Parks & Pathways

• Cycling
• Walking
• Rosebud River and Crossfield Creek
• Washrooms at trailheads
• Free parking

Meadowlark Trail is a 10 km trail between Irricana and Beiseker for walking and cycling. Located on an abandoned railbed, it is a gently undulating prairie trail that serves as a wildlife corridor; the Western Meadowlark nests in its grasses. Two substantial bridges span the Rosebud River and Crossfield Creek where many other bird species dwell.

Meadowlark Trail is open from April to November.

Meadowlark Trail can be accessed at Irricana - an hour’s drive northeast of Calgary on highway # 9 and at Beiseker on highway #9 and highway # 272.

Meadowlark Trail

• Picnicking
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Washrooms
• Free Parking

Bragg Creek Provincial Park can be found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains beside the Elbow River; it has a large open picnic area; fishing is excellent.

The Hamlet of Bragg Creek is located 44 km west of Calgary. The provincial park can be found 1.5 km southwest of the main intersection along White Avenue.

Bragg Creek Provincial Park

The park consists of more than 1,300 hectares of foothills parkland.

• Preserves and protects significant natural features, including endangered ecosystems and rare species
• Provides a unique opportunity to showcase the rich history of ranching and the historic Glenbow townsite
• Is managed through a formal partnership with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is located along the north shore of the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane.

Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation

• Hiking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Washrooms
• Free Parking

Big Hill Springs is located between Parkland and Foothills natural regions; it preserves a large spring and series of small waterfalls that flow year-round over rocky terraces covered with a lush growth of shrubs and grasses. The park is also the site of a historic fish hatchery and Alberta's first commercial creamery.

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is located approximately 37 kms northwest of downtown Calgary, and 10 kms east of Cochrane. From Calgary, follow highway 1A west to Lochend Rd, turn right (north) 11 kms to RR 567. Turn left (east) 3.3 km to the park turn off. There are signs for Big Hill Springs along the way so it is easy to find.

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park

• Field House (community centre)
• Large Playground
• Tot Playground
• Skateboard Park
• Paved Walking Paths
• Baseball Diamonds
• Horseshoe Pits
• Beach Volleyball Court
• Outdoor Skating Rink
• Free Parking

The Hamlet of Langdon is located approximately 16 km, or 20 minutes, east of Calgary. Langdon is located on Highway 797 and is parallel to Highway 560 (Glenmore Trail - Calgary) in the rural setting of the Canadian prairies.

• The 2.5-kilometre trail meanders past a pond, through a steep ravine, over open plains and thick aspen stands
• Views of the mountains to the west
• Rest areas strategically located to view the surrounding landscape

In 2017 improvements to the trail system were undertaken with funding approval from Rocky View Council. In addition, Macdonald Development Corporation provided funds to the trail upgrades through a community enhancement endowment. These upgrades were undertaken to improve public safety, route finding, and walkability to enhance the overall user experience. Improvements were carefully designed and composed of materials that complement the natural surroundings.

Located in Blue Ridge Estates, Bearspaw (view map, PDF)

• 26 km long, asphalt, in good condition
• Multi-use: cycling, walking, running, in-line skating
• Several major wetlands
• Interpretive signage
• Rest stops are located sporadically along the trail but do not include restrooms

At the request of adjacent land owners there are no parking facilities along the pathway. Users can access the trail at the start and end points and at most major street intersections.

Highest usage occurs during the summer when 300-400 people may use the trail on a weekend day.

From Max Bell Arena in Calgary, east to Chestermere Lake.

• Tot Playground

This small park can be found in Boulder Creek Estates in the Hamlet of Langdon, a 20 minute drive east of Calgary.

• BBQ
• Ball Diamond
• Basketball Area
• Fire Pit
• Park Building
• Picnic Tables
• Playground
• Washrooms

• Butler Park is open to the public year-round and is a great place to host outdoor events.
• The park can be rented during the summer months. Call 403-708-6653 for more information.
• Rental for private events reserves access to the fire pit, BBQ, and park building.

South of Highway 566 on the corner of Mountain View Road and Park Lane.

Bottrel is located approximately 65 km northwest of Calgary, just off Highway 22.