From The Fairmont Palliser Best Nearby Parks (Attractions & Activities) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Calgary, AB Olympic Plaza (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 222 8th Ave SE, Calgary  AB  T2G 0K7 • 403-268-2489 Distance: ~387 m         Description: If you happen to be downtown and are looking for a beautifully landscaped venue where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or the balmy summer weather, it's already here – and has been since 1988. Built as the site for medal presentations during the Winter Olympics, the park has since become a favorite of downtown professionals and anyone who frequents the Stephen Avenue area. It hosts many public festivals and events, along with winter ice-skating. Plaques honor athletes who performed well in the Games, and bricks paving the area are inscribed with the names of those individuals who helped finance the park. Canada Olympic Park (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 88 Olympic Rd SW, Calgary  AB  T3B 5R5 • 403-247-5452 • 403-247-7669 Distance: ~0.988 km         Description: Originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this park remains an integral part of the city's recreational life. Nowadays, it serves as a training facility for athletes and is used by the city's residents throughout the year. Although the original ski jumps are off-limits to the public, you'll find ski and snowboarding slopes, winter bobsleigh rides, a park for mountain biking, summer luge rides and year-round zipline rides. You can also take a bus tour of the facility or visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Several restaurants and a gift shop are also located on the premises. Athletic facilities have different hours depending on season. Nose Hill Park (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 5620 15th St NW, Calgary  AB Distance: ~2.985 km         Description: This park is largely natural, unmanicured and uncultivated. It's home to tall prairie grasslands and provides a nice mid-ground between the city and the mountains, both of which are visible from the park. The expanse of land is located in Calgary's northwest quadrant, and since it doesn't provide many access roads, it's home to a variety of wildlife. It's also one of the highest points in the area, thanks to debris left behind by retreating glaciers. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 2425 9th Ave SE, Calgary  AB • 403-268-2489 Distance: ~4.321 km         Description: Occupying a stretch of land along the Bow River, this sanctuary is a haven for humans and wildlife alike. Off limits to dogs and bicycles, the park offers a network of walking trails. It also features exhibits in the Colonel James Walker House, which belonged to the North West Mounted Police officer who originally owned the park's 80 acres. Picnic tables and restrooms are located near the house. Many bird species are visible during spring and fall migration periods, but you can find resident species anytime of the year. Fish Creek Provincial Park (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary  AB  T2W 5R6 • 403-297-5293 • 403-297-7827 Distance: ~13.107 km         Description: One of the continent's largest urban parks, this expanse of greenspace provides a great refuge from the city. It offers miles of trails for horseback riding, cycling and hiking and also contains archaeological sites. A variety of terrains gives it character, a visitor center provides useful information, and a learning center teaches children about nature and ecology. The Bow Valley Ranch House, a turn-of-the-century home, can be found on the premises and now shelters a terrific restaurant that serves local Canadian cuisine. Prince's Island Park (Attractions & Activities - Parks) Downtown south side of the Bow River, Calgary  AB Distance: ~13896.221 km         Description: This well-known and popular park is probably Calgary's favorite. Occupying an island in the middle of the Bow River, it's just steps away from Eau Claire Market and is accessible via footbridges from the well-maintained river banks. The island (and park) itself features a number of paved pathways which are popular with runners, bikers and roller-bladers during warm weather. Sun-bathers also come to take in the rays, and picnickers often spread their bounty for a mid-day respite. Music festivals are held here during the summer months, and you can do some fantastic people-watching too. One of the city's best restaurants, River Café, is located on the island as well. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.