Refinery Park is where industrial history meets wild beauty. Once a forgotten oil refinery, now a lush urban sanctuary where nature thrives among rusted steel and concrete relics. Walk the winding trails, watch ducks glide across the pond, listen to birdsong echo through the trees, and gaze at the skyline—past and present collide in breathtaking harmony. Sunset here? Pure cinematic magic. Don’t miss it.

This hotel is the perfect blend of family-friendly and business-ready! Recently renovated, it combines timeless elegance with modern amenities like a fitness center, pool, and sauna for ultimate relaxation. Traveling with kids? Enjoy childcare services and kids' meals to make your stay effortless. Its prime location steps from top shopping and entertainment, plus the Fairmont Gold personalized service, ensures an unforgettable experience—whether for leisure or work!
Everything you need to know about Refinery Park
Marriott Calgary Downtown is a top choice located just 1.5 km from Refinery Park, offering easy access via short walk or bus ride. The hotel features modern rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool—perfect for travelers seeking comfort after exploring the city’s green spaces. Its central location also allows quick access to cultural attractions like the Calgary Arts Commons and Bruce G. Graham Hall.
For nature lovers, Calgary Riverfront Campground provides tent and cabin accommodations right next to the park, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of flowing rivers and stargazing under the open sky. This blend of urban convenience and natural tranquility makes it a unique stay option near Refinery Park.
Getting to Refinery Park from downtown Calgary is highly convenient via the city’s public transit system. Take Bus Route 103 from Central Station, which stops directly at "Refinery Park"—a journey of about 15 minutes. The park is also accessible by bike or on foot, with well-maintained bicycle lanes and walking trails connecting downtown.
The route follows the scenic Southland Trail, offering views of the Bow River along the way—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Multiple transit lines link residential and commercial areas, ensuring efficient, eco-friendly access. Whether by bus, bike, or foot, reaching Refinery Park is seamless and enjoyable.
Refinery Park offers a range of distinctive outdoor experiences. The on-site year-round skate park attracts local youth and international skateboarders seeking challenging terrain. Families can enjoy spacious picnic areas and a dedicated children’s playground.
Each summer, the park hosts the Riverfront Music Festival, featuring local indie bands and artists, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Along the Bow River Trail, visitors can hike or bike while enjoying panoramic views of the Calgary skyline, spotting deer and waterfowl in their natural habitat. This blend of urban life and wilderness makes it perfect for photographers—especially during golden hour when sunlight reflects off the river, creating stunning visual compositions.
Several hotels near Refinery Park provide complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions such as the Calgary Zoo and Museum of the Rockies. For example, Marriott Calgary Downtown features a dedicated Tour Information Desk that arranges HopeGoo tours, kayaking excursions on the Bow River, and guided hiking adventures.
They also partner with local eco-tour providers to offer nature walks through the Bow River wetlands, where guests learn about native flora and fauna. These services enhance travel convenience while deepening understanding of Calgary’s natural and cultural heritage. Some packages even include park entry tickets and souvenir vouchers, allowing guests to explore more at discounted rates.
The Westin Calgary is a top choice located just minutes from Refinery Park. This modern hotel blends urban luxury with natural serenity, offering rooms with panoramic views of the Bow River and distant Rocky Mountains. Guests enjoy access to a world-class spa, 24-hour fitness center, and a prime location within walking distance of Calgary Central Library and Heritage Park. The hotel’s design incorporates eco-friendly elements, making it an ideal base for exploring both city attractions and outdoor adventures in the heart of Alberta.
The easiest way to reach Refinery Park from downtown Calgary is by taking the CTrain light rail to 17 Avenue SW Station, then walking about 10 minutes. This route connects downtown with key residential and commercial areas in the south, with frequent and reliable service. Alternatively, cyclists can follow the scenic Bow River Pathway, which runs directly through the park and links to major trails across the city. For drivers, ample free parking is available onsite—use a GPS app like Google Maps with "Refinery Park" as your destination for real-time navigation and traffic updates.
Refinery Park offers a rich array of outdoor experiences throughout the year. Visitors can hike or jog along the Bow River Trail, enjoying changing seasons—from wildflowers in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn. The park features dedicated playgrounds, picnic shelters, and open lawns perfect for family gatherings. During summer months, the park hosts community markets and outdoor concerts, showcasing local food, art, and music. At night, the area’s low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing, offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way across the prairie sky—truly a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Near Refinery Park, don’t miss The Greenhouse Café, a cozy riverside spot renowned for its single-origin specialty coffee and farm-to-table light meals. Its warm wooden interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the greenery. For authentic Canadian fare, head to Prairie Smoke BBQ & Grill, featuring locally sourced beef, smoked meats, and craft beer in a rustic Western-style setting. On weekends, the park hosts a rotating lineup of food truck vendors, bringing diverse culinary delights—from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts—perfect for sampling local flavors and community spirit.
See what other travelers say about Refinery Park

Staying at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary was an absolute delight. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, the hotel exudes old-world charm from the moment you step inside. The lobby is grand and elegant, with intricate details that transport you back in time. My room was spacious, well-appointed, and incredibly comfortable—especially the bed, which made for a restful night’s sleep. What really stood out was the location: just a short walk or quick transit ride away from downtown attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. From check-in to checkout, every interaction felt personalized and genuine. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of history, luxury, and convenience. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Calgary—this is more than just a place to stay, it’s an experience.

My stay at Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown was absolutely excellent. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the C-Train station, making it super easy to get around the city without needing a car. There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes nearby, so everything you need is within reach. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the indoor pool and hot tub—perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my visit. Overall, the value for money is outstanding, and I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Calgary. It’s a top pick for both business and leisure travelers.

Staying at the Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for both short stays and extended visits. I especially appreciated having a full kitchenette with a refrigerator, which made preparing meals easy and convenient, especially when traveling with family or staying longer. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from downtown attractions, shopping areas, and public transit, making getting around the city a breeze. On top of that, the complimentary fitness center and in-house laundry facilities were a huge plus, saving time and money. Breakfast was surprisingly diverse—classic Western options like eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit, but also a welcome touch of Chinese-style savory porridge, which added a nice cultural twist. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully curated. Excellent value, great service, and a truly comfortable home-away-from-home. I’ll definitely return.

I was thoroughly impressed with my stay at Alt Hotel Calgary East Village—this place truly exceeded my expectations. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from downtown attractions, shopping spots, and an amazing variety of restaurants. The hotel itself feels brand new, with a modern, sleek design and spotless cleanliness throughout. From check-in to check-out, the staff were friendly, professional, and always ready to help. My room was spacious, well-lit, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the city. The bed was cozy, the bathroom had excellent water pressure, and everything felt high-end. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches, like the local artwork and quiet, efficient HVAC system. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel offers a fantastic balance of style, comfort, and convenience. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends.

Staying at Hotel Arts in Calgary was an absolute delight. The hotel was immaculately clean, and the king-size bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest after a long day of exploring. I appreciated that parking was available, with a spacious outdoor lot making it easy to find a spot. Located just minutes from downtown, getting around the city was convenient, whether by public transit or car. The overall experience was outstanding, and the value for money was excellent. If you're visiting Calgary, this is definitely a top choice for a relaxing and well-located stay.

Staying at The Westin Calgary was a great choice during my visit to Calgary—mainly because of the trust I have in the Marriott brand. The room was slightly compact, but perfect for solo travelers. What really stood out was the breakfast: both the buffet and à la carte options were delicious and well-prepared. On my last morning, I had an early flight, and the kitchen staff went the extra mile by packing a breakfast meal for me—such a thoughtful touch! The front desk team was also incredibly helpful and patient, taking time to explain each dish with genuine care. One minor note: the bathroom door doubles as the closet door, so when closed, it reveals part of the wardrobe inside—slightly awkward design-wise, but not a dealbreaker. Location-wise, it’s fantastic—walking distance to Chinatown and major shopping areas, just a short stroll from the light rail station, and only about 20 minutes by Uber to the airport (which makes sense given Calgary’s size). Overall, excellent service, convenient location, and top-notch amenities. I’d definitely book here again next time I’m in Calgary.

The room was surprisingly spacious and very comfortable—perfect for both business and leisure travelers. What stood out was how close it was to the University of Montreal, just across the street! That made it incredibly convenient for students or anyone visiting campus. Public transit options were right outside the door, with bus stops nearby, making downtown access a breeze. The area around the hotel is packed with dining choices—everything from casual local spots to international cuisine, so you never run out of options for a meal. The location combines convenience, comfort, and great value, making it an ideal stay in Calgary.

Staying at ExecSuite was an absolute delight, and I must give a special shoutout to Edwin from the maintenance team—he’s truly exceptional. Professional, friendly, and always ready to help whenever I had an issue, no matter how small. His dedication made my stay so much more comfortable and stress-free. The location is excellent—close to downtown and public transit makes getting around easy. Plus, the surrounding area has great dining options. Clean, well-maintained rooms with thoughtful touches throughout. This place offers amazing value for the quality of service and comfort. Definitely a top choice if you're visiting Calgary—I’ll be back without hesitation.

The hostel recently moved to a new location, so the photos no longer match the current space—just keep that in mind when booking. The entrance might look a bit intimidating at first, but don’t hesitate to press the white button for entry. The staff were warm and welcoming, and there’s a great lineup of evening activities to join. We stayed in an 8-bed dorm—each bed had a small storage box for personal items, but no lockers for larger backpacks (a bit of a downside). Every bed also had two power outlets, which was handy. A curtain for the lower bunks would be a nice touch, and swapping one of the standard outlets for a USB port would be even more convenient. Towels are provided, and the bathrooms, dorms, and common areas are spotlessly clean. Free laundry is available if you stay over three days. Breakfast is included—lots of options like bread, butter, jam, Nutella, maple syrup, yogurt, fresh fruit, and a variety of juices. The kitchen has two stovetops and two sinks. Adding a compost bin in the kitchen area would be a sustainable upgrade. Wi-Fi is strong and reliable. Location-wise, it’s right in the heart of downtown: Prince's Island Park, Chinatown, Calgary Tower, and 8th Avenue are all within walking distance. Perfect for exploring on foot. Overall, great value, friendly vibe, and a solid choice for travelers looking for a social yet comfortable stay.

This stay was absolutely unforgettable — from the moment we arrived, everything felt special. The hotel exudes a calm and elegant atmosphere, with a lobby that’s thoughtfully designed and beautifully furnished. Our room was spacious, well-laid-out, and packed with smart technology that made everything so convenient. The staff went above and beyond — friendly, professional, and always ready to help with anything from local recommendations to special requests. The dining experience was exceptional too: a great mix of local flavours and international dishes, all prepared with care and served with stunning presentation. And location-wise, it’s unbeatable — just steps away from transit hubs and major attractions, making exploring the city effortless. This is one of those rare hotels you genuinely want to come back to. Highly recommended!

This was hands down the best hotel of my entire trip across Canada—no exaggeration. Located right in downtown Calgary, it's super convenient with the 300 bus stop just steps away, making airport transfers a breeze. The hotel itself is brand new for a four-star property, and the room quality truly stands out—especially the bedding, which was incredibly comfortable and made it hard to leave the bed. I loved how modern and well-designed everything felt. Plus, there’s a top-rated steakhouse just around the corner, perfect for dinner after a long day of exploring. Everything about this stay was exceptional—from location to service to comfort. Definitely going to come back.

The room was surprisingly spacious and well-equipped, almost like having a mini kitchen with all the essentials for cooking. It made our stay so much more comfortable and convenient, especially when we wanted to whip up something quick after a long day. The location in downtown Calgary is excellent—walkable to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Everything about this stay was top-notch, from the clean, modern design to the friendly staff. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the city.
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