This downtown Calgary park has a surprisingly industrial past
Nestled in the heart of Calgary’s Bow River, Prince’s Island Park has a history as lively as the festivals and gatherings it hosts today.
In 1886, Peter Anthony Prince moved to Calgary from Quebec and founded the Bow River Lumber Company and the Eau Claire Lumber Company.
To make log transport a little easier, the Eau Claire Lumber Company dug a channel to guide logs floating down from Kananaskis to the company’s saw mill.
Over time, the channel completely separated a piece of land from the mainland, creating what we now know as Prince’s Island Park.
Prince wasn’t just a lumberman; in 1889, he formed the Calgary Water Power Company. He used his new company to supply the city with electric-powered streetlights.
Despite the name, the first four years relied on steam generators fueled by sawdust from the saw mill. By 1893, Prince had managed to build Calgary’s first hydroelectric plant near the east end of the channel, marking a milestone in the city’s modernization.
After Prince died in 1925, his lumber company continued operations until 1944. In 1947, the City of Calgary purchased the island from Prince’s remaining family, developing it into a public park and naming it in his honour to acknowledge his contribution to getting Calgary to where it is today.
Since then, Prince’s Island Park has transformed into a central hub for community gatherings, festivals, and outdoor recreation, all while offering a serene atmosphere and stunning city views.
The park hosts annual festivals like the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Calgary Pride, as well as numerous other events throughout the year. It’s home to the River Cafe, a playground, flower gardens, and water fountains.
From its roots as industrial land to its current role as a cultural and recreation focal point, Prince’s Island Park is an excellent symbol of Calgary’s growth and innovation over the years.