Calgary’s Winter Wonderland: The Best Parks for Snow Activities

Winter in Calgary is a magical season, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of fun snow activities. In this blog, we're excited to highlight some of the best winter parks in Calgary, where you can experience the beauty of winter and enjoy outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for places to ice skate, sled, or take in the stunning scenery, Calgary's parks offer something for everyone during this wonderful time of the year!

Before exploring these beautiful parks, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready! At Go Auto, we offer a wide range of tools and services to help prepare your car for winter. With our expert maintenance and dependable customer service, we help guarantee your vehicle is ready to face any winter challenges. Stay safe this winter! Contact Go Auto to schedule your maintenance appointment today.

Tobogganing and Sledding

It’s important to mention that for safety reasons, the Parks and Pathways Bylaw prohibits tobogganing or sledding downhill in any City-maintained park except the ones listed on this page. The bylaw does not apply to private, provincial, or federal land. Find out more about sledding in Calgary here.

According to the City of Calgary, the list below is the top hills and parks for tobogganing and sledding. Check out the list!

NE Calgary
HillLocation
Big Marlborough Park - dry pond755 Madeira Dr. N.E.
Deerfoot Athletic Park1503 16 Ave. N.E.
Marlborough Community Association636 Marlborough Way N.E.
Monterey Park2707 Catalina Blvd. N.E.
Prairie Winds Park223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
Rundle - dry pond4120 Rundlethorn Dr. N.E.
Thorncliffe/Greenview5600 Centre St. N.E.
NW Calgary
HillLocation
Confederation Park2807 10 St. N.W.
​Hidden Valley10504 Hidden Valley Dr. N.W.
Royal Oak9100 Royal Birch Blvd. N.W.
St. Andrew's Heights2504 13 Ave. N.W.
SE Calgary

Hill

Location

McKenzie Towne​

160 McKenzie Towne Dr. S.E.

New Brighton

​1750 New Brighton Dr. S.E.

Maple Ridge - dry pond

1127 Mapleglade Dr. S.E.

SW Calgary

Hill

Location

​Bridlewood

26 Bridleglen Road S.W.

Glendale Park

2225 45 St. S.W.

Kingsland - dry pond

505 78 Ave. S.W. - behind the Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas

Richmond Green

2539 33 Ave. S.W.

Sacramento - dry pond

10404 Sacramento Dr. S.W.

Scarboro

1737 14 Ave. S.W.

Signal Hill

2063 Sirocco Dr. S.W.

Stanley Park

330 42 Ave. S.W.


Tubing

WinSport Servus Tube Park at WinSport

The Servus Tube Park at WinSport is scheduled to open on December 21, 2024, offering downhill thrills and winter enjoyment for all skill levels. Plus, you won’t have to leave the city! As one of the largest tube parks in Western Canada, it boasts eight groomed lanes—some for solo riders and others for groups—along with a magic carpet that transports you effortlessly to the top of the hill. It provides the simplest sledding experience available!

Please note that the minimum age to use the Servus Tube Park is 4 years, with a minimum height of 36 inches. For children measuring between 36 and 42 inches, an adult must hold their tube during the ride, while those over 42 inches can tube independently.

Where: WinSport at Canada Olympic Park

Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, AB (east side of the main hill)

Parking: Parking is free and available outside of our main facilities. (Special event parking may require payment.)

Website: www.winsport.ca

Winter Walks

  • Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park, Calgary’s largest municipal park, is in the city's northwest area. Spanning over 11 square kilometres, it offers a natural retreat despite being encircled by numerous neighbourhoods. After a significant snowfall, the park also becomes a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

From its elevated viewpoints, you can observe planes arriving at the airport, gaze at the downtown Calgary skyscrapers, and look westward to see the mountains. Allow at least an hour for your visit; more time is recommended if you plan to explore various trails throughout the park.

Bring your dog to let it play in the designated off-leash areas. Note that signage is minimal, so remember your starting point so you can return to your vehicle quickly. For parking details, refer to this Nose Hill map spots.

Address: 6465 14 ST N.W.

Parking: For parking details, refer to the Nose Hill map, found here.

Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM

Website: Nose Hill Park

  • Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park, located in the southern part of the city, is Canada’s second-largest urban park. The park features a network of trails, both paved and unpaved.

Before you visit, check out this Fish Creek map that marks all the trails to help you orient yourself. You can choose to stroll along Fish Creek or the Bow River. Whether walking for an hour or exploring the entire day, you'll find plenty to enjoy. The only drawback to visiting in winter is that Annie’s Café is closed closed.

Location: in Calgary between 37th Street Southwest & the Bow River Southeast

Parking: Parking lots and day use facilities are open from: April 1st to September 30th— 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. October 1st to March 31st— 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Do not park on roadways.

Map: https://albertaparks.ca/media/738464/fish-creek-tear-sheet.pdf

Website: Fish Creek Provincial Park

  • Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park protects over 1,300 hectares of undulating fescue grasslands alongside the Bow River. The Visitor Centre, which is staffed on weekends, offers more than 25 km of multi-use trails, many of which offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s an ideal spot for a winter walk near Calgary.

In addition to numerous loop trails, extended out-and-back hikes are available during winter. You will reach Calgary's city limits by heading east along the Narrows and Bearspaw Trail combination. If you take the Bowbend and McPherson Trails west, you’ll arrive at the edge of a Cochrane neighbourhood.

Please note that the park is free to visit, and ample parking is available. In winter, it's important to dress warmly due to the strong winds in the area. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Location: The only public access point to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is from Glenbow Road, off Highway #1A.

Parking/Map: Click here to see.

Hours: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a day-use-only park. Camping is NOT allowed.

Website: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Ready to upgrade your ride or prepare for winter?

We hope this list has sparked your imagination and provided you with plenty of exciting ideas for fun during the upcoming winter months! Before you embark on your next frosty adventure, we encourage you to prepare for winter road conditions.

Remember, safety comes first! If you need assistance, Go Auto is here for you. We offer various automotive services and serve as your trusted partner to ensure you're fully prepared and safe throughout this beautiful winter season.

This may have sparked interest in which vehicles can best hold your winter gear—like the sled, toboggan, and snowshoes you'll want for these Winter Wonderland parks. Our team at Go Auto is excited to help you discover the fantastic options available, both online and at our dealership!