Want better dates, quality experiences AND discounts to events, attractions and local businesses right here in YYC? Sign up for our Date Night Insiders Club to receive exclusive deals, promos, 2-for-1s & freebies that you won’t see anywhere else.
Too busy to leave the city for a five-hour hike? Have no fear, there are plenty of underutilized places right here in YYC for you and your date to explore together. With fall and winter currently colliding, we’re unsure of which season will appear tomorrow; however, these parks are beautiful no matter the weather. Explore some of Calgary’s most beautiful natural areas without leaving the city limits.
Wander the Bow River Pathway Without Distractions
Sure, everyone’s walked the Bow River Pathway downtown by the Peace Bridge, but have you ever explored the area southwest of the Crowchild bridge? Here you will often find deserted pathways covered with beautiful leaves and only the sound of rushing water. Occasionally a train will pass by as you explore the multiple pathways leading up to Quarry Road Trail, Douglas Fir hiking trail or Edworthy Park. Perhaps you and your date start here and end your walk near the Sunalta C-Train station. You are now only steps away from Escape 60 Downtown, a fun, immersive experience for you and your date to get to know each other even better.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2zxhKThQbg/
Adventure in Weaselhead Natural Environment Park
Feel as if you’re out exploring nature in the flesh, but within city limits. This natural environment is found just northwest of the Glenmore Reservoir, home to moose, birds, deer, chipmunks and all sorts of wildlife. Head here around dawn or dusk to catch the sunset and maybe one of these critters roaming around, if you’re lucky. Post-adventure, head over to Wildrose Brewery, a mere 8-minute drive away, for a pint and some delicious eats.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Z5WQZA7u-/
Try Something New at Bowness Park
Located right on the Bow River west of downtown, this could arguably be one of the most beautiful parks in the city during the fall months. Hundreds of trees tower over the beautiful green grass, countless picnic tables, outdoor fire pits and playgrounds for you to use at your leisure. This park also boasts a boat launch, skating trail, mini train and canoe rentals from the University of Calgary’s Outdoor Centre. Once you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, head over to McMahon Stadium – only a fifteen-minute drive away – and cheer on your favourite CFL team as the Calgary Stampeders close out the football season with a bang.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Uqqhmnw71/
Explore Prince’s Island Park Together
Perhaps not a hidden gem, but this park never ceases to amaze us. With bountiful trees, riverside seating, pathways to explore, wildlife to observe – the list goes on, and this park is smackdab in the middle of the city! Whether you bring your roller skates in the summer or your ice skates in the winter, there are romantic times to be had under the soft lights and tree canopies of Prince’s Island Park. After your activities, walk a mere eight blocks into downtown to indulge at a true Spanish eatery, Barcelona Tavern.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TDo91o7sx/
You wanna know the best part? All of these outdoor adventures are free! Exploring Calgary’s parks are a great way to get outside and experience nature free-of-charge. We want to help you out even further, so each of the pitstops mentioned in your exploration dates above are part of our Date Night Insiders Club, an exclusive way for you to get discounts at all of Calgary’s hottest attractions and local businesses.
Interested? Sign up here.