Calgary Attractions
12 Mile Coulee Park
This 190-hectare natural park in the northwest got its name because it sat about 12 miles from the post office at Fort Calgary (today The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland). The area was a mail drop on the old stagecoach route to Cochrane. The City established the park in 2001 and lists it at Tuscany Boulevard NW and Stoney Trail NW.
- Operated by
- City of Calgary Parks
- Community
- Tuscany
- Size
- About 190 hectares
- Park type
- City regional park
What a Coulee Is
"Coulee" is the regional word for a small valley that carries seasonal water. It comes from the Métis use of the French "couler," meaning to flow. This one drains south toward the Bow. On the dry south-facing slopes you'll see native grasses like rough fescue and Parry oatgrass, plus prairie crocus in spring. The shadier north-facing slopes have willows, aspen, balsam poplar and white spruce.
Wildlife to Look For
Deer, coyotes, porcupines and Richardson's ground squirrels all live here, and you might spot a red fox. Look up for Swainson's hawks and northern harriers.
Old Rock, Older History
The sandstone along the eastern slope is part of the Porcupine Hills Formation, which underlies all of Calgary. Archaeologists found a tipi ring about 2,000 years old, and evidence shows Indigenous people hunted and camped here for at least 8,000 years.
For Dog Owners and Hikers
There are hiking trails, pathways, benches and two off-leash areas, one on each side of Tuscany Boulevard NW. I'd wear good footwear, since spring brings mud and winter brings ice.
Getting There
Use Crowchild Trail or Stoney Trail, or take the Red Line to Tuscany station. If you're looking in Tuscany, plenty of streets are within walking distance of the coulee.
12 Mile Coulee Park in pictures
Photographed on the ground by Kelly Baker.
Communities around 12 Mile Coulee Park
The residential communities closest to it.