Edgemont Coulee

The inhabitants of Rabbit Rise.

• Washrooms: None   
• Paved Path
• Parking: Street Parking

A Surprise at Rabbit Rise!   

This morning I started my walk at the south end of Edgemont Coulee.  It was tempting to explore the west side of the ravine which has been left in its natural state, but it was very muddy and thick with mosquitos after all this rain, so I made my way through the park on the east side.  The word "undulating" immediately came to mind.  The path meandered back and forth, rising and falling with the contour of the ravine bottom.  The gentle slopes on either side folded into themselves, forming little hills and valleys.  Plant stalks were bending in the breeze, and worms slowly zigzagged across the asphalt.  Everywhere I looked there were soft curves and graceful lines.

Gentle slopes and soft curves.

Around every bend was a little surprise: a swath of purple flowers on the hillside, a gnarled tree trunk covered in moss, a gazebo or picnic table tucked away in the foliage - and rabbits!  In 1999 Isabel Cole donated a series of three bronze rabbits (created by Garry Williams) as "a gift to the people of Edgemont for the enjoyment of all who come here."  Larger than life, each one has its own name and distinctive "rabbity" pose, a fitting tribute to their many, many real-life counterparts that run rampant through Calgary's northwest.

One of many places to sit and enjoy the morning.

Statues aside, the coulee is full of life.  The plants are already preparing for the change of seasons, as the early summer flowers begin to give way to developing seeds.  The trees are full of birds, and there are signs warning of recent moose sightings.  And did I mention the very healthy mosquito population?  All signs of a healthy, vibrant park tucked away in the heart of Edgemont!

Baker Park

Morning sunlight filtering through the leaves.

• Washrooms: Just west of the parking lot
• Paved Path
• Parking: Parking lot on site

The Quiet Sister
The colours in the park were just amazing this morning!  The dew-coated grass shimmered in the sunshine and the leaves glowed, backlit by a deep blue sky.  The river couldn't decide whether to be green or blue or silver, and the flowers more than filled in the rest of the spectrum.  It was as if nature amped up the saturation level on her canvas today!

The amphitheatre gardens.

I often think of Baker Park as the quieter, more dignified sister to Bowness Park across the river.  While Bowness is overflowing with splashing paddle boats, boisterous family BBQ's and playgrounds, Baker offers tree-lined walking paths, flower gardens and a beautiful disc-golf course.  The pathways criss-cross the park, leading you either inland through gazebos and archways or along the river, with peak-a-boo glimpses of the water that you can hear flowing just a stone's throw away.  

Playful bears.

All paths, however, lead to the central Bowl, a grassy amphitheatre bordered by luscious flowerbeds and opening onto the water's edge.  At the East and West entrances to the area you'll find a pair bear cub sculptures, playfully wresting on their stone pedestals.  It's popular venue for summer weddings, and you can spot freshly minted newly-weds almost every Saturday.

The hidden beach at the west end of the park.

As part of the Bow River Pathway system, and now a link in the new Trans Canada Trail, the path can be a busy place.  You might be tempted to turn around at the west end of the park, faced with boat launch and pump station.  But if you walk just a little farther, you'll find a quiet little backwater in the river, complete with a miniature beach and lagoon.  Take off your shoes, enjoy the water and soak up some of this glorious, but short, Alberta summer!

Votier's Flats (Fish Creek)

Splashing through the puddles!

• Washrooms: Just west of the parking lot
• Paved and gravel paths
• Parking: Parking lot on site

The Sun Can't Shine Everyday!  

This has been one of the wettest July's on record and this morning's walk captured the essence of the perfect rainy day.   Rain drops left dimples in the puddles and pitter-pattered through the leaves.  There was no wind at all, and the air was heavy with the steadily falling water, muting the view with a silvery veil.  And what a view it was!  The plants have grown lush with the heat and moisture from our almost daily thundershowers, and the ponds, creeks and river are all full.  

The view from the Perfect Picnic Spot.

I began walking west from the parking lot, and immediately came across the ideal picnic spot, perched on the bank of a bend in the Elbow River, overlooking a tributary, some rapids and of course the scenic river valley.  But seeing as it was raining and I had already finished my breakfast, I bypassed the picnic table and followed the path beside, and then over, the river.  At first I wandered through Votier's Flats, a wooded flood plain dotted with flowery meadows.  Just on the other side of the bridge, though, the north river bank suddenly rose up at an area known as Raven Rock.  The steep rocky cliffs were impressive, although the birds themselves were no where to be found.

The meadows of Votier's Flats.

In fact, all of the creatures were quiet this morning and I assumed everything was hunkered down, waiting out the rain.  Near the end of my walk, though, I did catch some movement out of the corner of my eye, and was surprised to find a deer walking beside me through the bush.  Just me and my new friend, taking a stroll through the forest on this rainy morning - how delightful!

Shouldice Park

• Parking: Parking Lot on Site
• Washrooms: They're there, but I couldn't find them!
• Paved and Dirt Paths

Caught between bridges  

The open lawns and old poplars in the north end of the park.

Mostly known as a athletic hub, Shouldice Park houses soccer fields, baseball diamonds, batting cages, and tennis courts, as well as the Shouldice Aquatic Center.  But at the bend of the river at the north end of the park, there is a wide open lawn between beautiful mature poplars.  It's a busy place on weekends, packed with family BBQ's and folks walking or cycling along the pathway system that cuts through the park, but early on this weekday morning, it was just me and the magpies.  It's easy to see why it's so popular with families - lots of space to run and play, picnic tables, fire pits and lots of river access, although the current is quite strong here.  It's one of the few places on the Bow River that the water forms white caps as it tumbles over shallow rapids.  

The work of a beaver.

Unfortunately, this beautiful space is located between three busy bridges, so there's a lot of traffic noise.  But all that changed when the formal park came to an end at Memorial Bridge.  At that point, I had to turn either left to follow the paved Bow Valley Pathway, or branch right onto a dirt trail.  I went right of course - dirt is always more fun than asphalt!  It was a great choice. After just a few minutes of walking, the traffic noise was replaced by bird song and the sound of the river.  And then another sound - I came across a lady sitting beside the path, playing her flute for her two lap dogs.  What a charming surprise!

A gentle pebble beach belies the rapid current of the Bow River.

In this short walk, I had the chance to experience both a structured urban park and the chaotic abundance of the native river bank.  While I very much appreciate the spaces set aside and groomed by the city, I realised that I much prefer the wildness of the natural landscape.  Just as long as there is a well marked path and a cup of coffee close by - everything in moderation of course.  I am an "urban walker" after all!

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!