The Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary is a unique oasis of wilderness, nestled in the very heart of the city and allows visitors a plethora of out opportunities, both educational and recreational.
Heralded as the largest urban park in Canada, the Fish Creek Provincial Park has something to suit outdoor enthusiasts of every age. The paved paths which wind through the diverse terrain make the park a popular destination for cyclists and hiking aficionados alike. The fish infested waters Bow River and the Fish Creek boast of varieties like the Long nose sucker, rainbow trout, white sucker and brown trout which attract anglers from all over the region. Wildlife watchers can feast their eyes on rare and exotic species of the reptiles and amphibians that are found in the park. From the tiger salamander to the red-sided garter snake and even an occasional muskrat or beaver, there's no saying just what you might stumble across with watchful eyes and an open mind. The park also allows rollerblading in certain sections while ensuring that the comfort of the other visitors is not deterred.
The Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Center features a theater, a fireplace and an exhibit area, which is available for public use. The Visitor Center also accommodates washrooms and a water fountain for visitors and you can even bring along a picnic lunch to eat on the lawn area outside the visitor center or within the structure itself. You can even have an outdoor BBQ session, provided you bring along your own firewood and a bucket to put out the fire once you're through. Water babies can swim their hearts out in the artificial Sikome Lake, which is also equipped with changing rooms and concession stands. In winter months, you can ski through the snow-laden trails and even set out on a snowshoeing adventure through the park.
The Fish Creek Provincial Park also features an Environmental Learning Center, which hosts several educational programs for children. The programs and workshops are centered on the Alberta Learning curriculum guidelines and are held in the five classrooms that the Learning Center is equipped with. You can also visit the archeological interpretative center which displays rare, ancient artifacts which have been excavated from various sites in the park itself. These include remains of ancient buffalo hunts, native weapons and even their campsite utensils. You can also stop by at the famous Bow Valley Ranch House, which dates back to 1896 and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding displays of the architecture which was typical to that period.
The Fish Creek Provincial Park is open from 8 am to 10 pm, all through the week in the months from March to mid-September, 8 am to 8 pm in fall and 8 am to 6 pm in winter. For further information, you can refer to the website http://tprc.alberta.ca/parks/fishcreek/welcome.asp or call the park at (403) 297-5293.
The Fish Creek Provincial Park
9-97 Woodpath Terr SW
Calgary, AB T2W 5R6 Canada
