Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage
A vibrant urban park and river passage offering swimming, kayaking, picnics, and scenic trails along the Bow River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban park and river passage offering swimming, kayaking, picnics, and scenic trails along the Bow River.
"A hidden gem for summer fun, offering a beach-like vibe on the Bow River with plenty of park amenities."
Bring your floaties! :water_wave:
Harvie Passage is made for floating down the Bow River. Don't forget your inflatable gear!
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables and fire pits available in Pearce Estate Park. Great for a family BBQ.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harvie Passage
Bow River
A man-made section of the Bow River perfect for swimming, kayaking, and floating. It's a unique urban oasis.
Pearce Estate Park
Adjacent to Bow River
A beautiful park with treed areas, picnic sites, fire pits, and a playground. Ideal for relaxing and family fun.
Bow Habitat Station
Within Pearce Estate Park
Explore fish ponds and learn about Alberta's aquatic life. A great educational stop for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Harvie Passage
Park Smart & Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your floaties! :water_wave:
Harvie Passage is made for floating down the Bow River. Don't forget your inflatable gear!
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables and fire pits available in Pearce Estate Park. Great for a family BBQ.
Life jacket recommended :life_jacket:
While fun, the Bow River can have currents. Safety first, especially for kids!
Mosquito repellent needed :bug:
The wetland areas can be buggy, especially in the evenings. Come prepared!
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your floaties! :water_wave:
Harvie Passage is made for floating down the Bow River. Don't forget your inflatable gear!
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables and fire pits available in Pearce Estate Park. Great for a family BBQ.
Life jacket recommended :life_jacket:
While fun, the Bow River can have currents. Safety first, especially for kids!
Mosquito repellent needed :bug:
The wetland areas can be buggy, especially in the evenings. Come prepared!
Bike-friendly paths :bicycle:
Extensive paved and unpaved trails along the Bow River are perfect for cycling.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage as a beautiful, free urban oasis. Highlights include the refreshing water activities at Harvie Passage, the family-friendly amenities in the park, and the extensive pathways for biking and walking. Some visitors note that it can get very busy on long weekends, and parking can be challenging.
"Great park with free parking and overflow parking. Civic Long weekend, it was super busy. People were ticketed for parking in a no-parking zone. Some BBQ pits but a lot of people tale gated or brought their own cookware and tents for summer fun. A couple of minutes walk to Bow Habitat Station and wetland Interpretative Centre and less than five minutes walk to Harvie’s Passage for swimming, kayaking, floating or waddling in the summer heat. Super fun highly recommend for a visit. Go for a walk or bring your bikes as there are both paved and unpaved pathways. The Calgary parks and pathways are great!"
Lisa Chan
"Situated adjacent the Bow river where one can swim or go kayaking and boating, weather permitting, of course. Beautiful walking paths and off path walking. Dogs are permitted on leash. There is a good children's playground. Plenty of picnic tables,
and of course there are facilities."
Andrea Tokessy
"This park is so beautiful all year round! They have some picnic tables each one with it's own grill they have a number were you can call and reserve a table for a specific day and hours and I think there is a small fee. I love this park because it has a decent size parking lot and the park is big enough to keep a safe distant from everybody else. There are paved paths so you can ride your bike too. They have a trout pond for kids and an information centre but they are temporarly closed due COVID. The park also has washrooms"
Claudia Reyes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pearce Estate Park is located along the Bow River in Calgary. You can drive and park at the park's lot, which offers free parking and overflow options. It's also accessible via extensive paved and unpaved pathways, making it a great spot for cyclists.
Parking is available at Pearce Estate Park, which is adjacent to Harvie Passage. While the main lot can get busy, overflow parking is usually available. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Pearce Estate Park is part of Calgary's extensive pathway system along the Bow River, making it very bike-friendly. Many people park their cars here and bike to downtown.
Harvie Passage is easily accessible from Pearce Estate Park. A short walk will take you to the river's edge where you can enjoy the water activities.
While specific public transport routes directly to the park might be limited, you can check Calgary Transit for bus routes that get you close to the Bow River pathway system, from which you can cycle or walk to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, both Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage are free to enter and enjoy. You don't need tickets to access the park or the river passage.
Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage are generally open from dawn until dusk, as is typical for city parks. However, facilities like washrooms may have specific operating hours.
While many picnic tables and BBQ pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, some can be reserved for a small fee. It's recommended to check with the City of Calgary Parks department for reservation details, especially for long weekends.
Bow Habitat Station is located within Pearce Estate Park. While it has been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 in the past, it's best to check their official website for the most current operating status and hours.
Yes, dogs are permitted in Pearce Estate Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Harvie Passage is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and floating down the Bow River. It's a man-made section that offers a fun, beach-like vibe along the river.
The park offers picnic tables, fire pits, a children's playground, washrooms, and paved pathways for walking and biking. Porta-potties are also available near Harvie Passage.
Harvie Passage is designed for safe water activities. However, it's always recommended to wear a life jacket, especially for children, and be aware of river currents.
Bow Habitat Station features a fish hatchery where you can see various stages of trout development and feed the fish. It also includes an interpretive center focusing on Alberta's aquatic ecosystems.
Yes, Pearce Estate Park has beautiful paved and unpaved walking paths that wind through treed areas and along the Bow River.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no restaurants within the park itself, it's a fantastic spot for picnics. You'll find numerous picnic tables and BBQ pits. Many visitors bring their own food and cookware for a full day of enjoyment.
Yes, Pearce Estate Park has several BBQ pits available. Some can be reserved in advance for a small fee, which is a good idea for larger gatherings or popular times.
There are no permanent food vendors within the park. Your best bet is to pack your own food or plan to visit nearby restaurants after your park visit.
Bring your favorite picnic foods, drinks, and any cooking supplies if you plan to use the BBQ pits. Don't forget utensils, plates, and trash bags to clean up after yourself.
While there are washrooms with running water, it's advisable to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful natural scenery, including treed areas, the Bow River, and the wetland. The Bow Habitat Station with its ponds also provides unique photo ops.
Yes, Harvie Passage can be picturesque, especially with people enjoying the water. The contrast of the urban river passage against the natural park setting is quite appealing.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best natural light for photography in the park. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing action shots at Harvie Passage.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check the City of Calgary's bylaws and Transport Canada regulations regarding drone operation in public spaces before flying.
Walk along the pathways to discover various vantage points of the river and park. The areas near the Bow Habitat Station and along the Bow River offer scenic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic or planning a BBQ to make the most of your family day out. The accessible pathways are also great for strollers or for kids learning to ride their bikes. Arriving early on weekends is key to securing a good parking spot and a prime picnic location.
🚴 Cyclists and Commuters
The pathways are well-maintained, with both paved and unpaved sections catering to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a more vigorous cycling session, Pearce Estate Park provides a convenient and pleasant access point to the city's cycling infrastructure.
☀️ Summer Fun Seekers
Pearce Estate Park complements the water activities with its picnic areas and BBQ pits, making it ideal for a full day of summer recreation. Remember to bring your swimwear, towels, and any water gear you might need. Arriving early is highly recommended, as this area becomes very popular during peak summer weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Harvie Passage: Your Urban River Oasis
Many TikTok and Instagram creators highlight Harvie Passage as a 'hidden gem' and a 'fun passage' in Calgary. The sound of the waves is described as peaceful, and it's a popular spot for families to organize BBQs in the adjacent Pearce Estate Park. While it's a fantastic place to cool off, remember that it is a river, and wearing a life jacket is highly recommended for safety, especially for children.
The passage is free to access, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for summer fun. It's a testament to how urban spaces can be transformed into recreational havens. The proximity to Pearce Estate Park also means you have access to more amenities like washrooms and picnic areas, enhancing the overall experience.
Pearce Estate Park: Nature, Recreation, and Community
Beyond its recreational amenities, Pearce Estate Park is home to the Bow Habitat Station, an educational facility that allows visitors to learn about Alberta's aquatic life and even feed the fish. This makes it a great stop for families looking for an educational component to their park visit. The park also boasts an extensive network of paved and unpaved pathways that connect to the larger Calgary pathway system, perfect for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely stroll.
This park is cherished for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, with many visitors enjoying the 'water sounds' and the overall serene environment. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature within the city limits. Remember to bring mosquito repellent, especially during warmer months, as the marshy wetland areas can attract insects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit