Waterfall Valley

A short walk from the hot and dry cliffs above . . . 

• Parking: Street Parking
• Washrooms: None
• Board Walk and Dirt Paths (including some stairs)

Going Beneath the Bedrock  

Today I started on a cliff overlooking the river valley with clear views of the mountains in the west, Canada Olympic Park to the south, and downtown to the east.  The bridges and ponds of Bowmont Park were laid out below me, and I could see the Bow River stretching for miles both up and down stream. Standing alone on that precipice was exhilarating!

. . . to the cool and moist valley floor below.

But everything changed as I descended into "Waterfall Valley". The hot and windy conditions eased into a refreshing cool humidity, and the dry ground became muddy and soft.  The Saskatoon berries above were already starting to wither, while those deep in the coulee were just starting to form at the base of finishing flowers. The neighbourhood sounds of cars driving by and the odd backyard stereo were replaced by buzzing insects, chattering birds, and the gurgling of the spring-fed stream that runs beside the path.  In fact, this is one of only a few walks I've taken in Calgary in which I've heard and seen nothing of the city around me.  Just the sights and sounds of nature.  

Moss and lichen paint the tufa with vibrant colours.

After descending a few stairs, I followed a boardwalk deeper into the valley, at first bordered by lush grasses, then bushes and finally old growth trees.  I heard the springs before I saw them, tucked away in the foliage, and I began to catch glimpses of the little creek peeking out between the undergrowth as it tumbled over the rocks and branches in its path.  I also found pockets of  "tufa", beautiful moss-covered rock formations formed by the calcium carbonate in the spring water.  

The main attraction!

The walk down the board walk was beautiful enough on its own, but at the end of the path I was rewarded with a close-up view of the promised waterfalls.  Tumbling out the steep walls of narrow gorge that opens into the river, they were like a perfect dessert at the end of a satisfying meal.  A great place to relax and gather my strength for my trek back up the valley!

Griffith Woods

• Parking: Street Parking
• Washrooms: None
• Paved and Groomed Dirt Path

The reflection of evergreens in the Elbow River.

Winding Creek  

Today's walk took me along the pathways through Griffith Woods.  Funny, when I moved to Calgary a decade ago, I never expected to find forest.  Prairie, yes, rolling hills, yes, mountains, yes, but the thick groves of trees have been a pleasant surprise, and one that I might have missed altogether if I hadn't made this crazy resolution to find a new walk every day!   


This forest thrives in the Elbow River valley, mostly White Spruce with the odd deciduous tree popping up here and there. The paved and dirt pathways weave throughout the 93 hectares of this Special Protection Natural Environment Park, established just recently in 2000.

  

A mysterious collection of miniature bird houses.

The Elbow River also winds between the trees, and often widens to shallow back waters in which children, dogs, and the occasional adventuresome adult splash around and try their hand at skipping stones.  The water is crystal clear, and the rocks and plants on the river bed glow as if they are just a couple inches below the surface. But while you could easily walk across the water in most place, you'll still spot a few deep pockets which darken from turquoise to almost a navy blue.  

The bridge of stones.

The city is still working on restoring the path system in this park, and I found a variety of bridges crossing the river.  One was a no-nonsense culvert that the city is hoping will handle any future large-scale flooding.  Practical, but less than charming.  The second bridge had more character, with its wood and iron single span arching over the water.  

Patterned ripples flowing between
 the steps of the stone bridge.

But my favourite of all was a series of large flat rocks placed so they were just jutting above the surface.  Much less practical, but so much more fun!  The current was shaped into geometric ripples as it flowed between the stones, and the river burbled and sparkled as it slid past.  

Trees and the sound of flowing water - a little bit of paradise in Calgary's southwest!

Confluence Park

• Parking: Parking Lot on Site
• Washrooms: None
• Paved and Groomed Dirt Path

"Split Rock" - carried and cracked in half by simple water.

Giant Rock   

I almost didn't go this morning - after a sketchy night's sleep it was very tempting to roll over the enjoy the warm comfort of my bed for a couple more hours.  But a commitment is a commitment, so I grumpily hauled myself up and out the door.  It's amazing what magic a bit of fresh air can work!  Once I started walking, I was reluctant to turn around at my half-way point.  Turned out to be a great walk after all!

Nose Creek meanders through the valley.

I started at the parking lot on the east end of the park, following the dirt trail beside the creek.  There is also a paved path at the top of the escarpment, but I like to go as close to the water as possible.  I criss-crossed the creek on several bridges, and followed a boardwalk over a couple low wetland areas.  The morning song of the birds almost out-powered the sound of the traffic, and they were constantly flying from one side to the other of the shallow valley.  I also had a great view of the constant succession of planes taking off from the airport - birds of another kind, I suppose.

Although I very much enjoyed the abundance of plants and animals nurtured by this winding creek, the highlight of the walk was "Split Rock", an erratic carried by the glaciers all the way from Jasper National Park. True to it's name, this granite boulder stands several meters tall, and has been cracked in half by years of freezing and thawing water.  It's presence here is a testament to nature's constant cycle of change.  

The sandstone escarpment above the creek.

Unfortunately, I only made it about a quarter of the way though this fantastic park, so I will certainly be back to explore the west end.  Apparently it's one of the best places to find beaver dams and lodges - definitely motivation for a return visit!

Downtown Parks (Part 2 of 2)

• Parking: Street Parking (metered 9:00-5:00 Monday - Saturday)
• Washrooms: None
• Paved Paths and Sidewalks

An old train trapped in a modern landscape.

                                                                              Pockets of Peace - Part Two  

After exploring both the Lougheed House and Century Park (see my previous post), I continued my walk through downtown Calgary to the last park on my list.  I usually think of the core as a harsh place dominated by asphalt and car fumes, and wasn't looking forward to the nine block trek.  But at a walking pace, it was easy to spot the interesting details of the downtown infrastructure, and the unpleasant noises and smells soon faded away.

One of many artistic touches gracing
the streets of downtown Calgary.

The sidewalks were splashed with colour from hanging baskets, store front flower beds, and planters separating the bike lane from the rest of the traffic.  I found a quirky manhole cover along one of the rougher sections of the sidewalk, and there were sculptures on many street corners, from a working windmill adorned with metal birds to a copper tree growing from a cement crevice.  The most impressive installation, though, was the full-sized antique train engine in front of the CP building on 9th Avenue, standing defiantly between the modern glass towers.  

Formal gardens and statuary.

Finally, I arrived at Central Memorial Park. Built in 1912, Calgary's oldest park was designed as a formal Victorian garden, with symmetrical crushed rock pathways and flower beds and now flanked by two large fountains. It originally served as a cultural hub, a place to promenade on Sunday afternoon, to see and be seen.  Soon after its inception, however, the space took on its second role as a place to honour those lost in war.  The west end of the park is defined by the large cenotaph and an eternal flame that burns in remembrance of our soldiers.  

The eternal flame honouring our veterans.

Central Memorial Park is both an important historical 

landmark and a solemn place of remembrance, but it is also a lively and active element of the community.  People strolling between the flowers, chatting on benches, playing in the fountains.  It is a wonderful combination of our rich history and the vibrant life of today's citizens!

Learn more of the park's history and refurbishment at: 

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/Central-Memorial-Park.aspx

Downtown Parks (Part 1 of 2)

• Parking: Street Parking (metered 9:00-5:00 Monday - Saturday)
• Washrooms: None



The grounds of the Lougheed House are aptly named
Beaulieu Gardens, which means "Beautiful Place".

• Paved Paths and Sidewalks

Pockets of Peace

Downtown Calgary is a loud and busy place, congested by traffic,  hurried pedestrians and the noise of never-ending construction.  But I've often been fascinated by glimpses of flowers, sculptures and water features as I hurry through by car or train, so today I decided to get out of the vehicle and take a look.  I went to the City of Calgary Parks website to plan my route and was shocked to find a list of eighteen official parks in the downtown core, not to mention the countless plazas and courtyards tucked between the office towers.  I had no idea there was so much green space in the concrete and steel center of our city!

East facade of the Lougheed House.

I started at the south edge of downtown at the grounds of the Lougheed House (707 13 Ave SW), a beautiful sandstone mansion built in 1891, and now designated as a national and provincial historic site.  The 2.8 acre grounds are enclosed by an ornate white balustrade and contain a series of themed gardens throughout its tiered lawns.  The building itself is open for tours by costumed interpreters, and houses a restaurant in the back.

Water cascades over brutalist structures . . . 

From there I walked east and north to Century Gardens (826 8 Ave SW), an odd juxtaposition of the classic "lawn and tree park" with a stark concrete water feature designed in the "brutalist" style. Waterfalls cascade over large, aggressive shapes piled high above the people below, symbolising Alberta's rivers and mountains, and finally winding their way along a short creek to rest in a reflecting pool in the center of the park.  Although smaller than a city block, this little enclave is filled with even more surprising details, including a log retaining wall and several sculptures. 

. . . and flows into the central pond of Century Park.

These downtown oases offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown life.  But space is at a premium in the core, so each one is jam-packed with it's own unique features.  

In fact, these tiny parks have so much to offer, I couldn't fit them all into one post.  So stay tuned for one more park, and some of the interesting quirks I discovered while walking between them.

Silver Springs Botanical Garden

The original "Oval Garden".

• Parking: Parking lot on site
• Washrooms: None
• Groomed dirt path

Fair thoughts and happy hours attend you!   

  (a quote from the Merchant of Venice, posted at the entrance)

Today I explored the Silver Springs Botanical Gardens, a narrow stretch of land bordered by two busy roads on one side and a ball diamond on the other (watch for fly balls!). This land was originally the site of the 2002 BP Birthplace Forest, one of nine groves planted by the City of Calgary to honour every baby born from 2001 to 2009.  Then in 2006, neighbourhood volunteers planted the very first garden within this forest, and the project has grown ever since.  

The Labyrinth.

Packed within its 1350 square meters are twelve distinct planted areas, from a rose garden to an edible fruit grove, to a spectacular wall garden that runs for 1300 uninterrupted feet. Each space is unique and beautiful but one of the highlights for me was the Labyrinth, a brick pathway separated by a thick ground cover of tiny purple flowers.  Based on the design in Chartes Cathedral, this winding pathway invites you to step away from your usual busyness and take the time to follow the twists and turns that eventually take you to the center, and then back again.  As I entered into this walking meditation, I enjoyed a quietness and wakefulness that often eludes me in my daily life.

One of the more famous members
of the  "Shakespeare Garden."

Further along the main pathway I found the Shakespeare Garden, filled with the flowers and herbs referenced in the bard's work.  Each plant has its own special place, and is accompanied by an identification tag and a quote.  They've planted everything from the famous rose to violets and onions and even "weeds".

A sculpture standing guard
over the "Shade Garden".

Scattered throughout the gardens are benches, sculptures and messages of welcome which enhance the peacefulness of this space.  Many thanks to the folks who have offered their time and money to plant and nurture this space - it is truly a gift to the citizens of Calgary and a lovely place to spend an afternoon!





More more information, including a schedule of Garden Lectures, visit: http://www.botanicalgardensofsilversprings.ca/history.htm

Nose Hill Park North

The sun cuts the forest in half.

• Parking: On the street
• Washrooms: On the East side of the park
• Dirt path

A Bit of Both  

This evening I returned to the place where I took my first official walk for this blog - Nose Hill Park.  Last summer, I visited the east end of the park, following the top of a ravine, admiring the rolling hills and fescue grasslands.  But it's a huge place, covering 11 square kilometres, and today's walk showed me an entirely different face of this natural reserve.  I started at the north end of the park, and a steep path took me down into a coulee of trembling aspen.  The sun was low in the sky, and cast a sharp shadow almost exactly half way up the tree trunks.  It was as though my feet were taking an evening walk, and my head was enjoying a bright summer afternoon.  

The unending view to the west; just grass, mountains and sky!

As I followed the winding path, the forest sometimes gave way to little meadows and sometimes to the steep slope of the ravine, but was always accompanied by the sound of leaves rustling in the evening breeze.  

The recent rains made perfect little mushrooms.

All good things must come to an end, though, and eventually I found myself up on the plateau of the park.  After the closeness of the trees, the wide-open view up here was like a breath of fresh air.  Rocky Mountains on one side, canola fields on another side, and the city spread to the horizon on another.  Riding above it all was the endless blue Alberta sky, decorated here and there with wispy summer clouds and the odd flock of birds swirling in the distance.  That much sky certainly puts you in your place, and reminds you just how much world there is beyond your own little circle.

Panorama Hills Ridge

Rocks balanced above the path . . . 

• Parking: On the street   
• Washrooms: None
• Rough dirt path, steep climbs 

Rocky Ridge

This morning, I explored the dirt trails that weave up and down the ridge at the western border of the community of Panorama Hills.  On this dry cliffside, I found an entirely different set of plants and animals from the wetlands and riverbanks I have been visiting lately.  I saw the distinctive silhouette of pointy-tipped swallow wings against the blue sky, and startled a covey of a half dozen grouse from the long grass at the top of the ridge.  The steep slope was covered in sturdy foothill scrub, the silvery leaves of the wolf willow intermingled with juniper and Saskatoon berry bushes covered in ripening fruit.  In amongst it all were the beautiful Alberta wildflowers, speckling the landscape with delicate whites, purples, blues and yellows.  

. . .  and rocks that have landed below.

As impressive as all these details were, though, they were overshadowed by the sandstone formations that form the backbone of this ridge.   Massive boulders teetered above my head, their potential threat emphasised by the freshly fallen rocks that littered the path.  Huge slabs of rock, covered by coloruful lichen, thrust up from between the bushes and sections of still buried strata created a natural pavement beneath my feet.  The exposed rock makes this place feel immensely old, and trivialises the houses perched above.

As I walked today, I was reminded that you see what you focus on.  In those stretches with sharp drop at the edge of the path, my gaze was often focused on the ground in front of me, and I noticed the tiny details of the flowers and lichen and pebbles at my feet.  In sections where the trail was more reasonable, I took in the landscape of boulders and scrub brush around me.  And when I had to stop and catch my breath after a steep climb, I enjoyed the expansive view of the the wide valley below and the distant horizon beyond.  There was no way to experience these different focal lengths simultaneously, but it was definitely worth the effort to readjust my own depth of field from micro to macro to see it all!   

Balancing the micro and macro views.

Royal Oak Gazebo Ponds

• Parking: On the street
• Washrooms: North of the parking lot
• Paved path

Hidden Oasis  

I found this gem of a path a few years ago while cycling the paths of Royal Oak.  This community is filled with little ponds tucked away between backyards and parks, and this one is by far my favourite.  

Four ponds connect to form a wide wetland, overlooked by a stone-pillared gazebo.  Most people stop here for a rest in the shade, enjoying the two fountains and the ducks paddling around.  

But if you follow the dirt path between the ponds, you can get up close and personal with the rest of the water fowl and song birds.  Today I was surprised by a beautiful heron that launched from the reeds at the water's edge - first time I've ever seen one!  Amazing!  


But the other birds were just as spectacular, flitting from bush to cat tail and back again, constantly calling to each other.  I especially enjoyed the red-winged blackbirds with their bright wing bands.  As I walked along the path, they flew up and over me, often settling back down where they began.  

Between the water, the birds and the sunny sky, this little path is an oasis of peace and tranquility.  Whatever stresses and distractions you might carry in are washed away, and you emerge free as a bird!

Edworthy Park South

• Parking: Two lots on site     

  
  

  Downtown Calgary under sunny skies.

• Washrooms: North of the parking lot
• Paved path

Unexpected Thunder! 

Every time I float down the Bow River in our little raft, I look forward to rounding the bend to see the dense trees along the steep southern bank at Edworthy Park.  Today, I walked along that hillside, following the Bow River Pathway system between the footbridge and Crowchild Trail.  The path is right down by the water, separated from the fiver only by a set of train tracks.  It seems to be a busy line, and this morning I was treated to a horn blast and friendly wave from the conductor as the train roared past.  It was thrilling to be so close, and I got a great view of the graffiti art on the sides of the cars.

The beautiful mixed forest on the river bank.

The river bank rose steeply from the path for most of the way, but near the east end of my walk the ground levelled out.  Debris from the 2013 flood littered the area.  Fresh boulders have been laid to stabilise the bank in this section and the path has been repaved, but evidence of those powerful waters was all around;  some trees growing horizontally out from bank, barely hanging on the newly carved river's edge, while the trunks of others lay rotting in the underbrush, having been uprooted and washed downstream.

Storm's a-brewin'!

As I walked towards downtown, the tall towers grew slowly larger and more distinct, framed by the river banks on both sides and topped with fluffy white clouds in a blue, blue sky.  I was secretly laughing at the weatherman who had promised thunderstorms, enjoying the warm sunshine of this beautiful summer day.  Laughing, that is, until I turned around to see a bank of dark thunderclouds gathering in the west.  Oops!  After just a few steps, the first rain drops started to fall, and it wasn't long before the winds picked up and the thunder began to roll.  But as quickly as it began, the storm passed and I drove home under sunny skies once again.  Crazy Calgary weather!

Bowness Park

• Parking: Large lot on site              

  

  Reflections along the canal.

• Washrooms: Yes
• Paved and groomed dirt path

Rain Walk  

When faced with a dark, overcast sky, my first instinct is to curl up beside the fire with a good book and cup of tea.  But after experiencing the cool freshness of my recent walk through Bowness Park I have become a rainy day enthusiast! 

Ranging from a mist to a brief downpour, the falling rain transformed my trek along this familiar path into a new adventure.  The park was deserted, and the low clouds seemed to muffle the plants and animals, turning the open spaces into a cozy hide-away.  

Beautiful rocks along the river bank.

As I walked, I was struck by how many things were changed by the rain.  The regular soundscape of children's laughter, bird song and squirrel chatter was quiet, replaced by the steady thrumming of the raindrops on the leaves.  The river, usually sparkling in the sun, was as dull as slate, while the wetness revealed the rich colours of the boulders and pebbles along the bank.  And best of all, the smell of briquettes and cooking BBQ was washed away by that fresh, earthiness of a summer rain.  

Emerging from the dark fir trees.

So next time the forecast promises rain, plan for a walk before you curl up with a book by the fire, and enjoy the best of both indulgences!