April 2011

Carburn Park

Where: 8925 Riverview Dr. SE

Carburn Park lies along the eastern banks of the Bow River in the southeast part of the city. The park features hiking trails, picnic tables with fire pits and a playground. There are three large man-made ponds. Fishing, canoes, dinghies and paddleboats are allowed in the ponds.

 


 

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre

This 32-hectare wildlife reserve offers more than two kilometres of level walking trails throughout the riverine forest, by the flowing river and alongside a peaceful lagoon. More than 250 species of birds and 300 species of plants, plus several kinds of mammals, have been observed in the area.

While spring and summer are prime times for viewing birds, a variety of wildlife can be seen throughout the year. The public is welcome to visit the Sanctuary during daylight hours, year-round but please leave your pets, bicycles, roller blades and bird food at home. Most of the trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible and can be reached from the paved pathway leading from the Nature Centre. Admission is free; however, the Sanctuary gratefully accepts donations.

 


 

Beaver Dam Flats

Where: 62 Ave & 16 St. SE

True to its name, Beaverdam Flats is home to many beavers who build their dams in the area. It borders the Bow River both north and south of Glenmore Trail, and is also a natural habitat for waterfowl, a variety of birds, mammals, plants and bald eagles. Beaverdam Flats features picnic areas, hiking/cycling trails, fire pits and a playground.

 

 


 

Bow Habitat Station at Sam Livingstone Fish Hatchery

Where: Drive east on 9th Ave. past Fort Calgary and over the Elbow River, through Inglewood. Take a left at the light on 17th Ave. SE. Take another left on 17A St. (at the stop sign). Bow Habitat Station is just west of Deerfoot Trail.

 

Alberta’s first “eco-park” is a fascinating hands-on classroom where you can learn about the natural environment right in the heart of Calgary. Bow Habitat Station consists of an interpretive Visitor’s Center, the Sam Livingstone Fish Hatchery, and the Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland. The Visitor’s Center provides an informative array of interactive exhibits, displays, and tours of the working trout hatchery, one of the largest and most important enclosed fish hatcheries in North America. You can watch the process as more than 3 million fish are raised before being used to stock public waters. Signs and interpretive trails provide fascinating insights into the environment in the wetland area.

 

 

 


 

Elliston Park

Where: 1827-68 St. SE

Elliston Park’s central feature is the very large pond used for storm water retention. Features picnic areas, two playgrounds, a rose garden and a water fountain, as well as many pathways. Home to the annual Global Fest Fireworks Competition.

 

 

 


 

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Located in south Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest Provincial Parks in Canada located within an urban setting. The park is enjoyed by naturalists, history buffs, nature photographers, hikers, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and picnicking families. Fish Creek Park is also home to Lake Sikome, a man-made lake which is essentially a huge outdoor pool with a sandy bottom and a beach. There are change rooms, playgrounds and concession stands.

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Reader Rock Garden

Where: Located at the intersection of Macleod Tr and 25 Ave – immediately south of Erlton LRT station, by the north end of Union Cemetery.

The Reader Rock Garden Historic Park site is one of the city’s most unique Cultural Landscapes and the first Legacy Park to open.

 

The garden blooms from mid-March to mid-November. There is a café and classroom space for educational programs. The café is open seasonally and will be closed until the spring.