Discover Fish Creek Provincial Park – Wolf Willow’s Impressive Neighbour

This post was updated in April 2022 for clarity and additional content.

One of the most exciting Wolf Willow amenities is Fish Creek Provincial Park. The park is directly attached to the community at the north end by way of a parking lot, for the convenience of Wolf Willow residents and other Calgarians alike.

Ultimately, there will be a total of six access points between Wolf Willow and Fish Creek Park, all connected to the larger system of pathways along the Bow River. The next pathway, which is located at the end of Promenade Park, will open in 2023.

parking lot to fish creek park in wolf willow — Parking lot to Fish Creek Park in Wolf Willow

Many Calgarians are familiar with this wonderful natural space conveniently located in the middle of the city, but at an enormous 3,330 acres, there’s always something new to discover. Fish Creek Park is Canada’s second largest urban park, four times the size of New York’s Central Park and features over 80 kilometres of recreational trails.

You know about the walking trails and have your favourite picnic spot. But we’ve assembled this list of new activities for you to try so you can enjoy everything that this Alberta provincial park has to offer.

Here are eight fun things to do in Fish Creek Provincial Park that you might not have known about.

Fish, Birdwatch or Geocache

day use area picnic table surrounded by trees in fish creek park — Day use area at Bebo Grove in Fish Creek Park

Some of the most commonly used areas of the park are its day use areas. These are parts of the park available first-come, first-served to all visitors for single-day use. Designed for activities like fishing, birding, geocaching, and more, this is your chance to try something new during a day at the park.

View Animals

two ducks floating on the bow river, with one diving for food — Ducks swimming on the Bow River at Mallard Pointe in Fish Creek Park

Like many Alberta provincial parks, Fish Creek is home to lots of animals. From little critters like frogs and squirrels, to larger forest dwellers like deer and coyotes, lots of different animals live in the park. If you’re a fan of birds, the park has created a checklist of all the birds that have been spotted in the area. Remember, no matter how friendly the animals may seem, they are all wild and should not be approached by people. Enjoy the wildlife from a distance.

Canoe & Kayak

group of people fishing out of a canoe on the bow river — Boating and fishing on the Bow River next to Mckenzie Meadows Golf Course

Fish Creek Park gets its name from Fish Creek which runs through the park and connects with the Bow River. Pathways and trails along these waterways area an excellent way to enjoy a day by the water in Calgary. That’s not all you can do though—along the Bow River you’ll find the Fish Creek PP Boat Launch Area. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or you can rent a boat (or a raft!) at one of many rental businesses in Calgary. Visit Paddle Station or Lazy Day Raft Rentals to learn more about enjoying a day floating down the Bow.

Swim

entrance sign for sikome lake in fish creek park — Entrance to Sikome Lake near Wolf Willow

If you want to go for a dip, you can visit Sikome Lake. This man-made lake offers visitors an escape from the city on hot summer days with all the modern amenities you want. Showers, bathrooms and even a snack bar mean you can enjoy a full day at the beach, right in the middle of Calgary. Day passes for swimming are available to purchase for $2–5 per person, with discounted rates available for families and season passes. Check online for updates about closures and regulations.

Dine

the bow valley ranche restaurant in fish creek park — The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

The historic Bow Valley Ranche is a designated provincial historic resource located in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Visit to learn about the history of the building and surrounding ranch land or enjoy a fine dining experience in the renovated Ranche building itself. You can even book the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, showers or corporate events.

View Art

local art on display at the bow valley ranche in fish creek park — Artisan Gardens outside the Bow Valley Ranche

Just outside the Ranche, you’ll find the Artisan Gardens. Described as an “art gallery in nature,” this outdoor garden includes 175 artworks from 75 different artists, all surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. With both impressive art and stunning plant life in abundance, the Artisan Gardens are a true feast for the eyes, open for viewing all year round.

Golf

Did you know there’s an entire golf course located in Fish Creek Park? That’s right, McKenzie Meadows Golf Course includes 18 holes, a driving range and practice facilities, along with a fully-stocked pro shop. Enjoy your favourite sport in the stunning natural beauty of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Visit their website to book a tee time.

Ski & Snowshoe

person snowshoeing in fish creek park with their dog — Try snowshoeing in the winter with your favourite 4 legged companion

Don’t let the winter chill keep you from enjoying Alberta’s provincial parks. Fish Creek has lots to offer during the winter months, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Of course, safety comes first, and that means some activities are not recommended, including walking or skiing over frozen waterways.

Live moments away from Fish Creek Park

Do you dream of living right next to Fish Creek Park and the Bow River? Your dream can be a reality, as the next phases of construction in Wolf Willow will border the Bow River!

Phase 4 will have lots backing onto Fish Creek Park, giving you even quicker access to the nature reserve, while Phase 9 will include a connection right to the Bow River. In addition, 2 new parks are being designed in 2022 to be built in 2023. Phase 4 construction will start later in 2022.

To see which lots are available for purchase, check out our interactive lot map. Or be the first to know when new lots are available by signing up for our newsletter.

Live Bold on the Bow

Wolf Willow inspires the pursuit of a life worth living – in a very special location that presents endless possibilities. This site has long been valued for its natural beauty, its diverse fish, wildlife and plant communities and its many recreational opportunities. Layering contemporary design, plentiful amenities and a strong connection to the river, Wolf Willow brings the lifestyle and beauty of the Bow River Valley to your doorstep.

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