6 urban beaches worth checking out in Calgary this summer
While Calgary doesn’t have any ocean beaches, the Bow and Elbow rivers offer plenty of spots to cool off during the warmer months.
Whether you want to go for a quick swim, a river float, or just cool off in the city, there are some pretty great spots.
These river-access areas aren’t supervised by lifeguards, so if you’re planning on checking them out this summer, make sure you know the risks that could come with swimming.
Sandy Beach
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Sandy Beach is one of Calgary’s most popular urban beaches. Located along the Elbow River in southwest Calgary, along with river access, it also features picnic areas, fire pits, playgrounds, and barbecue stands. It’s also a very popular spot for Calgarians to bring their furry friends for a dip in the water.
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Eau Claire Beach
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Located in Eau Claire Plaza, you can find a sandy area complete with umbrellas and sun chairs right along the Bow River. While it’s not your typical beach, it’s a great spot to soak up the sun in the sand.
Edworthy Park
Located along the Bow River, Edworthy Park is a great spot to relax by the river. With easy river access, sandy and rocky shoreline areas, picnic sites, fire pits, and walking paths, it’s a common spot for wading, swimming, and hanging out by the river.
St. Patrick’s Island
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Right next to downtown Calgary, St. Patrick’s Island offers sandy shorelines along the Bow River, as well as walking paths, green space, and recreational areas. The island is also home to a small natural wading pool, making it a popular stop for cooling off in the summer months.
Shouldice Park
While there is no formal swimming area at this park, it offers plenty of river access and space to relax by the water. You can find picnic areas shaded by trees, along with open green spaces and pathways.
Sikome Lake
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While not connected to either of Calgary’s rivers, Sikome Lake is a popular man-made swimming lake located within Fish Creek Provincial Park. It offers an amazing beach with plenty of space to swim, relax, and sunbathe.
If you’re looking to go for a swim this summer, we rounded up eight of the best lakes in and around Calgary.
What are your favourite urban beaches in Calgary? Let us know in the comments below.