For many locals, Nose Hill Park is an immaculate treasure that offers exceptional opportunities to retreat from Calgary’s busy streets.
Located in the Northwest area, it also boasts striking panoramic views of Calgary that you can’t get elsewhere. People seeking peaceful or active outdoor activities will surely enjoy their visit here.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you absolutely should do while you’re here. From joining jogging events to seeing historical landmarks, here’s all things exciting in Nose Hill Park in Calgary.
Table of Contents
Climb the Big Rocks Viewpoint
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/57vF7jpQMRgjvBHe7
Address: Unnamed Road, Calgary, AB T2K 1J7, Canada
The Big Rocks Viewpoint is a popular photo spot among locals because of the gorgeous views it offers. From here, you can see the entire city of Calgary and its surrounding wide, green spaces.
People go here to hike, jog, walk their dogs, or to simply enjoy the delightful views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on seeing only the Big Rocks Viewpoint, we suggest parking at the Nose Hill 64 Ave Parking Lot. It’s the nearest parking lot in the area, which you only need 10 minutes of your time to reach.
See the Glacial Erratic
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/4N24YA62NpLiAgN88
Address: Calgary, AB T3K 2P6, Canada
Glacial Erratic isn’t just some old boring rock. However, if you don’t know the meaning behind it and where it came from, it’s easy to dismiss it as a random landmark to help you navigate the big Nose Hill Park better.
Fortunately, you won’t miss this beautiful piece of history now that you’re reading this. The Glacial Erratic is actually a remnant of the last ice age. That means, this rock has been around for around 2.4 million years!
While there are numerous glacial erratics found all over the city, this one sits on one of our favorite spots because of the fantastic views surrounding it.
Pro tip:
If you want to see the Glacial Erratic and also appreciate the spectacular views, you suggest spending 45 minutes to an hour especially if you’re taking pictures.
Try out different activities at the Calgary Winter Club
Website: https://www.calgarywinterclub.com
Address: 4611 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2K 1J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-289-5511
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5:15 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 6:45 AM to 10 PM
Calgary Winter Club is a beautifully designed recreational centre meant to provide the locals of a sports facility with world class facilities, equipment, and programs. They also aim to make active lifestyles easily accessible for its residents.
Anyway, we highly recommend trying out the different activities that this place offers. This includes bowling, gymnastics, skating, squash, tennis, and many more!
They even have an aquatics program where participants can learn about leadership, aquatic fitness, first aid, and more.
Pro tip:
Unfortunately, you have to be a member to try out their facilities. The good news is that it’s quite easy to apply. You can simply film out the form on their website.
You can choose from three types of memberships: social, intermediate, and active.
The social membership can grant you access to Calgary Winter Club’s sports bar and restaurant. Additionally, you can also attend or host one of their many social events.
It’s the same thing for the intermediate membership with a few added perks of course. This includes being able to use the Wellness facilities and services during the less busy hours.
Finally, the active membership will grant you the ultimate access which means you can enter all recreational and social areas of the recreational centre.
Check out the Nose Hill Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/JfWuxXWS4ETkBqBX9
Address: Calgary, AB T2K 1J7, Canada
Nose Hill is also known to be a sacred place that has a lot of stories behind it.
While you’re here, you might stumble upon several rocks nestled close together to form a symbol. This is called the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel.
With centuries of indigenous wisdom, this ancient formation invites anyone looking for a deeper connection with spirituality.
Pro tips:
We highly suggest going here in the wee hours of the morning to wait for the sunrise for the perfect view. Since this is a spiritual location, be sure to respect the area by not kicking the rocks and other forms of vandalization.
Take photos of the Old Car of Nose Hill
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/7qoqyFCfVYHcSLfQA
Address: 4V3J+4G, Calgary, AB T2K 1J7, Canada
The Old Car of Nose Hill is one of the most famous attractions in this park. It’s basically just what its name entails. It’s an old abandoned car in the park, which a lot of passersby find interesting.
Nobody knows how it got there, so the mystery that surrounds it makes it even more popular. Car enthusiasts would also enjoy looking at this old car!
Pro tip:
It can be a bit hard to find, but it should be around the area on the pin on Google Maps. Unfortunately, since the place is all trees and grass, there’s no particular landmark that would make one’s search easier. That said, we suggest just making an adventure during your search to make it more fun! That’s what the locals do anyway.
Join the Nose Hill Park Run
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/1DTrhfYctJ9naotS6
Address: 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, Sunday – closed
- Saturday – 9 to 10 AM
The Nose Hill Park Run is a weekly 5k run organized by a few friendly locals. There’s no pressure to be fast and keep up with the crowd. Aside from jogging, you can also walk, volunteer, or just watch.
To check out the full course of the run, you can check it out here.
Pro tips:
If you want to socialize after the run, they always grab a post-run coffee at the Friends Cafe.
While it’s a free event, you have to register first in order to join (yes, even if you’re just watching!). The good news is it’s pretty easy to register! Just go to this website. Make sure to bring a copy of your barcode during the event so they can scan it.
Relax at the Lighthouse Holistic Wellness Center
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/qL5U1nzMmJMuNMat9
Website: https://www.somaticnursecoach.com
Address: Brentwood, NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1T7, Canada
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
The Lighthouse Holistic Wellness Center is headed by a healer named Kristy. Her lovely approach to her sessions usually combines guided meditations, soundbaths, and movement practices.
This is perfect for those who want to experience spiritual healing through combating past trauma. Others also reported that the sessions had a great positive effect on their mental health.
Pro tip:
While Kristy conducts group sessions, you can also ask her for some one-on-one coaching if that’s what you’re more comfortable with, with an additional fee of CAD$10.
