The Best in Calgary staff loooves picnics. After all, there’s nothing like enjoying a delectable meal while appreciating a great view of a Great Blue Heron flying towards an unsuspecting fish.
As the saying goes, the best things in life are free. Today, we’ll show you that there’s absolutely no cost in dining with mother nature (well, save for the cost of the food you’re bringing) if you know all the best picnic spots in Calgary!
Table of Contents
1. Stanley Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/stanley-park.html
Address: 4011 1a St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Inside Stanley Park’s 21 hectares of luscious green space lies a charming picnic spot perfect for the summer. It offers a serene atmosphere where you can enjoy the blooming flowers as well as the occasional chirping of birds.
Aside from a relaxing time picnicking, people also go to this popular park to go for a swim, canoe, play tennis, and many more exciting outdoor activities.
2. Bowness Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/bowness-park.html
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Another popular picnic spot in the city is Bowness Park, well-known for its striking lagoon that would make a beautiful backdrop to any photo.
Throughout the charming summer months, locals delight in activities like paddle boating and of course, picnicking. Meanwhile, during winter, the park transforms into a popular hub for ice skating.
However, we find that it’s especially striking during the fall season, with its foliage transforming into a mesmerizing palette of warm tones and gold hues.
3. Edworthy Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/edworthy-park.html
Address: 5050 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Nestled in a valley that can be found alongside the famous Bow River, Edworthy Park offers a scenic escape to anyone who needs it.
Inside this tranquil park, you can find an enchanting collection of trails for anyone craving some outdoor adventure.
It also has several lovely features that picnickers would be happy with. including BBQ stands, picnic shelters, a gazebo, a playground, and such.
4. Sandy Beach Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/sandy-beach.html
Address: 4500 14a St SW, Calgary, AB T2T 2V8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Situated along the Elbow River, Sandy Beach Park offers dazzling river views that are truly unparalleled.
Imagine having a picnic while you can hear the gentle flow of the water, serenading you to a relaxing time. It’s sure to make you come back again and again!
It’s worth noting that contrary to what it’s called, Sandy Beach Park offers a landscape not true to its name. Instead of a sandy beach, the land is much more filled with rocks.
5. Prairie Winds Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/prairie-winds-park.html
Address: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3J 1P6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Prairie Winds Park is another one on the list known for attracting a substantial amount of crowd. Its appeal comes from their wide range of features that can attract any seeker of outdoor sports and activities.
The interesting amenities include a soccer field, a wading pool, an outdoor skating place, a tennis court, a basketball court, and of course, a picnic shelter.
Additionally, Prairie Winds Park sits on a prime location filled with exciting Indian dineries.
If you feel the need to add more snacks to your picnic basket, we suggest ordering some freshly fried samosas at The Samosa Factory. Our favorite is the cheese and spinach flavor.
6. South Glenmore Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/south-glenmore-park.html
Address: 24 St SW, Calgary, AB T2V 3N8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
South Glenmore Park boasts of a rich recreational area including a bicycle pump track, a spray park, and more. It’s also where you can find the Glenmore Sailing School.
Despite its increasing popularity during summer, visitors who find themselves having a picnic here can still enjoy a peaceful time among the scenic surroundings.
7. St. Patrick’s Island Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/st-patricks-island.html
Address: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Located just a 2-minute drive away from Downtown Calgary, St. Patrick’s Island Park offers a respite from the urban frenzy – ideal for picnic goers.
The park’s abundance in green spaces and captivating walking trails are the complementary match for a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Along with its clean picnic areas, visitors also have the chance to enjoy their tasty treats with the stunning views of the Bow River.
8. Shouldice Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/shouldice-park.html
Address: 4900 Monserrat Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1H9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 5 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 11 PM
You can find Shouldice Park in the northwest part of Calgary, an area in the city known for its fantastic landscapes. As you would expect, the park contributes to this, especially with how it offers a stunning view of the Bow River that attracts plenty of picnickers.
There’s nothing like basking underneath a beautiful sunny day, indulging in a wide array of artisanal cheeses, all while taking one of the most beautiful natural views in the city.
9. Pearce Estates Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/pearce-estate-park.html
Address: 1440 17a St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Locals adore Pearce Estates Park because of how it blends dazzling urban scenery and enchanting natural wonders.
Its sprawling green space that stretches for a total of 21-hectares – a sanctuary to anyone looking for an escape from the fast-paced city life Calgary is known for.
The park’s relaxing ambiance is sure to be an ideal spot for picnickers looking for a quick refuge while they enjoy a hearty meal with their lovely companions.
10. Carburn Park
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/carburn-park.html
Address: 67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4H8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Carburn Park is known for its exciting opportunities to witness the city’s abundance in wildlife. Because of the copious fish in the ponds, this spot becomes similar to a magnet for fish-eating birds like the Great Blue Heron.
If you want to see these adorable creatures, it’s best to go to the park around mid-April to late June during mornings and just before sunset. The park’s welcoming atmosphere and amenities to picnickers also make it an ideal setting for outdoor meals.
Moreover, it’s right next to the parking area so people don’t have to walk very far to access it. Oh, and here’s a local tip: visit this area in the golden hour during the fall season to get a taste of heaven.
