Near Calgary’s southern border, you’ll find one of our city’s most diverse parks, complete with flourishing wildlife, a storied past, and an extensive pathway system. Fish Creek Provincial Park has a history that dates back thousands of years, with its official grand opening taking place in 1975.
Today, the park covers more than 3,300 acres and remains one of the largest urban parks in Canada. You’ll find fellow Calgarians visiting Fish Creek during all hours of the day, all seasons of the year — escaping from urban life, even if for just a few hours.
Whether you’re into walking, running, hiking, biking, wildlife observing, or experiencing nature in your own way, this natural haven has a little something for everyone.
What To Do In Fish Creek Provincial Park
Trails For Every Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, Fish Creek Provincial Park has the trail for you. With over 100 kilometers of paved and unpaved trails, you can explore the park on foot, by bike or even on horseback. The countless pathways meander through lush forests and serene wetlands along the winding banks of both the Bow River and Fish Creek.
Wildlife Watching
This park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, having seen many different wild animals here ourselves. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, coyotes, beavers, rabbits and an array of bird species. The many diverse habitats within the park make it an excellent spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see everything from songbirds and owls to a wide variety of waterfowl.
Picnicking & Family Fun
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a fantastic place for any family outing. Numerous picnic areas equipped with tables, firepits and shelters provide the perfect setting for you to enjoy a meal amidst nature. Additionally, you’ll find playgrounds and open spaces throughout the park, perfect for kids to run and play until their hearts’ content.
Fishing & Paddling
If you’re into these water activities, or want to give them a go, you’re in luck! The Bow River and Fish Creek waterways both wind through the park, offering excellent fishing spots with opportunities to catch species like trout and pike. Paddlers can also explore the serene waters by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, immersing themselves in nature while enjoying the park’s tranquility.
Historical Sites
(Re)Discover the past at the historic Bow Valley Ranche, once a working ranch and now a charming restaurant. The ranchhouse was originally built back in 1896, and offers a glimpse into the park’s history, adding a touch of antique charm to your visit.
Educational Programs
Fish Creek Provincial Park hosts a range of educational programs and interpretive events throughout the year. From guided nature walks to informative talks on local flora and fauna, these programs provide an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of the park’s natural wonders.
Cross-Country Skiing
You’ve got to catch it at juuust the right time for Fish Creek to become a viable cross-country skiing option, thanks to our warm and frequent chinooks. Even when there IS enough snow, you won’t find pre-set tracks. So if you want to x-country here, be prepared to blaze your own trail while soaking in the peace and quiet of Calgary’s south. Find other places to x-country in & around Calgary in our blog!
Mountain Biking
You’ll find trails for ALL skill levels here winding through Fish Creek, boasting over 100 kilometers of paved and gravel pathways, with at least 156 trails logged on popular outdoor fitness apps. Find out which trail suits you and your crew best using AllTrails or Trailforks, by filtering them based on location, length, difficulty and elevation.
Geocaching
Often described as an outdoor treasure hunt using your phone’s GPS, there are plenty of locally hidden geocaches in Fish Creek for fellow adventurers like yourself to seek out and find. Once you find the cache, feel free to add some treasures of your own for the next person to find — or create a new cache! Read how and where to get started in our Geocaching blog.
Attractions Found In & Around Fish Creek Provincial Park
While this park alone offers a wealth of recreational activities, there are still plenty of attractions in and around the park to complete your outdoor experience.
Here are a few:
Group Day-Use Areas (Year-Round)
You’ll find several group day-use areas throughout the park, such as those at Shannon Terrace and Hull’s Wood. These spots are ideal for hosting gatherings, picnics and events. Complete with facilities like picnic shelters, barbecue pits and playgrounds, snag a spot on a first-come, first-serve basis or book a group day-use area for a perfect day out with friends and family.
Sikome Lake (Summer)
Located within Fish Creek Provincial Park, Sikome Lake is a man-made body of water offering a perfect escape from the summer heat. With a sandy beach, designated swimming areas and picnic spots, Sikome is a popular destination for families looking to cool off and play in the water. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, making it a safe place for swimmers of all ages and levels. Operating dates vary from season to season, but this attraction is generally open from June to September.
Golfing (Summer)
Just a short drive from Fish Creek Provincial Park, you’ll find several golf courses, including public courses like Blue Devil Golf Club and McKenzie Meadows. Golf enthusiasts can tee off amidst breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, many looking right into Fish Creek Provincial Park. The Annual Shaw Charity Classic put on by the Champions Tour is also played nearby at Canyon Meadows.
Ice Caves (Winter)
Now this attraction depends heavily on snowfall, warm weather and a little luck. Starting near the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, follow the walking trail across the Fish Creek bridge, and immediately head west / turn right. Soon, you’ll stumble upon “ice caves” in the creekside wall. Depending on the time of year, they may be big or small, icy or watery. But nonetheless, they’re a cool sighting right here in the city without having to hit the mountain trails.
These are just a few of the countless outdoor activities you can enjoy right here in Calgary at one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Check out our free resources page for seasonal guides, road trips & more!
While you’re in the area, use our Adventure Atlas to see what other parks and attractions you can use to make a day of it!
If you plan on visiting Fish Creek Provincial Park, check out the Alberta Parks rules & tips so you can have the best possible experience.
Interested in the historical significance of Fish Creek in the early days? Find more at Alberta Parks.
