Fish Creek, a provincial park located wholly within Calgary is Canada's largest provincial park in a city (or something like that) but it is BIG. A good 16 km end to end and varying from 1 to 3km wide running along the Fish Creek.
The trails are numerous and cross and recross each other so there is an endless number of routes to choose from.
It got a big hit from Mother Nature last ('05) year when a small dam upstream on FC let go during record rainfalls. The resulting torrent removed more than 1/2 the bridges along the creek. The Sunday hikers who don't want to get their feet wet aren't too impressed but it just made it more like a *real* trail.
The bad press seems to have really put people off of visiting this park, on a Saturday afternoon from (11h30-16h00) we saw far less peple then we usually do 100km out of town in K-country. And this is in our backyard!! w00t!
Seriously, I think this has everything to offer that many trails in Kananaskis Country do. It's got climbs (granted only 120m & you really have to look for it), it's got creek crossings, it's got some cool downhill and schweeet singletrack (and paved and shale paths if you desire). All within a km of several 7-11s (and their ilk) if you need refreshments. It also has free access, free parking, free cook-out sites for the after ride BBQ.
There is also Sikome Lake near the East End for a refreshing dip.
Current conditions:
Directions:
South end of Calgary, South of Anderson Road, West of the Bow. Many places to pick it up. Just off 37th Street and Anderson Road is the West end and off Bow Bottom Trail at Burnsmead or Sikome, etc. areas are the East end. South end of Elbow Drive, MacLeod Trail near the Fish Creek C-Train station, etc..
ByPosted By: gardingh
- Sat Mar 13 18:23:24 EST 2010
UpsideHuge park, lots of trails.
DownsideThey are building a golf course on the south end and doing a bunch of construction on what looks like storm drains.
CommentI liked it, too much pavement for my liking but it is good for a leisurely ride.
ByPosted By: SlayerQC
- Mon Aug 03 00:50:48 EDT 2009
Not Rated
UpsideMTB: Within the city. Lots of short trails which you can combine for lots of everchanging fun!
FREE!
DownsideMTB: Seems like some hikers still have their "city" attitude. Not as friendly as, let's say, kananaskis.But no horror stories just yet. :-p Too much garbage for my liking but still tidy.
CommentMTB: You can head out for a fun couple hours or a full day, it's up to you. Be respectful of hikers and mother nature.Stay on the trails, there's plenty of them already. Dont't litter and if you can, pick some up!
ByPosted By: Kittzy
- Tue Apr 14 12:45:43 EDT 2009
UpsideFish Creek Provincial Park if for everyone: young, old, singles, and families. The park provides many facilities and activities for everyone:
-Fire pits (Must supply your own wood. DONâ??T use the wood from trees in the park) -Fishing -Open fields, wetlands, tree dense areas, bridges -Bathroom facilities -Dirt and paved roads -Biking, roller bladding, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, etcâ?¦ -Sikome Lake â?? This man-made lake is surrounded by beach sand. You can swim or sun tan and there is aquatic safety staff on duty, not lifeguards. Open daily from 10:00am â?? 8:00pm The lake is drained for the fall and winter season. There is a playground located near the lake.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is home to various fauna and wild life. The fields are covered in flowers during the summer. The park is home to snakes, porcupines, skunks, deer, coyotes, squirrels, frogs, and is perfect for bird watching. A checklist for bird watching can be found on the website posted below. Fish Creek is a provincial park and therefore it is NOT an off-leash area. Pets must be leashed at all times. There are lookout points in the park which can be used to view the Great Blue Heron Colony and the Raven Rocks. The Environmental Learning Centre is located on the far west side which holds many educational programs for all ages; however it is currently closed until the year 2010 for renovations.
For further information and ideas, please look at their website http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/fishcreek/default.asp
DownsideAs in every city there is flying garbage that gets stuck between bushes, in trees, along the banks of the Bow River, and on fences. There is not a lot but it is still unattractive. Currently there is construction on the far northern end of Fish Creek Provincial Park in the dog off-leash area of Southland Natural Park. There is a fence being built along the bike paths to keep dogs out. There are also many fenced off areas for the attempt to plant young trees.
ByPosted By: sgowans
- Tue Sep 09 16:55:40 EDT 2008
UpsideIts kind of like nature in the city, but then you come across a restaurant.
DownsideThey drain Simoke Lake in the fall; in otherwords not a real lake. I guess there aren't too many real lakes in Alberta
CommentI went there to get away from the city and it wasn't bad.
Posted By: gardingh
Posted By: SlayerQC
Posted By: Kittzy
Posted By: sgowans
