both the upper and lower portions of Bowmont Park, making it the perfect place for an evening walk or bike ride. There are extensive trails running along the cliff and hillsides, as well as a small bike park near Dale Hodges Park, if you’re looking for a more daring adventure. And you can do all of this while soaking in beautiful views of the Bow River and northwest community of Bowness.
2) Stroll Along A Wooden Boardwalk Surrounded By Trees
Some call it Waterfall Valley, but this trail is better known as Silver Springs Boardwalk. This kid-friendly route is roughly 1km long, winding between hills as you pass aspens, wildflowers and a small stream. Following a mix of boardwalk and pathway, you’ll eventually reach the trail’s end where, depending on the time of year, you might spot a small waterfall trickling down into the Bow River.
3) Take In The City Skyline & Mountains At Various Viewpoints
Take a stroll along the upper cliffs and you’ll have sweeping views of the Bow River, Calgary Olympic Park and even the Rocky Mountains on a clear day. Come springtime, you can also spot abundant crocuses in bloom along the hilltops. Take your time and soak all this natural beauty in, maybe checking out the playgrounds or lounging in the wide open greenspace.
4) Play With Your Pup In One Of These Off-Leash Areas
Bowmont Park has off-leash areas scattered throughout it, fenced and unfenced. You’ll find the majority of dog-friendly areas along the upper north side of the park along the outskirts, bordering the communities of Varsity and Silver Springs.
Here’s what you can expect: Two fully fenced options at 85th St parking lot and Silver Springs Gate parking lot. Find official river access for your dog on Silver Springs Island, west of the railway bridge. However, your pup needs to be a strong swimmer, because the water is deep and fast-moving here.
As always, keep your dog on a leash if you stick to the paved pathways instead.
5) Invite Your Pals To The Playgrounds & Sporting Fields
Enter Bowmont Park in the southeast corner, and follow the path north for a few minutes to find two playgrounds perfect for the kiddos to let loose. Maybe you and/or your kids are too big for playgrounds these days. Instead, head to nearby Sarcee Park, and make use of the soccer fields and baseball diamonds to get your daily exercise.
6) Lounge On One Of The Many Bow River Beaches
Now when we say ‘beaches,’ we’re unfortunately not referring to dreamy white sand you can’t wait to dig your toes into… But come summertime, lounging on the rugged Bow River shores in Bowmont is juuust what the doctor ordered. Bring a towel, beach chair, picnic, speaker, deck of cards, even your pup!
There is plenty of riverside real estate to choose from in this park, but Bowmont Beach on Silver Springs Island is a great spot to sit back and relax on a sunny afternoon. Watch countless rafts float by while catching a great view of the Bow River and the railroad bridge. And the good news is, it’s not the only spot in the park where you can access the water. Access the water all along the Bow River pathway as you stroll through Bowmont and Dale Hodges Park.
7) Keep The Adventure Going By Exploring Nearby Parks
Why stop at exploring just Bowmont Park?! Double down on your adventure and combine this greenspace visit with one of the many surrounding parks. Depending on which part of Bowmont you visit, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Check out this park crawl we did in 2021!
Within Bowmont Park itself, you’ll likely come across Dale Hodges Park, which plays a vital role in Calgary’s stormwater management system. Check out Shouldice Park near the southeast entrance of Bowmont. Here you’ll find plenty of picnic tables, barbeques, tennis courts, basketball courts and a few playgrounds. In the northwest, you’re close to Bowness Park and Baker Park, which offer great activities year-round. Don’t forget about Varsity Ravine and Silver Springs Botanical Gardens nearby too!
How You Can Visit Bowmont Park In Calgary, Alberta
One question we alllllways get asked about our parks adventures is… Where can I park my car?
There are two lots off 85 St NW on the northwest side of Bowmont Park, Silver Springs Off-leash Area parking south of Silver Spring Botanical Gardens, another lot in the southeast corner with limited parking but easy access, and finally another lot south of Silver Springs Park.
All of these lots can be found on our YYC Adventure Atlas — simply search “Bowmont Park”, zoom in and look for a big P (that stands for parking).
Who’s ready to plan an adventure day in and around Bowmont Park?! Comment below your favourite spots here, or if you have any questions about the area!
