Municipal Parks
Visitors to Alberta are often pleasantly surprised at the sheer number of parks, gardens and outdoor recreation spots in our urban areas. So if you are vacationing in one of our major cities, or smaller centres, you’ll still be able to experience the great outdoors.
Calgary
Have a look at Calgary’s network of city parks and you’ll find hundreds of playgrounds, several outdoor swimming pools, 635 km (395 mi) of continuous bike paths, bird sanctuaries, parks made famous by rock formations, others for tipi camping, 450 natural environment parks—and that’s just in one city.
Edmonton
You will discover distinct personalities in Edmonton's 460 municipal parks, 22 of them along the 48 km (30 mi) stretch of the North Saskatchewan River. Loved by anglers, canoeists and kayakers, the river slices through the very heart of the city. Edmonton uses its parks to host events such as raft races, Shakespearean plays and music concerts.
Around Alberta
Fort McMurray
One of Canada’s fastest growing cities is Fort McMurray, gateway to the oil sands, one of the world’s most extensive deposits of oil. In this boomtown you’ll find Heritage Park, a village featuring historic buildings, including a 1900s trapper’s cabin and Catholic mission, and a 1940s drug store. An extensive network of trails links downtown to the Athabasca River, where you’ll find dozens of recreational possibilities such as boating, fishing, hiking and jogging.
Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie, an oil and gas boomtown in northern Alberta, is a prime birding area. In Muskoseepi Park you’ll find an interpretive pavilion, a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, mini-golf and canoe rentals. Lots of outdoor summer events are held at Evergreen Park including a farmers’ market, horse racing and harvest festivals.
Lethbridge
Fountains, picnic areas and bike paths aren’t the only offerings within the Lethbridge park system. Of the more than 300 Japanese gardens in North America, the city’s Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is ranked by specialists in the top 25—so put it on the top of your list. Indian Battle Park commemorates the last great battle between the Cree and Blackfoot, fought within city limits in 1870. Its 150 acres feature playgrounds, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits and walking trails.
Medicine Hat
Here you’ll find more than 90 km (56 mi) of hiking/biking trails linking many of the city’s municipal parks, which dot the South Saskatchewan River valley. Be sure to visit the Saamis Archaeological Site, home of a 17th century First Nations winter camp. You’ll also find the world’s tallest tepee—over 20 stories high—which was built for the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988. A favourite with the locals is Strathcona Island Park, with its spacious water park, wildlife pavilion and boat launch. In the winter season, it is a popular area for cross country skiers.
Red Deer
The largest urban centre between Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer is another hub for outdoor recreation. Design your own biking or hiking route through Red Deer’s extensive park system. Start your morning off with a jog around the Bower Ponds in Waskasoo Park. Hike, cycle, roller blade, paddle on the river or head over to Heritage Ranch for a guided horseback ride. Wagon rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter are fun for the whole family.
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