Planning a picnic offers a refreshing change of pace from our typical indoor routines. Instead of scarfing down your food or eating in front of the TV (we’re definitely guilty of this), try disconnecting from technology to eat mindfully and reconnect with yourself and others. Sharing a meal outdoors enhances overall wellbeing, reduces stress, and even boosts mood. Plus, being surrounded by nature stimulates creativity and mindfulness, making outdoor picnics not just a meal, but a revitalizing experience for your body and mind.
So whether you’re looking to spread out a picnic blanket or claim a table with a firepit or barbeque nearby, Calgary has endless green spaces for your next outdoor dining experience. If you’re ready to breathe in some fresh air, soak up the sun, and enjoy a meal in nature, here are our top 12 Calgary parks for outdoor picnics and barbeques so you can enjoy quality time with others.
Before You Leave The House…
Dining at home means you have everything you need just a few steps away. So when you’re planning a picnic in a park, it’s important to pack everything you need before you leave:
- Pack all necessary kitchen supplies: cutlery, plates, cups, napkins, sharp knife and cutting board, etc.
- Prepare for the outdoors: blanket or tablecloth, cooler or basket, small speaker, bug spray, sunscreen, etc.
- Plan your meal ahead of time: bring all condiments, seasonings and accessories.
- Decide where you’re going to go: consider booking a picnic site or picnic table if you’re with a large group or want to drink alcohol.
- If you plan on having a fire, first check if there is a fire ban. If not, bring your own wood and ensure your fire is fully extinguished before leaving the site.
- Follow the 7 Leave No Trace Adventure Principles anytime you’re out in nature.
Once you’re packed and prepared, now it’s time to pick your location:
6 Calgary Parks To Plan Your Perfect Picnic
Riley Park
Riley Park is an ideal setting for an outdoor picnic in northwest Calgary’s inner-city, with manicured flower gardens and wide-open greenspaces. You can spread out a blanket, snag a picnic table or even bring the kids to the in-park wading pool. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, check out the Fairy House inside the park, Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden up the hill, and Sunnyside Rainbow Bridge across the road.
Find Riley Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Baker Park
Perhaps one of the most scenic spots in Calgary, Baker Park overlooks both the Bow River and Bowness Park in the city’s northwest. Here you’ll find ample pathways and shaded tables for the perfect picnic experience, or feel free to bring your own blanket and take in the riverside views. The park’s archways, promenades, flowers and grass amphitheater make it a popular spot for weddings in the summer. Looking for an outdoor activity post-picnic? Bring your own equipment to use the free, in-park disc golf course!
Find Baker Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Prince’s Island Park
This centrally-located downtown park may just have it all — pathways, bridges, a playground, water fountains, art, plenty of picnic tables and manicured greenspaces. Prince’s Island Park is always bustling with people since it connects the northwest, downtown and the Bow River Pathway. As a pre- or post-picnic activity, take a stroll around the Chevron Learning Pathway on the island’s east side to catch the view of Downtown Mirror Pond. Want to know what else you can do in this park? Read more about Prince’s Island Park here.
Pro Tip: Rent an e-bike or e-scooter and explore Calgary via the Bow River Pathway.
Find Prince’s Island Park on the Adventure Atlas.
North Glenmore Park
Offering breathtaking views of the Glenmore Reservoir and the distant Rocky Mountains, North Glenmore Park is a picturesque picnic destination. Here you’ll find over 10 different picnic sites to choose from, with convenient parking and plenty of hidden gems to explore around you. If you enjoy water activities, rent a city-approved canoe from the Calgary Canoe Club (or become a member to rent kayaks too). If you’re looking to explore by foot, check out nearby Weaselhead Flats (this is a nature preserve, so no bikes or dogs are allowed inside. Go big and bring your bikes to complete the 15km loop around the reservoir pre- or post-picnic!
Find North Glenmore Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Confederation Park
Known for its expansive greenspaces and diverse trees, Confederation Park is a popular picnic blanket destination. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the park on winding pathways with scenic bridges, or the playground and splash pad are always a hit with kids. Don’t miss the duck pond and beautifully maintained rock and flower garden in the centre of the park.
Find Confederation Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Stanley Park
This is probably one of Calgary’s most popular riverside hangouts in the summer, and a lovely picnic location. Stanley Park’s greenspace is complete with river access, tall trees and shaded picnic areas, making it a prime spot for Calgarians to enjoy time outside together. The outdoor pool and playground are perfect for families, while the tennis courts and lawn bowling lanes offer more fun activity options to complete your outdoor adventure.
Find Stanley Park on the Adventure Atlas.
6 Best Barbeque Spots In Calgary Public Parks
Fish Creek Provincial Park
In addition to extensive walking, hiking and biking trails, Fish Creek Park is also home to countless greenspaces with designated barbeque spots and scenic picnic tables spread throughout. Whether you’re looking for a quick hot dog or a day-long adventure, this area has it all — river access, abundant wildlife, grassy fields, towering forests, you name it. You’ll feel like you’ve left the city in no time! Read more about everything you can do in Fish Creek Park here.
Find countless picnic areas in Fish Creek Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Bowness Park
This park is a family favorite, with tall poplar trees, free on-site parking, flush toilets, a restaurant, large playground and riverside picnic sites — many equipped with fire pits, picnic tables and barbeque stands. Float the lagoon on a paddleboat or canoe, or take a ride on the miniature train, for a fun-filled day in the outdoors after you grill up some eats. But that’s not all you can do here at Bowness Park — here’s everything we recommend for your next summer adventure, plus how this park turns into a winter wonderland.
Find Bowness Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Shouldice Park
Shouldice Park is tucked along the Bow River in Calgary’s northwest, right along 16th Avenue. With multiple designated picnic areas, it is well-equipped to host your next barbeque with friends, family or colleagues. But get here early to secure parking, as it can fill up fast in peak season. The kids will love the huge inclusive playground. If you’re craving some movement after your meal, there are bookable fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts nearby.
Find Shouldice Park on the Adventure Atlas.
Sandy Beach
While the name is a bit ironic, Sandy Beach is still a great barbeque and summer hang-out spot. The ‘not-so-sandy’ beach provides easy river access and is perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Bring your floaties, sunscreen and chair to set up by the water after grilling at your picnic table. If you want to bring your pup along for the day, check out River Park and Riverdale off-leash area nearby.
Find Sandy Beach on the Adventure Atlas.
Edworthy Park
This is one of our favourite year-round parks, but it truly comes alive in the summer months. The free parking on either side of the river can fill up quickly at peak times. Boasting more than 9 official picnic sites and 5 gazebos/shelters with fire pits and barbeque stands, Edworthy Park is the perfect place to spend the day. There are plenty of sites to choose from, so give yourself some time to explore here pre- or post-barbeque. You’ll find lovely city trails, like the Douglas Fir, the Edworthy Off-Leash Area, on the hill, and Lawrey Gardens further south along the river.
Find Edworthy Park on the Adventure Atlas.
St. Patrick’s Island
Our final barbeque destination recommendation is the centrally-located St. Patrick’s Island. A popular spot in the summer months, this park is packed with unique features, like hiking and biking trails, a public plaza and amphitheatre, a children’s play area, public washrooms, a small hill (The Rise), restored river channels (the seasonal breach), you name it. You can also access the Calgary Zoo on the east side (with free parking if you’re a member!). Whether you pack a picnic or a barbeque meal, take some time to explore the entirety of this island! Don’t miss the 23-metre tall sculpture, Bloom, on the west side of the island before you leave.
Find St. Patrick’s Island on the Adventure Atlas.
And there you have it! Our top 12 Calgary park recommendations to plan your next outdoor picnic or barbeque. However, there are infinite places you can set up and enjoy picnics outdoors here in the city. So next time you’re enjoying a meal in Parks of Calgary, tag us on Instagram and share your favourite, unique or new locations!
