When the sun’s out in Calgary, there’s no better place to be than a river hangout by the Bow River. With flowing water, scenic views and a cool breeze, lounging on the shores is one of our favourite ways to enjoy summer.
On hot days, wading into the chilly water (yes, it stays around 15°C even in July!) can be the perfect way to refresh and reset (no full-on swim required). But here’s the trick: not every stretch of river is easy to get to, and the best hangout spots can change or even disappear with changing water level.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top river hangout locations. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, skip rocks, or just soak up the view, these places offer easy access, flat areas to relax, great vibes, and riverside bliss.
So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and remember to leave no trace. These gems are worth keeping clean and beautiful for everyone.
Top Calgary Parks To Access The Bow River
Splash Around At Silver Springs Island Off-Leash Dog Park
While this is a popular spot for off-leash dogs to splash around in the river, you’ll find plenty of slower-moving water surrounding Silver Springs Island for a quick dip. There are 2 ways you can access the island: a short walk from the Bowmont Park West Entrance, or a pedestrian bridge across the Bow River from Bowness.
On the island itself, you’ll find one paved trail winding from north to south, as well as countless dirt trails zigzagging across. The railway literally runs over top of this park, so as long as you’re okay with a bit of extra noise once in a while, the long, flat shores of this island are a hotspot to cool off on warm summer days.
Want to find more island parks in Calgary? Here are our top 5 must-visits.
Wander The Shores Of Dale Hodges Park
This award-winning park is not only beautiful but smart, as it’s a designed stormwater treatment facility disguised as artful wetlands. While we don’t recommend dipping into the wetlands, the rocky shores here along the Bow River are flat and easy to access. We’ve often seen people fishing, lounging, swimming and floating the river here.
The riverbanks here shift with seasonal flow, but there are two shallow entry spots: one just southwest of the Nautilus Pond near a bend in the river, and another 750m from the east parking lot, just past the first bridge.
Dale Hodges is also great for birdwatching, home to herons, kingfishers, and ducks due to its carefully restored wetland system. Find ethical birdwatching tips here.
Enjoy A Peaceful Afternoon At Shouldice Park
Known for its excellent picnic setups, boat launch and playgrounds, Shouldice Park is one of the most accessible shallow river access points. Head to the south side of 16th Avenue for gentle gravel bars and small inlets — ideal for kids, off-leash dogs or a short cold plunge. This southern area of the park doesn’t allow bikes, so it’s a quiet spot to enjoy the natural curve of the Bow River.
This park is also connected to the Bow River Pathway system, so you can easily walk, run or bike here from Dale Hodges Park, or the surrounding communities of Bowness and Montgomery.
Lounge Near The Bridge At Edworthy Park
This is one of our favourite northwest Calgary parks for a river hangout. Depending on the water level, you’ll typically find dozens of people lounging along the rocky shores on either side of the Edworthy Bridge. It’s a popular spot for families, dogs and sunbathers alike.
Another great feature of Edworthy Park is that there are parking lots on the north and south sides of the river. Plus, you’ll find bathrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, barbeques, a nearby cafe and ample greenspace for activities after you’ve cooled off in the water.
Want to stretch your legs? Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Trail, a flat 1 1-kilometre path running along the Bow River and ending at a scenic bench.
Check Out The Riverside Lawrey Gardens
This one’s a bit of an urban adventure, but it’s worth it! To reach Lawrey Gardens, you’ll need to park in the southwest community of Spruce Cliff and cross the tracks to reach this secluded stretch of the Bow River.
If the water is low enough, there are plenty of shallow areas for wading and lounging — and it’s often quiet, due to its somewhat secluded location. If you’re up for more exploring, this area is located on the Bow River Pathway, and is very close to the stunning Douglas Fir Trail.
Explore Prince’s Island Park In Downtown Calgary
This iconic park attracts Calgarians all-year-round. However, it’s particularly popular in the summer, for people attending festivals, planning picnics and river hangouts. You can access it from the north via the Peace Bridge or a pedestrian bridge, as well as the south along the Bow River Pathway and downtown.
While the water is deep and the shores are rocky, head to the northeast side of Prince’s Island Park for quieter nooks for a river hangout. The pathways, shaded lawns and nearby Mirror Ponds make this a great base for spending the whole afternoon outdoors.
New addition in 2025: Check out the renovated Eau Claire Plaza! Here, you’ll find open spaces with plenty of room to sit, or even lounge in the sand under an umbrella.
Observe Wildlife At The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
While this isn’t a swimming zone, it’s a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy the Bow River’s beauty. With more than 270 species of birds recorded, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a federally designated migratory bird sanctuary, ideal for quiet morning walks or wildlife viewing near the water.
The sanctuary was established in 1929 and has played a vital role in conservation for nearly a century. Pop by to enjoy the scenery on the walking trails or strategically placed benches along the Bow.
Wade In The Water At St. Patrick’s Island
This revitalized park was designed with families in mind, and provides the perfect setting to cool off on those hot days. St. Patrick’s Island includes a designated wading area near the Seasonal Breech, where a river channel flows gently across the park.
You’ll also find public washrooms to change into your swimsuit, wooden boardwalks for great photo ops, natural trails to explore, and even children’s play areas. Plus, it’s just a short walk across the George C. King Bridge into East Village for local coffee shops and eats. You’ll know you’re walking in the right direction when you spot Bloom, a 23-meter tall art installation.
Ready to dive into more summer fun? Check out our free Outdoor Summer Activities Guide for even more places to swim, paddle, hike, and explore.
Go Paddling In Carburn Park
While you can’t swim in the water at Carburn Park, you are allowed to paddle. So you can enjoy all the benefits of kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding on calm, flat water right here in the city. You can rent on-site, bring your own boat, rent from the Outdoor Centre, or consider booking a lesson with Paddle A Board.
This natural park is often buzzing with birds, deer and other wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled! There aren’t ‘official’ river access points here, but you’ll find small dirt pathways leading to shallow, slower-moving parts of the Bow if you want to dip your feet in on a hot summer’s day.
Find Countless Access Points In Fish Creek Park
In the winter, this particular spot is known for its stunning ice caves — but come summer, the same stretch of Fish Creek turns into a peaceful area perfect for wading or a quick dip.
But if you want to lounge by the Bow here, find slow-flowing water in parts of Bankside or Mallard Point. Or, closer yet, head east toward Hull’s Wood. Here, you’ll find washroom facilities and a beautiful day-use area set up with picnic tables and fire pits not far from river access.
Cool Off Near Chinook Rotary Nature Park
If you haven’t been here before, Chinook Rotary Nature Park is a beautiful wetland attracting all kinds of wildlife: beavers, birds, deer and more.
But along the southwest side of this park, before the path leads you uphill to Cranston Ridge, you’ll find a few spots to sprawl out along the Bow — perfect for fishing or dipping your feet in. There’s even an outhouse near the parking lot, as well as a few shaded structures throughout the wetland, so you can spend ample time here.
But Before You Go…
Remember, Calgary’s rivers change with the seasons. Water flow can be faster or higher depending on snowmelt, rain, and dam activity. So always use Calgary’s rivers with caution — especially when you’re exploring with kids or pets — and respect the natural environment.
Have a favourite Bow River hangout we missed? Comment below and let us know, we’re always on the lookout for new hidden gems!
