St Patrick’s Island Park
It may be smack in the middle of central Calgary, but it will feel like you’re in another world when you visit St. Patrick’s Island Park! The island, which is also home to a portion of the Calgary Zoo, includes trails through lush green spaces, an amphitheatre, a great sledding hill and this amazing playground!
We love the throwback feel of this newer playground. (The island was redeveloped after the 2014 flood.) There are treehouse-like structures, cool climbers, a wave climbing wall, balance and agility equipment and so much more! The girls loved the challenge of the balance beam that twists. The little playhouse was a favourite, as were all the unusual spinners. (The top pick was the tire spinner!). This playground is primarily based in pea gravel.
St. Patrick’s Island offers a paid parking lot, though it can be easily accessed from the Bow River trail system. It sits between the neighbourhoods of Bridgeland and East Village, which both have a ton to offer when it comes to restaurants as well as other cool playgrounds! (May we suggest Flyover Park!) There are bathrooms on the island and there is a lot more to explore beyond the playground!
St Patrick’s Island Park
- Where: 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Alberta
- Parking: Paid parking is available on the island in the Calgary Zoo’s West lot. The island is also easily accessed via the Bow River trail system.
- More info: on this historic area HERE
Looking for another totally unique Calgary play area? Don’t miss Prairie Winds Park in the Northeast part of the city!