Pedalling Park Potpourri Cycling Tour
2022-08-24 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Pedalling Park Potpourri Cycling Tour

August 24 at 6:00-8:00pm hosted by Rose & Will Ratliffe, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteers
Meet at Votier’s Flats Day Use Area

A potpourri of information about Fish Creek Provincial Park touching on the plants and animals that live in the park, the many ways humans have left their mark over the years, and the ways that Alberta Parks and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society are working to conserve and protect Canada’s largest urban provincial park.
Register through Eventbrite

Growing Up at the Ranch Walking Tour
2022-08-20 10:00 - 11:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Growing up at the Ranch Walking Tour
August 20 at 10:00-11:30am hosted by Dennis Burns, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Ever wonder what it was like growing up on an Alberta ranch? Hear stories from Dennis Burns’ personal history of growing up at the Bow Valley Ranch from 1951 to 1971. Tour starts at the Visitor Centre and ends at Annie’s Cafe.
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre. This tour will be a gentle meander through the Bow Valley Ranch, including stops at the Visitor Centre and the Ranche Restaurant and will wrap up at Annie’s Cafe, where food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Max group size: 15
Distance: 2km total
Register through Eventbrite

Mindfulness Wellness Walk
2022-08-17 18:30 - 20:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Mindfulness in the Park Walking Tour

August 17 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Charis Falardeau, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bankside Picnic Tables

Spending time in nature can support and even improve social, emotional and physical well-being in these busy times. Join us to engage your body and mind as we explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations surrounding us in this beautiful natural landscape. Break up your week and treat yourself to some self-care with like-minded individuals in a friendly, non-judgement atmosphere.

Max group size 20
Distance 3km
Register through Eventbrite
Looking for a slower tour that doesn’t cover quite as much distance? Check out the July 26th Mindfulness in the Park Wheeling Tour – it’s a great opportunity for folks using walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. These ‘wheeling’ tours will stick to flatter paved trails and will enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Alien Invasion Walking Tour
2022-08-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alien Invasion
August 15 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Annette Ng, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
They come from afar… alien plant species invade, threatening the ecosystem. Learn about alien and native plant species in the park during this leisurely, family-friendly walk.
For thirty years, the Friends of Fish Creek have been actively involved in the stewardship of the various habitats found in the Fish Creek Valley. Visit our Invasive Species Management Page webpage to learn more about how invasive species are managed in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and our Native Plants in Fish Creek webpage to discover how we’re nurturing the growth of native plants in the park.
Max group size 20
Distance 4.5km
Register through Eventbrite
Beautiful but invasive leafy spurge, photo courtesy of Alan Lam

History & Nature Minibus Tour
2022-08-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Choose Your Own Adventure History & Nature Minibus Tour

August 11 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Wayne Meikle, Founding Member of the Friends of Fish Creek and Former Alberta Parks Staff
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
You never know what you’re going to get on these minibus tours, as the direction of travel and topics covered are up to the tour participants themselves. Possible topics include ranching history, park history, wildlife, wetlands, plants and even ghosts. Every tour will be unique, so sign up for more than one!
Our open-air, electric minibus is a great way to see more of the park, especially for those with mobility limitations. To discuss how we can meet your accessibility needs, call Katie at 403-238-3841 ext. 6.
Max group size 9
Distance to be determined by participants
Register through Eventbrite
Have guests coming from out of town? Show off your favourite park on a private minibus tour! Our quiet electric minibus is a fun way to see more of the park, and is a thoughtful way to celebrate a loved one’s anniversary, birthday or family reunion. Visit our Park Tours webpage for more info.

Alien Invasion Walking Tour
2022-08-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alien Invasion
August 8 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Annette Ng, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
They come from afar… alien plant species invade, threatening the ecosystem. Learn about alien and native plant species in the park during this leisurely, family-friendly walk.
For thirty years, the Friends of Fish Creek have been actively involved in the stewardship of the various habitats found in the Fish Creek Valley. Visit our Invasive Species Management Page webpage to learn more about how invasive species are managed in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and our Native Plants in Fish Creek webpage to discover how we’re nurturing the growth of native plants in the park.
Max group size 20
Distance 4.5km
Register through Eventbrite
Beautiful but invasive leafy spurge, photo courtesy of Alan Lam

Alien Invasion Walking Tour
2022-08-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alien Invasion
August 2 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Annette Ng, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
They come from afar… alien plant species invade, threatening the ecosystem. Learn about alien and native plant species in the park during this leisurely, family-friendly walk.
For thirty years, the Friends of Fish Creek have been actively involved in the stewardship of the various habitats found in the Fish Creek Valley. Visit our Invasive Species Management Page webpage to learn more about how invasive species are managed in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and our Native Plants in Fish Creek webpage to discover how we’re nurturing the growth of native plants in the park.
Max group size 20
Distance 4.5km
Register through Eventbrite
Beautiful but invasive leafy spurge, photo courtesy of Alan Lam

How the Park has Changed Over the Years Walking Tour
2022-07-28 10:00 - 12:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
The Friends of Fish Creek are proud to offer a FREE Historical Walking Tour as part of Chinook Historical Society’s Historic Calgary Week 2022.
July 28, 2022 at 10:00am-12:00pm
Meet at Votier’s Flats day use area, south end of Elbow Drive SW
Hosted by Wayne Meikle, Friends of Fish Creek Founding Member and Former Park Staff
This is a drop-in tour; no advance registration.
This walk though Fish Creek Provincial Park will discuss the park’s history along with the history of South Calgary as it grew after the park was created in 1973. Learn about roadways, water management, growth issues and how the city and the park had to adapt to growth within Calgary. Wayne will share some behind–the–scenes details/deals that happened during the expansion of the city.
Optionally, bring your own coffee at 9:30 for a pre-tour coffee chat (BYO Coffee) and/or bring your own packed lunch and chair and stick around for a picnic lunch.
See 2022 Historic Calgary Week Events

Mindfulness Wellness Wheeling Tour
2022-07-26 10:00 - 11:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Mindfulness in the Park Wheeling Tour

July 26 at 10:00-11:00am hosted by Charis Falardeau, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bankside Picnic Tables

Spending time in nature can support and even improve social, emotional and physical well-being in these busy times. Join us to engage your body and mind as we explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations surrounding us in this beautiful natural landscape. Break up your week and treat yourself to some self-care with like-minded individuals in a friendly, non-judgement atmosphere.

Wheeling Tours are a great opportunity for those with limited mobility to get out, learn and be active within one’s limits. Terrain is paved and distance is determined by the group, with a short distance covered over one hour. Accessible washrooms and parking stalls on-site.
Max group size 10 + support people
Distance 1km
Register through Eventbrite

Alien Invasion Walking Tour
2022-07-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alien Invasion
July 25 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Annette Ng, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
They come from afar… alien plant species invade, threatening the ecosystem. Learn about alien and native plant species in the park during this leisurely, family-friendly walk.
For thirty years, the Friends of Fish Creek have been actively involved in the stewardship of the various habitats found in the Fish Creek Valley. Visit our Invasive Species Management Page webpage to learn more about how invasive species are managed in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and our Native Plants in Fish Creek webpage to discover how we’re nurturing the growth of native plants in the park.
Max group size 20
Distance 4.5km
Register through Eventbrite
Beautiful but invasive leafy spurge, photo courtesy of Alan Lam

History & Nature Minibus Tour
2022-07-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Choose Your Own Adventure History & Nature Minibus Tour

July 21 at 9:30-11:30am hosted by Wayne Meikle, Founding Member of the Friends of Fish Creek and Former Alberta Parks Staff
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
You never know what you’re going to get on these minibus tours, as the direction of travel and topics covered are up to the tour participants themselves. Possible topics include ranching history, park history, wildlife, wetlands, plants and even ghosts. Every tour will be unique, so sign up for more than one!
Our open-air, electric minibus is a great way to see more of the park, especially for those with mobility limitations. To discuss how we can meet your accessibility needs, call Katie at 403-238-3841 ext. 6.
Max group size 9
Distance to be determined by participants
Register through Eventbrite
Have guests coming from out of town? Show off your favourite park on a private minibus tour! Our quiet electric minibus is a fun way to see more of the park, and is a thoughtful way to celebrate a loved one’s anniversary, birthday or family reunion. Visit our Park Tours webpage for more info.

Growing Up at the Ranch Walking Tour
2022-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Growing up at the Ranch Walking Tour
July 20 at 10:00am-12:00pm hosted by Dennis Burns, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre
Ever wonder what it was like growing up on an Alberta ranch? Hear stories from Dennis Burns’ personal history of growing up at the Bow Valley Ranch from 1951 to 1971. Tour starts at the Visitor Centre and ends at Annie’s Cafe.
Max group size: 10 plus support people
Distance: 2-4km to be determined by group
Register through Eventbrite

Birds on Wheels Minibus Tour
2022-07-20 09:30 - 11:30, 2022-07-13 09:30 - 11:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Birds on Wheels Minibus Tour

July 20 at 9:30-11:30am hosted by Peter Hoyer, Friends of Fish Creek Birding Course Instructor
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
A taste of summer birding without the summer heat! Join us as our electric minibus takes us to a variety of habitats within the park. Where we go and what we see will depend on where the birds are that day. BYOB (bring your own binoculars) as loaners are limited.
Max group size 9
Distance covered to be determined by participants
Register through Eventbrite
Mother mallard with her young, photo courtesy of Anne Belton

Pedalling Park Potpourri Wheeling Tour
2022-07-19 18:30 - 19:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Pedalling Park Potpourri Wheeling Tour

July 19 at 6:30-7:30pm hosted by Rose & Will Ratliffe, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteers
Meet at Votier’s Flats Day Use Area

A potpourri of information about Fish Creek Provincial Park touching on the plants and animals that live in the park, the many ways humans have left their mark over the years, and the ways that Alberta Parks and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society are working to conserve and protect Canada’s largest urban provincial park.
This shorter version of the Pedalling Park Potpourri tour will avoid big hills and stick to paved trails. Suitable for families with kids on strider bikes, adaptive bikes, scooters, motorized wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Distance to be determined by group’s abilities
Max group size: 8 + support people
Questions? Call Katie at 403-238-3841 ext. 6
Register through Eventbrite

Mindfulness Wellness Walk
2022-07-19 06:30 - 08:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Mindfulness in the Park Walking Tour

July 19 at 6:30-8:30am hosted by Charis Falardeau, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bankside Picnic Tables

Spending time in nature can support and even improve social, emotional and physical well-being in these busy times. Join us to engage your body and mind as we explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations surrounding us in this beautiful natural landscape. Break up your week and treat yourself to some self-care with like-minded individuals in a friendly, non-judgement atmosphere.

Max group size 20
Distance 3km
Register through Eventbrite
Looking for a slower tour that doesn’t cover quite as much distance? Check out the July 26th Mindfulness in the Park Wheeling Tour – it’s a great opportunity for folks using walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. These ‘wheeling’ tours will stick to flatter paved trails and will enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Creekfest - Get to Know Nature!
2022-07-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5E8
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Bow Valley Ranch, Fish Creek Provincial Park
Free and Fun for the Whole Family!
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Friends’ Creekfest event as we combine this free summer time festival with the new Get to Know Nature program. Come and spend the day in the park, and take in the following opportunities:

Discover what the Friends of Fish Creek are doing to protect the park
Be creative, build, experiment and play at the Kids’ Adventure Play Space hosted by Get Outside and Play and provided by Shawnee Evergreen Community Association
Learn about the birds, fish, beavers and other wildlife that live in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Say hi to the stuffed bison in the Visitor Centre, and check out the gallery while you’re there
Enjoy a cold drink while you enjoy the event and activities
Take in a free walking tour with Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer Dennis Burns who grew up in what is now the Ranche Restaurant (1:15-2:00pm)
Immerse yourself in nature at the sensory station
Safely view the amazing solar activity of the sun through a telescope
Tap into your creative side at our nature sketching and colouring station
Find out how you can avoid problem encounters with wildlife at the Wildsmart station
Get your Conservation Passport stamped at each station, and enter for a draw to win Sikome Aquatic Facility passes and a Smore’s kit!

Join us at Creekest to learn how you can be a good steward of the land and water from a wide variety of community organizations such as the Shawnee-Evergreen Community Association, Fish Creek Watershed Association, Elbow River Watershed Partnership, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society, Bettina Sieger – Artist, Youth Central, Jim Pescott, Artist, Alberta Invasive Species Council, Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, Calgary River Valleys, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Prservation Society, Alberta Environment and Parks, Decathlon Calgary, Alberta Community Bat Program, Friends of Kananaskis Country, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, Bow Habitat Station, Get Outside and Play, and more!
Featuring Special Guest Bud Edgar, Joker & Trick Roper.
Bud shares a long history with Fish Creek and the Bow Valley Ranch as his father worked as Head Herdsman when this area was part of Pat Burns’ ranch. http://comedycowboy.blogspot.com/

This page will be updated as planning proceeds. Stay tuned for more information!
Like Creekfest
This year’s Creekfest event is part of our series of FREE, monthly Get to Know Nature events.
View 2022 Dates and Themes
Register to Attend
Thank you to our 2022 Creekfest Supporters:

Thank you to Creekfest Partners:

History & Nature Minibus Tour
2022-07-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Choose Your Own Adventure History & Nature Minibus Tour

July 14 at 7:00-9:00pm hosted by Wayne Meikle, Founding Member of the Friends of Fish Creek and Former Alberta Parks Staff
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
You never know what you’re going to get on these minibus tours, as the direction of travel and topics covered are up to the tour participants themselves. Possible topics include ranching history, park history, wildlife, wetlands, plants and even ghosts. Every tour will be unique, so sign up for more than one!
Our open-air, electric minibus is a great way to see more of the park, especially for those with mobility limitations. To discuss how we can meet your accessibility needs, call Katie at 403-238-3841 ext. 6.
Max group size 9
Distance to be determined by participants
Register through Eventbrite
Have guests coming from out of town? Show off your favourite park on a private minibus tour! Our quiet electric minibus is a fun way to see more of the park, and is a thoughtful way to celebrate a loved one’s anniversary, birthday or family reunion. Visit our Park Tours webpage for more info.

Mindfulness Wellness Walk
2022-07-13 19:00 - 21:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Mindfulness in the Park Walking Tour

July 13 at 7:00-9:00pm hosted by Charis Falardeau, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bankside Picnic Tables

Spending time in nature can support and even improve social, emotional and physical well-being in these busy times. Join us to engage your body and mind as we explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations surrounding us in this beautiful natural landscape. Break up your week and treat yourself to some self-care with like-minded individuals in a friendly, non-judgement atmosphere.

Max group size 20
Distance 3km
Register through Eventbrite
Looking for a slower tour that doesn’t cover quite as much distance? Check out the July 26th Mindfulness in the Park Wheeling Tour – it’s a great opportunity for folks using walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. These ‘wheeling’ tours will stick to flatter paved trails and will enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Growing Up at the Ranch Walking Tour
2022-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Growing up at the Ranch Walking Tour
July 13 at 10:00am-12:00pm hosted by Dennis Burns, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre
Ever wonder what it was like growing up on an Alberta ranch? Hear stories from Dennis Burns’ personal history of growing up at the Bow Valley Ranch from 1951 to 1971. Tour starts at the Visitor Centre and ends at Annie’s Cafe.
Max group size: 10 plus support people
Distance: 2-4km to be determined by group
Register through Eventbrite

Alien Invasion Walking Tour
2022-07-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alien Invasion
July 11 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Annette Ng, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
They come from afar… alien plant species invade, threatening the ecosystem. Learn about alien and native plant species in the park during this leisurely, family-friendly walk.
For thirty years, the Friends of Fish Creek have been actively involved in the stewardship of the various habitats found in the Fish Creek Valley. Visit our Invasive Species Management Page webpage to learn more about how invasive species are managed in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and our Native Plants in Fish Creek webpage to discover how we’re nurturing the growth of native plants in the park.
Max group size 20
Distance 4.5km
Register through Eventbrite
Beautiful but invasive leafy spurge, photo courtesy of Alan Lam

Growing up at the Ranch Minibus Tour
2022-07-11 13:00 - 14:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Growing up at the Ranch Minibus Tour
July 11 at 1:00-2:00pm hosted by Dennis Burns, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at the Bow Valley Ranch. The minibus will be parked by the red barn at the west end of the public parking area.
Ever wonder what it was like growing up on an Alberta ranch? Hear stories from Dennis Burns’ personal history of growing up at the Bow Valley Ranch from 1951 to 1971.
Minibus Tours are a great opportunity for those with limited mobility to get out, learn and enjoy the park without having to walk very far. Accessible washrooms and parking stalls on-site.
Max group size: 8
Questions? Call Katie at 403-354-6715.
Register through Eventbrite

Mindfulness Wellness Walk *ON SALE*
2022-07-06 18:30 - 20:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Mindfulness in the Park Walking Tour

July 6 at 6:30-8:30pm hosted by Charis Falardeau, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer
Meet at Bankside Picnic Tables

Spending time in nature can support and even improve social, emotional and physical well-being in these busy times. Join us to engage your body and mind as we explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations surrounding us in this beautiful natural landscape. Break up your week and treat yourself to some self-care with like-minded individuals in a friendly, non-judgement atmosphere.

Max group size 20
Distance 3km
Register through Eventbrite
Last-Minute Deal: In Eventbrite, use promo code JustBe22 for 20% off the July 6th Mindfulness in the Park Walking Tour
Looking for a slower tour that doesn’t cover quite as much distance? Check out the July 26th Mindfulness in the Park Wheeling Tour – it’s a great opportunity for folks using walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. These ‘wheeling’ tours will stick to flatter paved trails and will enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Birds on Wheels Minibus Tour *ON SALE*
2022-07-06 09:30 - 11:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Birds on Wheels Minibus Tour

July 6 at 9:30-11:30am hosted by Peter Hoyer, Friends of Fish Creek Birding Instructor
Meet at Bow Valley Ranch
A taste of summer birding without the summer heat! Join us as our open-air, electric minibus takes us to a variety of habitats within the park. Where we go and what we see will depend on where the birds are that day. BYOB (bring your own binoculars) as loaners are limited.
Max group size 9
Distance covered to be determined by participants
Register through Eventbrite
Last-Minute Deal: In Eventbrite, use promo code Owlet2022 for 20% off the July 6th Birds on Wheels Minibus Tour

Mother mallard with her young, photo courtesy of Anne Belton

Pedalling Park Potpourri Cycling Tour
2022-07-05 19:00 - 21:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Pedalling Park Potpourri Cycling Tour

July 5 at 7:00-9:00pm hosted by Rose & Will Ratliffe, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteers *CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION*
Meet at Votier’s Flats Day Use Area

A potpourri of information about Fish Creek Provincial Park touching on the plants and animals that live in the park, the many ways humans have left their mark over the years, and the ways that Alberta Parks and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society are working to conserve and protect Canada’s largest urban provincial park.
Max group size 12
Distance 8-10km
We ask that all riders please follow these cycling etiquette recommendations:

wear a properly fitting helmet
ride single file on the right-hand side, and stay behind the Guide (leading) and the Tour Assistant (bringing up the rear). Efforts will be made to stick to paved and/or official shale/granular pathways. Tour will not be traveling on unofficial “desire” trails.
use bells when approaching other pathways users
move off pathway when stopped
speed will be dependent on ability of the group
when the group is turning at a trail intersection, one rider will stop at the intersection to ensure all members of the group make the correct turn
stay wide on corners (rather than cutting corners) to leave space for riders coming from the opposite direction

Register through Eventbrite
Looking for a slower tour that doesn’t cover quite as much distance? Check out the July 19th Pedalling Park Pot Pourrit Wheeling Tour – it’s a great opportunity for families with kids on strider/balance bikes, adaptive bikes, motorized wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. These ‘wheeling’ tours will stick to flatter paved trails and will enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Get to Know Nature FREE Event
2022-06-25 10:00 - 13:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Get to Know Plants & Pollinators

Join us at Fish Creek – Canada’s largest urban provincial park – where your family or group can enjoy a wide variety of interactive, guided and self-directed activities based around the theme of Plants & Pollinators. Here are some examples of the kinds of activities that will be on offer this month:

listen to a story by the campfire (weather dependent)
enjoy a short, guided historical walking tour
birding and other outdoor activities
learn about pollinators – birds, bees and other insects
find out why native plants are so important to the ecosystem
develop your plant identification skills
take in a guided sensory experience
try your hand at nature sketching and colouring for all ages
meet Wildsmart Ambassadors to learn how to coexist with wildlife
discover how you can protect the park when you visit
and much more!

Events are monthly, from February to November, 2022. Dates, times and locations vary throughout the year.
*NOTE: Event details are subject to change due to weather, facility access or other unforeseen circumstances, so please check this website to confirm event location and time before attending. Drop-ins welcome, registration not required, but helpful for planning.
View 2022 Dates and Themes
Register to Attend
A big thank you to long-time Friends of Fish Creek supporters, the Harry & Martha Cohen Foundation, for funding our 2022 Get to Know Nature events so these experiences can be offered at no charge to the public!

Thank you to all who supported our efforts to facilitate family nature experiences on GivingTuesday! Together we raised over $2,800 to support Get to Know Nature events – All Welcome! Show your support for connecting children and families with nature by donating online or by visiting the Friends of Fish Creek office in the Bow Valley Ranch. Proceeds support the purchase of equipment and resources to be used at these events and also covers staff time to coordinate volunteers and partners to bring these events to life. With your support, we can remove barriers so more families can get connected outdoors!

June Speaker Series - Community Pitch Night
2022-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, via Zoom, Canada
Community Pitch Night
Thursday, June 16, 2022 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Zoom

Facilitated by Friends of Fish Creek Volunteers, Staff and Community Members
Pictured above is a small team of volunteers who came together because a long-standing community member and volunteer, Joe Gerritsen, proposed the rejuvenation of signage along the Single Track Trail. Not only did Joe propose the idea, he backed the idea up with his time, energy and dedication. He mapped the signs that needed replacement or removal, and led a crew of volunteers, including our new Stewardship Truck, in the field to bring the project to fruition. Over several outings, the team successfully finished the work, a project that never would have been completed if it hadn’t been brought forward by a community member.
Inspired by Joe’s and other community members’ willingness to step forward over the years, in the spring of 2022, we invited community members to submit their ideas for special project that either:

repair/improve existing park infrastructure,
improve current Friends of Fish Creek programming, or
reclaim/restore a natural area within the park.

Thank you to all who submitted ideas! After careful consideration of all proposed projects and discussions with partnering agencies, we decided to move ahead with Will Ratliffe’s proposal to pilot a method of removing human-made debris from one of the many City of Calgary stormwater ponds situated in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Stormwater from city streets often contains innumerable small pieces of plastic and other materials. When the stormwater lands in a settling pond, the buoyant debris floats to the surface and eventually makes its way to the edges of the pond. If not removed, these pieces of plastic would eventually make their way to Hudson Bay, ultimately ending up in the world’s oceans causing problems for seabirds, fish and marine mammals who may ingest or become entangled in it. On June 16, 2022, we hosted a Community Pitch Night where we invited online audience members to hear about the chosen project.
Thanks to the City of Calgary for supporting the project! Friends of Fish Creek staff are working with Will and his co-conspirators to get the project off the ground in late summer/early fall 2022. An article detailing the findings of the pilot project will be included in the Winter 2023 edition of the Voice of the Friends newsletter. We look forward to sharing with you what we learn!
Photo courtesy of Ward Sanderson

Get to Know Rocks & Fossils - FREE!
2022-05-28 13:00 - 16:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Get to Know Rocks & Fossils!
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2022
Location: Bow Valley Ranch, Fish Creek Provincial Park
Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Join us for an afternoon in the park where your family or cohort can enjoy a wide variety of interactive, guided and self-directed activities on a variety of themes from plants to pollinators, and from birds to beavers. Example winter activities:

warm up by the campfire and listen to a story,
learn about rock dams,
try out birding and other outdoor activities,
explore rocks and fossils,
learn about birds that live here year-round,
discover evidence of past volcanic activity,
look for geological features in the park,
find out how you can protect the park when you visit,
and much more!

Events will happen monthly, from February to November, 2022. Event themes, dates, times and locations will vary throughout the year. *Event details are subject to change due to weather, facility access or other unforeseen circumstances, so please check back to confirm event location before attending.
View 2022 Dates and Themes
A big thank you to long-time Friends of Fish Creek supporters, the Harry & Martha Cohen Foundation, for funding our 2022 Get to Know Nature events so these experiences can be offered at no charge to the public!

Sincere thanks to all who supported Family Nature Experiences on GivingTuesday! Together we raised over $2,800. Show your support for connecting children and families with nature by donating online or by visiting the Friends of Fish Creek office in the Bow Valley Ranch. Proceeds support the purchase of equipment and resources to be used at these events and also covers staff time to coordinate volunteers and partners to bring these events to life. With your support, we can remove barriers so more families can get connected outdoors!

Pick Up the Park
2022-05-14 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Pick Up the Park – Fish Creek Provincial Park
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Have you found a spot in Fish Creek that is in need of a litter clean up? Do you know of a group that might be interested in taking part in helping to pick up litter in the park?
With your family or a small group, come help clean up the Park to kick off the Summer! While Covid-19 has presented us all with many challenges and changes, this will be a wonderful way to get active, build community, and spend quality time outdoors with a small group of friends, family, or co-workers.
The Friends of Fish Creek invite you to give back to Fish Creek Provincial Park this spring by helping at Pick Up the Park. Over the past two years, the Friends have successfully coordinated three park-wide clean ups, and we are excited to hold the third annual Pick Up the Park event on May 14, 2022. Help clean up litter that may have accumulated over the winter and spring in the areas of Glennfield, Hull’s Wood, Bebo Grove, Bankside, Burnsmead, Bow Valley Ranch, Marshall Springs and Sikome. Please bring water and hand sanitizer, wear closed-toe footwear, and dress for the weather.
The Friends will provide bags and disposable gloves, and offer curb-side pick up of your clean up kit on Friday, May 13 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Cookhouse, Bow Valley Ranch.
Register through Eventbrite here Pick Up the Park – Fish Creek Provincial Park
We would love to see some selfies of you after all your hard work! Please use the tags #friendsoffishcreek and #fishcreekpark when sharing your clean up selfies on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

May Speaker Series - Upper Fish Creek's State of the Watershed
2022-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Our Upstream Neighbours: Upper Fish Creek’s State of the Watershed
Thursday, May 12, 2022 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Zoom
*rescheduled from April 21*

Facilitated by David Swann, President of the Fish Creek Watershed Association
With a population of about 2,600 people, the upper Fish Creek watershed hosts a multitude of land uses from forestry and high impact recreation activity to country-residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial activities. These headwaters are also an important supply of water to the Tsuut’ina Nation, Calgary and communities to the east. The FCWA was officially registered in Alberta in late 2020 and retained Palliser Environmental Services Ltd. to assist in assessing the state of the watershed.
Join us online to discover the newly-formed Fish Creek Watershed Association and hear highlights from the Upper Fish Creek find out what has been learned from studies of the upper Fish/Priddis Creek watershed by a number of research organizations. Key challenges and opportunities include loss of fishery, rapid spring runoff and low flows in the fall, logging in the McLean Creek area and moderate riparian loss.
David Swann, retired physician and MLA , joined his fellow Foothills County residents to initiate the Association in response to perceived declines in the quantity and quality of water in upper Fish Creek.
Fish Creek Speaker Series are FREE for Friends of Fish Creek Members, $10 for non-members, free for youth 16 years of age and younger with a registered adult. Each ticket allows one device to tune in to the presentation. Donations welcome! All proceeds support education and stewardship in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Register through Eventbrite

Click here to learn about supporting the Fish Creek Speaker Series by becoming a Donor, Sponsor or Volunteer.
