Waterfall Valley – Bowmont Park
Trail Length: 1 km / approx 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 50m
Age Appropriate: 2+

The Calgary system of pathways and trails go from urban commuting routes, to trails where you can totally get lost in wilderness. The Douglas Fir Trail in Edworthy Park is one of my favourites. It’s staircases among ancient fir trees will transport your mind to the mountains in an instant when, in reality, you’re about 5k from the heart of Calgary.

Bowmont Park, is very similar. There are dozens of trails to wander and explore riding the high ridge below the community of Silver Springs and overlooking the communities of Bowness and Montgomery. One of the trails in the park is for Waterfall Valley.

Park in the centre of the park, just off Silver Springs Blvd near the Silver Springs Arena. Follow the wooden trail down the centre of the valley to find yourself on the banks of the Bow River with tufa waterfalls surrounding. Tufa are underground springs that make their way to the surface. The Big Hill Springs Provincial Park just west of the city is another great trail kids will love.

We went geocaching along the path, had lunch at a lookout and threw rocks in the river while waving to kayakers cruising the current.

If you want to get lost in the wild with your kids, but can’t spare the 2hr return trip to the mountains, Waterfall Valley in Bowmont Park is a great place to play for the day.

Tags: calgary, family, hikes, kids in calgary