Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery
Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located along the Bow River 10-minutes east of downtown Calgary, Bow Habitat Station offers a unique learning experience that’s sure to be a splash. Investigate, explore and discover Alberta’s fish, wildlife, water and aquatic ecosystems through hands-on exhibits and freshwater aquariums in the Discovery Centre. Feed thousands of fish in the Fish Hatchery while you discover what it takes to raise over a million trout each year. Cast a line in the Trout Pond (seasonally May-September). Take a stroll along the trails of the Interpretive Wetlands. Open year-round, the facility is wheelchair accessible and fun for all ages. Limited free parking is available in the main lot for Pearce Estate Park. Visit bowhabitat.alberta.ca for up-to-date hours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Southeast Calgary
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4.5
114 reviews
Excellent
69
Very good
39
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Piperpat-1
Calgary, Canada6 contributions
Jan 2020
This was our first visit to the Bow Habitat. I took my grandchildren to see a display called "Whats up with urban wildlife?" It was a surprise, I found this place very fascinating and very informative. I was thoroughly impressed with the knowledgeable and friendly staff. This is a family friendly place and it is inexpensive.
I highly recommend going for a visit here. make sure you do a fish feeding, it was awesome.
I highly recommend going for a visit here. make sure you do a fish feeding, it was awesome.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting and glad you enjoyed your trip! We love feeding those fish :)
We offer a "What's up With" event on the first Friday of each month so hopefully you can come back and check out the other events in the series!
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sasha Warren
Calgary, Canada965 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Amazing service here and so fun to see thousands of fish. We got to feed them too. Chloe made an extra impact for us by allowing us in even though we had arrived a few minutes after close. The other lady even watched our dogs outside for us and Andrew at the front desk was very friendly. Definetely something to do on a summer weekend In Calgary.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla
Niagara Falls, Canada92 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is a cool place to bring kids. It’s really cheap and interesting to see. Plus there is a great park just outside the parking lot and cool Walking trails leading to flowing water. A cool way to spend you day with kids.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward L
Sunnyvale, CA1,113 contributions
Jun 2011
The Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery is a very good attraction in the Calgary area. The Fish Hatchery conducts guided tours for a nominal fee and the Habitat Station provides a number of very well done exhibits and viewing on the importance of fresh water, environment, fish hatchery. There is also a series of wonderful acquariums showcasing the natural fish in the area. What impressed us most was the terrific exhibits which were very thoughtfully prepared. Check the opening hours for the Habitat Station and bear in mind that the Fish Hatchery tours cost extra and are only conducted at specific times, so plan your times wisely. Theres a scenic set of grounds which let you explore the outside of the hatchery with many interpretative stations on the native habitat. If you are in this area, you should also consider seeing the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, which is only 10 minutes drive south of the Habitat Station.
Written 4 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonathan k
Edmonton, Canada397 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We wanted to see the Harvie Passage Lookout and, when we got to the parking lot, we realized it served both locations.
As we walked along we found that the Habitat Station had created a wonderful catch and release fishing pond (that they called "Kids can catch").
A fence and gates provide a bit of security so adults should accompany their children and not let them run free.
Remember that people CAN drown in very little water so pay attention.
We saw about 10 people fishing with their children and saw some of the fish swimming in the pond which is not very deep.
We had a blast and everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves too.
This is a great place to relax and unwind, with or without your kids
As we walked along we found that the Habitat Station had created a wonderful catch and release fishing pond (that they called "Kids can catch").
A fence and gates provide a bit of security so adults should accompany their children and not let them run free.
Remember that people CAN drown in very little water so pay attention.
We saw about 10 people fishing with their children and saw some of the fish swimming in the pond which is not very deep.
We had a blast and everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves too.
This is a great place to relax and unwind, with or without your kids
Written 20 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for stopping by! We're glad you enjoyed the Kids Can Catch Trout Pond. If you have the time when you're in the area next feel free to come inside to explore our Discovery Centre as well!
- Catherine
Written 20 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
touchup2017
Calgary, Canada211 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
A great place for young and old alike to learn about the native species of fish in Alberta.
They also hold "how to" programs for fishing and how to snowshoeing.
Unfortunately, the fish hatchery will be closed for renovations until fall 2018.
They also hold "how to" programs for fishing and how to snowshoeing.
Unfortunately, the fish hatchery will be closed for renovations until fall 2018.
Written 9 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moscato-Mama
Airdrie, Canada3,543 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
My daughter had her 6th Birthday Party here in January 2014. The cost of the party was very reasonable and the time frame that was allotted was perfect, we didn't feel rushed at all. We were given close to an hour to set up before guests arrived and had plenty of time to open gifts and visit after group lead activates were finished. The kids did a fun craft then were given a tour through the hatchery and learned about the fish followed by the best part.....feeding thousands of rainbow trout! The room for the party was very large and had a fridge, stove, microwave and several rectangular tables to hold plenty of guests, we didn't feel crowed at all. The staff were amazing, so friendly and really made this day special for my girl. This type of party is equally fun for either girl or boy and my girl is a real "girly girl". I would highly recommend this place for a great educational but fun birthday party.
Written 13 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smootchiee
North Battleford, Canada54 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Located next to the Bow River it looks like it would be a beautiful place in the summer. I would say it is geared towards kids aged 4-12 but my teenager enjoyed it as well. The aquariums were cool and learned about lots of fish I did not know existed here. if you are into fishing it is an interesting stop.
Written 29 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LDawn_RH
Calgary, Canada835 contributions
Jul 2020
Really informative and interactive displays of the fish and habitat of the Bow River. Great for families and folks of all ages
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny G
Ashford, UK35 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
It was really an education centre for the habitat around Calgary. We had a coupon for buy one entry get one free which made it less pricey. For what is there I do think it is expensive but worth going in if you are interested in the local wildlife and fauna.
Written 14 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the fishing poles provided or you have to bring your own ?
Written 28 March 2019
Bow H
Calgary, Canada
Rods are available for rent for $5 / rod (+ tax) or you can bring your own gear.
Written 7 July 2019
Bow H
Calgary, Canada
No swimming on-site. The outdoor Trout Pond is designed for fishing only.
Written 25 June 2018
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