Located in Fish Creek valley, this park follows a stream for about 20 km through southern Calgary. There are about 100 km of trails along the banks in the valley flood plain. It offers a perfect escape from city life and preserves some of the local nature.
Shallow caves in the exposed bedrock offer a unique view that makes one forget they are surrounded by suburban development. These valley and these caves were carved during the last ice age, even in the worst of floods this stream is not capable of such power.
The city chose wisely not to develop this land. Calgary has had numerous issues with flooding in the past. Some of the wealthiest areas experience flooding on an annual basis so as the city grew, they decided to make parks in the flood plains along the river.
There was a ranch here and the farmland is probably excellent. I think they cut the grass and feed it to animals at the Calgary zoo. You can see houses on the ridges in the background.
The area around Fish Creek was developed from the mid 1970s up until the current day. They are continually improving the park and expanding the trail system here in Calgary. One can bike from this park in southern Calgary along 1000s of KM of trails all the way to the North or West without having to go on a road.
The trees aren't very large here, Calgary is in the Prairies. They were probably chopped down but the forest is growing and the area attracts a lot of wildlife.
You see hundreds of types of birds along with deer, weasels, porcupine, muskrat and beavers here. The odd moose, elk or bear too would wonder through these parts. Just as the park provides access for residents and bikers through the city, animals use the park as path to avoid roads and heavy development.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a great place to spend the day and walk around. There isn't any overnight camping here, if you want to do that, head West towards Banff. This park is best enjoyed during the day time.
All photos taken with an S20 phone or iPhone 13 and are unfiltered