Sandy Beach

Check water conditions as reported by the city of Calgary here

Sandy beach received a new inclusive playground in 2021.

Location    map
Community: Altadore – 4500 14A St. S.W.
Parking: free parking lots. The parking is limited in comparison to the park’s popularity.

Park Features: Picnic sites, fire pits and BBQ stands, pathways, playgrounds, washroom (seasonal), water fountains (seasonal), river access.

Overall: Sandy Beach is not in the least sandy, but it is one of the best places in the city to play in the river. The ‘beach’ is rocky by the water and basically dirt higher up. The elbow river is shallow and runs slowly through the park.

View of the new inclusive playground from the first small parking lot.

Picnic shelter near the inclusive playground. Washrooms are to the left of the photo.

Shady smaller playground right by the larger parking lot, close to picnic site 1. 
A pathway goes from the parking lot along the river.

An example of one of the many picnic sites along the river path.

There are a few spots along the path where you can take a short steep climb down to the river. Depending on the water level there can be long rocky beaches in these spots.

Picnic site 5, the closest to ‘the beach’.

The bridge will take you over to the other side of the river which has an off leash river access area. There is also a large off leash area in nearby River Park. Although Sandy Beach is not off leash, you will often end up seeing a dog or two off leash in the park.

The beach! The water is gentle and shallow. Kids especially love throwing and moving rocks around. Don’t forget to bring buckets to play with too.

There is not a lot of seating and the ground is basically dirt/rock, so I highly recommend bringing a beach blanket. There is a bench and they have recently put in some large rocks near the top. The ground is sloped so it’s not the best for lawn chairs.

The river and beach area are really rocky and can be kind of hard on the feet. You may want to consider water shoes.

Sandy beach is one of my favorite parks in the city. My kids enjoy it just as much now as they did when they were little.