Calgary Attractions
Baker Park
Baker Park is on the north side of the Bow at 9333 Scenic Bow Road NW, facing Bowness Park across the river, and the City says it's the most popular park in Calgary for outdoor weddings. It covers about 12 hectares and is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Operated by
- City of Calgary Parks
- Nearest community
- Scenic Acres
- History
- Central Alberta Sanatorium site, 1920 to 1979
- On site
- River lawns, hilltop pergola, pathways, history signs
The Sanatorium Story
From 1920 this was the Central Alberta Sanatorium, which treated tuberculosis patients, including veterans of the First World War. It took the name Baker Memorial Sanatorium in 1956, honouring Dr. A.H. Baker, who ran it as medical superintendent from 1920 to 1950. TB care here ended in 1979, the sanatorium closed for good in 1980, and the buildings came down in 1989. The history signs at the entrance are worth a few minutes.
What You'll Find
The City lists picnic areas, pathways, promenades, archways and an arbour, a grass amphitheatre, a river observation point, a disc golf course, washrooms and seasonal water fountains. The steps up to the hilltop pergola give you a good view down the valley.
Getting In
By car, Crowchild Trail and Stoney Trail are the main routes in. If you're on foot or on a bike, the Bow River pathway runs through, and the pedestrian deck beneath the Stoney Trail bridge takes you across to Bowness Park.
Nearby Neighbourhoods
Scenic Acres is right above the park, with Silver Springs, Tuscany and Bowness close by. They're established communities, so you'll mostly be looking at resale homes on mature, tree-lined streets.
Baker Park in pictures
Photographed on the ground by Kelly Baker.
Communities around Baker Park
The residential communities closest to it.