Calgary’s Best Parks for Family Photos: Top 8 Locations
This guide is designed to help out families and photographers select their perfect photography location in Calgary. Choose from one of the following Calgary locations for photos and explore the outdoors with me!
Confederation Park
Located on Capitol Hill, Confederation Park offers all year-round stunning views. The park offers multiple wooden bridges, vast green fields, a mini waterfall, a creek across the entire park, a pond, and a playground. You can do it all with lots of variety. The location has one big hill (by 10th Street parking across Rosemont Center); otherwise, it is easily accessible for everyone. The park looks stunning at all times of the day, even at midday. The tall trees will give you good shade coverage for some fantastic portraits.
2. Pierce Estate Park
A very neat park in the Inglewood area. You will discover cute bridges, a creek with a small waterfall, lots of pathways, the river (Harvey Passage is designed with mini docks for kayak lessons which make unique spots for light and airy shots), and of course, the Harvey Passage lookout spot great for some exceptional standing or sitting shots! It is an excellent mix of urban meets nature scene with a nearby Bow Valley Habitat Center.
3. Prince’s Island Eau Claire
Trendy spot, especially if you are looking for the signature Calgary look. If you are okay with having quite a few people around, you will be fine. But unique spots still come going further down to the River Café. There are many opportunities for breathtaking landscape shots while at the heart of Calgary! There are many unique bridges for photos surrounded by gorgeous, landscaped gardens and trees.
4. Fish Creek (Glenfield)
Fish Creek can be overwhelming since there is so much of it. It is packed with variety but watch out for the bikers! I enjoy the Glenfield entrance. It is relatively quiet, with many options for sitting or standing poses, a chance to have an engine bridge in your photos and a few river shots.
5. Fish Creek (Bow Valley Ranche)
This location has a loop that gives a very secluded woods vibe. It has a creek, a wooden bridge, massive logs for sitting, clean pathways, not too busy or sunny, a forest-style pathway further in and an open field pathway beyond that. It's perfect for exploring with nature enthusiasts, and the trail is not challenging! It does require some walking, so make sure you have your comfy shoes on! I love this location for a good stroll and coffee from Annie's Cafe on the pathway!
6. Bowness Park
A Calgary classic! There is a lot to do there for every family, but the highlight will always be the river! This is a killer spot if you love having photos by the river! There is an opportunity for everyone to shoot there! There is much space, so feel free if there are other photographers! The best times to go would be early morning or late afternoon. And remember to explore Seasons of Bowness Restaurant area, some fantastic water shots with reflections can be added to your photos.
7. Carburn Park
My "hidden" gem! This one is quite underrated! Did you know a deer family resides in its woods? I see them almost every time I am there! This park is relatively quiet; there are two ponds, a creek and the river within its limits, lots of woods to explore and to have your session more private if your client is a bit shy. It looks stunning in the fall with colourful trees, and you can ice skate in winter. I recommend this park for anyone looking for afternoon sessions who is okay with walking up some hills and uncleared pathways.
8. Edworthy Park
Another classic for Calgary! It is perfect for those photos of bridges, rivers and tall laned evergreen trees! It creates an incredible tunnel-like illusion of having the trees beautifully lined up! There are hills with many forest-type landscapes; the train tracks also make up for some amazing shots if you catch the train passing by. But please be aware not to take photos on the tracks as you will be subject to a $10 000 fine. Quite the costly business expense and risk if you ask me. Otherwise, this location is easily accessible for everyone with a car.