Carburn Park
67 Riverview Dr. S.E.[map] 135 hectares

Have you tried out the Calgary Pathways app yet? Brilliant. It shows you all the trails and parks in the city. If you’re stuck doing the usual with the kids each weekend, try something different.

My wife wanted to have a ‘seawall’ experience this weekend. A walk in the sunshine along some water. We’ve done Edworthy Park, and Glenmore Reservoir before so I pulled up the app and found Carburn Park. This gem in SE Calgary has 2 ponds, river access, paved pathways, picnic areas, half a dozen geocaches, and a playground. PERFECT!

Carburn Park was created in the mid-80s as a partnership between government and Burnco. The company wanted some gravel in the area, and agreed to create a park after it did its digging.

The lakes are suitable for canoeing, and fishing, and since the park also has shoreline along the Bow River, you can do fishing there as well (although my boys preferred to toss rocks).

The ponds/lakes aren’t huge, but if you have a canoe they’re a great place to explore. Bring your rod too – the ponds are open for fishing!

You should watch out for speedy cyclists along the east side of the park, as the pathways are part of the Bow River Pathways system and the cyclists were motoring through the area quickly. In addition to the paved pathways, there are some dirt tracks that had a lot of mountain bike ruts in them along the SW part of the park.

Carburn Park has instantly became one of our favourite places in the city.

For other things to do with your family in Calgary, check out the entire “Kids In Calgary“ series.