The best walks and hikes in Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Hiking in Fish Creek Provincial Park offers access to one of Canada's largest urban provincial parks, characterized by its diverse landscapes. The park features an extensive network of pathways, including paved and shale trails, traversing forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Fish Creek flows through the park, eventually joining the Bow River, providing varied scenery and relatively flat terrain suitable for different activity levels.
Best hiking trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park
- The most popular hiking route is Fish Creek Provincial Park Pathway Loop, a 6.2 miles (10.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 34 minutes to complete. This route explores the park's varied pathways.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bow River Pathway to Carburn Pond Park loop — Sue Higgins Park, a moderate 6.6 miles (10.7 km) path. This trail follows the Bow River, offering waterfront views.
- Local hikers also love the Fish Creek Bridge loop from McKenzie Lake, a 6.2 miles (9.9 km) trail leading through the park's natural environment, often completed in about 2 hours 33 minutes.
- Hiking in Fish Creek Provincial Park is defined by its extensive pathways, river valleys, and diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Fish Creek Provincial Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from around 30 reviews. More than 350 hikers have used komoot to explore Fish Creek Provincial Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
4.0
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7
hikers
4.27km
01:06
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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hikers
16.8km
04:24
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
5.18km
01:22
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
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14
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
One of the most convenient access points for exploring Fish Creek Provincial Park, Glennfield West has a large parking area, modern washrooms, picnic sites, and direct access to both paved and natural-surface trails. From here, it's easy to reach Fish Creek, the Rotary Mattamy Greenway, and several forested sections of the park. Despite being within Calgary city limits, the surrounding cottonwood forest and creek valley create a surprisingly natural setting that's popular with walkers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Flowing for almost the entire length of the park, Fish Creek is the feature that gives this provincial park its name. The creek winds through cottonwood forest, gravel banks, and wide valley scenery that feels surprisingly wild for a location within Calgary. Watch for deer, beavers, waterfowl, and other wildlife along the banks, particularly during the quieter morning and evening hours.
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Part of Calgary's 140-kilometre Rotary Mattamy Greenway, this paved multi-use pathway offers one of the easiest ways to explore Fish Creek Provincial Park. The route passes through a mix of forest, open grasslands, and creek-side scenery, with picnic areas and rest stops spread out along the way. Despite being within city limits, long stretches feel surprisingly removed from the surrounding neighbourhoods, making it a popular choice for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
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This section of the Trans-Canada Trail hugs the shores of the Bow River, with the McKenzie Meadows Golf Club to the east. The views from this section of trail have awesome views of the Bow River, with Fish Creek Provincial Park on the other side. The entire Trans-Canada Trail stretches over 27,000 kilometres, with this section passing through the heart of Calgary.
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Gaze out over the Bow River to the west, with a neighbourhood to the east. This area of the Bow River Pathway is just elevated enough to get a view over the river, and on a clear day, the Banff Mountains in the far off distance. There's a lawn that can be rested on, and a trash can as well.
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Fish Creek Provincial Park has one of the most robust trail systems you're likely to find anywhere. With over 100 kilometres of trails within its boundaries it's a good idea to have your komoot maps handy so you don't get turned around and end up on the wrong trail. As for the trails themselves there really is something for everyone, you'll find singletrack and doubletrack, dirt, gravel, and paved paths, quick out and back hikes or full day loops that circumnavigate the whole park. It really is a choose your own adventure type day when you visit this park.
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Fish Creek has maintained much of its natural state thanks to the large provincial park that surrounds it as it flows through southern Calgary. Providing vital habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna the creek is known for trout fishing and the over 200 bird species that have been spotted along its banks. The park that surrounds it as over 100 kilometres of trails ranging in difficulty and terrain type, so just about everyone is likely to find a stretch of trail that suits them.
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This urban provincial park was set up in order to protect the vital habitat of the Fish Creek Valley. While the valley itself is mostly in its natural forested state, the park is bordered on three sides by the city of Calgary and by the Tsuu T’ina Nation (Sarcee) First Nation on the fourth side. You'll find a vast network of trails running through the park as well as a visitor's centre, picnic areas, swimming area, restaurants, and boat launches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Fish Creek Provincial Park offers a wide variety of hiking experiences with over 30 routes recorded on komoot. These include 21 easy trails, 11 moderate trails, and 1 difficult trail, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
The park features diverse terrain, including over 100 kilometers of pathways. You'll find approximately 30 km of paved paths suitable for all ages and strollers, 50 km of shale trails, and single-track options. The landscape shifts from thin poplar forests along Fish Creek and the Bow River to grasslands, groves, and meadows, with relatively flat sections ideal for leisurely walks.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Yes, Fish Creek Provincial Park is very family-friendly. Many of its trails are relatively flat, and the paved pathways are suitable for strollers. The park's diverse environment offers opportunities for nature observation, and there are numerous day-use areas with picnic tables for family outings. An easy option is the Fishing Spot on Fish Creek – Bow Valley Ranche House loop from Deer Run, which is just under 6 km.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Yes, Fish Creek Provincial Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to protect the park's wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Always check for specific signage on trails regarding dog access.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look out for while hiking?
The park is rich in natural features. Fish Creek itself flows throughout the park, eventually joining the Bow River, offering picturesque waterfront views. You can also explore diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Keep an eye out for the historic Bow Valley Ranche House, built in 1896, and the Sikome Aquatic Facility, a man-made lake for swimming.
What is the best time of year to hike in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Fish Creek Provincial Park is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings new growth and active wildlife, while summer offers lush greenery and full access to all facilities. Autumn showcases beautiful fall colors, and even in winter, some pathways are cleared for continued access, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.
Are there any circular routes available for hiking in the park?
Yes, many of the trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. A popular option is the Fish Creek Provincial Park Pathway Loop, which is a 10 km moderate trail exploring the park's pathways.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a haven for wildlife. Over 200 bird species have been observed, including great blue herons and bald eagles. Mammals such as deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, beavers, and muskrats are also present. The park's diverse habitats, from forests to wetlands, support a rich variety of animal life.
How accessible is Fish Creek Provincial Park by public transport or car?
The park is well-integrated within Calgary's city limits, making it accessible. It connects to Calgary's larger pathway system, and the Trans Canada Trail also passes through. There are numerous day-use areas with parking facilities throughout the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. For public transport, check local Calgary Transit routes that serve the park's various access points.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
The hiking routes in Fish Creek Provincial Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from around 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the extensive and well-maintained pathways, the diverse natural environment, and the ease of access within the city.
Are there any easy trails for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk?
Absolutely. Fish Creek Provincial Park has 21 easy trails, many of which are relatively flat and follow paved or well-maintained shale paths. These are perfect for a relaxed walk or for beginners. An example is the Fishing Spot on Fish Creek – Bow Valley Ranche House loop from Deer Run, which offers a gentle 5.9 km stroll.
Can I find any trails that offer views of the Bow River?
Yes, several trails in the park follow the Bow River, providing scenic waterfront views. The park is where Fish Creek eventually joins the Bow River, creating picturesque landscapes. A great option for river views is the Bow River Pathway to Carburn Pond Park loop — Sue Higgins Park, a moderate 10.7 km path.
Most popular routes in Fish Creek Provincial Park
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