Alberta’s wilderness draws in visitors in its various guises and each place, whether it’s in the mountains or the prairies, has its own unique feel. The streets and public places of the province’s cities lend insight to each city’s own character.

Sometimes these spaces are natural escapes within the urban core. They may be busy spots where folks congregate over a coffee or to watch a performance; they may be places to sit and ponder a piece of public art or a beautiful summer’s day. Whether or not we consciously think of them this way, they represent a shared history and community. Here are a few free public spaces you might like to explore or drop by for a respite from your travels.

Edmonton

The North Saskatchewan River Valley– magnetically draws in joggers, golfers, cyclists, picnickers, boaters and fireworks watchers on warm Canada Day evenings. The “Ribbon of Green” is not only a complex natural area, it’s key to the collective psyche of the city of Edmonton.  You can access it from one of many sets of stairs or trails.  You can get a great view of it from the Victoria Promenade, another enjoyable public walkway west of downtown.

Whyte Avenue

It may not be entirely accurate to call all of Whyte Avenue a public space but there are enough public spaces in and around it to justify putting it on the list. This dynamic street in Old Strathcona is a great spot to watch people.  On a Saturday morning the park and street around the Strathcona Farmer’s Market is abuzz with activity. During the manic, hugely popular Fringe Festival in the summer the party atmosphere infuses the entire street. Whyte’s historic ambience, patios and coffee shops give it loads of appeal during the day.

William Hawrelak Park

This sprawling park in the River Valley has a lake, many trails and an amphitheatre.  Summer is festival season, from Shakespeare to blues to classical music. In August, the sounds, sights and delicious scents of the Heritage Festival permeate the park. In winter, skaters warm up with hot chocolate after a brisk turn around the lake.

Calgary

Prince’s Island

The people who keep track of these things say that Prince’s Island is one of the most used urban parks in North America and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the middle of the Bow River, this treed oasis is a stone’s throw from the shiny towers of Calgary's downtown.  Named in honour of a lumber baron, its lawns host joggers and festival-goers attending events from Canada Day to Afrikadey to BBQ on the Bow. Oh, and plenty of geese, thanks to the wetlands at its east end.

Olympic Plaza (228 – 8 Ave SE)

Originally built for medal presentations during the 1988 Winter Olympics, it’s very much the people’s park now, with downtown workers escaping their cubicles to lunch under its faux Greek arches. During summer the park attracts with concerts, festivals and fountains. In winter the wading pool turns into a skating rink.

Tomkins Park on 17^th Ave

Though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this park on heavily pedestrian and vehicle-trafficked 17^th Ave (at 8^th St.) during a busy time like Stampede, on most days it’s great for people watching from one of its benches while drinking a latte from one of many trendy establishments nearby.

Red Deer
City Hall

The city of Red Deer has committed to its public spaces through public art. Its’ collection of bronze statues which capture the history of the area are concentrated in the downtown around City Hall Park.  The combination of public art, generous courtyards and flower gardens in the small downtown give rise to an informal, vibrant atmosphere that invite you to grab lunch and linger awhile. 

Banff
Central Park

Not that Banff is by any means an urban jungle, but this park alongside the Bow River is the perfect spot to escape the summer throngs of tourists that pack the streets of the town. Summer also brings concerts and many a wedding photo has been taken in the beautiful gazebo at its centre. The beautiful mountain scenery heightens an already pleasant setting.

Justine Cooke, MyDestination Alberta
July 2011