Carburn Park — Attraction in Calgary

Doctors say we all should walk for one hour a day to stay healthy, so couple of loops around pond at Carburn park sounds like a good way to reach this goal. Paved two lane trail is in a good shape and suitable for hikers and bicyclists. At the west side pond separated from Bow River by about 100 meters of land, so you could have a nice view of both. Area populated by elks, ducks, once in awhile you could see beavers as well as a large owl who often to be seen on east side of the pond in a trees between path and homes. During the people allowed to skate on smaller pond ice, trees decorated with lights at this time too and the path usually cleared of snow. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Parking lot can accommodate few dozens of vehicles and usually has empty spots for your car. Area is flat and handicap friendly. Carburn Park had decent day use picnic area with tables and firepits before the flood, which is now looks non operational. Alcohol is prohibited. Dogs are welcome. Some people come for fishing too. Nice safe and friendly park. Cons: I find it a bit hard to find since signs leading to the park are small and...

I visited this lake-front natural and manicured park at two pm on a week day in April when the weather was still cold. Although there were not flocks of people, there were a significant number of people doing activities like walking, walking with their furry friends, cycling, and jogging. (boating and skating are not available at present.) The park, established 38 years ago, has two lakes or huge ponds, created by channelizing the Bow River, wrapped by a paved trail. There is a forest with thousands of trees all along the trail. There are tens of benches all along the trail, picnic tables at some places, and a gazebo. Also, there are some other unpaved and winding trails and beaten paths, for those who like to explore more. Furthermore, there are Bow River Pathway and Trans Canada trail. The parking lot is not immense; nevertheless, on a busy day. you may park your vehicle on the nearby streets, for free. Over all, this is a well-maintained, good natural park for the dwellers of south east area of Calgary for a variety of activities, watching birds,...

I love this place. I walk my dog here everyday and theres so many animals!

Update July 8,2024

There are way too many people visiting, leaving trash, cooking food, there's no more animals, there's no more parking, you don't hear beautiful birds anymore just kids screaming. Very sad to see what has been allowed to happen here. I watched 2 women on a paddle board yesterday harass the ducklings and the geese, there's no more beavers swimming about, I haven't seen the Owls in ages, and the deer are no where to be seen.

I think its time they controlled the crowds and the garbage. Our park is being destroyed by visitors.

Not to mention the paddle board company, I watched the driver of a 2007 Pontiac Torrent purple in colour with paddle boards in the back drive dangerously fast in front of my house. No concern for safety and when I yelled at him to slow down he took the corner even faster!!!

I hope it goes back to the way it was before Covid, peaceful, filled with...