Bowness Park is a 30-hectare City of Calgary park on the Bow River, with pathways, river access and a shallow lagoon. You can visit for a riverside walk or picnic, or plan around seasonal activities such as paddle boating and outdoor skating.
- Location: 8900 48 Ave. N.W., Calgary.
- From Red Carpet Inn & Suites: about 10 minutes by car.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Winter skating: free on the lagoon when conditions permit.
Bowness Park location and layout
Bowness Park occupies a long stretch of riverfront, with a lagoon, pathways and access to the Bow River. The City describes it as approximately two kilometres long; a park map is available through the City of Calgary.
The park’s history goes back to the years before the First World War. Local land developer John Hextall built it as a weekend retreat for nearby Calgarians, and development had begun by 1914. It became one of Calgary’s early excursion parks.
Paths and riverfront scenery
Pathways connect the park’s green space with the Bow River, making it possible to combine a walk with time by the water. The river access and picnic areas are central to the park’s use, while the lagoon creates a distinct feature within the larger grounds.
The park also has paved and gravel trails, picnic shelters and two playground areas. If you are planning a picnic, facilities include picnic sites, bookable firepits and BBQ stands. Washrooms are seasonal rather than available throughout the year. Edworthy Park, another Calgary park, offers a different setting, with trails, access and parking.
Seasonal activities and facilities
Bowness Park’s lagoon is used for paddle boating in summer and outdoor skating in winter. The City identifies a wading pool, boat rentals and a children’s train ride as park features.
Summer
The wading pool season runs from mid-June to early September, with hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The pool is unguarded, and its washrooms and change rooms are seasonal. Seasonal public washrooms at the park operate from late May to mid-October, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For a warm-weather visit, you can pair time on the pathways with a picnic or river access. The lagoon is also used for paddle boating; check the City of Calgary’s official information for current facility and rental details.
Winter
Outdoor lagoon skating is free and is generally offered from mid-November to mid-March, weather permitting. The City gives daily skating hours as 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hockey sticks and nets, toboggans and sleds are not allowed on the lagoon ice.
A 1.6 km ice trail runs beside the Bow River. Winter activities include cross-country ski trails, ice bikes, crokicurl and curling. Adult- and child-sized ice bikes are available to rent in winter, but confirm availability with the Bowness Park Skate Shop before setting out.
How do you get to Bowness Park?
Bowness Park is at 8900 48 Ave. N.W. You can drive to the park, but parking is limited and may not be available. A parking lot has 500 stalls, though that does not guarantee a space when you arrive.
If you plan to use public transport, check current service and connections before leaving. Calgary’s buses and CTrain have different roles in the network, so Calgary public transport basics can help you understand the options without assuming a particular route to the park.
Visit timing and practical notes
The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Seasonal facilities have narrower operating periods: the wading pool is open from mid-June to early September, while seasonal washrooms operate from late May to mid-October.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5:00–23:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Winter skating depends on conditions, and the lagoon or ice trail may close without notice because of poor conditions or maintenance. Ice-bike rentals can also vary. Check the official site before you go, and confirm current conditions and facility details with the City of Calgary.
FAQs
Is Bowness Park free to enter?
The City states that outdoor skating on the lagoon is free. The provided park details do not establish charges for other activities or rentals.
When can you skate at Bowness Park?
Lagoon skating is generally offered from mid-November to mid-March, weather permitting. The ice trail and lagoon can close because of conditions or maintenance.
Are there washrooms at Bowness Park?
Yes. Seasonal public washrooms operate from late May to mid-October, between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.; they are closed from mid-October to late May.
Can you bring a sled onto the lagoon ice?
No. The City does not allow toboggans or sleds, hockey sticks or nets on the lagoon ice.