Follow the water
The Bow runs right through the middle of Calgary, and pathways line both banks for most of its length. Downtown, the red helix of the Peace Bridge and the lions of the Centre Street Bridge are the landmarks; upstream, Bowness Park has its lagoon; downstream the river bends into Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Before you go
Pathways close for construction and high water, so check the City’s pathway page first. The river is fast and cold even in July — rafting and paddling are for people who know the water. Anglers need an Alberta licence and should read the regulations for the stretch they fish.
Island time
Prince’s Island Park sits on the river at the edge of downtown, a short walk from the Peace Bridge. It hosts the Folk Music Festival in July and is the easiest picnic in the city the rest of the summer.
Official sources
- Pathways & bikewaysMaps, rules and closures for the regional pathway network.calgary.ca
- Prince’s Island ParkThe island park downtown — lawns, lagoon and festivals.calgary.ca
- Bowness ParkLagoon, river paths, canoes in summer and skating in winter.calgary.ca
- Fish Creek Provincial ParkOne of Canada’s largest urban parks, along the south end.albertaparks.ca
- Alberta fishing regulationsRules and licence information for anglers on the Bow.albertaregulations.ca