Hiking Bowness Park - panoramic view
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Hiking in Bowness Park: trails, map and practical info

Calgary & Area • Alberta

4.7 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
29 ft
Duration
45min

Explore 2.5 km of riverside trails through Calgary's historic urban park along the Bow River. This easy 45-minute walk features a scenic lagoon, mature cottonwoods, and year-round wildlife viewing—from paddleboats in summer to ice skating in winter.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Bowness Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

4 community photos

Trail description

{
"seasonal_activities_section": "Remplacer 'paddleboat and canoe rentals' par 'canoe rentals'. Source Gaia GPS confirme uniquement 'canoe rental (local use only, summer)'. Les paddleboats ne sont pas confirmés.",
"html": "

Spring and summer bring water-based recreation to the lagoon, with canoe rentals available from the park's main building. The calm water makes this a natural fit for families introducing kids to paddling. Rentals typically operate from May through September, depending on weather. Picnic tables and group areas are spread throughout the park, and several playground structures cater to different age groups.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
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4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.0970598, -114.2171444
Phone
(403) 268-2489

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the bowness park in Alberta can be accessed by car. There is a parking lot located near the entrance of the park.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
51.0970598, -114.2171444
Center
(403) 268-2489

Hikers' opinions

4.7
3 Reviews
R3
Review 3
Jan 25, 2024
Many long trails by the Bow River offer diverse winter activities including walking, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. Ski rentals are conveniently available on-site, making it accessible for everyone. Multiple fire pits provide warmth throughout the park. This truly offers some of the best outdoor ice skating experiences in Calgary. Hot non-alcoholic drinks, fresh baked goods, and sandwiches are available for purchase. The beautifully lit trees at night create a magical winter wonderland experience that's unforgettable!
R2
Review 2
Jan 20, 2024
A great place for ice-skating with excellent facilities! It has a big lake featuring two well-groomed ice trails perfect for all skill levels. There's also a comfortable terrace with tables and benches where you can safely leave your belongings while skating. Multiple fire pits are available to warm up between sessions, creating a cozy atmosphere. The on-site store and restaurant are convenient for grabbing hot drinks and snacks when you get hungry during your winter adventure.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
This is a great park with a nice playground and many picnic areas perfect for families. There's a beautiful trail for biking or walking that goes right by the Bow River, taking you through scenic Bowness with lovely views. In winter, it transforms into a fantastic skating destination with well-maintained ice trails. The only downside is that it gets very busy during peak times and parking can be limited with narrow spots, but the experience is worth it overall!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
29.00 m
Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
45min
No
No
Bowness Park has minimal elevation gain of 50 meters. This makes it very accessible for visitors of all fitness levels and contributes to its easy difficulty rating.
Bowness Park can be accessed by car, with ample parking located near the entrance. The park is also accessible by bicycle and public transit, with bus routes stopping within walking distance of the park entrance. It connects directly to Calgary's extensive pathway system.
Bowness Park is accessible year-round. Summer is ideal for paddleboating and picnicking on the lagoon, while winter transforms the lagoon into an outdoor ice skating rink with evening lighting. Spring and fall offer quieter experiences with beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Update : June 2026