Bowness Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Bowness Park?
What makes it 77% Baby-Friendly: Smooth paths and shaded lawns suit strollers, cafés offer indoor breaks, but no listed nursing room or change table means parents must improvise diapering and feeding.
Positives:
- Stroller Access: Most paths are paved and level for smooth stroller rides.
- Family Amenities: Free washrooms and change rooms are located near play areas.
Challenges:
- Nursing Privacy: No dedicated nursing room; consider feeding in a quiet picnic corner or cafe restroom.
- Seasonal Closures: Wading pool and boat rentals close in early September; check seasonal hours before visiting.
What is Bowness Park?
- An urban riverfront park in northwest Calgary centered on a naturalized lagoon adjoining the Bow River
- A heritage landscape anchored by early 20th-century boathouse buildings, mature elm groves and expansive grassy meadows
- A multi-seasonal municipal park featuring boat docks, sheltered picnic areas, playground installations and a winter-flooded ice lagoon
What is so special about Bowness Park for with baby?
- Smooth paved trails perfect for stroller rides.
- Shallow wading pool and spray park for baby splash time.
- Vintage mini-train offers a slow, relaxing ride.
- Multiple free washrooms and shaded picnic spots.
- On-site café provides indoor seating and snacks.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: 1-2 hours lets you enjoy stroller-friendly paths, a picnic break, and a mini-train ride at a pace comfortable for a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Bowness Park
Stroller-Friendly Lagoon Walks:
Follow the smooth paved paths around the lagoon and along the Bow River.
Tip: Start at the main entrance and loop back near the café for a restroom break.
Wading Pool & Spray Park:
Let your baby splash in the shallow jets at the east end.
Tip: Bring swim diapers and towels; life jackets are available at the café.
Vintage Mini-Train Ride:
Ride the slow-moving train with your baby on your lap.
Tip: Buy the $10 family ticket; children under 3 ride free.
Shaded Picnic Break:
Set up at an unreserved picnic table near washrooms.
Tip: Arrive early to grab a table under the large elm trees.
Indoor Break at ParkSide Café:
Grab coffee and snacks in a warm, indoor space.
Tip: Call ahead to reserve a high chair or quiet corner.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bowness Park
- Early Picnic Setup: Visit early to secure shaded picnic spots and avoid crowds.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a small cooler bag for bottles and snacks to keep items fresh.
- Use a Baby Carrier: Carry your baby when boarding the train or navigating grassy areas.
Reviews of Bowness Park
Rasgun
Great place to walk around, go for a picnic and BBQ if living in Calgary! There is a boathouse as well at a very reasonable price! You can book your picnic sites by calling 311. During the fall season the views are splendid, you can do fall photography at the best here. There is a cute tiny rail for the toy train as well. Benches, picnic tables are available all around the park. You can also bring...
miss_j
Bowness Park has always been our favorite Fall spot. It's so beautiful that we keep coming back every year to do our yearly fall photos. It's also a great park during summer as there is a waterpark free for kids. Also, lots of people enjoy the bow river rafting with their own rafts or rental. Some people actually go swimming too, although I'm sure the water will be too cold. Winter is also beautif...
Selin 赛琳
Went there with family, it was the best! Everyone enjoyed the peaceful bow river. Took a long walk and it was 100% worth it. BUT BRING SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY! There are lots of mosquitoes in the season I went, so be prepared! Raft rental available! We went up a ramp and followed a trail. MUST GO ON THAT WALK! there are stairs too if you prefer. A little park with flowers and cute bear statue too!...
Faiz Hanafi
My favourite park in the city tied with Prince's Island! It's very pretty and a great place to come for a picnic, BBQ, with a boat, or just to hangout near the Bow river. I run here and it's always nice to see people having fun and existing. Great place for kids too, as there's plenty of playground areas, and even a little train for them to ride!
Summer
A park where you can experience a splendid summer. Despite recent issues, it's still a beautiful neighborhood. If I lived here, I would be so happy. I should come back for a barbecue later. Walking along the quiet paths, it felt like happiness would stay by my side forever. It's a great place to enjoy the leisure of everyday life. It has a different atmosphere from Bow River.
When is the best time to visit Bowness Park (Calgary, Canada)?
In summer the wading pool runs mid-June to early September and paddle boats operate May to September. Winter brings free lagoon skating (mid-November to mid-March); bring or rent skates. Spring and fall paths may be wet—dress in layers and pack waterproof shoes.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Mini-train family ticket | CAD 10 |
| Pedal boat rental (1 hr) | CAD 30 |
| Snacks and drinks at ParkSide Café | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 55 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Bowness Park
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
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About Bowness Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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