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Enter to Win! Your name will be entered in a draw for an Engraved Fieldstone, courtesy of the Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society. Valued at $500, your prize will be featured in the Native Gardens and placed next to the Gazebo. Learn more about the Engraved Fieldstone program at bowvalleyranche.com
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Please mail this survey to: CMI Publishing, 116 Parkview Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 4M8 If you prefer to keep your guide intact, please forward your comments to the publisher, Bob Harris at Bob@CMIpublishing.ca Thank you for participating in this survey. In appreciation for completing and mailing this survey, you will be entered into the prize draw described above. The winner will be randomly selected by CMI Publishing on March 31, 2017
Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths A Message from the Publisher You’re probably thinking, “Wait a minute. This magazine looks familiar!” And you’re right.
in Fish Creek Park within minutes. It is therapeutic to be able to “get out of the city” so quickly, breathe deeply, and de-stress.
This issue is actually our fourth annual guide to outdoor fun in Calgary’s parks. We rebranded Experience Fish Creek Provincial Park and expanded coverage across the city.
But our situation isn’t unique. Most Calgarians are able to walk, run, ride or roll to a green space within minutes. Fish Creek may be one of the largest urban parks in Canada, but all residents are able to enjoy the vast network of 1,000 km of trails connecting numerous parks across the entire city.
Check out this edition and all back issues in our Mobile Library at cmipublishing.ca/library. Here, you will find current and back issues of Experience the Cowboy Trail, Experience the Mountain Parks, Official Trail Maps of Kananaskis Country, The Jasper Map, our brand new Coal Mine Tour Map, and more. As residents of South Calgary for 23 years, we’ve come to appreciate the opportunity to step out of our yard, and be
Here, and on our companion web site, you’ll still find some of the most comprehensive information about Fish Creek Provincial Park. But now you’ll also discover many hidden gems across, and just outside of the city. Be sure to check out our maps and extended coverage of the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway for a path and park in your area. Fresh air and exercise have been proven to enhance the quality of our physical and mental health. Make time for it.
4 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Bob Harris
Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths Table of Contents Specialty Pages Calgary’s Bike Lanes 16 Experience the Rotary Nature Park 29 Memorial Forest Program 29 Off-Leash Dog Parks 22 Reconnecting with Fish Creek 28 Rotary/Mattamy Greenway 12 The Making of Nose Hill Park 26 Trail Etiquette 23
Map Pages
Activities 10 Things to do at BV Ranche 34 A Year of Change 37 Escape the City from Within 8 Family Friendly Activities 10 Friends of Fish Creek 40 Photography in Fish Creek 42 Picnic or Pique-nique? 24 Ralph Klein Park 20
Fish Creek Provincial Park Map 30-31 Fish Creek Single Track Map 32-33 Greenway NE Calgary Map 15 Greenway NW Calgary Map 14 Greenway SE Calgary Map 19 Greenway SW Calgary Map 18 Rotary/Mattamy Greenway Map 13
The 2016 - 2017 Edition of Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n‘ Paths Use this, or our mobile eBooklet, and the companion web site, to enhance your yearround enjoyment of the growing network of trails and parks across Calgary. This magazine is produced and distributed annually by CMI Publishing, a division of Complete Marketing Inc, a privately owned company with offices in Calgary.
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Please support our advertisers and sponsors. Kindly mention where you saw their ad. Without their support this guide would not be possible. Cover photo: taken at Creekfest on July 19, 2015 on the pathway between the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and the Info Centre in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Special thanks to: Rob Lennard, Rob Storeshaw, Larry Wasyliw, Jim Thompson, Christian Hery, Jennell Rempel, Whitney Harris, our advertisers and contributors Designer: Christine Karchewski Editor: Anne Payne
Publisher: Bob Harris, CMI Publishing Ph: (403) 259.8290 | bob@CMIpublishing.ca
For more info: calgarysparksnpaths.com
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5 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Message from
His Worship Mayor Nenshi On behalf of the citizens of Calgary and my City Council colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you to Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n Paths. Calgary is home to an incredible array of parks and a widespread network of pathways. From expansive spaces like Fish Creek Provincial Park in the south, to Nose Hill Park in the north, to more urban environments like Olympic Plaza in the heart of downtown, Calgary’s parks really do offer something for everyone. Our extensive network of pathways links Calgary’s communities and allows Calgarians the ability to walk, run, rollerblade and cycle throughout the city. Nearly 800 km of pathways weave their way through Calgary along the Bow and Elbow Rivers, from north to south and around the Glenmore Reservoir. In addition, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway Project will provide another 138 kilometres of parks and pathways that encircle the city and connect to 55 communities, making it the longest urban pathway and park system in the world. Utilizing Calgary’s urban pathway system is one of the best ways to experience all our city has to offer. We are very fortunate that Calgary has so many opportunities for individuals and families to explore the outdoors. These spaces add to the vibrancy of our city, increase the physical and mental wellbeing of our citizens and create learning opportunities for children. Whether you spend one hour or a full day exploring Calgary’s parks and pathways, this guide will ensure that all of your experiences will be memorable ones. Sincerely
Naheed K. Nenshi MAYOR
6 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths Our Contributors Kasia Gorski is an event manager with over seven year’s experience and another twelve in hospitality and service. Kasia Gorski is no stranger to events. She has well-rounded knowledge, having assisted in corporate and social affairs. Most recently, she is with Great Events Group, who manage the Bow Valley Ranche, Meadow Muse Pavilion and Annie’s Bakery. (10 Things you can do at the Bow Valley Ranche pg 34)
Dr. Don Findlay and his brother Dan Findlay operate Chiropractical, a high-energy chiropractic and massage clinic offering state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques in south Calgary. They are very committed to bringing people back to wellness, and educating them about what it means to be truly healthy. Married with 2 kids, Don enjoys weight training, running and dancing with his sweetheart Kyla. Visit chiropractical.ca for more information (Escape the City from Within pg. 8)
Reanne Heuston owns and operates a Calgary based dog training company Pest-to-Pet Training. She
owns 4 dogs, 2 cats and a tarantula while taking in rescues, boarding and training dogs for behaviour modification. Reanne’s Pest-to-Pet training techniques are based on positive reinforcement and the knowledge that not all animals respond to one method of training. Reanne actively attends seminars, trade fairs, clinics and trials to keep up to date with current tools and techniques in dog training. Visit pest2pet.com for more information (The Off-Leash Dog Park Rules pg 22)
Julie Walker has been a hiking/backpacking IGA certified guide for over 25 years, safely guiding people in the Foothills and Rocky Mountains. Julie has worked at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, The Calgary Zoo and Weaselhead-Glenmore Park Preservation Society creating and running their interpretive programs for schools. She started school programs with Full Circle Adventures and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society about 6 years ago. Visit fullcircleadventures.com (Experience Family Friendly Activities in the Region’s Provincial Parks pg 10)
Cameron Melin is an avid cyclist and enthusiast of outer space, economics, kitty-cats and beer. He
was born and raised in Calgary and currently works as a electrician where he can only bother other construction workers, leaving decent people to shuffle like zombies from home to work and back again. He has dabbled in animation, photography and moderate extremism. (Experience Calgary’s Bike Lanes pg 16)
Andrew Penner is a writer and photographer living in Calgary, Alberta. His work has been featured
in Westerworld, up!, Golf Magazine, Going Places, Avenue, NBC.com, and many other leading golf and lifestyle publications in North America. When not travelling or on assignment, he enjoys reading, movies, and just chilling out in the backyard with his wife, Dawn, and their four boys. (Photography in Fish Creek Provincial Park pg 42)
7 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Escape the City from Within A little while back, my father sent me a picture of three deer in his yard in Calgary. Those of us who live in the City are used to interacting with wildlife because Calgary has a vast system of interconnected greenways and park systems that allow nature to sneak into our urban maze. We, as urban dwellers, can use these corridors to escape--both physically and especially mentally. In today’s world, most Calgarians rush here and there, worrying about things such as finances, relationships, family, even shark attacks! Technology was supposed to help unburden our minds by acting as a surrogate memory, calendar or communicator, but now we’re expected to accomplish more in the finite time we have! This has further trained our minds to be in a state of perpetual vigilance, creating anxiety, depression, insomnia and a general state of anxious crankiness. Mental stress not only pollutes your focus with “brain fog” but often manifests in other forms such as headaches, neck tension, digestive upset, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. Many of the stress hormones in our bodies such as cortisol are made out of cholesterol as well. So if we’re stressed, we must need more stress hormones, so our body make more cholesterol. Yes, even if you eat no cholesterol, your body will just make its own! This is why diet alone often never corrects cholesterol levels. Mental stress is the catalyst of the “fight or flight” response in the body. Chronic low grade stress also causes blood pressure to creep up, thickens arteries and creates cardiovascular disease if left unchecked. The body is usually able to adapt to varying levels of stress, but if we lock into high stress, the body will cease to further adapt, and will eventually fail.
Maintaining the body in good condition requires exercise and good eating habits. Walking, running or cross country skiing in the park, going to the gym, eating vegetables and fruits will all contribute to good physical health. In Western culture, however, mental health is rarely discussed, and most people know very little about it. To acquire and maintain the mental state we want also requires “health” rituals. Think of it as positively reprogramming the mind. I ask prospective patients what they do to better cope with stress. Answer #1 is alcohol, because in our western culture, mental stress and disorders are treated with drugs. Answer #2 is, “I do yoga”. When asked how they incorporate aspects of yoga such as meditation, deep breathing, isometric exercise and flexibility into their current lifestyle they usually admit their Groupon deal expired months ago! Yoga is wonderful, and in the same way that the body can become stronger through the repeated practice of exercise, the mind also requires repetition over time to change. Meditation is another way to improve your mental wellness. Just as someone can achieve a level of physical fitness displaying great feats of strength and endurance, so too can we train the mind to be relaxed, calm and completely present. For most of us, however, reaching enlightenment is immposible given our active, often distracting lifestyle. Trying to shut your mind off for an hour three times/week is similar to trying to be skinny for one hour a day and eating cake the rest of the week! This often leads to frustration, which is why most who try meditation give up. Yoga and Meditation are lifestyles, not just exercises. Successful adaptation to a lifestyle choice requires congruency.
8 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Escape the City from Within To start on your road to a healthier mind, try refocusing. If we can’t shut the mind off, then point it toward a different direction. I find my immediate environment helps with this. Most of us connect with nature on some mental or spiritual level and a nearby park or green space creates the sense of being away from the city while staying conveniently close to home. Refocusing entails thinking on positive things; rather than dwelling on all the potential problems that may or may not affect your world, try to refocus by thinking about positive things, like the beauty of nature. Focus on gratitude. In this mental exercise, you think about things in your life for which you are grateful or would like to be grateful. These exercises must be positive, personal, and stated in a present tense as though “gratefulness” exists for you currently. I find most people, if they follow through, enjoy this exercise. The idea is that if you can’t calm the mind or turn it off, you can refocus it in a positive direction. If you find yourself saying “I don’t want” or “I hope” or “Maybe someday”, you’re not on the right track. This is not an exercise in logic but rather one dealing with the emotions. So if you’re doing it right, you should FEEL inspired, happy, excited or some positive state. Just like trying to get fit at the gym, this will take time and dedicated practice. Remind your subconscious how to be positive, by subjecting your body to positive experiences. Breath deeply to oxygenate the body, then perform some simple neck and jaw stretches to lessen some of the accumulated tension, and say out loud 10 good things about yourself. When performing affirmations, especially about ourself, many of us feel uncomfortable. I usually tell people to do this exercise in their car because no one else is there to hear them. The mental discomfort comes from years of conditioning by everyone else. “Be humble”, “You’re full of yourself”, “Keep your ego in check”. That’s Nonsense! It’s great and healthy to think well of yourself! We just need our subconscious or core belief to buy in, and to do that we need to reprogram. On a nice day, get outside, feel the sun on your face, smile. Get grounded with the earth, touch both palms to the ground or take off your shoes and socks. Say 10 great things about yourself. Write down 10 “grateful” statements. Do something physical such as exercising or stretching or having a freshly juiced vegetable drink because in the end the mind and body are ultimately one. REPEAT! By: Dr. Don Findlay 9 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Experience Family Friendly Activities
Nose Hill Quarry - Tanya Koop
Weaselhead Natural Environment Park - Tanya Koop
Southern Alberta is full of fun, easily accessible parks that are great for family outings; however, many families struggle to keep their kids interested in the walk/trail for the entire time. Perhaps if parents employed their children’s perspective of the natural world, then everyone would have more fun. So… ready parents? The following is a list of ideas for a Nature’s Treasure Hunt that your entire family can enjoy in Alberta Parks: Cone Scales Find two different types of cones. Which one makes a sound if you rub the scales? Careful, one of them might be prickly! Which tree did the cone come from?
Friendly Footprints Mud on the trail is a great place to stop and explore who is who in the world of footprints. Dog and horse tracks may be common, but deer and coyote are possibilities too!
Holes in a Log Find a fallen log. How many little holes are in it? Are there any big holes? Who do you think made the big holes and the little holes? Are there any other signs of these critters?
Webs of Wonder Often, just off the trail or along the edges where few people hike, you can find wonderful spider webs. Some webs are so complicated they look like the spiders know math!
Hopefully, these ideas will not only keep your child interested in going outdoors, but will renew your own sense of adventure in the mini wonders of wild Alberta!
Waterfall Valley - Tanya Koop
Waterfall Valley - Tanya Koop
10 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Edworthy Park - Tanya Koop
In the Region’s Provincial Parks Some of the parks that are particularly good to spend time with your family include: Bragg Creek Provincial Park - a little gem of a park only 45 min west of Calgary. This park has open areas plus riverside and forest trails for lots of diversity in your explorations. There are a few that are not more than a half hour long. Brown Lowrey Provincial Park - an off the beaten track park 45 min south of Calgary. This park offers you a cool retreat on those hot summer days! The old growth spruce forest is a world of wonder; lichens, fungus, mushrooms, mare’s tails and so much more live in this unique habitat! With four trails of different lengths to choose from, you can revisit many times. Big Hill Springs Provincial Park - Perhaps the most magical place of all! This park is full of springs, rock formations, grasslands and an Aspen forest. A fragile habitat, this area is great for activities that involve sneaking or tip-toeing to find clues about water sources, tracks in the mud and drinking holes. Only 45 min NW of Calgary past Cochrane. Bow Valley Provincial Park - Perhaps the park with the most space, Bow Valley Provincial Park offers a multitude of trails and many interpretive signs to help with your treasure hunt fun! Only 50 min west of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway, it also hosts celebrations, like Alberta Parks Day and interpretive
events throughout the year. This park is right at the gateway to the mountains, and the dramatic backdrop is almost reason alone to bring your kids here. Fish Creek Provincial Park - 11 entrances, each one representing a slightly different eco-system. There are meadows, forests, wetlands, and a park within the Park in the Artisan Gardens next to the historic Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Whether you live in the east or the west, there is likely a park entrance close to you. Best of all, it is right within the city limits of Calgary! Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park - Our newest Provincial Park, this land is part of a wonderful ranch heritage that harkens back to the origins of Calgary. The trails here have a spectacular view. With a visitor centre hosting lots of programs, this park offers real insight into wildlife, rare plants, First Nations and early ranching history. Only 30 min west of Calgary, before Cochrane. Don’t be caught on the couch this summer. Enjoy your child’s imagination and encourage the exploration of the natural world. You may find yourself having as much fun as they are! By: Julie Walker - Owner of Full Circle Adventures Full Circle Adventures, with the Norseman Outdoor Specialist offer guided programs in hiking, outdoor safety, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Visit fullcircleadventures.com for current programs.
11 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Experience the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway The project will feature numerous amenities such as off-leash parks for our four-legged friends, family fitness areas, extra-wide pathways for biking, running, and walking, and environmental wetlands with sweeping lookout points encircling the entire city. Much has already been done that Calgarians can enjoy. In the completed Phase One, the Greenway runs from Airport Trail NE to 17 Avenue SE and includes the CN Play Park near Memorial Drive SE, the 13 km Bob Skinner Pathway, numerous rest nodes, two playground parks, a fully fenced off-leash area, and the ARC Resources Interpretive Wetlands. Phase Two travels from the Western Irrigation District Canal on the eastern border of Calgary to Stony Trail. From 52 Street SE it traverses into the communities of Auburn Bay, Seton, and Cranston before entering Fish Creek Provincial Park. It includes a spur into Mahogany, where you can find sweeping wetlands, a neighbourhood park with climbing rocks, and the unique TransCanada Outdoor Fitness Park.
Photo by: Kristina Cajipe
Parks Foundation Calgary (PFC) was established in 1985 as a non-profit organization, and an agent for the City of Calgary. Their Mission Statement: “We make Calgary a great city for its residents and guests by enhancing healthy lifestyle enjoyment by providing easily accessible, unique, recreational, sport and green spaces in our community.� Parks Foundation Calgary partners in the development of new parks, playgrounds and open spaces, encourages amateur sport, and works to preserve our ecologically significant river valleys. So it only makes sense that the Parks Foundation would take the lead in the creation of 138 km of pathways that encircles the entire city and thereby connect 55 communities and 400,000 residents. Their vision is to build a World-Class, Free, Outdoor Amenity in a World-Class City. By partnering with like-minded stakeholders, the PFC has raised close to the $60 million required to make this dream a reality. They estimate that by the end of 2015, 90% of the work had been completed and PFC estimates that by mid-2017, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway will be fully operational.
Phase Three is the final 74 km of the Greenway, taking it from Airport Trail through Cityscape, then connecting with the two communities of SkyView Ranch and Redstone. The Greenway then traverses west to 12-Mile Coulee, then south to connect into Baker Park, Bowmont Park, and Edworthy Park. The pathway will travel south along Sarcee Trail and 37 Street SW to the west edge of Fish Creek Park, which completes the 138 km loop. For more information please refer to the stories and quadrant maps that follow and check out parksfdn.com/greenway
KID GLOVES COURIER Furniture Delivery and Disposal Small Domestic Moves Contact Kelly Schultz to inquire Phone: 403-660-7792 Email: kidgloves@shaw.ca Calgary, Alberta
12 | Let us be your guide to the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Experience the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Greenway pathways Pathways not completed Greenway amenities Washrooms C-Train transit routes Transportation utility corridor
Detailed quadrant maps can be found on the following pages: NW Map pg 14 NE Map pg 15 SW Map pg 18 SE Map pg 19
Courtesy of Parks Foundation Calgary
13 | ExperienceCalgaryGreenway.com
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway Map - NW Calgary
See legend pg 13
South Location - 403-253-7717 9176 Macleod Trail South
North Location - 403.454.4404 thecyclepath.ca
14 | Let us be your guide to the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
#4112 - 8650 112 Ave NW
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway Map - NE Calgary
See legend pg 13
(403) 297-6561 BowHabitat.Alberta.ca
1440 17a St SE Calgary, AB T2G 4T9 15 | ExperienceCalgaryGreenway.com
Experience Calgary’s Bike Lanes Shortly before Calgary’s new bicycle track network opened on June 18, 2015, I peddled eastward along 12th Ave. The track was barricaded at either end and so I remained on the road, which was quiet at the moment. Ahead, someone, accompanied by two companions, was tugging brutishly on one of the new flexible posts that were installed to keep cars out of the north lane. As I drew closer, they abandoned the post and the three of them began to cross the road. Upon seeing me, one shouted, “And this guy isn’t even using it!” As I rode past them, they quickly complained of the millions of dollars that had been spent on the project and told me where to go and how to get there. The installation of the cycle tracks has been controversial. Upset motorists call the local news/talk radio station to complain about the sacrifice of precious room on the road for the comfort and safety of a small minority who don’t always use it. Business owners have lamented the loss of parking that patrons would use. Even some cyclists prefer to ride in the flow of automobile traffic where they can play fast and loose with traffic rules. With inner city traffic becoming tedious and congested during rush hour, and many people lamenting the reduction in lanes available for cars, trucks and busses, it is, nevertheless, worth considering the strengths of the tracks during the trial period (which will last until Dec 2016). Perhaps the City of Calgary can be forgiven for dabbling in the world’s most efficient mode of transportation. Despite our highly variable climate, the network quickly attracted hundreds of people to bicycle commuting; and considering the large price tag that most infrastructure projects come with, the cycle tracks were installed very inexpensively.
Kathern Glowa with the City of Calgary explains that the budget for this project was approved in 2014 at $7.1 million, but in a rare moment of government efficiency, only $5.1 million was spent. An inspection of the tracks reveals simple curbs, flower boxes and those flexible posts that the young agro-hipsters railed against; a far cry from the West LRT Viaduct that flies the C-Train over Sunalta. There was no large yellow launching platform involved in this implementation; just the essentials. It has also been flexible. The street parking spaces that were so dearly missed by the many shops and services along the routes have been replaced by decreasing the width of the bike lanes. The minimalist construction also allows them to be dismantled quickly if the project is determined to be a failure at the end of the trial period. The trial period will end in December 2016. The City will then evaluate the project using nine performance measures. These measures will first look at the overall satisfaction for every mode of transportation within the core. Next, safety will be considered: how have collision rates changed? Then, bicycle volume, automobile travel time along the routes and unlawful sidewalk riding will be considered. The final 4 performance measures are divided into 2 categories: economic vitality and demographics. Economic vitality will be determined through a survey taken by patrons and merchants that buy and sell at locations adjacent to the cycle tracks. Demographics will note the number of women using the system as well as the number of children and seniors.
16 | Let us be your guide to the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Experience Calgary’s Bike Lanes Although the trial period ends in a few months, a significant amount of data has been gathered since the tracks opened. This information will be compared to decades of studies that the city has conducted to track transportation habits downtown. For over twenty years, the biggest counting survey has been the annual Cordon Report which looks at a single day in May when, as Ms. Glowa explains, “An imaginary line is drawn around the core and everyone coming in or leaving is counted.” This gives the city a baseline about the impact of the project. In a report submitted to City Council in December 2015, a full year before the end of the trial period, the project team claims a 97% increase in the number of people biking into downtown on a daily basis and a 7% increase in the number of women, bringing their total to 27% of the total ridership. Despite the belly-aching, an Ipsos-Reid telephone survey reports that 64% of Calgarians support the network. That is a less than overwhelming majority, yet it is still a majority. Also, 3-1-1 calls from businesses located along the route complaining about a loss of customers has been greatly reduced, as well as comments about near misses on the 8th Avenue pedestrian mall. Motorists are still not happy about the time required to exit the downtown. Along 12th Ave, it takes an average of 10 to 120 extra seconds to go from one end of the cycle track to the other. Despite the numbers that appear to be positive, it is still plain to see that the bike lanes are not nearly as popular as they are in other cities where dangerous, icy conditions are absent most, or
all of the year. Cyclists here are in the minority and sometimes they are a vocal minority. Years ago, I went on a few “Critical Mass” rides where dozens of people meet with their bicycles to ride slowly together along a route in protest of the automobile’s dominance over our urban landscape. The City of Calgary has accommodated our demands and, although the targets for usage appear to have been surpassed, I am sometimes one of the only cyclists on the tracks. To me, this new amenity nicely compliments the existing bike paths. During the summer of 2015, my work brought me to downtown every day for two months. Most of my commute was along the Bow River. After a picturesque approach to the tall towers, I reached the Peace Bridge, crossed and began using the new network at 7th St. and turning onto 8th Ave. I arrived at my job site after riding twelve tranquil kilometers with minimal encounters with automobiles. If Calgary retains the cycle tracks, we may never be one of the great bike capitals like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Calgary is a sprawling, suburban, sub-arctic desert where big pickup trucks are often occupied by a single person. However, over the years, there has been a slow increase of cyclists downtown. Some bike for environmental reasons; some for economic reasons. Others are civic-minded and believe that there are more than enough cars clogging our city streets. I have justified biking in each of these ways at one time or another. But now, I leave my truck at home when I can because biking is fun and safe here.
17 | ExperienceCalgaryGreenway.com
Photos and Story By: Cameron Melin
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Kal Tire 14947 Deer Ridge Drive S.E. Calgary, Alberta 403-278-7500
sculpture park
37 St SW
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ALL THE WAY.
90 Ave SW 24 Street SW
WE’RE WITH YOU
themed playground
14 Street SW
Heritage Drive
fish creek park
James Mckevitt Fish Creek Blvd
KalTire.com
See legend pg 13
162 Ave SW
Stoney rail
Heritage Park Historical Village Check out our Yellow Otter Tipi | HeritagePark.ca 403-268-8500
18 | Let us be your guide to the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway Map - SE Calgary
See legend pg 13
South Location - 403-253-7717 9176 Macleod Trail South
North Location - 403.454.4404 thecyclepath.ca
19 | ExperienceCalgaryGreenway.com
#4112 - 8650 112 Ave NW
Experience Ralph Klein Park
When Calgarians speak of the vast beauty of our city, few of us turn our praises eastward. Those who do look in that direction — towards the seemingly endless prairie — may discover some of the lesser known of the many park jewels in our natural environs. Two areas worth exploring in the City’s southeast are the Rotary/ Mattamy Greenway and Ralph Klein Park. First, along the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway where it connects to the east side of the community of Copperfield, lies a chain of 3 wetland areas. The educational wetland interpretive area located here is part of the extensive 138 km of pathways being developed to encircle the city by Parks Foundation Calgary through their Rotary/Mattamy Greenway project.
mark on the grassroots voters here, and this environmentally impactful wetlands park aptly honours that legacy. Ralph Klein Park opened in 2011; it is a 30-ha wetlands park operated by the City of Calgary. It contains part of the Shepard Wetland, which at 156 hectares, is the largest constructed wetlands in Canada. The Shepard Wetland was constructed as part of the City’s stormwater quality retrofit program to improve the quality of stormwater on the east side of the City before it enters the Bow River system.
The area is still being developed, but visitors can bike or stroll the boardwalks and pathways to enjoy some bird watching. Bird blinds and a lookout tower have been constructed so visitors can observe wildlife without disturbing it. Parking is available at the access point to the pathways along Copperpond Boulevard SE.
Functioning now as both a storage facility and a treatment wetland, water from surrounding stormwater drainage systems takes 60 days to filter through the wetlands, being cleaned of 90% of the phosphorous and waterborne pathogens normally found in stormwater. The wetlands divert water that was previously discharged into the Western Headworks Canal (part of the Western Irrigation District’s irrigation system), answering concerns over the quality of water entering that system.
Following the Greenway north from these wetlands towards the eastern edge of Calgary, lies a park named for one of the city’s most famous politicians. Ralph Klein, former Mayor of Calgary and Premier of Alberta, was a personality to be remembered and respected as one of a kind. His championing of this city left his
The wetlands can store over six million m3 of water, enough capacity to handle a one-in-100-year flood. A flood of that type would fill the wetland, making it a lake. In the ponds around the main building, a dark line of rock in the retaining wall delineates the level the water would reach in a flood like this.
20 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Experience Ralph Klein Park The first of the City’s Enmax Legacy Parks, Ralph Klein Park includes an Environmental Education Centre. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designed building, the Centre is a great example of what can be built responsibly as people take the stewardship of our natural resources seriously. The Centre features Douglas Fir beams and gabion walls which are constructed from rock sourced near Canmore and handstacked into wire cages in Kamloops, B.C. The gabion walls for Ralph Klein Park used 4,640 tons of rock, equal to 408 tandem truckloads. This construction technique is thousands of years old and is continued throughout the Park, making up the retaining walls of the ponds surrounding the centre. The facility also features an indoor classroom, resource library, art studio, interpretive signage, and meeting space. The Centre, in whole or in part, is available for public events bookings. At the top of Hawk Hill, which overlooks the facility, stands the Calgary Sentinels by sculptor Beverly Pepper. A pathway will be opened for visitors to share a bird’s eye view with the Sentinels once the grasses around the pathway have been re-established. In addition to the international artist’s sculpture, various local artists have produced pieces that beautify both the interior spaces and the outdoor pathways. Visitors can enjoy depictions of wildlife native to the park and try to spot the animals in the long grasses. Climb up the centre’s exterior stairs and enjoy the splendid viewpoints while you look to spot some of the 46 identified species of birds that call Ralph Klein Park home during migration periods. Native birds such as Canada geese, tundra and trumpeter swans, pelicans, several varieties of ducks, hawks, falcons, blackbirds and more can be spotted at the park. The wetland habitat at the Park is also welcoming to muskrats, badgers, coyotes, mice, voles, a herd of deer and many other species of prairie fauna.
The Park has approximately 1.5 km of walking paths, a picnic area, and a community orchard where five varieties of pear trees and eight varieties of apple trees have been planted. Ralph Klein Park, along with the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and the Devonian Gardens, is part of the Nature Explorations School Programs run by the City of Calgary. School and camp groups, from preschool to post-secondary, visit Ralph Klein Park each year to learn more about topics like biodiversity in marshes and wetlands, clues to identify animals in the area, migration, avian aerodynamics, adaptation, and hibernation. These registered nature programs and summer camps can be booked through the City of Calgary website, and information on the dropin camps is available there as well. In summer, as part of their daily care of the wetlands, City of Calgary Water Services staff runs a pump station, which powers a waterfall outside the centre. The waterfall and its surrounding garden helps to educate visitors on the important role waterfalls play in oxygenating water for a healthy ecosystem. Those visitors not travelling on the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, access to the park is along 84th St SE, just south of 114th Ave. The Park’s winter hours run from October to April, when visitors are welcome Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer hours are May through September, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Park is closed on statutory holidays. Because of the nature of the Park, dogs are not permitted (service dogs excepted), and as the Park has a zero waste goal, all visitors are asked to pack in and pack out their garbage. No beverage service is available at the Centre, so bring your drinking water with your picnic to enjoy the wetlands. Photos by: Lyle Aspinall and story by: Denise Aspinall
21 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Off-Leash Dog Parks 1. I am going to just come out and say it: poop! Yes, we all hate picking up after our dog. Yes, it is gross, smelly, hot, and squishy. Make poop pick-up better with lavender, vanilla, turquoise, textured, or patterned biodegradable poop bags. If your dog’s poop has magically disappeared, pick up three others that you find at the park. When there is a lot of poop lying around dogs develop the habit of ingesting feces - it’s nature’s yucky way of keeping the park clean. Remember, there is no point in gift wrapping poop in a pretty purple bag if it doesn’t make it to the garbage. 2. Always bring your leash! My leash helps me safely break up dog fights, carry poop bags, keeps my dog safe when we see wildlife, and I can’t even count the number of dogs my leash has returned to its panicked owner. Yes, I love my leash! If a dog is on a leash ask permission before letting your dog approach. If they say “no” but it is too late, grab your dog gently and say “sorry, we’re in training.” When you practice this, your dog will begin to look at you or “ask permission” before visiting other dogs on a leash. Responsible owners will put their dogs on a leash if their dog gets over-aroused, isn’t listening, or simply because they are in training. 3. Move! Walk, jog, crawl...just move. Off-leash parks exist to facilitate exercise for our dogs. When owners stand around it creates conflict with the dogs. The dogs get over-aroused in play, and some even guard owners. Moving helps your dog relax. A relaxed dog is more welcoming to new dogs and people. But keep in mind that although you and your dog may meet wonderful new friends at the park, it should not be your sole reason for going. Why go to the park? For mental and physical exercise.
The Off-Leash Park Rules! • Your dog must be under your control and able to respond to voice or signals. • You must pick up after your dog. • Parking lots and pathways are on-leash. • Dogs must not harass or chase wildlife.
There are many different versions of etiquette for off-leash parks. Tension mounts when ideas differ, or when people and their dogs seem to follow no particular rules at all. We all have bad days, dogs included! A favourite technique of mine when something goes wrong is to take a deep breath and say to myself “we are in training.” When my shoe squishes in poo, when a puppy jumps up, or when I have to hold up traffic to wait for a dog to tear around the parking lot, I take a deep breath and think “those people are in training.” I could make a long list of off-leash park etiquette, but I would rather share some things that can easily make everyone’s day a little better:
4. Toys and treats: some use them, some don’t. There is no question that it feels wonderful to give your dog a reward for a job well done. The controversy? Some dogs can be food aggressive, ball possessive, or bother people with treats! Those who get upset about people carrying rewards have yet to run into the man on a park bench eating a sandwich, the toddler in a little red sled with a box of Timbits, or a family playing Frisbee. If your dog can’t behave around food or toys, you have got bigger problems. If you happen to be someone who carries treats or toys with you at the park, only give them to your dog. In Calgary we are so lucky to have off-leash parks. The one thing they all have? Other life! Other life is welcome! Having a dog isn’t a prerequisite for the off-leash park. Don’t get upset at others for your dog’s naughty behaviour. If your dog is being absolutely horrible, catch them and leave the park. Your “horrible” dog may just be sore, frustrated, intimidated, or over-aroused. Take a deep breath, clip on your leash and get out of there. Go grab a coffee and return a little later, or try again tomorrow. We all have days where we are “in training.” And don’t forget to pick up poop! It will make everyone’s day just a little better.
22 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Photo and Story By: Reanne Heuston
Proper Trail Etiquette Fish Creek Provincial Park is a great place to picnic, exercise, or explore nature with a canine companion. Activities are more enjoyable when proper park etiquette is observed. Although both humans and canines have evolved, we are still both mammals and have certain conditioned responses to stimuli. If someone makes a unexpected loud noise close to us, we startle. When something runs, dogs (a predatory animal) naturally want to chase. It isn’t necessary to pull someone off the path and make small talk to communicate effectively. Using body language, calling out a quick warning, or simply moving over can help make the park more harmonious. Knowing a little about canine body language can also help to improve nonverbal communication at the park. Animals communicate differently than humans. A pathway is designed so that users travel almost straight towards each other. In dog language moving straight and staring at one another is the opposite of polite, in fact, it’s like calling each other’s mamas bad names. When greeting politely, dogs approach in an arc. Dogs communicate by turning their head, sniffing, licking their lips or simply shifting their weight. There are other subtle signals of their complex nonverbal language. Dogs act aggressively when people ignore their “hints” to slow, calm down or move away. Instead of walking your dog down the path’s centre line you can make people seem less threatening by moving Buster to the right side. By walking on the side adjacent to the grass your dog will realize he doesn’t have to sniff every bum that passes 50 cm from him and the pads on his paws stay scrape free from the asphalt.
When owners tighten up on the leash some dogs feel frustrated or threatened and therefore more protective. Owners can teach their dogs to walk on a loose leash that is 2 metres or less. Try to avoid retractable leashes on a small path. Reasons to be cautious of these tools are stamped on the warning label of the device. When travelling through the park and you notice a dog pulling on it’s leash or staring at you, look away or arc as you approach. This will make the dog feel more comfortable as well as let the owner know you are feeling threatened by their dog. Fox hunters that use hounds have an old saying, “if his nose is on the ground and his mouth is closed...his ears are closed”. You may think a dog would hear a bike coming up behind it, but this old saying carries some truth. Give ample warning when approaching someone from behind. “Howdy!” or “On yer left” are two Calgarian favourites. When feeling unsure of someone, their dog, or their skills on those wheeled demons you can always use the universal cue to ignore someone. Avoid eye contact and arc way around them. You close your eyes to take in the sounds and smells of nature in this Calgary paradise. You hear a bike bell ring. Your dog knows that sound. He sits down and looks up at you, as if he’s smiling. While passing by, the cyclist calls out “Thank You”. All is well, and you and Buster continue to explore the paths.
The knowledgeable and friendly team members at Chewsy Pets can help! We are a locally owned and operated business that has been proudly serving the wonderful city of Calgary since 2007. We carry a wide variety of healthful products for all kinds of pets, come in and see us today.
WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! CHEWSY PETS C309-12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE Calgary, Alberta T2J 7A4 403-271-2688 info@chewsypets.com www.chewsypets.com 23 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Photo and Story By: Reanne Heuston
Experience a Family Picnic
Picnic Area in Hull’s Wood
Summer came early this year. On April 19 to be exact, breaking o the 1910 record with a balmy 27.1 C. Taking a stroll in any park on such a fine evening families, lovers and friends were taking in the sun, playing catch, visiting or dipping in the gentle river. Unforgettable scents carried me back to my childhood; BBQs and fire pits burning charcoal briquettes and wood. Soon the smell of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers followed. It was a work day but, in Bowness Park, it was a holiday. Picnics are a timeless activity, crossing cultures, time and space. What makes them universally appealing? Perhaps, the simplest answer is that no matter how “urban” we’ve become, at the end of the day we are still deeply connected to nature and eating outside helps us deepen that connection. Calgary’s parks are wonderlands for picnics. They require little preparation, are inexpensive, and can be organized on a moment’s notice, in the middle of a work-week or on a weekend. Here are a few suggestions for your perfect mini get away.
Photo Courtesy of Renee Delorme
The Children’s Picnic The dog days of summer are here and the children are bored. With a bit of practice, a picnic can be ready on the spur of the moment at breakfast time or mid-afternoon when the house becomes too hot. The best strategy is to involve the children since the fun is as much in the ritual and the anticipation that comes with organizing the event as the picnic itself. Make a short list of what they need to gather before leaving the house: a light jacket, sun hat, change of clothes in case they fall in the water or mud, perhaps a swimsuit, a towel and a couple of park friendly toys. Meanwhile, make sure to include a blanket to lay on the grass, sunscreen, insect repellent, napkins, sturdy plates and cutlery, drinking water and a couple band aids. Hit the road for the farmer’s market or your special grocery store and get the children to choose food for “do it yourself sandwiches” and that special snack to add a little pizzazz. Keep it all fresh in a cooler. Top up the experience with a “surprise” meeting with friends or a mystery treat; a short walk to a nearby old fashion ice cream parlour.
The following parks offer fire pits and picnic shelters: If you plan to use those amenities, make a reservation. Although no one will stop you from using a fire pit or a picnic shelter, if someone comes and shows a reservation you will have to move and give them the space. For reservations call 403-268-3800, #2 or visit City of Calgary’s website. Firewood is free of charge when available. Check for fire bans, Call 311. Alternatively, bring your camping stove or backyard BBQ.
Bowness Park Edworthy Park North Glenmore Park Prairie Winds Park Pearce Estates Park South Glenmore Park Sandy Beach Park Shouldice Park Stanley Park
24 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
Or Make It a Romantic “Pique-Nique”
Photo Courtesy of Renee Delorme
Artwork by Edmund Blair Leighton, A PICNIC PARTY, Made of oil on canvas
Parks are made to create memories. Playing timeless games with your children such as Hide and Seek, Scavenger Hunts, Tag and Hot and Cold games top the list but, don’t forget the water blasters, bubbles makers, kites, Frisbees and balls. Finally, bring out the naturalist in your children. Challenge them to find 10 different leaves. Give kids crayons and paper to draw pictures of the flowers they see. Learn about them. Those activities are in addition to what is already available in parks; playgrounds, water pools, creeks, rivers and trails. The Romantic Picnic A checkered tablecloth lay on the grass next to a wicker basket containing a baguette, charcuterie, cheese and wine… Wait! As sad as it sounds, alcohol is not permitted in our public areas or parks. A good alternative might be an exotic juice blend or sparkling water. This inconvenience aside, the romantic picnic is perhaps the easiest one to prepare. Pick up fresh quality food and a prepared dish at a farmer’s market or favourite food store. Add a handy pocket knife, a couple plates, “wine” glasses and Voilà! Let the romance begin.
Company’s Coming The origin of the word “picnic” come from the 18th Century French word “piquenique” meaning a casual outing with food where each party contributes something to eat. Reviving this tradition can be a welcome break in an otherwise busy visiting schedule for your guests. Assign a few adults items to bring such as a salad, fruit plate or vegetable dip. Others can gather chairs, BBQ and lawn bowling game. Playgrounds, fire pits, BBQ and picnic shelters for large groups are available in many parks; however, we recommend you make a reservation to use them. Quaint ice cream parlors and cafés are often located near your favorite park, such as: Angel’s Cappuccino & Ice Cream along the Bow River Pathway Angel’s Drive In near Bowness Park Village Ice Cream near Sandy Beach Annie’s Bakery and Café in Fish Creek Provincial Park By: Renee Delorme
Park Etiquette If you must listen to music bring your headphones. Similar considerations should apply to you conversations. Do not bore your neighbours with your boss’s mismanagement stories or your aunt’s illness. Keep it toned down. If someone is sleeping in the sun, please keep your dog and children away from them. Same applies for sunbathers who seek peace. Find a place away from young families.
Use the garbage bins and bring the recyclables home. Please leave the park as clean or cleaner than you found it. Pick up after your dog and throw the little bag in the garbage bin. Do not abandon it in an inconspicuous area. Play in the water away from fishermen. Give them a chance to catch something.
25 | ExperienceParksnPaths.com
Experience Nose Hill Park Nose Hill Natural Environment Park
Calgarians know how lucky we are to live in a city with such an abundance of green space and natural beauty to enjoy. Whether your favourite spot is a tiny park tucked into a corner just a few blocks away, or in a prime downtown location like Prince’s Island Park, there are countless places to slip away from city streets and sidewalks. And did you know that Calgary boasts two of Canada’s largest urban parks? Nose Hill Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park offer a combined nearly 25 km2 of natural beauty within their protected area. A particularly striking figure when you think of the thousands of homes in dozens of city communities that tightly surround these two parks. Bringing two large urban parks into existance did not happen overnight. It required the vision and unwavering commitment of some dedicated people. These individuals spent years winning over public support, attending meetings, liaising with politicians and bureaucrats, and getting the word out to the media and any others who could possibly help. Given the many steps involved, the approximately 3-5 year struggle to make Fish Creek park a reality was surprisingly short. I can tell this story about the creation of Fish Creek Provincial Park as someone who was involved, participated in the struggle firsthand, and saw the perspectives of the many stakeholders
during the process. My hope in recounting the details is to encourage others to press on with an idea that they believe in, and not be deterred if many barriers stand in their way. It may not easy, but it can be done! Our dream for the valley was to create a park stretching west from the confluence of Fish Creek with the Bow River, ending at the Tsuu T’ina nation lands. In our early stages of organizing, we were keenly disappointed (yet not surprised) to receive a phone call from a Deputy Minister who had caught wind of our plans and was quick to list the many reasons why creating a provincial park within a city could not possibly happen. That it simply was not done. My reply? After thanking him for his call, I stated “over 50% of Albertans live in municipalities [it is now over 70%] and therefore it is time the provincial government changed its policy, and secondly, you’re the only people with any money, so we’re going to carry on.” Despite this initial lack of support, other forces were at work and 1971 brought a major shakeup in provincial leadership with the election of the Peter Lougheed Conservative government. Rallying to our cause was an impressive team including south Calgary communities, the Calgary Field Naturalists Society, the Local Council of Women, and many individual volunteers
26 | Let us be your guide to Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths
The Making of a Park keen to see this park become a reality. These key partners joined us in trumpeting the message of how important it was to protect the valley from development and preserve its unique history. By mid-1972, armed with plenty of planning documents and reports, and widespread public support taking hold, we had high hopes of a more receptive provincial government. However, local valley landowners to the west of Macleod Trail were putting up stiff resistance to the park idea: indeed, they had rebuffed city overtures towards creating a park in this part of the valley back in 1966. Local developers too were keen to keep the area in private hands and continued to file design briefs with the city that included building in the Fish Creek valley. The public vs. private battle raged on through the fall of 1972. By early 1973, the clear public support for the park plus a steady stream of positive articles in the Calgary Herald permanently tipped the scales in our favour. A speech from the throne took place on Thursday, February 15, 1973, announcing a major shift in provincial parks policy, and on the following Monday, a news release came from the Premier’s office announcing the creation of a “Calgary Provincial Park.” Fish Creek Provincial Park officially opened in 1975, and over its 40 plus year history the provincial government has had to hold fast to its commitment to preserve the integrity of the park. At various times, city planners and developers have championed roadway crossings through the park at 14 Street, 24 Street, Acadia Drive, and Bow Bottom Trail. The great majority of Calgarians will applaud the province’s resolve, and treasure the legacy of an urban park space rich in natural beauty and history. By: Dave Matthews
What’s in a Name In her book, Fish Creek Provincial Park – A Guide to Canada’s Largest Urban Park, first published in 1991 by Rocky Mountain Books, the author Anna Robertson provides an insight into how the waterway and in due course the park got its name. She wrote, “When John Glenn arrived in the valley, he was probably told that the creek was called Sikome, a name meaning black fish. It soon became known as Black Fish Creek. Over time, the name was shortened to Fish Creek which we still use today.” The Sikome (si-KO-me) Aquatic Facility, also known as Sikome Lake, is a major attraction in Fish Creek Park. It is open mid-June to the September long weekend, from 10 am - 7:30 pm, daily and is especially popular with young families on hot days. Access is via Bow Bottom Trail or Sun Valley Boulevard off of Stoney Trail (Hwy 22x). Admission is free as is parking. Other services include concession, showers,
I declare this park officially open..... now run like hell! Courtesy of Glenbow Archive; NA-1234-5 Note: This illustration ran in the Calgary Herald on August 14, 1974.
change rooms, play grounds and picnic areas.
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Reconnecting with Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a unique feature in Calgary. A winding network of forest, grassland, and water, the park provides nature-based experiences for over 1 million visitors every year. 2016 is a year for reconnecting with Fish Creek Provincial Park. The conclusion of many construction projects resulting from the 2013 Bow River flood and beyond means that the paved pathway system is revitalized, and will once again provide accessibility to the far-reaches of this large urban park. The small but iconic Bridge 9, located between the Glennfield day use areas and the Bow Valley Ranch had been washed away during the 2013 flood. This summer sees the completion of its relocation and reconnection to the pathway system. This is one of the park’s most active access points along the east side, and a much anticipated pathway feature to have restored. Bridge 9 is one of the original 1970s-vintage bridges from when the pathway system was created in Fish Creek Provincial Park, so a local treasure for park users as well. Extensive trail work to be completed this summer between the Bebo Grove and Shannon Terrace day use areas will re-establish the main East-West paved path system within the valley bottom. This is one of the most scenic and diverse areas of the park, where spruce forests open up into grassy meadows, and provide some of the best cycling and walking paths in the area. When planning your visit, be sure to check out the many events and programs offered by Alberta Parks (albertaparks.ca), the
Friends of Fish Creek (friendsoffishcreek.org), the Bow Valley Ranche Restoration Society (bowvalleyranche.com) and other community members throughout the year. Evening talks, guided walks, outdoor yoga, and more will return in 2016. Or try something new! Learn alongside experts in photography, birding, astronomy, and horticulture through our courses and volunteer programs. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to give a little love to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Or make your mark through donations and dedication programs. Benches, stepping stones, artwork, and more are available to you. Join us during artists’ opening events through our Art in the Park program. This is where local artists and travelling art shows share exhibit space at the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre. Located in the Parks’ far west end, this truly unique exhibit space is enjoyed daily by students coming to the Centre with their schools, participating in Environmental Education programs that bring their course work into nature. During the lazy sunny days of summer, grab an ice cream cone at Annie’s Café and explore the beautiful Artisan Gardens. For winter repose, enjoy the fine dining experience at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. There are many ways to eat & retreat in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Reconnect with one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Enjoy Fish Creek Provincial Park in 2016.
28 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
Experience Fish Creek Provincial Park Memorial Forest Program As you walk and ride through the park, you may notice areas set aside for this program and wonder what it’s all about. The Memorial Forest program began in 1996 as joint venture between Fish Creek Provincial Park and McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. It provides families with a meaningful way to deal with the loss of a loved one. A tree planted will remain a living memorial to which family and friends can return every year. Over the years, this program has expanded to other areas of the city and more than 40,000 trees have been planted to date. McInnis & Holloway is responsible for the maintenance of the forest. Throughout the spring and summer they apply 30,000 litres of water each day to ensure the health and longevity of the trees. For more information on the Memorial Forest Program mhfh.com.
Experience the Rotary Nature Park The Rotary Club of Calgary Chinook developed and maintains a very special 40 acre (16 hectare) place in the southeast corner of Fish Creek Provincial Park. This unique project is described as a Nature Park because the land was used for years as a gravel pit prior to being reclaimed to its original natural state. The park now contains engineered wetlands, ponds, and a trail system to allow visitors to enjoy a variety of wildflowers and native plant species. The wetlands attract waterfowl and upland birds, making this park the perfect sanctuary for bird watching. To enhance your enjoyment of the park 5 gazebo shelters and several park benches were constructed as well as a bridge between the ponds. The Rotary Club of Calgary Chinook Nature Park is located adjacent to the Bow River and south of Hwy 22X. Residents of Cranston are able to walk down the hill into the park via a trail from their community. Cyclists can ride south from Sikome Lake and take the overpass to the east side of the river. For others, this Nature Park is easily accessed by car via McKenzie Meadows Drive to a paved parking lot. For more information, go to rotarychinook.org. 29 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
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30 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Trail Access Trans Canada Trail Sun Valley Boulevard
Information
22X
Washrooms Seasonal Playground Residential Community
Rotary Nature Park
2 Lake Chaparral
Boat Launch Calgary Transit
194 Avenue S.E.
31 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
Lafarge Meadows
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El Woodpath Road S.W.
24th Street S.W.
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Pathways and Trails • Stay on designated trails. Check Park map and signage for approved trails. Failure to do so could result in a conviction, pursuant to Section 27(2) of the Provincial Parks Act (General Regulations).
• Some areas have been closed to encourage natural vegetation and reclamation of impacted areas. All reclaimed areas are designated by these signs:
• Follow the directions of posted notices or signs. • The single track trail system is connected with existing paved and granular pathways. Single track trails are designated by this sign:
This trail is closed to allow restoration and regeneration of vegetation. For more information phone 403-297-5293
South Location - 403-253-7717 9176 Macleod Trail South
TRAIL CLOSED
North Location - 403.454.4404 thecyclepath.ca
32 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
#4112 - 8650 112 Ave NW
Fish Creek Single Track Trail Map Elbow Drive
Macleod Trail
ergreen eet S.W. Shawnee Gate S.W.
Bannister Road S.E.
James Mckevitt Road S.W.
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Park Facilities and Information Park washroom facilities are located near staging areas; consult detailed Park maps for facility locations. For Park information phone 403-297-5293 or visit fish-creek.org
Trail Etiquette
Safety on Single Track Trails
• Be courteous - a cyclist climbing a steep grade will appreciate your stepping aside.
• Single track trails are maintained at a lesser standard than paved or granular trails, and are not graded for difficulty levels; use at your own risk.
• Avoid trail use when it is soft and muddy to help prevent trail widening and the creation of short cuts. • Do not alter the trail in any way. No building jumps or obstacles.
• All riders should wear a helmet. Helmets are mandatory for those under 18 years of age.
EMERGENCY telephone 9-1-1 EMERGENCY Locator numbers are located throughout the Park. Quote this number to emergency staff so they can easily locate you in the Park.
• Be aware that Park maintenance and emergency vehicles may be on Park pathways.
Trail Care Program: If you or your group would like to participate in a Trail Care day, please contact the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, visit friendsoffishcreek.org or phone 403-238-3841. 33 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
10 Things to do at the Bow Valley Ranche Have a Stampede Party For 10 days each July, Calgarians partake in celebrations that bring the entire city together. Escape the downtown buzz by throwing your own event. Choose your venue: The Meadow Muse Pavilion event tent is a beautiful blank slate for any event. Or choose the comfort of Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, with its rich history. In fact, The Ranche House is rumoured to be the genesis of the Calgary Stampede. Book your event: Choose your menu from the Chef’s Stampede-themed items, pick décor (hay bales are a popular choice) and select entertainment from a curated list of aspiring artists. Invite your guests—and voila! Courtesy of Emily Exon
Immerse in the History The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and Annie’s Bakery & Café are two of the city’s oldest buildings. The history runs deep in both and is nearly twelve decades long. It all began with a few characters who were critical to the development of Alberta’s cattle industry, including William Roper Hull, Senator Patrick Burns—one of the Calgary Stampede’s Big Four—and Charlie Yuen, the Ranch hand who did odd chores and fed the crew and who is said to haunt the house to this day. For a more complete history, please visit the website for the Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society.
Indulge in the Food Courtesy of Geoff Wilkings
Meet Jenny Kang, the BVR Restaurant’s executive chef. Her quarterly menus are locally-sourced and boast delicious wild game, organic vegetables, and sustainable OceanWise seafood. Her creativity is talked-about in foodie magazines and her dishes leave her guests well-sated. There’s even a weekday express lunch for patrons seeking a quick 3-course sampling.
Get a Wine Education The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant holds a supper club with a different theme each month. Each dinner features pairings by sommelier, Arthur Ledzinski, as well as an informative course led by Peter Smolarz, the Willow Park Fine Wines Director. For more info, visit bvrrestaurant.com.
Hold a Business Meeting or Retreat
Courtesy of Salt Food Photography
The Meadow Muse Pavilion is a superb location for retreats. The retractable walls let in the summer air and provisions are provided by one of the city’s top caterers, Great Events Catering. Hire a team-building expert from Calgary’s diverse database or opt for fun activities such as a drumming class.
34 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
Continued on pg 36
10 Things to do at the Bow Valley Ranche
RancheYYC | 403.476.1310
Immerse in the history..
Indulge in the food..
Private Bookings | Cork & Cuisine Supper Club | Special Events
Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Afternoon Tea
Photo by Abby + Dave Photography
Photo by Salt Food Photography
MeadowMuseYYC | 403.305.7701
AnniesYYC | 403.476.1318
Get swept off your feet!
Summertime.. the living is sweet!
Weddings | Corporate Functions | Retreats | Stampede Parties
Coffee | Ice Cream | Sandwiches | Salads
Photo by Geoff Wilkings Photography
Photo by Tara Whittaker Photography
35 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
10 Things to do at the Bow Valley Ranche Continued from pg 34
Get Married With two of Calgary’s top wedding venues, magnificent backdrops and ceremony sites, Fish Creek Provincial Park has become one of the most sought-after wedding locations in Calgary. (Still need convincing? Check the CMI Publishing 2015 archived edition of Experience Fish Creek Provincial Park for “8 Reasons Why You Should Get Married at Fish Creek Provincial Park”.)
Mystery Dinner Theatre
Courtesy of Dani & Chad Thompson
Each year on Halloween, the Grand Salon in the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant is transformed into a night of fabulous entertainment in the form of dinner theatre. In partnership with one of Calgary’s talented theatre troops, past themes have included Cooking up a Murder and The Prohibition: A Roaring ‘20s Dinner Theatre.
Get an Amazing Ice Cream Cone Annie’s Bakery and Café offers fresh, pre-packaged food for a delicious picnic in the park, but their claim to fame is the ice cream! Patrons line up out the door for a taste of classics, new and old. Nothing beats a cold cone on a hot summer day.
Attend a Family-Style Harvest Dinner in the Garden
Courtesy of Bookstrucker Photography
Chefs Jenny Kang and Daryl Kerr, Corporate Chef of Great Events Catering, collaborate in a spectacular family-style meal in the garden just behind the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. The garden is cultivated and harvested in keeping with the philosophy of the Bow Valley Ranche—to return to a simpler way of food preparation, one that reflects the history of the building and the time when it was built. Vegetables are pulled the day of the event to create bountiful salad platters, while the chefs grill succulent meat before our salivating guests. The Bow Valley Ranche invites patrons to join them on September 15 for the second annual installment of this decidedly successful event.
Have Brunch at One of the Country’s Top 50 Brunch Restaurants Open Table Diners have spoken. The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant serves up some of the best brunch in the country. Offering locally-sourced, sustainable food, weekend brunch is a fabulous way to get the family together. On holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Chef Jenny Kang puts together a special menu. Be sure to book early, though. Courtesy of Salt Food Photography
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A Year of Change Over the past year The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society (The Society) has undergone tremendous change. And while we continue to maintain the Artisan Gardens and The Branded Patio and seek sponsors for the art works and benches, we are branching out in order to embrace more publics and to impact our community in broader, deeper ways. We want The Society to be a continual, significant presence in Calgary.
Winter Carnival In collaboration with the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and Rendez-vous Francophonie, The Society presented the First Annual Historical Bow Valley/ Quebec Carnival Kick-Off Celebration on January 29. On that same day Quebec City (Calgary’s Sister City!) launched the 60th anniversary of their famous and fabulous Carnaval de Québec.
Carnaval de Québec Carnival - Photo Courtesy of Robert McPhee
The event featured the music, food and culture of Quebec and included the unveiling of a large ice sculpture of a stagecoach and six horses. In addition attendees enjoyed a fashion show and the appearance of Bonhomme’s twin.
Calgary Historical Week and The History Fair To commemorate Historical Week, July 23 - August 1, The Society will co-host a History Fair on Tuesday, July 26 at the Meadow Muse 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Under the auspices of The Chinook Country Historical Society, the Fair is a fitting backdrop for a grand eleven days of talks, walks and special events. Sat, August 1 features a discussion on “The History of the Bow Valley Ranche Fish Creek Provincial Park.” Carnaval de Québec Carnival - Photo Courtesy of Robert McPhee
“Birdies for Kids” The Society has been approved as a non-profit to participate in the Shaw Classic “Birdies for Kids” program. Presented by AltaLink, the event is designed to generate contributions through flat donations or based on the number of “birdies” made by the Champion Tour participants. The Society will receive 100% of every donation made in its name. Also, The Society is eligible to receive extra funding of up to 50% of collected donations through the matching program. Therefore, we all need to request and make donations and find corporate sponsors to help us out. This is a magnificent opportunity for The Society! Go to The Shaw Classic site and fill in both pages. The second page enables you to select a non-profit you wish the donation to benefit. The event runs Aug 31-Sept 4, 2016. Continued on pg 38
Carnaval de Québec Carnival - Photo Courtesy of Robert McPhee
37 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
A Year of Change for the Ranche
The First Annual Alberta Birthday Celebration Alberta’s first birthday celebration, held on the front veranda of The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant on Sept 1, 2015, garnered an audience of 450. Among the highlights of the afternoon were a parade, representing various policing services, a reenactment of the 1905 ceremony that declared Alberta a province and the presentation of a huge birthday cake, a replica of the original. The celebration is an annual event.
percentage of the profits being given to The Society. This is a special limited offering, so be sure to get your Village Ranche and help out The Society.
Alberta’s Promise Alberta’s Promise is a provincial initiative founded in 2003 by then Premier Ralph Klein and dedicated to improving the lives of Alberta’s children and youth. The Society is pleased to be a named partner in Alberta’s Promise.
Alberta’s Birthday Flag As a follow-up to Alberta’s Birthday Celebration, The Society sponsored a contest for students to design Alberta’s Birthday Flag. Commemorating the 1905 founding of the Province, flag designs from 246 students across the Province were submitted. The winning design will be unveiled at the Alberta Legislature on September 1, 2016. The flag will then be flown on that day every year to honour Alberta’s Birthday.
“Village Ranche” Honours the Bow Valley Ranche Village Brewery and The Society have collaborated to present an exclusive beer called Village Ranche. On July 22 this slightly spicy brew will be distributed from Co-op Liquor stores with a
The Benefits of Sponsorship: Title and Buckle Sponsors The Society’s original mandate to educate the public about the history of The Ranche area, was supported by the recently formed Education and Outreach Department. Specifically, the goals are: to deliver 14 outdoor educational programs based on Alberta’s history at the Historic Bow Valley Ranche; to support the Alberta History for New Albertans certificate program taught at no charge at Bow Valley College and the Calgary Immigrant Education Society; to host Alberta History for Seniors, available at no charge three seasons a year; to sponsor an Alberta History program for international students and to encourage awareness of the Bow Valley Ranche’s French heritage.
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at Fish Creek Restoration Society To support those objectives, The Education and Outreach Department is pleased to offer tangible benefits to Title Sponsorship patrons who donate $10-15,000. They receive a charitable tax receipt, recognition at all Education and Outreach Department events, and on branding and marketing items. They also receive preferred registration for special events hosted by The Society. Title sponsorship involves exceptional exposure for exceptional commitment! “Buckle” sponsorship opportunities include: - Gold Buckle - $5,000 - Silver Buckle - $3,000 - Bronze Buckle - $1,500 - Spur Sponsor - $ 1,000 All Buckle sponsors will receive, what else, a belt buckle, commensurate with the level of participation, as well as a tax receipt. Please join us as we embark on expanding The Society’s level of community involvement. Many valued patrons contribute on a monthly basis. This makes making giving a continual, yet not onerous budget item. To do so press the DONATE button at bowvalleyranche.com.
Sponsors and Volunteers We are very pleased to be a touchstone in the lives of many Calgarians. Increasingly cyclists, walkers and runners come to Annie’s Cafe, The Artisan Gardens, and The Branded Patio and as part of their weekly or even daily recreational regime. As more visitors use the facilities, the need for continued maintenance grows. Last year we added new mulch along the pathways and had to trim, even remove, trees that had been damaged. All of this adds to our costs to keep the area beautiful and safe. We always welcome new sponsors for the art, benches and stepping stones in The Branded Patio. Your sponsored work will be on pubic display for you to visit and you’ll receive a tax deduction. What a great deal! Equally valuable to The Society are the many volunteers who work in The Artisan Gardens, weeding, planting, and even painting. Others help by going to public events like community gatherings and the Garden Show, spreading the word about this wonderful, restful site. We can’t forget those who help out at our fundraising casinos and other special functions hosted by The Society. We always need help, so if you’d like to get involved, contact us: info@bowvalleyranche.com or 403-460-1374. We’d love to get to know you. By: Anne T. Payne 39 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
One of more than 250 flag designs submitted for the Alberta Birthday Flag Contest.
Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Near the confluence of Fish Creek and the Bow River, in the historic Bow Valley Ranche area of Fish Creek Provincial Park sits an inconspicuous yellow building resembling an old prairie farmhouse. This is the headquarters of the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, and is open to all community members and park visitors. The Friends of Fish Creek works with Park management and hundreds of volunteers, community partners, and members to deliver targeted programs intended to increase people’s responsible enjoyment of Fish Creek Provincial Park. As a small, park-focused, nonprofit, The Society aims to foster the environmental sustainability of this much-loved natural area in the south part of Calgary. A Taste of Autumn As the days get shorter, when the green of the park’s vegetation changes to glorious yellows and browns and the weather gets a little cooler, we know that autumn has arrived. In recent years, one of The Friends’ signature events, A Taste of Autumn – Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser has increased in popularity; 2016 will mark the event’s third year which will take place at the Meadow Muse Pavilion at the Bow Valley Ranche. A Taste of Autumn provides a chance to mingle with community members, sample wine, beer and spirits from local producers, meet Friends’ volunteers and staff, and partake in some good natured bidding for silent auction items. Donated items include art by local artists and community partners, gift certificates and passes for courses, tours, and other goods, all of which assist the nonprofit to offer programs and courses throughout the year. We invite you to attend our next A Taste of Autumn fundraiser, but don’t wait until September to support The Friends. There are a many ways to show your commitment to the sustainability of this natural urban oasis throughout the year.
Donating to The Friends will support education and stewardship initiatives and demonstrate that you share The Society’s vision of a sustainable park that improves the quality of life for present and future generations. You can become a member or renew your membership, join the Park Protector donor program, make a monthly tax deductible donation, leave a lasting legacy by including a donation to the Friends of Fish Creek in your legal will, purchase a dedication bench or speak to the Friends of Fish Creek about how you can contribute. Riparian Stewardship In October, 2014, The Friends of Fish Creek began one of their most ambitious and environmentally beneficial projects, the Riparian Stewardship Program. A riparian area is the area near waterway’s wetlands, rivers, lakes and creeks where the vegetation is influenced by the proximity of water. Healthy riparian areas provide essential habitat for wildlife, help maintain a diverse ecology and support healthy waterways. Part of the reason Fish Creek Provincial Park is so widely used and is so appealing to Park visitors is because of the two major waterways found here: the Bow River and Fish Creek itself. As the city continues to grow and more community members enjoy visiting this unique natural area, the sensitive and limited park environment has to support increasing use. For several years Park visitors accessed the creekside near the Bow Valley Ranche by venturing off the designated pathway and creating subsequent smaller trails. This unauthorized trail network has resulted in the destruction of native vegetation, the introduction of invasive plants, significant soil compaction and bank erosion. The Society has worked with community partners and volunteers to restore this heavily damaged area by sourcing and restoring native plants like willows, poplars and dogwoods to
40 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park reestablish root systems that will protect the river banks during future high water events. Unauthorized trail sections were also decommissioned by installing large, woody debris to discourage access, and signage has deterred future offtrail use. In 2015, The Friends began working at a new site in Hull’s Wood, near the confluence of Fish Creek and the Bow River. Like the 2014 area, this section had also suffered from a high degree of off-trail use, leading to soil compaction, decreased native plant diversity and increased bank erosion. These factors can negatively impact native fish populations, resident wildlife and park infrastructure, and create safety risks for visitors. This project was made possible through the support of: Alberta Parks, Cascade Water Resources, The Venturers Society, Trout Unlimited Canada, the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society (commonly known as Cows and Fish), and Eastern Slopes Rangeland Seeds Ltd. We also recieved assistance from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program, Alberta Conservation Association and the Land Stewardship Centre. In the first two years of the Riparian Stewardship Program, over a hundred volunteers have collectively dedicated over 550 hours to improving the ecological health of the Fish Creek watershed. Birding Course This course is one of the longest running and most successful programs operated by The Friends of Fish Creek Society. It is organized by lifelong and dedicated naturalist, Gus Yaki, this program has been instrumental in bringing people to the Park
and providing them with not only hands on experiences in nature, but also valuable and longlasting social experiences. Gus has lead these courses since 2005 and has recruited over 30 volunteer instructors to help meet the demand. Hundreds of people have enjoyed these outings and many of them return each season. By experiencing nature first hand many people are educated about the diversity of nature and the importance of environmental conservation and stewardship. The Friends of Fish Creek also facilitates the Toronto Dominion Learning Naturally program. This provides an unforgettable learning experience for close to 5000 students between Kindergarten and Grade six every year from schools in economically disadvantaged areas of the city. Collaboration with Alberta Parks and community partners enables The Society to host the long running Fish Creek Speaker Series, popular Minibus Tours, Wellness Programs, as well as the Creekfest water festival and the Fish Creek Community Fair volunteer showcase. People volunteer in a wide variety of capacities, from the Board of Directors, to Minibus Drivers, Weed Whackers, special event help, Wellness Program Assistants, Park Watch Stewards and Trail Care Volunteers, just to name a few. For more information, or volunteer, visit the little yellow house at the Bow Valley Ranche. Visit friendsoffishcreek.org or call 403-238-3841, or email info@friendsoffishcreek.org. We look forward to seeing you in the Park! By: Chris Lalonde
Engaging Community Members for the Sustainability of Fish Creek Provincial Park
Photos Courtesy of The Friends of Fish Creek
41 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
Photography in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Hooded Warbler - Photo Courtesy of Ursula Krol
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Penner
At 7:55 AM the sun burns through the clouds, lighting up the golden riverbanks that curl through the quiet woods. I’ve been waiting for an hour for the light show. And now - presto! - the scene is suddenly alive. I spring into action. I position my tripod and camera at the great vantage point on top of the bridge that crosses Fish Creek near Bow Valley Ranche and begin shuttering. The birds are chirping, the lighting is magical, and Fish Creek Provincial Park is looking awesome. For me – and every photographer in the park – getting out of bed early is paying dividends. For many outdoor photographers living in Calgary, the typical photo shoot often involves a trip to the mountains. Without a doubt, the many postcardworthy scenes that are found in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and the like, are worth every mile you travel. However, if a road trip isn’t in the cards, if time is a factor, or if you simply don’t have the getupandgo to venture outside the city limits, Fish Creek Provincial Park boasts a treasure trove of photographic potential. And with hardly any effort to reach.
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Penner
“You really don’t have to look far to find exciting and rewarding photo-ops in Calgary,” says Gordon Hunter, who lives just steps from Fish Creek Provincial Park and has been photographing in the park for over 30 years. “From rare birds, beautiful rivers and streams, mixed forests bursting with a variety of plant and animal life, the park never seems to disappoint,” says Hunter, who has shuttered thousands of images within easy walking distance from his home in the riverside community of Deer Run. The diversity in the park, which Hunter and countless other photographers have fully embraced, is certainly noteworthy. Given its size, it’s not surprising that Fish Creek is variety-filled. Stretching 19 km from east to west and covering over 14 km2, this is one of the largest urban parks in North America. It’s 3 times the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park and home to a number of different habitats. These habitats support over 200 species of birds as well as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as deer, beaver, muskrat, and coyotes. Larger mammals such as moose,
42 | Let us be your guide to Fish Creek Provincial Park
Photography in Fish Creek Provincial Park bears, bobcats, cougars, and elk have also been documented and photographed! - on numerous occasions in the park. “The western portion of this park features dense pine forests, riparian areas, and is considered parkland,” says Chris Lalonde, Communications Coordinator with the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, a non-profit organization that nurtures environmental sustainability in the park. “So photographers drawn to mountain and forest scenes reminiscent of the Rockies can find inspiring scenes to shoot there.” As Fish Creek winds east toward the Bow River the park opens up and features vast grasslands, meadows, and wetlands. “The eastern section of the park, closer to the Bow River, presents a very different habitat,” says Lalonde. “Photographers who enjoy wide-open spaces, beautiful grassy meadows, and a chance to shoot waterfowl up close will want to spend plenty of time in this area of the park.” “Specifically, the area around Hulls Wood, Bankside, and Bow Valley Ranche are favourites of mine,” says Hunter, who relishes opportunities to photograph the wide variety of birds that call the park home. “Great horned owls, great blue herons, a variety of woodpeckers, numerous waterfowl, and bald eagles are just some birds I’ve been able to photograph in the past couple of years. The bird photography opportunities definitely stand out.”
a long-time naturalist who has conducted numerous outings in the park for birders, nature lovers, and photographers over the years, has many compelling stories of rare sightings. “Last year was an exceptional year for rare birds,” says the 72-year-old Yaki. “Some of the notable sightings in the park included a hooded warbler, blackthroated warblers, and a northern pygmy owl. When rare birds are documented, rest assured, news gets out and many photographers take advantage.” In terms of taking advantage, the park is not just an ideal spot for nature shooters. Many photographers – both professionals and amateurs – hoping to capture winning shots of their friends and family consider Fish Creek Park an ideal location. “The area around Bow Valley Ranche can’t be beat,” says Hunter, who has photographed many wedding parties as well as friends and family in this area. “You’ve got many different options there and it’s easy to access. From old rustic ranch buildings, old ox carts, treelined lanes, bridges, creeks, lovely cottonwood trees, the variety of settings and backdrops is exceptional. And there’s lots of space for everyone.” Indeed, on my many forays into the park to photograph, “space” has never been an issue. And getting decent photos? That, too, rarely seems to be a problem. Getting out of bed early is usually the biggest challenge!
Interestingly, if there is a rare bird sighting in Calgary, chances are good it occurred in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Gus Yaki,
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Penner
By Andrew Penner
Blue Heron Courtesy of Gordon Hunter
43 | ExperienceFishCreek.com
PHOTO CONTEST CAPTURE YOUR PARK EXPERIENCE AND ENTER TO WIN Norseman Outdoor Specialist $500 Gift Certificate
Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino & Rockies Heli Canada 2 night’s accommodation & buffet dinner for 2 people ($250) $200 Gift Certificate for a heli tour
McKenzie Meadows 2 - 18 hole with power cart ($185) Restriction: Mon-Thurs
A Special Thank-you to our Sponsors:
For full contest details and information on how to enter go to ExperienceFishCreek.com/contests/photo-contest