Nose Hill Park Calgary
One of North America's largest urban parks, offering vast prairies, wildlife, and stunning city/mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Nose Hill Park Calgary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
One of North America's largest urban parks, offering vast prairies, wildlife, and stunning city/mountain views.
"A must-see destination in Calgary for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking solitude with amazing views!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are extensive and can be hilly. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk or hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on longer explorations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Various viewpoints across the park
Breathtaking vistas of the Calgary skyline and the distant Rocky Mountains. Perfect for photos!
+2Native Prairie Landscape
Throughout the park
Explore rolling hills covered in native grasses and wildflowers, offering a sense of wilderness within the city.
+1
Extensive Trail Network
Park-wide
Miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls. Discover hidden gems and diverse flora.
Indigenous Archaeological Sites
Designated areas
Discover the rich history of the land with ancient tipi rings and other significant archaeological finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Wildlife & Weather Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are extensive and can be hilly. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk or hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on longer explorations.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed until you reach the designated off-leash areas.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning cityscapes and natural beauty. Golden hour is magical!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are extensive and can be hilly. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk or hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on longer explorations.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed until you reach the designated off-leash areas.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning cityscapes and natural beauty. Golden hour is magical!
🗺️ Grab a Map
Trails are extensive. A map can help you navigate and discover different areas of the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Nose Hill Park's expansive natural beauty and stunning city views, calling it a must-visit urban oasis. The extensive trail system and opportunities for wildlife spotting are major draws, offering a peaceful escape within the city. Some note the lack of amenities and the potential for getting lost on the vast network of trails.
"It's a wonderful park right on the edge of the city. No missed in sight tho.
..We absolutely loved walking the endless amount of trails and a very nice place to visit."
Scott R
"I enjoyed a Saturday morning walk across Nose Hill Park. Its the perfect spot for a hike or just a leisurely stroll. The trails are extensive and well maintained, there are some signboards and maps to let you know where you are, and its dog-friendly - dogs are welcome everywhere with some off-leash areas too.
The park is enormous and even at the weekend it never feels busy. There's some great view points of downtown Calgary and some other great photo opportunities. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy nature without even having to leave the city."
Russell Reed
"I decided to pop by here to explore Calgary's nature, and Nose Hill did not disappoint! What a huge and beautiful place, with so much open space and so many trails to follow around. The views and the sense of scale are fantastic, and there's a lot of interesting biodiversity if you look closely."
Guerric Haché
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nose Hill Park is easily accessible by car, with several parking lots available. Public transit options also serve the park's perimeter. Many visitors find it a short drive from downtown Calgary.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots located at various entrances to Nose Hill Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Nose Hill Park is a popular spot for mountain biking with numerous trails suitable for cyclists.
While the park is vast, some Calgary Transit bus routes run along the park's edges, providing access to trailheads. Check Calgary Transit schedules for routes near your desired entry point.
Nose Hill Park is located on the northwest edge of Calgary, typically a 15-25 minute drive from the downtown core, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nose Hill Park is a public park and entry is free for all visitors. You don't need any tickets to explore its vast landscapes.
Nose Hill Park is generally open from 5 AM to 11 PM daily, allowing for early morning walks and evening sunset viewing. Always check official city park hours for any seasonal changes.
Yes, Nose Hill Park is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on leash throughout most of the park, with designated off-leash areas for them to roam freely.
Parking at Nose Hill Park is free. You can park your vehicle at any of the designated lots without charge.
While there are no designated picnic areas with tables like in some city parks, you are welcome to bring your own picnic blanket and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nose Hill Park features a diverse network of trails, including paved paths, gravel routes, and natural dirt tracks. They cater to walkers, runners, and cyclists of all skill levels.
You might spot deer, coyotes, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
Absolutely! With panoramic city views, rolling hills, wildflowers, and stunning sunsets, it's a photographer's paradise.
Restroom facilities are limited within Nose Hill Park. It's advisable to use facilities before entering or be prepared for a long walk without them.
Many spots offer great views, but the higher elevations provide the most expansive panoramas of the Calgary skyline and the Rockies. Explore to find your favorite!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Nose Hill Park is a natural space and does not have any restaurants or cafes within its boundaries. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
The park is bordered by residential areas and commercial districts. You can find various dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, a short drive away.
Barbecuing is generally not permitted within Nose Hill Park to preserve its natural environment. It's best to enjoy a picnic instead.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds and soft light.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the city and mountains, close-ups of wildflowers and wildlife, and portraits with unique natural backdrops.
Many visitors love the viewpoints overlooking the city skyline. The rolling hills and open prairie also provide excellent, unobstructed backdrops for any type of photography.
Yes, Nose Hill Park is a popular location for professional photoshoots due to its diverse scenery and vast open spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be sure to point out the different types of grasses and wildflowers, and keep an eye out for small animals. It's a great way to introduce kids to nature and wildlife in a safe, accessible urban setting. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider a stroller or carrier for very young children as some paths can be uneven.
🐶 Dog Owners
The extensive trail system means plenty of space for long walks and sniffing adventures. The natural prairie landscape offers a stimulating environment for dogs. Always bring water for your pet, especially on warmer days, and be prepared to clean up after them.
🚴 Cyclists
+1Be aware that some trails are shared with hikers, so it's important to ride responsibly and yield to pedestrians. The park's elevation changes provide a good workout, and the panoramic views are a rewarding sight after a good ride. Always wear a helmet and consider bringing a repair kit for your bike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Nose Hill Park
+1It's highly recommended to grab a park map or use a navigation app, as the sheer number of intersecting trails can be disorienting for first-time visitors. Some trails are designated for hikers, while others are shared with cyclists, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and yield to others. The park's open nature means you'll often have expansive views, but also that there's little shade, so be prepared for sun exposure.
For those interested in wildlife observation, many trails offer excellent opportunities to spot local fauna. Keep an eye out for deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals. The park's natural prairie ecosystem is a delicate balance, and respecting it ensures its preservation for future visitors.
A Glimpse into Nose Hill Park's History
The park's name itself, 'Nose Hill,' is believed to derive from the prominent hill within the park that resembles a nose. This landmark has been a significant feature for generations. The park's designation as an urban park in the late 20th century aimed to preserve its natural beauty and historical importance for the growing city of Calgary.
Today, Nose Hill Park continues to be a place where the past and present converge. Visitors can explore the natural landscape while also learning about and respecting the deep Indigenous heritage of the area. The presence of these historical markers adds a profound layer to the experience of visiting this unique urban wilderness.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Nose Hill Park
+2Beyond the cityscape, the park's natural beauty provides endless photographic opportunities. In spring and summer, the rolling hills are carpeted with vibrant wildflowers, offering colorful foregrounds for landscape shots. Wildlife photography is also popular, with chances to capture deer, coyotes, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and use a telephoto lens for close-ups.
For portrait photographers, Nose Hill Park offers a unique and expansive setting. The vast open spaces, rolling hills, and dramatic skies provide a sense of freedom and natural beauty that's hard to find elsewhere. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, the park's diverse scenery ensures you'll come away with a portfolio of breathtaking images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit