Calgary Attractions
Bowness Park
Bowness Park is a 30-hectare City park on the Bow River at 8900 48 Avenue NW, between Stoney Trail and 85 Street NW. Its centrepiece is a shallow lagoon with small islands, and the City counts it among Calgary's most popular parks. It's open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Operated by
- City of Calgary Parks
- Community
- Bowness
- Park hours
- 05:00 to 23:00 (on-site sign)
- On site
- Lagoon, picnic shelters, wading pool and spray park, café
A Little History
John Hextall, a land developer, created the park before the First World War as a weekend getaway for Calgarians in the town of Bowness. At different times it has had a swimming pool and a carousel. Look for the historic photo of the 1920s merry-go-round at one of the picnic shelters.
A Park for Every Season
In summer, you can rent a boat and paddle the lagoon, cool off in the wading pool, ride the vintage Mini-Train or book a picnic site, which is free. Fire pits and barbecue stands can be booked too, and the tea house sits right by the water. In winter, the lagoon becomes a free outdoor skating rink once the ice is ready, and the City adds ice trails, ice bikes, crokicurl, curling and cross-country ski trails.
Before You Go
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Parking is limited, so allow extra time on busy days
- The Bow River pathway connects to Baker Park across the river, by the deck under the Stoney Trail bridge
Surrounding Neighbourhoods
The park is in Bowness, and Montgomery and Silver Springs are nearby. Main roads in the area are 48 Avenue NW, 16 Avenue NW and Stoney Trail.
Bowness Park in pictures
Photographed on the ground by Kelly Baker.
Communities around Bowness Park
The residential communities closest to it.