Fall is here with chilly temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes and beautiful foliage. It’s my favourite time of the year. Here are four best parks in Calgary to enjoy the colours and views of fall. 
1. St. Patrick’s Island Park
One of the newer parks in the city, it offers a great space to walk, enjoy the nature inspired playground and take in the views of Calgary downtown and the Bow river from the top of the “Hill”.
There is construction happening on the west side of the Zoo and the Zoo Road access off Memorial Drive is closed, but you can still access St. Patrick’s Island by going in from Inglewood and crossing the 12 St SE bridge over Bow river. Go left after the bridge and there is paid parking available after the construction.
There is something for everyone at this park. My kids enjoy the playground and I love the view from the top of the hill right after the park. You can also grab coffee from Phil and Sebastian in East Village just across the bridge in the Simmons building and enjoy the fall colours over the city while your kids roll down the hill like mine love to do. If you stay longer, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery in the Simmons building has amazing wraps and Village Icecream is a few blocks away!
2. Confederation Park
This beautiful park in the NW of the city is a great location for a fall photo shoot. The huge trees, lots of interesting natural settings like bridges and ponds and many private spaces make for amazing pictures.
Park at the Rosemont Community Centre (2807 10th Street N.W.) and take the path down. You can go left through the tunnel (great photo ops) to the other side of the park or keep going straight taking in the wide lovely setting of this park.
3. Fish Creek Park
Located in the south of the city, Fish Creek Park provides year-around opportunities to enjoy nature and is equally beautiful in the fall. Park close to Bow Valley Ranch restaurant (15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE) and there are many options to enjoy this space: Pose by the beautiful red barn, explore the banks of the Bow River by crossing the tiny bridge or take in one of the many trails either on foot or bike.
Bow Valley Ranch is great to celebrate an occasion by enjoying a meal on its beautiful patio or just take in the amazing building. We always finish a trip to Fish Creek Park with ice cream at Annie’s Cafe a few steps away. Adding history and charm to the park, Annie’s Cafe also has pretty amazing ice cream (and tea/coffee for the chillier days).
4. North Glenmore Park
My favourite park in Calgary, hands down! The fall colours in North Glenmore park are simply breath taking. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the many picnic sites (book it via the city if you’re a big party). Walk or bike through the park, take in the views of the Glenmore Reservoir or simply walk over the leaves enjoying the rustling sound track of nature.
The areas around the play grounds are always more busy. If you park at Lot A, you can enjoy the park or rent a boat at the Calgary Canoe Club to take in the fall colours from the water. Parking at the other side of the park (access via 37 st SW) you can walk through the Weaselhead Park. This is a longer walk, with many uphill and downhill areas on the track (all paved) and you get the amazing experience of being in a forest a few minutes away from the city.
Have you been to any of these parks? How do you enjoy fall in your part of the world?