St Patricks Island Park
St. Patrick’s Island Park is one of Calgary’s oldest parks. It was first developed as a public space in the late 1890s. The construction gained momentum when the bridge to the island was established in the early 1900s.
More than a century later, the park was recognized with a National Urban Design Award.
Indeed, it is a treasure at the city’s centre, rich with amenities and outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
The park’s opening after the redevelopment in July 2015 was one of the year’s highlights for Calgarians. Five thousand people visited the park on its opening weekend. Since then, more than twenty thousand people visit the park every year.
The revitalized island features lots of attractions and enhancements. There are fishing coves, naturalized wetlands, playgrounds, and so much more.
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What is there to do at St. Patrick’s Island Park?
The top end of the park juts into the oncoming rushing waters of the Bow River. It provides an incredible vantage point to view the river and downtown Calgary.
The area features the Bloom art installation. It is a 23-metre masterpiece that provides a focal point and soft ambient lighting at night time.
Visitors can wade into the water and venture safely out onto a gravel bar at the Seasonal Breach. Then, go fishing or rafting at The Paddle Station - St. Patrck's Island.
Families can enjoy a fun afternoon at the Playmound or St. Patrick's playground. It is a child-friendly area with playground equipment. There is also a completely accessible and family-oriented spot called Picnic Grove, where you can dine and rest or head over to Trout Beach.
People can wander through the pathways and around the island for recreational activities. The place is ideal for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The park is famous for events throughout the year, with several gathering places designed to host any celebration. Today, the park hosts more than 75 annual events.
The nine-metre high, grassy knoll called The Rise is the most famous spot for community celebrations, performances and movies in the park. During winter, people also go here for some fantastic sledding.
For small gatherings, you can go to Confluence Plaza or Lookout Plaza. These places have shade, seating areas and small amphitheatres. Confluence Plaza, St.Patrick's Island is truly beautiful!
How big is St Patrick’s Island Park?
The park is just a skipping stone away from East Village, across the George C. King Bridge. St. Patrick’s Island offers a beautifully revitalized 31-acre park.
In 2010, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) took a landscape design approach known as “biophilia.” That word encapsulates the human tendency to commune with nature.
Where is St Patrick’s Island Park Located?
The island park lies in the Bow River between the East Village to the south and the community of Bridgeland to the north. St Patrick’s Island Park is located at ​1300 Zoo Road North East. It operates from ​5 a.m. - 11 p.m. You can find parking at the CPA Calgary Zoo - West Lot.