Prince’s Island Park sits on a unique island nestled between the Bow River and a shallow lagoon in the heart of the city, just north of downtown.

The island was named after Peter Anthony Prince, a lumberman from Quebec who came to Calgary in 1886 and founded the Eau Claire Lumber Mill. The Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Company dug a channel (now the lagoon) to get logs from Kananaskis closer to the sawmill, forming the island of today.

This important green space in the downtown core is an oasis amidst pavement and skyscrapers, with trails, flower gardens, a playground and an environmental pathway around a wetland conservation area.

With its central location and beautiful atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for many summer festivals. The park also has its own restaurant – River Café – that is one of the finest in Calgary.