Calgary Attractions
Ralph Klein Park
Out on the southeast edge of the city, at 12350 84 Street SE, Ralph Klein Park is about 30 hectares set on an island inside the 200-hectare Shepard Wetland. The City calls it Canada's largest man-made wetland. It was built to filter stormwater before the water reaches the Bow River.
- Operated by
- City of Calgary Parks
- Community
- —
- Size
- About 30 hectares
- Park type
- City regional park
Calgary's Wetland Park
It opened in 2011 and carries the name of Ralph Klein, Calgary's 32nd mayor and Alberta's 12th premier. It was the first Calgary park named for a former mayor while he was still alive.
The Education Centre
The Environmental Education Centre is LEED Platinum certified and has a classroom, resource library, art studio and meeting space. It's open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on stat holidays. The City offers drop-in and school programs, plus a self-guided walking tour.
What I'd Do on a Visit
- Walk the paths around the ponds and marsh and look for waterfowl
- Stop at the community orchard, which has five kinds of pear trees and eight kinds of apple trees
- Bring lunch to the picnic area, or let the kids try the natural playground
Good to Know
Park hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dogs aren't permitted, other than assistance dogs. The centre is on well water, so pack a water bottle, and bring bug spray and sunscreen because there's little shade. The speed limit on the access road is 30 km/h.
How to Get There
Head to 84 Street SE, south of 114 Avenue SE and just east of Stoney Trail. No residential community sits right next to the park, so you'll be driving or biking in from elsewhere in the southeast.