Winding its way from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Alberta foothills, Bow River is an expansive waterway. Along its route, the river passes through Calgary and the river banks are a popular outdoor recreation spot for the city dwellers. Many walking paths and scenic vistas can be found along the river. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can find kayak rentals, fly fishing options, cycling tracks and much more. Deer, great horned owls, and beavers have been spotted along Bow River.

Located on the northern side of the Bow River, Bowmont is a lush natural park established in the 1980s. The park features miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, a soccer and baseball field. This expansive park is spread out over 164 hectares (405 acres) and attracts adventure sports enthusiasts, families, birders, dog walkers and those looking for a fun day outdoors. Be sure to check out the park near sunrise or sunset for spectacular photo opportunities!

Situated close to the Bow River Pathway, the Edworthy Park is public park. Formerly, a part of the sandstone quarries, the area was later transformed into a splendid green stretch by the City in 1962. Today, it features facilities like BBQ stands, a playground, picnic shelters and separate picnic areas for groups. Here, you can sit all by yourself and enjoy the serenity or simply gang up with your friends for a day picnic.

Part of the larger Southland Park, the off leash area along the banks of the bow river sports an ideal setting. One of the city's best dog parks, it sees a large number of visitors throughout the day. The lush open spaces and picturesque riverside setting presents a great opportunity for your furry friends to run about and frolic. The number of visitors ensures that your pet will always have friends to play with.

On any mild winter day, the frozen lagoon in this park is filled with skaters. An open expanse of ice with smaller tributaries that wind off out of view, the man-made lagoon is great for youngsters just learning to skate or for those who need to burn some energy. A fire burning in the on-ice pit warms chilled hands. Canoes, foot-powered watercraft rentals, a miniature train ride, mini golf, carnival rides, a kiddie spray pool, playground and sports fields are all available in summer. Admission is free.

Lake Louise, in Banff National Park, takes its name from Queen Victoria's fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Like a sparkling royal jewel, the glacial melt-waters of the lake are a spectacular sapphire color. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations people call this body of water "Lake of the Little Fishes" because smaller fish like trout and whitefish are the only species that can survive in the frigid lake year-round. Visitors can explore the lake’s shimmering waters atop a canoe and kayak, ice skate part of it during the winter, or get a bird's eye view while hiking surrounding peaks and trails.

Located in the Valley of Ten Peaks inside Banff National Park, the enchanting Moraine Lake appears to be something right out of a postcard. Turquoise blue waters offset the snowy white peaks of the Rocky Mountains that form a stunning backdrop. Fed mainly by surrounding glacial activity, the lake assumes a pristine blue color in June when it reaches its full, a phenomenon attributed to mineral deposits that teem its depths. During the winter months, the lake dons a steely grey hue, with the occasional sunlight lending it a glass-like effect. Moraine Lake is one of the most iconic attractions in the region of Alberta, and has previously found itself on the Canadian twenty dollar bill.