Think you can grab your sled and barrel down just any hill? Think again. Sledding is serious stuff in Calgary, with bylaws cracking down on rogue riders. Fortunately, there are 22 designated toboggan hills across the city that are considered official toboggan hills in Calgary. Here’s a look at a few of our favourites in each corner of the city.
OUR FAVOURITE TOBOGGAN HILLS IN CALGARY
North West Quadrant
St. Andrew’s Heights
Some reckon this is the very best of the toboggan hills in all of Calgary. There’s one long, steep hill that adventure seekers make a beeline for. It’s got a long, flat bit at the bottom (and a fence), so you don’t have to worry about hitting the road. For wee winter warriors, there’s a smaller slope near the Community Centre that’s likely just their speed.
Find more info here.
Confederation Park
Pegged as the premier hill, Confederation Park boasts varied terrain with a few different hills to slide down on. With its cute little bridges crossing the creek and large, mature trees, this super pretty spot is tops for family photos, too. Load up with all your gear because this park also has an outdoor ice rink and clear pathways for long walks and runs.
Find more info here.
Hidden Valley
There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had at Hidden Valley, so pack some skates and hot chocolate along with your sled to make a day of it! Just behind the outdoor rink is a large hill with a steep drop and large, fenced-off greenspace which makes it a popular destination for riders of all ages. For tired legs, there are pathways with a more gradual incline to head back to the top.
Find more info here.
North East Quadrant
Prairie Winds
You’ll find huge variety at Prairie Winds Park, situated in Calgary’s northeast quadrant. It’s quite a rush zipping down the long, steep slope as planes whiz past overhead to and from the airport. While the main draw is its large hill, there are smaller slopes off on the side for younger tots.
More info here.
Big Marlborough Park
Flanked by the Community Centre and three schools, you know this hill sees a lot of action after class. Head here before the bell with wee ones or take the troops on the weekend when the fire pits are going along the outdoor ice rink. Speaking of the ice rink, expect to get some mileage on it if your run is really spectacular.
Here’s where you’ll find more info.
Deerfoot Athletic Park
Located in the community of Maryland Heights, the medium-sized hill at Deerfoot Athletic Park can get pretty busy on a beautiful, snowy day. We like to think the crowds are a good indication that this hill is definitely a must-ride! There’s a parking lot located a short walk from the hill itself, so you can visit from any corner of the city.
Find out more here.
South West Quadrant
Signal Hill
Super popular in the southwest, Signal Hill is located in a residential area, flanked by so many houses you can feel pretty safe about letting big kids loose here on their own. The hill itself isn’t overly steep, but it does the trick nicely and there’s a long, flat stretch at the bottom, so sledders come to a comfortable stop.
Find more info here.
Stanley Park
Conveniently located near Macleod Trail, Stanley Park is one of our personal faves. The hill is steep in the centre, but is also pretty wide, allowing littles to pick just the right pitch. At the bottom of the hill is an excellent piece of large playground equipment that sees plenty of action in winter, too. This park also sports one of the city’s prettiest outdoor ice rinks and there are curling rocks and complimentary hockey sticks if you’re looking for a change of pace.
Find out more here.
Kingsland Dry Pond
Kingsland is the perfect spot for younger kiddos to learn the ropes of tobogganing. Whether you’ve got a first timer or a more seasoned sledder gearing to pick up some speed, the hill behind the arenas has both a shallow and steep side, ready for riders to take their pick. The parking lot near the arenas makes this an easy spot to visit whether it’s in your neighbourhood or not.
Find out more here.
Bridlewood
Bridlewood is another great destination for younger riders or kids who like an easy, challenge-free ride down the hill. There’s street parking available along the side of the park.
Find out more here.
South East Quadrant
McKenzie Towne
This suburb is chock-a-block with young families, so it makes sense you’d find a happening hill in this hood. At almost 300 feet, Elgin Hill is super long, but that only makes your experience here more exciting.
Check out this link for more info.
New Brighton
Add the hill at New Brighton to your list if you’re on the hunt for tobogganing that’s in a location as beautiful as it is entertaining. Nature lovers will enjoy walking along the pathways that wind through New Brighton Central Park, and of course, sledders will have a blast ripping down the hill.
Find out more here
Maple Ridge
If you’re trying to satisfy the speed needs of both adrenaline junkies and more cautious sledders, Maple Ridge may be just the spot you’re looking for. There are both small and larger slopes ready to ride, and they run out onto a U-shaped dry pond, making it super safe.
Find out more here
Bonus Spots!
Winsport Tube Park
Ready to take your sled game to the next level? Head to Winsport to check out the Servus Tube Park for an experience that’s sure to take your breath away! Purchase your two-hour ticket in advance online, grab your tube, and head up the hill on the magic carpet to race down one of the eight snowy tracks. Visit the website for ticket pricing, and keep your eyes peeled for discounted Friday evening tickets. If you’re planning to visit the park as a spectator, you’ll have to purchase a ticket as well.
More info here.
Canmore Nordic Centre
Yes, it’s outside the city, but this purpose-built toboggan hill boasts plenty of lanes, some bumps for speed demons, and gentle slopes for the young ‘ens. Make a day out of it with a spot a spot of winter disk golf or gliding across their famed cross country ski trails. There’s also a cafe onsite and a small outdoor skating rink.
More info here.
What are your favourite tobogganing hills in Calgary? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
Tagged under: Toboggan Hills in Calgary,tobogganing in Calgary,tobogganing hills in calgary
Category: outdoor-play,active,sports