Fish Creek Provincial Park Calgary Overview
Fish Creek Provincial Park Calgary, located in south Calgary, ranks among North America's largest urban parks with extensive trails for exploration.
This vast park stretches across Calgary's southern edge, offering diverse ecosystems like riverfronts, grasslands, and forests for dogs to enjoy.
The trail system in Fish Creek Provincial Park includes paved and natural pathways, linking multiple Calgary off leash areas throughout the park.
The Bow River, flowing through Fish Creek Provincial Park Calgary, provides designated spots where dogs can safely splash during warmer months.
As a provincial park, it balances recreational use with wildlife conservation, allowing visitors to spot deer and birds while respecting nature.
Park Map
Quick Facts
- Location: Southern Calgary, AB
- Size: 13.48 km² (3,331 acres)
- Type: Provincial park with multiple designated off-leash areas (unfenced)
- Terrain: Mixed (river valley, forests, grasslands)
- Surface: Mixed (paved paths, natural trails, riverbank)
- Parking: Multiple lots throughout the park
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
- Special Features: River access, wildlife viewing, provincial park facilities
Access Points & Parking
- Bow Valley Ranch: Main visitor center and parking off Bow Bottom Trail SE
- Hull’s Wood: Access to forested trails and parking off Fish Creek Blvd SW
- Marshall Springs: Off-leash area access and parking off Fish Creek Blvd SW
- Sikome Lake: Large parking lot with trail connections off Sun Valley Blvd SE
- Transit Access: Routes 3, 11, 12, 15, 52, 56, 83 serve various entrances
Essential Gear for Fish Creek Provincial Park
Park Essentials
Must-have items for your visit:
Seasonal Gear
Weather protection essentials:
Popular Walking Routes
- Bow Valley Ranch Loop (2.5 km): Features historic ranch buildings and river views
- Hull’s Wood Trail (3.8 km): Popular off-leash circuit through ancient forest
- Mallard Point Path (4.2 km): Riverside trail with wildlife viewing opportunities
- Prairie Loop (5.1 km): Grassland circuit offering city skyline vistas
- Valley Bottom Trail (7.3 km): Full-day hike along Fish Creek’s banks
Fish Creek Provincial Park Calgary Wildlife Awareness
- Deer families roam meadow areas year-round
- Coyotes are active at dawn and dusk
- Great Blue Herons fish along creek edges
- Beaver colonies maintain dam systems in ponds
- Various hawks and owls nest in mature trees
- Rare moose or bear sightings occur in remote areas
Visitor Tips
- Download a trail map for Fish Creek Provincial Park before visiting
- Bring extra water for long trails in Calgary off leash areas
- Check river conditions before water play
- Keep dogs away from wildlife habitats
- Use only designated off-leash zones
- Carry bear spray for remote park sections
Best Times to Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park Calgary
- Early Morning (5:00-8:00 AM): Prime wildlife viewing, quiet trails
- Mid-Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Comfortable temperatures, good lighting
- Late Afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Golden hour photography
- Evening (7:00-9:00 PM): Cooler temperatures, dramatic sunsets
Safety Guidelines
- Keep dogs leashed near wildlife zones
- Maintain distance from river edges
- Stay on marked trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park
- Carry emergency contact information
- Be aware of sudden weather changes
- Know your location markers for safety
Seasonal Information
Spring (March-May)
- Prairie crocuses bloom early
- High river levels from snowmelt
- Migrating birds return to the park
- Muddy trails are common
Summer (June-August)
- River ideal for dog swimming
- Wildflower meadows in full bloom
- Dawn/dusk best to avoid heat
- Frequent wildlife sightings
Fall (September-November)
- Spectacular fall colors emerge
- Perfect weather for hiking
- Wildlife active pre-winter
- Less crowded trails
Winter (December-February)
- Cross-country ski trails open
- Stunning frost formations
- Clear wildlife tracks visible
- Peaceful snowy landscapes
Nearby Dog Parks
Sue Higgins Dog Park
15 minutes drive, offers river access and agility equipment
Douglasdale Park
10 minutes drive, neighborhood park with trails
Auburn Bay Dog Park
20 minutes drive, fenced with small dog section
Glenmore Dam Off-Leash Dog Park
25 minutes drive, scenic reservoir views