9 Must-Try Outdoor Summer Activities in South Calgary’s New Community, Wolf Willow

Article updated with new information in April 2024.

Break out the SPF, because summer is finally here! With kids out of school and the weather heating up, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Wolf Willow. Here are our favorite outdoor summer activities to enjoy in south Calgary.

1. Explore the trails of Fish Creek Provincial Park

With an easy access point (and parking lot) right in Wolf Willow, adventure awaits just outside your doorstep! Fish Creek Provincial Park boasts over 100km of trails to choose from, which are perfect for biking, walking your dog, jogging, and more. There are also plenty of well-paved paths to safely break out your rollerblades or longboard, or single-back trails to test out your mountain biking skills. There are 6 total access points planned for the community, which makes roaming the park a potentally daily summer activity.

Close to Wolf Willow, the Lafarge Meadows Pathway wraps around the wetlands near the community, bringing you around the Blue Devil Golf Course and back through Chaparral Valley. You can extend your hike by crossing under Stoney Trail, taking the Sikome Lake Loop, before returning to the community.

Check out more hiking trails near Wolf Willow.

2. Have a relaxing outdoor picnic

Whether you want to have a fun family outing, a playful date, or some me time, you can book one of the many beautiful picnic locations in Fish Creek Park for the day. Pack some outdoor games like ladder toss or bean bags for an afternoon of entertainment or bring a book to read in the shade. Some day use areas, such as Glennfield or Votier’s Flats, even have a fire pit on site – s’mores, anyone?

If you’re out by Annie’s Café, pick up lunch, coffee, or a sweet treat to make your outing extra special!

Find a Day Use area near Wolf Willow.

3. Try bird watching or play wildlife bingo

Did you know there are over 200 species of birds living in Fish Creek? In addition to birds, there are many other types of animals and plenty of plant life to keep an eye out for while exploring the great outdoors. Create a bingo card and have a friendly competition to see who can spot the most species before the end of summer.

Print off your Fish Creek Park bird checklist here.

Two red-winged blackbirds sitting on cattails in Fish Creek Park.

4. Float or boat down The Bow

When the sun is shining and the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to indulge in your favorite water activities. Rafting or kayaking down the Bow River is ranked one of the top outdoor activities in Calgary and for good reason. With a convenient boat launch point in Fish Creek Park, a relaxing float down the river is just a stone’s throw away from Wolf Willow and a great way to spend a sunny day. Stay safe by checking the current environmental advisories before you go.

Book a Lazy Day Raft Tour here.

A woman in sunglasses with a big smile kayaking down the Bow River.

5. Learn how to fly fish on the Bow River

The Bow River is said to be one of the best trout-fishing locations in the world – and it just happens to be in your backyard! Summer, (July in particular), is the best time to fish for trout as they become more active. If it’s your first time fly fishing, you can hire a guide like the Trout Chasers River Company or Prarie Waters Fly Fishing to teach you how to improve your skills or just to ensure you have a great experience out in the water.

Check out our beginners fly fishing guide here.

6. Visit Woof Willow Dog Park

We humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy the warmer weather, so grab your furry friends and head out to an off-leash dog park. There are 29 off-leash dog parks in Southeast Calgary; including of our very own dog park here in Wolf Willow. Test your pups skills using the agility equipment in Woof Willow, take in the scenery along the Bow at Sue Higgins, or play fetch in the safety of the fenced park in Auburn Bay.

You can also take your dog out on a stroll to Fish Creek Park or along the Bow—just remember to keep them leashed in these areas!

Check out Woof Willow dog park here.

A couple trying out the new dog park equipment with their four dogs.

7. Paint plein air landscapes

For those looking to grow their artistic talent, plein air painting (outdoor painting) is a great activity to do alone or as a group. To get started, all you need is a sketch book and your medium of choice—watercolors, pastels, oil, acrylic, markers, or pencils. Be sure to bring along a pack to store everything and a portable/a-frame easel to stabilize your work out in the elements.

There are plenty of scenic natural landscapes to behold in south Calgary, and Alberta as a whole. Not sure where to start? Plein Air Alberta recommends Fish Creek Park as beginner friendly.

Find ideal plein air painting locations here.

8. Play a round (or 2) of golf

Take advantage of the nice weather by hitting the local golf courses. Next to the community, the challenging 18-hole Blue Devil course awaits those who want to test their skills. Those wishing to hone their technique can hit up the driving range or take on the family-friendly 9-hole Lil Devil course. Across Stoney lies McKenzie Meadows, an award-winning 18-hole course. After completing your round of golf, head on over to the Bar & Grill for some patio or indoor dining.

Book a tee time at the Blue Devil Golf Course.

9. Spread your wings in Osprey Park

The first of 7 playgrounds in Wolf Willow is Osprey Park. This park has swings, a slide, and plenty of places to sit while your kids burn off energy close to home. True to its theme, Osprey Park has a giant osprey nest for kids to play in! Can you spot your house from here?

Find your home in Wolf Willow.