2 weeks ago, we took our kid to this nice park and fish hatchery. Wow! It was a great experience, from feeding the fishes to understanding the eco system in our rivers and lakes, plus there's so many other things about being eco friendly and caring for our environment that are being taught at this fine establishment... All in all, you feel welcome when you step in the facility as the staff are incredibly friendly and super nice, and everything is neat and tidy, and carefully planned out for the visitors. My kid enjoyed everything on show and especially the aquarium at the basement. I would recommend to anybody. And the cherry on the topping? You can walk out to the park outside the habitat and sit down and relax outside, to enjoy the greeneries. But please be considerate visitors - last week, we went to the outdoor areas and it was great to see many people do picnic. Everyone was great and kept the place tidy except for a couple of basically very 'ignorant' people who left their garbage outside the bins that were full... perhaps use another bin - it's common sense. Don't leave your bin bags in the open air where there are rodents and other wildlife! Be considerate to others using the park!

Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery has a lot to offer and so kid friendly! For a tiny donation, you can see and feed the fish fry in the hatchery area. This happens about every 15-20 minutes. It is very interesting to see the different aged minnows and how they react. This weekend, there was a hands-on outdoor conservation exhibition. Fly fishing/tying demonstrations, games, puzzles, contests, sun gazing, adventuring and all things outdoors! Why not visit the Bow Habitat Station on the two levels of the hatchery and find out about all the fish species, habitat, feeding as well as see the huge Alberta fish species aquarium. There is also a gift shoppe for kids, families and nature nuts! You can even buy fishing gear here. Once nice feature is that amount of games/books to use while travelling on those long car rides. Plenty of free parking and some snacks are available (best to pack a lunch). Happy fishing!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Located in downtown just off of 17th, it was our first time at the Bow Habitat Station. We took our kids here on the based on the family friendly reviews. It definitely did not disappoint, a hidden gem in Calgary. There is an aquarium of fresh water fish found in Alberta in the basement and the exhibition on the main floor. In the exhibition area, you learn everything from water conservation to sustainable fishing and fishing habitats in Alberta. What we noticed was, how clean and well maintain the Bow Habitat Station was, it looked brand new. Our kids absolutely enjoyed it despite the hatchery being closed for the renovations. We can't wait to come back when the snow finally melts because the have a fishing pond in front for the kids. Definitely worth the visit when you are looking for something to do with the family.

We had our son's birthday at Bow Habitat Station in Summer and it was just wonderful ! We can't say how much we enjoyed over there!! It was one of the most unique celebration for our son at Bow Habitat Station! Lauren was our tour guide for the birthday activities and she was SO lovely ! Children were so excited and engaged during the program, even the adults !! The stuff also were so welcoming and friendly! The birthday room was clean, spacious, bright, and just amazing ! Our guests were also amazed by all the cool features over there! We fed the fish, and then we went to the pond to explore some bugs and snails !! We recommend this place to everybody who wishes to have the best moments!! Thanks again to the nice team! Malia

I read a lot of reviews on this place and all of them were made by people bringing their kids. That make me pretty skeptical to go as I was planning to go here on a date with my girlfriend. It turned out absolutely amazing though. Lots of informative things to learn as well as see. I feel that kids probably couldn't understand all the details anyway and that adults could learn so much more here. The hatchery tour is a must as you get to see the eggs turning into alevins, then fries, then into fish which is very cool to see. The discovery centre upstairs wasn't as fun as the hatchery tour but was still very neat! This place is pretty unique and rare to find in most cities so definitely recommend

The hatchery was closed when I went. Very nice, beautiful and very creative displays, sometimes a little cryptic as to their purpose. Way too much text on the walls for kids, they just want to enjoy the experience not read an encyclopedia. I certainly didn't want to stand there all day and read it. The quiz's were fun. Aquarium needs photos of the different species. There are several species in one tank with only the names on plaques. You are supposed to know which is which I guess. Maybe the admission is too high for what you get because hardly anyone there mid afternoon on a Sunday. Everyone should visit at least once.

Took the family here on a trip to calgary and it was really cool, learned alot in the upstairs and the downstairs aquarium was pretty cool as well. Staff were great. Only reason I did not give 5 stars is because the hatchery was closed and we really wanted to see it. Talked with guy down there and he explained the reason why and I totally understand however cant give it a 5 just cause I did not get full Experience, with that being said I will be back when hatchery is up and running and will update review then.

It's a great place to go for an evening walk or bike along the river. The fish hatchery is cool if you have kids that want to go but the appeal to me is the green space that lets you forget that you are in the city still.... kinda. I found some cool calcite by the river last time we went. This place is along city pathways, has free parking and is close to transit so it's easily accessible for anyone.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

30 dollars for a family ticket, no fish feeding except for Friday and Saturday and walking around the hatchery is an extra 5 dollars per person so it could have cost 55 dollars. Watched a nice video about conservation also, surprised to find it was paid for by BP. Which made me then think they should be Paying for this whole thing with their huge profits. Kids were also not very interested.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We had a birthday party for our 4/6 year olds and it was spectacular! Shae facilitated the program and was so engaging; the kids absolutely loved and were captivated by her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge on local fish and their habitats! The space was perfect for our group, lots of room, clean, and easy to access! Feeding the fish was a highlight and all the parents really loved it too!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A must-visit! Great for kids and adults of all ages. We brought our 1 year old and he was able to walk around every exhibit in the Aquarium and Discovery Centre. On Fridays and Saturdays, you’re able to feed the trout which was such a cool experience. We went on a Friday and it was very quiet and we were the only ones feeding the fish; it felt like a private experience.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This was a great experience with my niece and nephew, age 6 and 12. At first they thought it would be lame but they loved feeding the small trouts and seeing all the tanks full of different local fish, in the aquarium area. The guide was very friendly, knowledgeable, and seemed very passionate, which made the tour fun and interesting for all of us.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This place was surprisingly awesome. It was fun and engaging for the 3 and 6 year olds while still containing enough information to keep my interest. I learned quite a lot about native Alberta fish (we have way more than I thought). Although the fish tanks that grow fingerlings to stock ponds are currently under renovation, it was also cool to read about that process. Neat little gift shop with some unique items worth spending your money on.

I would definitely add this to your Calgary to-do list. It's educational, interesting, and good value for money. Do not skip the tour, it's worth every penny. It was so cool to see behind the scenes and learn about how the fish are raised and cared for, and lakes are stocked. I had an awesome enthusiastic tour guide.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great place to check out. Aquariums are neat to see all the fish you can catch in Alberta. The interactive exhibit really neat to walk around and see and touch. Staff are always friendly. Great Covid accommodations. They do birthdays. They have tours. You can feed the fish for a small fee. Clean bathrooms and ample parking. Great place to visit indoors for a couple hrs and won’t break the bank!

OMG, the kids had soo much fun. Our little one turned 4 and 5 at the Bow Habitat Station. He liked it so much the first year that he insisted to have his birthday there again this year also. The staff is so very friendly, and patient. The kids learn so much, there is fish and craft and a party room ... lots of time and space for the kids to have a creative, learning, enjoyable time.

Really enjoyed our experience! Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Feeding the fish was a highlight, and the trails were busy, but nice to walk. FYI: The children’s fishing pond is a bit shallow on water right now due to water level maintenance issues to be fixed in 2023. I’d recommend closed toe footwear if you want to feed the fish (need to step through a disinfectant).

There is a lot to learn about types of fish in Alberta and neighborhood areas. We did our own tour but I noticed there is also a group tour. We enjoy feeding the fishes. There is theater room next to the discovery room which we sit and watch a documentary film for a bit. Over all it was a fun day.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is a great program and the perfect program for young kids who are brand new to fishing. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to get their kids fishing or youth groups that want to be involved in outdoor education (ie. Scouts, Girl Guides, Jr. Forest Wardens, Cadets Etc). Please look at all of Bow Habitat's Programs as they have even more to offer.

I’ve worked 5 minutes away from here for 7 years and didn’t even know about this awesome family attraction! My kids wanted to learn how to fish so we checked it out. A beautiful park and a great learning centre with beautiful aquariums in the basement. The staff were so nice and helpful as well. Go check it out you won’t be disappointed!

It's a quick and interesting place to learn about a hatchery and about the fish in the area and how they keep the stock up. You need to do the tour or there's not really a reason to go. You get a behind the scenes look at what they do there and you also get to feed the fish. My kids loved it and the fish went wild when they feed them.

We had a fish-tacular birthday party at Bow Habitat station! All the kids enjoyed the activities and exclusive behind the scenes chance to handle a live fish. Thanks to Shalane and Lauren for making this a unique, fun and informative event!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A great place to bring your kids and learn a lot! Take it at your own pace and learn as much or as little as you'd like in the discovery center. Would highly recommend spending the $2 to feed the fish, it was fun to watch. We spent about 2 hours there. In the summer they have an outdoor fishing pond for kids (ends Sept 30).

First time there and learn a lot about the history about how the rainbow trout nursery plus other things related to keep the environment safe. Good for the young kids to receive such information. Staffs also very friendly and knowledgeable.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Hadn’t been here since I was a kid, and boy has it grown!! Lots of cool things to learn about our local water ways and ecology. Fun activities for young and old. Can’t wait to go back in the summer to let the little man try the fishing pond. Some operations were closed due to renovations, so that’ll be cool to see as well!

A Truly amazing experience! We were part of a local cub group that attended. The guide was able to answer a multitude of questions by the boys and provided a first class field trip experience. If you haven't been there - add it to your list! Not to be missed!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

A wonderful place for toddlers (and higher, even if we don't know yet I can already tell). Not only the hatchery is very interesting (feeding!), but also the discovery center is full of adventure. Next time we come we'll take the guided tour because we overheard some of it, it fosters environment-friendly attitude.

I did some volunteer work here a few years back during an event, and this last weekend I went with family and had a blast. Feeding the fish was amazing and there is a certain peace that can be found in the aquarium. Ended up spending three hours overall and suggested it to my brother and friends for a family trip.

The pond used to be nice 2 years ago. It's now a slimy goop pond but called kids can catch pond. The surface is fully coated with clumpy algae or plants that makes it nearly impossible to fish. Kids can't even cast in properly the way it is. There needs to be some maintenance or clearing of the surface.

$12 very well spent. You get to visit the hatchery, feed the fish, you can learn how to fish in a children's pond, and two floors of aquariums and interactive exhibits are exquisite. And the whole thing sits in a park with abundant park benches. Both kids and adults will be delighted by the experience.

Really great place to bring kids of every age! My son is 14 months so some of the exhibits were too old for him. It was still a great time looking at all the fish in the aquarium and playing with the displays. It also teaches kids to be environmentally conscious, such a great lesson. Highly recommend!

Beautiful rips throughout the whole area. A spider web of pathways, branching out every direction to take. It's a 19 km exlerating ride for me starting from district Copperfield using the Bow river pathways, direct to the hatchery and Inglewood area. Glad to live in Calgary as it's so beautiful …

Great place for both kids and adults. My two year old loved exploring everything and feeding the fish. The admission price is very reasonable considering there's alot to see. It's educational and also very relaxing. The location is beautiful right amongst Pearce Estate Park. Definitely worth visiting.

Kids would really enjoy this place. It is very informative if you want to know more about fishes. Highly recommend feeding the fishes. There is a close by park as well if you want to do some outdoor activities.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Much more exciting than you would expect a fish hatchery to be! Fun that you can feed the fish (and see millions of them). The walkthrough discovery centre breaks down the information in an engaging way.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We had an amazing time today with at the bow habitat station. We had my toddlers birthday there and the staff was amazing! Great activities with the kids and super fun. Would recommend to everyone!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We tried the fish feeding today. We were the only ones there, so the kids were able to feed the fishes from all sides of the tank. For $2/tix its such a good deal. We got to learn alot about rainbow trouts. There's also a small little gift shop with a good variety of toys.

Just had our 3 year olds birthday party here and can’t say enough about how to organized the hosts Raquel and Michelle were and how hospitable they were. So impressed with little things such as the trolley, the happy birthday sign, and table cloths. Excellent value!

Fun and educational. Start off by feeding the fish in the fishery, then visit the aquarium and exhibit areas to learn all about fish and sustainability.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

What an interesting experience! We have lived in Calgary for over 35 years and this was our first visit. Thank you Lauren for the tour! It was great.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A must visit! It was our first time to a fish hatchery, kids truly enjoyed it. Very interesting and informative. Feeding the fishes was super fun.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This place is incredibly cool. My two little boys loved it. Lots to see and touch and learn. Also we had the place to ourselves on this winter day! I’d say it’s almost as cool as Spark Centre. And much cheaper! Would recommend.

The kids loved feeding the trouts. For $2 per person, it was a worthwhile educational experience. Plus kids under 2 years old get in for free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A wonderful place to enjoy nature without leaving the city. Very busy on the weekends. You want to get there early to get a parking space.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great experience for all ages. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. A great opportunity to enjoy nature without leaving the city. This place is located just a few minutes away from downtown and close to the river.

My 3 years old son loves this place. Always asks if we can go feed the fish. When I was here a month ago there was no where to donate My son was free to get in but I would of liked to donate while I was in the building.

went here to celebrate our son's 6month old milestone, we fed the little trouts which was great and checked out the exhibit upstairs and aquariums at the basement.. I must say they have well-maintained washrooms too!

This location is the ONLY place within the city that has a stocked pond, Kids can catch pond. Stocked with trout it is a wonderful location to take the kids and spend an afternoon when the weather is warming.

Awesome displays and super fun interactive experience. So fun. Great value alternative to the Calgary Zoo or Spark Science Centre. Definitely worth while.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Great place to come with you children to play at the parks, take walks and or explore seeing some fish in the pond.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent educational tool for adults and children alike. Very interesting exhibits about use of water and how to keep it clean and reduce our use. Also a fish hatchery used to replenish Alberta lakes.

It's a fun place to look around quietly with your family. If you have children, I recommend you go there. It is a place where you can learn about fish, animals and ecosystems quietly and comfortably.

Learn a lot of fish hatch from the tour and got to feed the fish. The discovery is very good and educational.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great experience. Very educational. Highly recommend for young families. Don't forget to feed the fish. Lots of fun at a very reasonable price.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

What a hidden gem! We were here for a birthday party. They had plenty of space to handle the huge party, the party leader entertained (and educated) the kids, and the party room was excellent.

The facility is immersive and interesting, staff were great. We fed the fish and went round the discovery centre, twice. Really good price my high energy boys loved it. It's a winner! More

Best birthday party ever! I highly recommend Bow habitat! My daughter and her friends had a blast. :)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

The habitat station was much larger and more fun than I expected. This is a great place to take kids of all ages. We will have to go back to try the marsh dipping and fishing lessons.

Interesting to learn about the province's fish breeding program and the fish themselves.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We had an amazing experience at this place, Michelle and the other lady at the front desk was superb and provided an excellent Customer Service. Kudos for keeping amazing staff!

This place is awesome! Great place for picnics, dates, family fun. Lots of walking paths. Head towards the Bow River and watch people go through the new obstacles on the river!

The website says everything is open until end of September, it's not. Really fun and educational place but disappointed that we couldn't do several activities as advertised.

We visited with a group of grade 6 students as part of the FINS program. It was great!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is an awesome place to bring kids to to learn about the fishes of alberta. The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly. Make sure you go on the fish feeding tour.

Phenomenal resource within the city. City and province should continue supporting them and expand their services.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

LOVE this place. Hosted our little girls party here and it exceeded my expectations with staff-led activities and kid friendly spaces. Will definitely be back!

A good place to discover Alberta’s fish, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems (for kids and for adults). It has wheelchair access, playground, free parking ...etc

Great service, good knowledge but what gives them the right to keep native fish in aquariums ... Oh wait its the government they can do whatever they want.

Amazing experience. We have learn the conservation of trout fish and other species. Sat in the bow river stone benches and enjoyed the park’s breeze.

Tour of Fish Hatchery is very interesting and informative. Bow Habitat Station has a variety of interactive displays and the aquariums are amazing!

Great way to learn about our fisheries and water eco systems. The facility and staff are out standing. Wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

Kids loved running around and seeing the fish and exhibits, also the park around it is very pretty and fun to walk around. Great picnic spot!

Haven't been in a long time, still wonderful, engaging and informative. Nice to see a few changes. Definitely a must for locals and tourists

Great place to take the kids for some education ☺️
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

You can spend a good 1.5 hours here, no more or less. Would give an addition star if the cafe was open and if they gave us more fish food.

Very nice spot to picnic an tour around in the bush
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Really good, fun interactive displays and excellent learning opportunities for all ages. The fish feeding tours are really fun as well!

A GEM! Many of my friends do not know about this place. My kids love it - we love their birthday parties as well. Educational and fun!

My son is 18 months but really enjoying walking around and that he could touch things . He really wanted to get in with the fish

Cute place - indoor exhibits aren't huge, but the staff is super friendly and our 6 month old loves the aquariums downstairs!

It was so much fun feeding the fish and there’s so much to look at!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Excellent place for a stroll or picnic or to launch a small boat or kayak. ❤ Treed, grill is available, dogs allowed.

Lovely interactive museum. interesting for the young ones and those young at heart. The stuff is very knowledgeable.

You can spend hours watching the Bow river, people water skating down the stream, rafting.
Visited on
Weekday

Quiet, the kids loved seeing the fish and fishing in the pond. Great that we have a place like this in the city.

The exhibits were very well put together, kids loved the aquariums, and the tour was fun and informative.

Cute little museum and great for young children. Story time is lots of fun for young children as well.

Great place for the family. I went on a Saturday and it wasn’t busy. Definitely a gem for this busy

that is really nice to take my kids to they love watching the fishes!
Visited on…
More

What a hidden gem in the city for children!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+

My kids loved feeding the fishes and seeing the little aquarium. We will definitely be back!

Staff were very helpful and everything was organized clearly! Fantastic place to take kids.

My girls really enjoyed their time there. Good learning opportunity

Good place to learn about fish and the ecosystem. A little stuffed.

It’s not big but good enough for smaller kids.

Hosts fish hatchery - you can feed fish for 2$

Very interesting. Feeding the fish is fun.

Well worth the price of admission

Great place to take kids.

Wonderful tour