Calgary Parklands: Bow River Pathway, City Centre

---

After gathering at the Pumphouse Theatreparking lot, we fifteen walkers were immersed in the crackling, fluttering brown leaves of late fall - both the ones that had fallen onto the grass and those futilely clinging to the trees. Under a full sun, the river reflected vigorous blue, presenting a classic panorama of sky and water. The dappled light over the pathway let us forget the snowy cold of the past two weeks.

Our leader, Nancy, surprised us by moving away from the pathway, leading across 14 Street to watch kids swooping up and around in the skateboard park. Innumerable times I have driven past the skatepark, but at 60 kmh, only tiny glimpses were possible. On foot, we had fun admiring the twists and tricks executed by people with bodies so much younger than ours. Lifting our eyes, we saw the glorious Mewata Armory in full view, without the traffic obscuring the street side. All around, tall high-rises punched towards the high white puffy clouds.

Reaching Prince’s Island, we marvelled at a swan stirring up underwater mud to reach munchy tidbits, accompanied by a muskrat and several coots which took advantage of the buffet. Later as we strolled along the wide path beside the Bow River, Linda saw a small beaver posing professionally on a rock. We threaded through dog-walkers and families enjoying this natural treed oasis in the centre of the city. At the eastern-most bridge, we turned back towards our starting-point, filled with the scents of wet leaves, crisp fresh air, and gentle satisfaction.

---

Photos

Windvane sculpture
Near Pumphouse Theatre

Prince's Island Park
Weir to calm the waters

Mountain Ash
Near Bow River

Persistent leaves
Abstract design of nature

Bow River Pathway
Natural invading the land of high rises

Shaw Millennium Park
Fun amongst the roads

Contemplating a jump
Shaw Millennium Park

Concentration!
Shaw Millennium Park

Humps and Bumps
Shaw Millennium Park

Mewata Armoury 1918
Splendid old building against the modern skyline

Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery
Repurposed Centennial Planetarium 1967

Peace Bridge 2012
From controversy to icon

Swans
Perhaps year-round residents now

Prince's Island Park
Tranquility steps away from commerce

Comments

[Isabel Gibson]

Thanks for the tip
I'll add the Millennium Park to my list of must-do's in Calgary - as a photographer, not a participant. Watching teenage grandchildren, I find it interesting how differently they're "wired": Some are happy readers while others get on their mountain bikes and go out of their way to find slopes to hurtle down.

[beentouring]

So many parks
You have a lot of parks to visit whenever you can come next. All good!