Nose Hill Park Calgary is one of the largest natural environment parks in North America located entirely within a city. Sitting high above northwest Calgary, it offers open native prairie, big-sky views, and miles of trails where you can walk, run, bike, or walk your dog and still feel close to nature.
This guide explains how to explore Nose Hill Park Calgary: where it is, how to get there, what to do, and how to make the most of every season.
Where Is Nose Hill Park in Calgary?
Nose Hill Park occupies a large plateau in northwest Calgary, surrounded by residential neighbourhoods such as:
- Brentwood
- Charleswood
- Collingwood
- Dalhousie
- Edgemont
- Huntington Hills
- Beddington
Key facts
- Type: Natural environment park / native prairie
- Size: Over 1,100 hectares (one of Calgary’s largest parks)
- Landscape: Rolling grassland, coulees, aspen groves, glacial erratics, and wide views
Unlike valley parks such as Fish Creek, Nose Hill Park sits on a high hill. From the top trails you can see:
- Downtown Calgary’s skyline
- The Bow River valley
- On clear days, the Rocky Mountains to the west
Why Nose Hill Park Calgary Is Special
Nose Hill Park Calgary is different from many other city parks. Instead of manicured lawns and formal picnic sites, you get a more wild, open landscape.
Native prairie inside the city
Much of Southern Alberta’s original fescue grassland has been replaced by farms and suburbs. Nose Hill Park preserves a piece of this prairie:
- Native grasses and wildflowers
- Shrubby coulees and small aspen stands
- Habitat for birds, deer, and other wildlife
Walking across the hill, you get a sense of what this land looked like before modern development.
Wide open views
Because the park is elevated and relatively treeless, the views are a major attraction:
- Big prairie skies and sunsets
- Downtown Calgary and the Bow River valley far below
- Long sightlines across northwest and northeast communities
It’s a favourite spot for photographers, runners, and anyone who enjoys a feeling of space.
Mix of formal and informal trails
Nose Hill Park Calgary has:
- Gravel multi-use paths that form larger loops
- Smaller dirt trails spreading across the hilltop and down the slopes
- Clearly marked off-leash areas for dogs (with a few on-leash sections and protected zones)
You can choose everything from a short evening walk to a multi-hour wandering route.
Access Points and Parking at Nose Hill Park
There is no single main gate. Instead, multiple neighbourhood entrances ring the park. Popular ones include:
- 14 Street NW & 64 Avenue NW – parking lot and access to central trails
- John Laurie Boulevard NW – several signed parking areas along the south side
- Shaganappi Trail NW – west-side entries and lots
- Smaller access points with street parking in nearby communities
Getting there by transit
You can reach Nose Hill Park Calgary using Calgary Transit:
- Bus routes in Brentwood, Dalhousie, and other nearby neighbourhoods
- CTrain access via Brentwood Station or Dalhousie Station, then a walk or short bus ride to an entrance
Transit routes change over time, so check the latest schedules before you go.
Trails and Routes in Nose Hill Park Calgary
There is no single “official” must-do route, but the park has several common patterns visitors use.
Main gravel loops
Wider gravel paths are easiest to follow and suitable for:
- Walking and jogging
- Casual cycling (hybrid or mountain bikes)
- Families with older kids
These trails often form loops that:
- Start and end at major parking lots
- Offer frequent viewpoints over the city
- Connect to smaller dirt paths if you want to explore further
Natural dirt paths and coulees
Smaller single-track trails lead:
- Along the tops of ridges
- Down into coulees and small ravines
- Through aspen patches and more sheltered spots
These are great if you want:
- A more hiking-style feel
- Slightly more challenge (though still generally moderate)
- Quieter corners away from the main loops
In wet weather, be prepared for mud on these natural trails.
Off-leash dog areas
Nose Hill Park Calgary is famous among dog owners. Large sections of the park are designated off-leash, giving dogs space to run and socialize.
Important points:
- Always obey posted boundaries between off-leash and on-leash zones.
- Keep your dog under control and recall, especially near wildlife or other visitors.
- Pack out waste and use provided bins where available.
Activities at Nose Hill Park Calgary
Walking, running, and hiking
The most popular use of Nose Hill Park Calgary is simply moving through it:
- Short after-work loops
- Weekend long walks with friends or family
- Training runs with hills and open air
Because the park is wide and open, it’s easy to adjust distance based on your energy.
Cycling
Cyclists use:
- Main gravel paths for easy rides
- Some dirt paths for more of a cross-country feel (while respecting pedestrians)
Always:
- Yield to walkers when necessary
- Control your speed on downhills
- Avoid riding on muddy single-track to protect trails
Nature watching and photography
You can often see:
- Deer grazing on slopes
- Hawks or other birds using the updrafts
- Wildflowers in late spring and summer
Photographers love Nose Hill Park Calgary for:
- Big skies and sunset/sunrise colours
- Contrasts between prairie landscape and city skyline
- Snow and frost textures in winter
Simple relaxation
Because the park is so open, it’s ideal for:
- Quiet thinking walks
- Sitting on a bench or rock and watching the light change
- Picnics on a blanket (no formal picnic infrastructure, so pack light and leave no trace)
Seasons at Nose Hill Park Calgary
You can visit Nose Hill year-round, but it changes dramatically by season.
Spring
- Snow melts and trails can be muddy—choose footwear carefully.
- First wildflowers and green grass appear.
- Birds become more active.
Summer
- Long days and warm evenings are perfect for walks and runs.
- The prairie can get hot and exposed—bring sun protection and water.
- Grass can grow tall along smaller trails.
Autumn
- Grasses turn golden and shrubs show fall colours.
- Cooler air makes longer walks more comfortable.
- Sunset times move earlier, making it easy to catch golden hour after work.
Winter
- Snow transforms Nose Hill Park Calgary into a quiet, white landscape.
- Popular for winter walking, running, and informal snowshoeing.
- Wind and windchill can be strong—dress in layers and protect your face and hands.
Some paths become packed by use; traction aids (like microspikes) help on icy days.
Safety and Etiquette in Nose Hill Park
To keep Nose Hill Park Calgary enjoyable for everyone:
- Stay on established trails to protect fragile native vegetation.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, especially deer and nesting birds.
- Respect off-leash boundaries and leash your dog where required.
- Pack out all garbage; there are limited bins in some locations.
- In winter or poor visibility, carry a charged phone and let someone know your route, especially if you’re exploring less-used paths at quieter times.
Quick Overview Table: Nose Hill Park Calgary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural environment park / native prairie |
| Location | Northwest Calgary, surrounded by multiple residential communities |
| Size | 1,100+ hectares |
| Main activities | Walking, running, cycling, dog walking, photography, nature viewing |
| Terrain | Rolling hills, coulees, grassland, some aspen stands |
| Access | Several parking lots & neighbourhood entrances; transit nearby |
| Best seasons | Year-round; summer evenings and fall sunsets are especially popular |
FAQ about Nose Hill Park Calgary
Is there an entrance fee for Nose Hill Park?
No. Nose Hill Park Calgary is a city park with no entrance fee. You can access it freely from any of the public parking lots or neighbourhood paths.
Is Nose Hill Park good for families with children?
Yes, if children are comfortable with natural, unstructured spaces. There are no playgrounds or formal facilities, but older kids often enjoy exploring the trails, watching for deer, and running on the open slopes. For very young children, choose shorter routes from parking lots and bring snacks and water.
Can I ride a bike in Nose Hill Park Calgary?
Yes. Cycling is allowed on many of the gravel and some dirt trails in Nose Hill Park Calgary. Riders should:
- Yield to pedestrians where necessary
- Control speed on hills
- Avoid damaging wet, muddy trails
Always check local signs for any restricted areas.
Are there toilets or water fountains in the park?
Facilities in Nose Hill Park Calgary are limited. Some parking areas may have seasonal or portable washrooms, but you should not rely on finding water or full services inside the park. Bring your own water and plan washroom stops before or after your visit.
Is Nose Hill Park safe to visit alone?
Many people walk or run alone in Nose Hill Park Calgary, especially during daylight. As with any large natural area:
- Stay on established paths
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid wearing headphones too loudly
- Consider visiting busier routes if you’re more comfortable with other people around
In the evening or winter darkness, it’s often better to visit with a friend and carry a light.
Conclusion
Nose Hill Park Calgary is one of the city’s purest expressions of prairie landscape: open grassland, wide skies, and simple dirt trails that let you forget about traffic and buildings for a while—even though they’re just over the rim of the hill.
Whether you’re training for a race, walking your dog, photographing sunsets, or just needing a mental reset, Nose Hill Park offers a wild-feeling escape without leaving Calgary.
