St. Patrick’s Island Park

Location    (maps at the end of the post)
Community
: East Village – 1300 Zoo Rd. NE (you can access it by car through the parking lot on the South side of the Zoo along Zoo Rd)
Parking: Pay lot parking

Park Features: Playground, washrooms, river wading area, large hill for tobogganing, plaza, picnic areas, pathways.

Overall: St. Patrick’s Island was an under utilized park for many years. Located right next to the South side of the zoo, many Calgarians didn’t even know the park existed. The park has now reopened after an extensive renovation revealing a park that is now an inner city jewel. This park has something for people of all ages and is sure to become a new favourite.

If you are coming to St. Patrick’s Island Park by car, you can park on the East side of the park along Zoo Rd)

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

Beside the parking lot is a lovely plaza area with benches and small tables.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

There are some nice views of the river and downtown.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

The bridge to the south of the plaza will take you to an elevated boardwalk through wetlands . Beyond the bridge you can access a pathway where you can walk along the river on the south side of the island.

The washrooms are located on the North side of the plaza. You can just see the building in the picture below.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

The Northern pathway goes directly to the playground and through the picnic areas. My son was very impressed by this long bench.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

The benches throughout the park were locally made and are very unique.

10-DSC_9889

The wetland area wasn’t actually wet yet when we were there.

Along the south side of the park is a little cove and a pathway that has some lovely views of the river.

St. Patrick's Island Park

To the west of the wetlands are the picnic areas.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

You can find picnic tables and a few little grills too.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

A little further east you’ll find the playground. It’s really different from any other in Calgary right now. My 3 and 6 year old loved it. (check out my review of the St. Patrick’s Island Park playground itself)

Next to the playground is ‘the rise’. A large hill that will be used for tobogganing as well as seating for movies in the park and community events.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

There are steep steps on one side.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

And a fire pit at the very top.

St. Patrick's Island Park

If nothing is going on the hill is also great for running or rolling down.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

Looking back up the slope.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB
St. Patrick's Island Park

The section between the hill and the wading area is a nice forested area.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

And a great view of the Calgary skyline.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

At the West end of the island is a look out point and a huge piece of art that is also a light.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB
St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

You can also access the West side of St. Patrick’s Island on foot or by bike via the St. Patrick’s Bridge.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

The Seasonal Breech is a a shallow wading area where people can wade out into channel of river water.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

There’s long cement blocks for seating as well as a rocky beach area.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB
St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

There is not a ton of shade so you may want to bring an umbrella or other sunshade with you.

The wading area itself is truly a natural playground. My kids may have enjoyed this area even more than the playground.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB

Walking on the rocks can make your feet a bit sore – my kids preferred to walk with their rain boots on. The water moves slowly and both of my kids could easily walk all the way across to the island in the middle.

St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB
St. Patrick's Island Park - Calgary, AB


A bridge separates the wading channel from the rest of the channel shown below.

Maps

St. Patrick's Island Map
St. Patrick's Island Map

Have you been to St. Patrick’s Island? What did you think?

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