Getting outside is always a refreshing escape from our daily routines, offering a chance to breathe in fresh air, soak up some sunshine, and reconnect with nature. But once you’ve set foot in your local park, you might find yourself wondering how to make the most of your time there. If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore and engage with your surroundings, why not try geocaching?
This modern-day treasure hunt combines adventure, discovery and a bit of mystery, transforming any park into your very own treasure map. Whether you’re with friends, family or enjoying some solo time, geocaching adds a sense of purpose and excitement to your outdoor excursions.
So How Does Geocaching Work?
In May 2000, 24 satellites around the globe received an update that would improve GPS technology tenfold. This led one GPS enthusiast to test its accuracy by hiding a container and sharing its coordinates with others to his “stash” of items with the rules of ‘take something, leave something.’
This event was known as ‘The Great American GPS Stash Hunt,’ and over the next four months, geocaching gained popularity and geocaching.com was created with 75 caches world-wide. Today, geocaching is the world’s largest game of outdoor exploration with over 3 million geocaches in over 190 countries.
This beginners guide will help you explore the exciting and adventurous activity of geocaching right here in Calgary. Our city has diverse urban landscapes, parks and hidden gems, making it the perfect family-friendly, outdoor experience.
Start Geocaching In Just 3 Steps
- Create An Account
To begin your geocaching adventure, sign up for a free account on Geocaching.com. This platform will be your primary resource for finding and logging caches.
- Download The App
Download the official Geocaching app on your smartphone. This app will help you locate nearby caches, track your finds and connect with other geocachers (if you want to).
- Learn The Basics
Familiarize yourself with geocaching terms and guidelines. Understand the different types of caches (traditional, multi-cache, mystery, etc.), the size of caches, and the difficulty/terrain rating system.
Where To Find Geocache Hotspots In Calgary, Alberta
Believe it or not, Calgary has hundreds of hidden geocaches all over the city, and some of them are concentrated in popular areas (so you can find multiple caches in one outing!).
Here are some of the most popular locations to start your adventure (pro tip: click the links below to find the parks + directions to get there on our Adventure Atlas):
As one of the largest urban parks in North America, Fish Creek Park offers a variety of terrains and scenic spots perfect for geocaching. You’ll find a mix of easy and challenging caches hidden throughout the park.
With stunning views of the city and mountains, Nose Hill Park provides a mix of prairie and forest landscapes, making it a favorite.
A mix of open and treed landscapes and various trails make Weaselhead Flats a prime location for geocachers to explore amongst local vegetation and wildlife.
Known for its serene environment and extensive pathways, Griffith Woods provides a peaceful yet engaging experience within lush forested areas.
With its mix of natural and developed spaces, Edworthy Park allows geocachers to explore both open fields and wooded trails.
Scenic views along the river pathways make Bowness Park a popular recreational area with numerous hiding spots for geocachers.
Using Calgary’s Bow River Pathway allows you to go park-to-park, enjoying beautiful river views and discovering hidden caches.
Geocaching Etiquette + Safety Tips
- After you find a cache, log your experience on the Geocaching app or website. Share your adventure with the community and thank the cache owner.
- Geocaching can take you to remote locations, so stay safe while you’re exploring. Let someone know your plans, be aware of your surroundings, and carry a map or backup battery for your phone.
- When seeking or placing a cache, please respect the environment and Calgarians by following the Parks & Pathways Bylaw & Tree Protection Bylaw.
- Respect nature and property following the 7 Leave No Trace principles. Be mindful of the environment and respect private property while staying on designated trails. Geocaching is about enjoying nature, so always cache in, trash out (CITO).
- For rules and regulations of cache placement within the City of Calgary, visit the City website.
For more summer activities in Calgary, grab our FREE Fun in the Summer Sun Outdoor Activities Guide.
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