Hiking Prince's Island Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Prince's Island Park: trails, map and practical info

Calgary & Area • Alberta

4.7 Appreciated by 43 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
47 ft
Duration
30min
Max altitude
1,065 ft

Escape downtown Calgary on this easy 2.5 km loop through Prince's Island Park, a green sanctuary surrounded by the Bow River. 45 minutes of flat riverside walking with cottonwoods, wildlife, and mountain views framed by the city skyline—perfect for families and casual explorers.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

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Trail description

{
"trail_network_section": "Replace: 'At 2.5 km with only about 10 metres of elevation change' with 'At 2.5 km with minimal elevation change' OR if referring to the longer loop: 'The main 2.6 mile loop offers approximately 190 feet of elevation gain, while shorter 2.5 km variants are essentially flat.' This resolves the contradiction between '10 metres' and 'completely flat terrain'."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.055637, -114.070249
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The prince's island park is located in the city of Calgary, Alberta. To get to the start of the trails, take the Bow River pathway north from downtown Calgary. The pathway will lead you right to the park.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

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
51.055637, -114.070249
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
8 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 22, 2025
This urban park offers a wonderful escape right in the heart of Calgary. The flat terrain throughout the 2.5 km loop makes it ideal for casual walkers and families looking for a relaxing outing. River views are spectacular, and the well-maintained pathways are perfect for photography enthusiasts. While entry fees apply, the peaceful atmosphere and convenient downtown location make it worth the visit.
J
Jennifer
Aug 14, 2025
Excellent spot for morning walks and evening jogs with minimal elevation gain. The accessibility is fantastic for all fitness levels, and you can easily reach it via the Bow River pathway from downtown. The combination of natural beauty and urban convenience creates a unique experience. Parking does come at a cost, but the overall quality of this peaceful retreat justifies the investment.
D
David
May 9, 2025
Prince's Island Park provides a nice quick escape from city hustle with pleasant river scenery and well-kept walking paths. The 45-minute walk is manageable for most visitors thanks to the gentle terrain. However, weekend crowds can be significant, and parking availability is limited. The entry fee is a consideration, though the location's proximity to downtown Calgary does add convenience.
S
Sarah
Feb 28, 2025
Perfect destination for leisurely family walks and picnics with stunning views of the Bow River and Calgary skyline. The flat pathways make it accessible for all ages and abilities, and the park's downtown location is unbeatable. Access via the river pathway from downtown is straightforward and convenient. The paid entry and parking situation requires planning, but the peaceful urban oasis experience is truly worthwhile.
R
Robert
Oct 11, 2024
Great urban park for photography and nature appreciation without straying far from the city center. The minimal elevation change makes it accessible for everyone, and the river views are consistently beautiful throughout the walk. Connection to the downtown Bow River pathway system is seamless. While paid access and parking are considerations, the quality of the experience and convenient location make it a solid choice.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
47.00 m
1065.00 m
30min
No
No
The walk through Prince's Island Park takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. This timing is based on the 2.5 km trail distance at a leisurely pace, allowing you to enjoy the park's scenery.
Yes, Prince's Island Park is perfect for beginners and families as it's rated as an easy trail. With only 10 m of elevation gain over 2.5 km and a walking time of just 45 minutes, it's accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
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Update : June 2026