I visited Prince's Island Park while on a work trip in Calgary. Wow. What a beautiful park. I went on a jog from downtown Calgary where my hotel was and it is so nice to have a large park so close to the city. I think there's ~50 acres of land with plenty of well-maintained walkways for walking, jogging, biking. This seems like a perfect place to go on a date, walk around a bit during a work break, read a book on the many places to sit there, or just walk/jog like I did. There is also a cafe located near the center in the park. Unfortunately it was closed when I visited but I heard it's good! read more

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This beautiful, 50 acre"urban park" is found on the north side of downtown Calgary by the Eau Claire neighborhood and is a fantastic place to get out in nature - even though it's in such close proximity to the city. There are paved walking paths and gravel trails - all very well maintained. We saw lots of geese and ducks and butterflies too - it was surprisingly peaceful! I imagine this would be a great place for migratory bird watching when the time is right! Lots of articles call this park the "heart" of Calgary...it certainly is popular but I can see why. It's lovely - there's tons of flower gardens, some native bee habitats, and it's surrounded by the Bow river on all sides and even has a lagoon that you can ice skate on in winter. Calgary holds lots of festivals here. There are picnic areas and playgrounds and even a cute little cafe. Several bridges connect it to downtown Calgary and one of them connects you to the other more northern side as well. It's very walkable and easy to access - I'd definitely say it's handicap accessible as a good portion of the paths are paved and flat. There are lots of info signs dotted around the island as well. Definitely a must see when visiting the city! We loved it! read more

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Unfortunately, the island was closed today for a private event. We couldn't get any closer to it. It appears that there's a river Café here. But security guards are not permitting us any closer read more

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We were in Calgary for a day prior to leaving the country. We were looking for something to do and ended up at this park. We didn't realize they were having a pride fest. I don't m kw how busy it is on other days, but it was super busy on that Sunday. The park is big. It has walking trails. it's very pretty and green. They have benches were you can sit down or you can just bring a blanket and have a picnic. Restrooms are available on site. Parking: across the bridge. 50 cents every 1/2 hour on a Sunday. read more

Prince's Island Park - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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Wow! What a beautiful way to spend a few hours in the heart of Calgary. We had our departure flight scheduled in the early afternoon, but wanted to explore and see a bit more of Calgary in the morning. This place was peaceful and great for anyone trying to stay active. We saw a lot of locals running and biking along the paths. The surrounding area has many bridges connecting the north and south side of the Bow River. There's also a ton of history in this place! read more

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Happened upon this park while walking around town looking for the Peace Bridge. We had some time to pass so this was the perfect find, and ended up for making a nice morning in Calgary! The park was pretty large and had beautiful views of both the city and the Bow River. There were planters (made from tree trunks) with colorful flowers throughout the park and plenty of shady spots from the many trees around. The park was lined with benches along the River on both sides of the island, as well as in some other more central areas of the park. There was a park map located near one of the park entrances, looked like there were a few different trail options to make your way around. Definitely seems like a place you can spend a good bit of time, especially if you fell like picnicing! The park also had a stage, a cafe, and public restrooms. read more

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This is a great little park that's on the walk between Crescent Heights and downtown. Cutting through the park, rather than taking the Centre Street Bridge, was a nicer, but slightly more frightening way to get downtown. Why was it a scary way to go? The bridges between Prince's Island and downtown have been under construction for a while and some sections of the pathway flood. Why does this matter, when we're out for a stroll anyway? It creates natural bottlenecks for the geese to attack. Maybe you don't have the same fear of geese that I do. If you're prepared to brave the geese or give them a wide berth, you'll enjoy your time in Prince's Island Park. If you'd just like to go to the park to enjoy a picnic or a walk without crossing into downtown, you can easily avoid the geese. read more

Prince's Island Park - One of several bridges that's now under construction - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

This delightful park was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to walk over, stroll around, and have lunch there. They were working on the some of the sidewalks on the river walk on the way over, so we had to step into the street a few times. There are lots of trails, flowers, plants, a playground, good views, and more. While we were there, we noticed a very somber monument to First Nations children who were removed from their families and found in mass graves near their boarding schools -- very sad but important not to forget. Definitely a memorable place to visit. read more

An oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city. That is exactly how I feel about Prince's Island Park! We came here for a nice morning stroll since it is right across from our hotel in CBD. The river, the trees and the fresh air. This is just unbelievable experience since I can still see those tall office buildings in the distance. You can bring your own food here for a picnic. But I will highly recommend visit River Cafe which is one of the Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. Now you know why I am here walking through the Park so early in the morning! read more

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This park is located down by the Bow river and is very easy to get to. The park is full of benches for stoping during whatever activities you might be doing. The path is wide and has plenty of shady trees to make your time in the park very enjoyable. There are lots of open areas for spreading out a blanket and reading, picnic, or just people watching. read more

Prince's Island Park is simply breathtaking! Whether you're out for a morning jog, a leisurely bike ride, or a family picnic, there's something for everyone to enjoy here. The natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it one of Calgary's best-kept secrets! read more

I love this park. There are many bridges that goes onto this kind of island which is not really an island. They have lots of green here. Right now they have a big sign that says "Canada 150". Great for picture taking. The park is quite big so you can enjoy a really nice stroll. Also there are events and festival here. They also have a very pricy restaurant on this island. River Café but its not cheap. Need fresh air then come here. Also gets a nice view of Bow river. Also lots of birds and geese to see here. Plus some other birds. Great for picture taking of the downtown skyline. read more

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Very beautiful park. I paid Prince's Island Park a visit while on a business trip to Seattle and I'm glad that I did. I went a run in the morning and decided to run to the local park. I got to the bridge over a little stream and crossed it into the park. There was a grassy field and it was filled with a bunch of ducks - so cool. The park was very clean and had a beautiful city view. Lots of wildlife here. I recommend coming here for a nice walk or run. read more

From previous reviews you will probably realize that this park is gorgeous, that it's lush, open, and a wonderful spot for both theatre and festivals. What no other review has told you yet though, is that Prince's Island Park is THE Pokémon destination. Lovely river walk with public art on every corner. Those public art pieces are now Pokéstops, baby! You can go for a romantic evening stroll along the river and also stock up on pokèballs at the same time. Nothing makes a date better better than getting your hands on a Jiggly Puff, if you know what I mean. And I mean a Jiggly Puff in the Pokémon sense and nothing more. Careful as the day turns to dusk there are pesky Zubats everywhere. I had an altercation with a large mouthed pointy toothed Golbat, but from what I hear, the situation is quite rare. Seriously though, these past few days there have been hundreds, if not thousands of people cruising this spot enjoying life, catching some rays, and catching 'em all. read more

Prince's Island Park - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Prince's Island Park is literally in the back yard of one of my Company's Canadian Headquarters. I have walked this park before work, over lunch, and after work, and sometimes all the way to Kensington. On the last trip, Gayle and I walked it hand-in-hand, as we admired the lush green space and the Mighty Bow. The Park itself was named after Peter Anthony Prince, the founder of the Eau Claire Lumber Mill. The park was built on land donated in 1947 to the city by the Prince family. The island is about 20 hectares big and is linked by three bridges to Eau Claire and downtown Calgary and a north bridge to Memorial Drive and the community of Crescent Heights. It is part of the pathway and hiking trail system lining both sides of the Bow River. The southern arm of the river has been landscaped, while the eastern end of the island re-creates a wetland environment. Geese, mallard ducks, and other wildlife (and droppings) are abundant in the park. I love this urban oasis, and comparisons to Golden Gate Park (SF), Lithia Park (Ashland), and Bidwell Park (Chico) immediately come to mind. Places like this soothe the soul and help put the Downtown Business lifestyle into perspective. read more

New York City has Central Park, Chicago has Millenium Park and Calgary thankfully has Princes Island Park. In an earlier review Katie C. called PIP an oasis and I couldn't agree more. There is just always so much going on here all the time. Whether it is Shakespeare in the Park, Calgary Folk Music Festival or even just a good ol' game of Ultimate frisbee, this park is literally for everyone. They also have an amazing playground that I have been known to play once and a while! The west side of the island always has a tons of people, so if you are looking for a quieter experience, head on over to the east side (waaah-wahhh) and go for a walk around the trails. Make sure you look for the beaver house and sometimes I've even seen the beavers wandering the paths. For visitor's to Calgary, this is always a "Must-do!" read more

Prince's Island Park - Much Ado About Nothing was anything but! - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I love this island park, it's a little slice of heaven and even though it takes a bit of work to get there because u might have some problems finding parking and it's definitely a bit of a walk from either mainland no matter which bridge you use -it's not as easy as just walking to a park but it's worth it...... I've taken my kids fishing here, I've gone to the jazz festival three times here, we use the restaurant all the time, I've taken my kayak down the bow river and kayaked right past the island many times -it's spectacular. I highly recommend it. I have some photos of their gardens in the summer, their gardens are spectacular......... i'm just very disappointed that somebody in the city of Calgary parks department decided to mow down all the hundred year old massive old growth trees. When I called the mayors office to find out what happened to all the trees that were lining the Bow river they said it's "flood control". Flood control -really? It sounds more like nepotism to me, I heard that the mayor's cousin owns a landscaping company and they were having a slow week. read more

I'm still in love with Prince's Island Park. This year, I've taken to running through it when I'm out attempting to look like I'm really an athlete. In the spring, there are oodles of blossoms along the pathways to sniff out and photograph. You'll often see people along the banks of the river, playing a tune on their guitars for their sweethearts (I actually did see this once!), playing fetch with a stick with their dogs, or just enjoying the gorgeousness that is Prince's Island. Even on warm winter days, many an office worker is out taking a stroll, jog, or speed walk on their lunch hour. And on the days it's cold enough, the pond turns into a skating rink. And then, as mentioned in my previous reviews, there are all the festivals... wonderful, wonderful festivals :). read more

Stunning spot, beautiful, serene, peaceful and well kept, right along the river. People napping everywhere under the big trees, reading, picnicking, playing frisbee, feeding the squirrels, ducks and swans. Not so big that you cannot walk the whole park but I loved all the pathways, you are never on top of anyone else even when the park is busy. There is a playground for kids in one area. Home to the RIVER cafe if you want to stop for a beverage/bite to eat. Great day exploring this gorgeous park and will return often. A feel-good kind of place! read more

I usually go to Calgary a few times a year, but my last trip was my first venture to Prince's Island Park. I quite enjoyed the park. It's nice and close to Eau Claire Market, and there's quite a few parking lots close by. Being that I went on a saturday I got to park for $2 for the whole day, which is some of the cheapest paid parking I've ever seen. There were a good number of people walking, running and biking on the trails. Seeing as it's only March I can imagine Prince's Island looks quite lovely once the snow melts, and everything is in full bloom. I'll definitely try to make it back to Prince's Island Park in the summer. read more

Beautiful park! I visited the park on a Tuesday afternoon and the place was packed! There was a bunch of people running and working out! The park is perfectly beautiful and is covered with trees and beautiful tulips. There is also a playground for the kiddos. If you walk close to the river you can see geese and their babies. Perfect park for a walk or picnic! read more

Prince's Island Park - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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YES BEST PARK I'VE BEEN TO IN MAYBE FOREVER. ugh i am wishing right now that i was anywhere but home (sorta trying to finish a BA this may) and that got me reminiscing about my last trip away back to one of my favorite cities, one I hold dear to my heart, CALGARY. I hadn't been back in 8 years, so when my father told me he had to go to Calgary for his work, the week before school started, he asked if I wanted to tag along. OF COURSE. I grew up frequently going to Calgary when i was 7 to 14 years old (it was the first place i saw snow!) so my pending trip back got me thinking about all the cool things i used to do going there. Top of the list was PRINCE'S ISLAND PARK. I was so excited to see that it hadn't changed in the past 8 years, I mean you can't really mess with perfection right!? As I walked over the bridge and biked down the paths memories upon memories starting flooding my mind. AND i made a bundle of new memories as I casually biked the many routes along the bow river and stopped to talk with the ducks and geese along the way. If you find yourself in this up-and-coming, beautiful, friendly city then you best check out Prince's Island Park. Great place to be during summer, and everyone knows that. You can sit along the many benches that the park provides or roll out a blanket and enjoy your ice cream from one of the ice cream trucks nearby or your coffee from the mall across the street, and watch the people and day go by in the fresh open air. i can imagine that during the fall and winter this park doesn't get as much use but is still amazingly beautiful with the autumn foliage and snow. Calgary's city planners did a great job creating this park. So easy for so many people to enjoy whether your riding a bike, rollerblading, walking your dog, pushing a stroller, skateboarding, whatever! I hope it doesn't take me another 8 years to get back to Calgary. TIP: The Bow River Parkway is used by loads commuters into downtown Calgary during the summer. if you find yourself casually biking during rush hour (4-6pm) then just be aware. Stay off to the right and cruise and let these guys/girls pass ya (they are serious). ALL OF A SUDDEN your music is getting remixed with the sound of bike bells chiming in the background, this is just other bikers letting you know that they are behind, close, gonna pass, roll up past yah. REMEMBER to use your bike bell too, it let's pedestrians know you like pass em and is definitely the way to communicate and makes everything go smoothly. read more

Such a gorgeous park! Perfect place to lounge around, read a book, go for a walk/bike ride/hop/skip/jump.... You get the point! There are an endless amount of possibilities here! I enjoy that the park is very walkable, and is accessible from a lot of areas of Downtown Calgary. Till next time! read more

Gorgeous park. Lots of Canadian geese (?) and birds crossing roads :) read more

Prince's Island Park - Beautiful view - Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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Prince's Island Park is Calgary's central oasis for just about everybody. There is a lot to see and do, and plenty of nooks and crannies to hide. For me, that means that while it is fun, I would not wander around that park at night by myself. In the summer, it is the perfect hang out spot. It is lush and green, with lots of trees and picnic tables and places to play frisbee and soccer or just lie out in the sun. The Canada Day celebrations are always tons of fun, and the folk festival is pretty great too. I love the layout, the river, and the size of the island/park. There is a lot to explore. The paths are beautiful and there is both riverfront territory along with some inland that has a great view. It is the perfect place for a bike ride in the summer. I used to love wandering through the bushes with my friends when I was younger. We'd always uncover evidence of people "camping" - it's remoteness allows for some sketchy goings on. Putting that aside, it has a great view of downtown, places to feed the ducks, and is all around beautiful. I am full of love. read more

When you live near the core, like I used to, it's impossible to avoid Prince's Island Park. Add to that, the park was my on my walk to work, which meant that for over 3 years I walked through this park daily. The park is home to several festivals during the summer months. A great variety of events take place in and around the park throughout the year. I have probably attended dozens of them, each one improved by the beauty of the park. With lots of space to walk around, the crowds never seem too much no matter what festival you are attending. As far as just walking or rollerblading or biking, the park is amazing. I have walked and rollerbladed through the park countless times. There are amazing views, tonnes of sunlight, and lots of other people. If you enjoy watching people (but not through a bedroom window), Prince's Island Park is the place to be. read more

A very spacious, clean (ofcourse during summer :P) and well lit place during nights. It has good pavements, walkways , benches, water fountain etc. The park is pretty big spread over from 1st street to 10thstreet downtown by the bow river. Very good place for night, evening walks. I happened to walk through all over the park during canada day celebrations. Though there was so big crowd, as this park was huge, it was able to handle that without any problem. Lots of space to sit by the water channel of bow river that passes in between the park. Good to go with friends, as couples etc.. A sure shot park to visit in calgary. Yelp's 30 day challenge - 9/30. read more

I LOVE Prince's Island Park. For those of you who have never been, picture a park across the Bow River where a lot of the city's main events happen. We're talkin' The Folk Festival, The Teddy Bear Picnic, Shakespeare in the Park, Canada Day, Carifest, Expo Latino, Afrikadey and Barbecue On The Bow, just to name a few. It is linked to the city by three bridges and in some parts are beautiful wetlands where you can go to watch geese and ducks. When the summer hits, Prince's Island Park is the place to be. Whether you want to have a picnic, enjoy the festivities or just hang out and listen to some great music, Prince's Island Park has got it all. read more

Every city has one. A self-imposed, planned tattoo that is meant to bring colour to urban sprawl. I am of course talking about a city park. At best, it can be an oasis where nature, culture and art harmonize to yield impressive results. At worst, it can spawn a breeding place for petty crime and become a metaphor for how the city has let things go. I don't think you can compare Prince Island to the world's best (my favourite is Ueno Park in Tokyo). It lacks the history, numbers and budget of some other larger cities. Thus, it is almost like comparing apples and oranges. However, what one could say is that the park does represent Calgary very well. There are parts where you find such wonderful juxtaposition that stab at the essence of what this beautiful city is about, at least in my opinion. I think back to the number of times I walked through the paths of Prince Island on a sunny day. At some point I will walk off the path to bury myself into the trees with the objective of reaching the bank of the bow river and become hypnotized by its flow. While staring at the water I can see in my mind the image of downtown Calgary behind me. This thought breaks my concentration so I look up to catch the glimpse of a prominent neighbourhood of houses off in the distance. This park is really a picture of what the city means to me. A real balance of the wild and developed, the raw and refined, the dream and the reality all rolled into one. It's breathtaking! read more

I Love live theatre. If I had more money I would go see live theatre/opera/any of the Performing Arts every day of the week. Fortunately I have gotten hubs interested in the Calgary's Performing Arts as well so we very much enjoy our date nights as it usually involves live theatre to some degree...well and food :). A couple years ago we very much enjoyed Shakespeare in the Park. Then it disappeared and much to our delight it has reappeared this year. While we love to attend the play as a couple we opted to bring the kids along this time as they enjoy live theatre too (Loose Moose for kids). The play we visited last weekend is A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. Just amazing. We could only stay a short time as kids can only take so much, but it's important to note these plays are by donation. So be prepared to set up your blanket, bring along some sunscreen, water/snacks, even bug spray and drop some good cash into the buckets as this production deserves it. While our kids are to young to understand Shakespeare, they enjoyed the play for the time we were there. When we decided it was time to move on (for the sake of the kids) we wandered through the park and eventually ended up at the playground. Such a lovely park. Truly simple beauty only minutes from downtown and Eau Claire Market. read more

I love PIP!! I am fortunate to work really close by and get the luxury of noon-hour strolls through the park during the summer. This is one of Calgary's most beautiful inner city attractions. The park is very well maintained; nice and clean, beautiful flowers, great paths, etc! There are often boot camp or yoga classes in different corners of the park, lots of lovey-dovy couples and families out for a picnic, millions of runners taking advantage of the paths, and cute little food vendors around the area! It makes for a wonderful mid day stroll! On the weekends, the grass areas are packed with people enjoying the sun! Hacky-sack, bocce ball, Frisbee, football, baseball, kite flying, you name it, it's happening in this area! There are plenty little BBQ pits and picnic tables for all kinds of outings. Even a little park for the kids to enjoy. Shakespeare In The Park also is great for the kids to watch a live play! A few times in the summer the park is occupied for a big festival which is even more fun. Beer garden, live great music, tons of people. It's amazing. Can we say "Tarp Race!" read more

This is the most beautiful park in Calgary!!...I love to walk there!!.. It is so close to the river that you can touch the water and the view is just AWESOME!!... As it is located in the middle of the city you can see the city from all different points of view and all of them are gorgeous!!.. This is a great place to work out, or just walk a little if you work close and you want to breath a little bit!!... Also, just in front of eau Claire!!.. Where you can enjoy different activities!!.. This park is a place you must go if you are in Calgary!!.. read more

What a truly beautiful Park! I am from California on my first trip to Canada. I went on Yelp to see what things to do in Calgary. Luckily it was a fairly warm day when I was able to visit the park. Its gorgeous. My wife and I walked around the park, along the river trails, and down to the Peace Bridge. After being married for almost 20 years, I felt as if I was on a beautiful date with my wonderful wife. What a nice experience read more

My most recent experience at Prince's Island Park while sitting on a rock trying to write, and being interrupted by a gentleman with a mohawk, a shark tooth around his neck, and Ed Hardy rip off shoes. Stranger: There are a lot of birds. Sarah Louise: Why, yes there are. Stranger: Do you like birds? Sarah Louise: Yes. I'm sorry, but I'm trying to write. (long pause) Stranger: (thoughtfully) What's your favourite kind of bird? Sarah Louise: (with obvious irritation) An owl, I guess. Stranger: WANT TO KNOW MINE? Sarah Louise: Not in particular. Stranger: THE RAPTOR. (pause)... Stranger: Want to know why? (pause continues).... Stranger: BECAUSE IT IS THE MASTER OF THE SKY. (still no response) Stranger: WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE LAND ANIMAL?! Unfortunately, this mostly one ended conversation went on for nearly twenty minutes as I waited for my friend who I was to meet in that particular area of the park, until said stranger tried to touch my hair and I issued an actual slap. From now on, I will be bringing a bodyguard to Prince's Island Park. That aside though, I love how this park comes alive most of the summer time with all the festivals and what not. Calgary Folk Festival is my personal favourite, where I can be found for the entire weekend drinking sangrias, swooning over all of my favourite bands, and hopping on the rocks next to the beautiful river. The park is always gorgeous, with the exception of when the City of Calgary decides that construction is awesome. Stupid peace bridge. A great place to bring visitors to the city if there's something going on, although I prefer less busy parks for when I want to actually just chill uninterrupted. (11/30) read more

Wonderful place to meander, run, cycle or hang out almost all year long. Summer is especially fine for the Festivals: Shakespeare in the Park, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Carifest, Canada Day, Heritage Day celebration, Afrikadey, Expo Latino, Barbecue on the Bow. Or just make your own celebration. Bring a camera. And, check out the ducks and geese on the water. read more

The park is close to Eau Claire Market and downtown. Very nice along the Bow River, also has a lake in the park with fountain and bridges. Nice way to spend a romantic afternoon strolling in the park with your love one! read more

Perfect place to walk around and relax, or a great starting place for a jog. If you are jogging, head west and cross at any of the bridges for a good loop. The park itself is an inner city jem which usually has events and activities going on during the summer. read more

This park is amazing, there's always something going on here, Canada Day festivities, music festivals like Folk Fest, and food trucks... the park is gorgeous and kept well. read more

I don't go here nearly enough, it's so beautiful. I'm pretty excited for winter to be over so that I can go hang here without actually freezing to death, I'll wait until the grass and all the trees are green. read more

I love going to Prince's Island Park with friends, family and when we have out of town guests. They are in love with the park after visiting it too. I'm from Edmonton and just moved here 1.5 yrs ago. We have some wonderful parks in Edm.. but nothing like this one. I'm a big fan of the ice cream vendor near the kids spray park too. Wish i could find a place in Cgy that sells the same. Its made with cream.. not ice milk. Yum Yum Yummmmmy. I heard its going to be another hot wknd.. so i'll probably be back there again. Cheers!! read more