Prince’s Island Park made us forget we were in the city—this is Calgary’s best kept secret!
The first time I set foot in Prince’s Island Park, I had zero expectations—just a vague notion of a park by a river. Fast forward an hour, and I was knee-deep in stunning views and an impromptu picnic (I totally did not pack for it, but I found a park bench).
From scenic walks to spontaneous naps under shady trees, this urban oasis quickly became my favorite Calgary spot.
If you’re looking for a place where nature and the city collide in the most beautiful way possible, you’re in the right place. Ready to explore? Keep reading for the ultimate guide to Prince’s Island Park!
What is Prince’s Island Park?
Prince’s Island Park, established in the 1950s, pays tribute to Peter Anthony Prince, a Quebec-born lumberman who arrived in Calgary in 1886 and set up the Eau Claire Lumber Mill near the park’s current location.
Today, this vibrant green space is a hub for community events, including the popular Calgary Folk Music Festival.
Things to Know About Prince’s Island Park
Parking at Prince’s Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is nestled in the middle of the Bow River and is easily accessed on foot via the Bow River Pathway.
If you’re driving, convenient parking can be found near Eau Claire Market at Barclay Parade SW and 2 Street SW. Spots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea.
For the best experience, park in the lot off Memorial Drive and take the footbridge over to Prince’s Island Park. While you’re there, climb the nearby steps to enjoy a fantastic view of the Bow River and the city skyline.
Amenities at Prince’s Island Park
- Indoor Washrooms: washrooms are located beneath the River Café. During events, additional porta-potties are set up around the island to accommodate the crowds.
- Children’s Playground: on the north side, near the pedestrian bridge, you’ll discover a playground with cowboy-hat swings, monkey bars, a train-themed play structure, spinners, and a soft recycled tire ground cover.
- Seating & Picnic Areas: there’s ample seating surrounding the play area. For a picnic, the park offers plenty of greenspace and shady spots under the trees, just steps from the river.
- Free Drinking Water: the park has two refillable water stations conveniently located on the east and west sides of the main stage.
Best Time to Go to Prince’s Island Park
The best time to go to Prince’s Island Park is during summer time. It’s when the park is at its most vibrant, with perfect weather for exploring the bike paths, relaxing in the lush green spaces, and enjoying events like the Calgary Folk Music Festival.
How to Get to Prince’s Island Park
By Car: Start on Barclay Street, turn left onto 2 Street, then left again onto 4 Avenue. Next, turn right onto 9 Street and continue onto 10 Street. Finally, take a right onto Memorial Drive.
By Public Transit: Take the 22 Bus from EB 9 Avenue and get off at WB 6 Avenue. The park is a 12-minute walk from there.
What to Do in Prince’s Island Park
Relax in the Expansive Green Spaces
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Prince’s Island Park is a lush green haven nestled right in the heart of downtown Calgary. This expansive space, dotted with towering trees and scenic paths, feels like Calgary’s way of showing just how much it loves its greenery.
The park’s rolling hills, well-placed picnic tables, and open areas invite locals and visitors to relax, enjoy the views of the Bow River, or join in on a casual game of Frisbee.
With stunning city skyline views and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the best of urban and natural charm.
Discover the Scenic Pathways
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Prince’s Island Park is a beauty—especially with its newly added walkway that hugs the river, offering picturesque views at every turn. The air is filled with the sweet scent of aromatic flowers thoughtfully planted along the path, welcoming you as you stroll by.
Nestled in the Bow River, this green oasis is seamlessly connected to both the north and south riverbanks via footbridges, making it a breeze to explore.
If you’re up for a quick and scenic walk, head from Chinatown to the Peace Bridge—it’s less than a kilometer, but packed with charm.
Stroll Across the Iconic Peace Bridge
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The Bow River’s expansive pathway system weaves right through Prince’s Island Park and stretches along the river’s north side, easily accessible from the park’s pedestrian bridge or the Peace Bridge.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect photo op, this iconic spot is the place to be! Nestled right in downtown, it’s a picture-perfect location. In the summer, you can rent a boat and float along the Bow River for a little extra adventure.
With its thoughtful design and striking aesthetic, the Peace Bridge is a must-see and a favorite for both photos and leisurely strolls.
Explore the Chevron Learning Pathway
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This scenic pathway near Downtown Mirror Pond offers incredible views of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for photos. This pathway is not just stunning, but also educational.
As you stroll along the east side of the island, you’ll find educational signage that highlights the importance of wetlands and other environmental insights.
It’s also conveniently close to the Sculpture Walk and Jaipur Bridge, both of which are prime picture-perfect locations.
Reflect on the Remembering Our Children Trail
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This 30-minute walk is where you’ll experience seven digital art installations created by Indigenous youth. The Remembering Our Children Trail is best experienced by downloading the app.
These pieces spark important conversations about residential schools and their lasting impacts. Check out the interactive IndigiTRAILS app for a deeper dive into Indigenous art and history throughout the area.
It’s a thoughtful and immersive way to connect with both the past and present. Here’s a handy map for you!
Kayak or Paddle on the Bow River
If you’re looking for the ultimate “Calgary” summer experience, nothing beats a relaxing float down the Bow River. If you plan to bring your own boat, grab your lifejackets and head to the water west of Baker Park at the Bearspaw Boat Launch.
If you’re not into bringing your own gear, no worries—you can easily rent kayaks and canoes just across the bridge. It’s a perfect way to unwind and take in the stunning views of the city from the water!
Watch the Talented Buskers Perform
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The scene here is nothing short of picturesque, with a lively mix of buskers adding their charm to the atmosphere. A talented duo of violin and acoustic guitar players fills the air with music, while an Indigenous round dance adds a unique cultural touch to the vibe.
It’s the perfect blend of classic North American park energy—beautiful scenery, live entertainment, and an unforgettable sense of community.
Experience the Calgary Folk Festival
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Prince’s Island Park is the heart and soul of the Calgary Folk Fest, offering a perfect blend of nature and music.
The island is conveniently connected by three bridges to Eau Claire and downtown Calgary, plus a north bridge leading to Memorial Drive and Crescent Heights. There are so many positives about this festival.
The outdoor stage is free, so you can enjoy great performances without needing a ticket. You’ll find lots of food and drinks for purchase, and most of it is surprisingly affordable.
With a delightful mix of music genres, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it’s far from a drunken spectacle; the atmosphere is very family-friendly, so you can enjoy the tunes and the vibe with people of all ages.
Enjoy a Performance at Shakespeare by the Bow
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Shakespeare by the Bow is a beloved summer theatre program that brings the magic of Shakespeare to life in Calgary’s city parks.
As Calgary’s long-running Shakespeare in the park program, it offers a unique opportunity to experience live theatre in a stunning natural setting.
Theatre Calgary’s Shakespeare by the Bow invites all Calgarians to enjoy captivating performances throughout the summer, making it the perfect way to soak in the arts while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Attractions near Prince’s Island Park
Discover Sunnyside Bank Park
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Address: 200 Memorial Dr NW
Just north of Calgary’s downtown, nestled in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, you’ll discover Sunnyside Bank Park.
At the entrance to Sunnyside Bank Park, you’ll find colorful disposal bins adorned with poppies, a tribute to the Field of Crosses held each year in remembrance of our fallen soldiers.
It’s a thoughtful and striking touch that adds to the park’s atmosphere of reflection and respect.
Appreciate Skyline Views McHugh Bluff
– Media credit: tourismcalgary
Address: Crescent Rd NW & Centre Street N
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
McHugh Bluff, also known as Crescent Heights Lookout, is the perfect spot for a fall trip within Calgary. This scenic location connects with Prince’s Island Park and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Whether you’re looking to catch a sunset or take a leisurely walk, the view from here is truly spectacular. Photographers, take note—this is a must-visit spot! At night, the city skyline lights up with thousands of twinkling lights.
If you’re in the mood to relax, there are benches where you can sit with a coffee. The stairs are a popular workout challenge for locals, and the trails through the bluff provide a convenient shortcut when heading to or from downtown to the north.
It’s also a prime location to watch fireworks or enjoy the sounds of live music from Prince’s Island.
Visit the Eau Claire Plaza
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Address: 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W
Prince’s Island Park is a stunning destination right in the heart of downtown Calgary, but why stop there? To complete your journey, head back downtown across the iconic Peace Bridge and into Eau Claire Plaza.
Eau Claire Plaza is centrally located along the Bow River, just across the bridge from Prince’s Island Park. This vibrant spot features a market, a wading area, and plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the scenery.
Whether you’re looking to shop, cool off, or just enjoy the atmosphere, Eau Claire Plaza is the perfect extension of your downtown adventure.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Prince’s Island Park
Where Calgary: a complete guide to restaurants, activities, attractions, shopping, transportation, and more.
Calgary Transit: trip planning app with real-time bus and train schedules and time along with live vehicle position on map.
MyParking: contactless payment that saves you time and money. Find parking and easily start and end parking sessions from your phone.
GasBuddy: find nearby gas stations and save money on gas by earning points when you get your free GasBuddy fuel card.