Located along the Bow River, Bowness Park is a popular picnic location with a shallow lagoon that runs along the park’s southern edge. Walking paths, wading pool, playgrounds, and dedicated picnic and barbeque areas make this a popular family-friendly escape in the city. Rent paddle boats, operated by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre, or pop into the Seasons of Bowness tea house for a quick snack to supplement your picnic basket. Picnic sites are available for rent with fire pits and barbeque stands available in some locations.

Location: 8900 48 Ave NW

Calaway Park is all about family-friendly fun and welcomes picnics at the park. Take a break from rides and games and enjoy a picnic lunch with a great view of the midway. Picnic areas at Calaway Park are indicated by a picnic table icon on the park map, making them easy to find and plan your day of amusement park fun. There are also 21 food locations across the park in case you forgot to pack something or need a sweet treat for dessert.

Location: 245033 Range Rd 33

Access to the Bow River alongside three man-made ponds make Carburn Park a natural wildlife habitat perfect for a picnic. Several picnic areas are located throughout the park with one main gazebo area. Six wheelchair accessible picnic tables are also available west of the main parking lot. Walking paths throughout the park are a great way to explore over 135 hectares of wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers before or after your picnic. No motorized boats are permitted on the water but canoes, dinghies, and paddle boats are welcome to explore this beautiful natural area in the city.

Location: 67 Riverview Dr. SE

Explore nature in the city with a walk through the incredible natural areas of Edworthy Park. Nine dedicated picnic areas and five gazebos, along with playgrounds, pathways, and off-leash areas, make Edworthy Park a Calgary favourite. Take a walk through the Douglas Fir Trail, weaving through a forest of Douglas-fir trees with great views of the Bow River Valley. Lawrey Gardens includes an off-leash area as well as a lush collection of plant life and wildlife, making it a perfect place to bring your four legged friends for a picnic. Picnic sites are available for rent with fire pits and barbeque stands available in some locations.

Location: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW

Did you know you can bring a picnic lunch to Heritage Park? Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink to the park for a family friendly lunch at Canada’s largest living historical village. Picnic tables are marked on the park map or you can find a nice grassy area to lay out a picnic blanket. Authentic concession stands, like the Alberta Bakery and Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour, serve historically inspired treats for a nice addition to any picnic basket.

Location: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW

North Glenmore Park is full of activities to complement a day out for a picnic. Tennis courts, playgrounds, walking paths, and both the Calgary Canoe Club and Calgary Rowing Club call the park home. Bordering the north side of the Glenmore Reservoir, picnic sites are available for rent with fire pits and barbeque stands available in some locations. Picnic sites in North Glenmore Park are easy to identify with a series of bird related names like Snowy Owl Picnic Site, Chickadee Picnic Site, and Golden Eagle Picnic Site.

Location: 7305 Crowchild Trail SW

From weekday lunch hours to weekend picnic lounging, Olympic Plaza is a must-experience downtown destination and popular picnic spot in Calgary. Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Plaza features a shallow wading pool, main stage with seasonal entertainment, and large seating areas. Pull up a chair at one of the bistro tables, lay down a picnic blanket on the tiered lawn, or grab a seat on the concrete steps overlooking the main water feature for a great views of City Hall and the Calgary Tower. Olympic Plaza is also steps from the arts & culture hub of Calgary at Arts Commons, as well as the historic Stephen Avenue Walk for some after-picnic entertainment and shopping.

Location: 228 8 Ave SE

Prairie Winds Park often plays host to popular festivals and events like Country Thunder, but is also one of the most unique picnic spots in Calgary. Basketball courts, a cricket pitch, fitness stations, soccer field, tennis courts, wading pool, spray park, and a play area that includes a zipline, running bowl and concrete wave, make this a great place to picnic and play in the city. Picnic areas are available to book along with a dedicated picnic shelter that includes a tandoori oven for a unique grilling experience.

Location: 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE

Prince’s Island Park is at the heart of the city and a popular downtown picnic spot. Picnic areas, flower gardens, and playgrounds make this a great place to lay down a blanket and enjoy a family picnic or a romantic date in the park. The popular River Café, located on Prince’s Island Park, offers picnic baskets that include seasonal dishes, fruit, drinks, and desert. Prince’s Island Park is also a large festival park, hosting both the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Canada Day celebrations in Calgary.