Fish Creek Provincial Park

Alberta Parks

Teacher-Guided Field Studies

    The vision for Alberta Parks is Alberta's parks inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations.  Many groups visit Fish Creek Provincial Park each year.  The cumulative effect of groups doing intrusive activities can have a negative impact on a park's ecosystems. School groups are welcome to come to the park without a program. Please keep in mind that park day use areas and facilities (picnic areas, washrooms, pathways) are not designed for large groups. Avoid bringing multiple classes or entire class cohorts on trips as areas cannot handle these large numbers.

    • Consider booking a Glennfield Group Use Site for larger groups. .
    • We ask that teachers NOT visit or conduct their own programs in the Shannon Terrace area. This area is already very busy with groups booked into Park operated school programs.
    • When visiting the park with your groups please select activities that show respect for the environment and a commitment to its care.

    All teachers bringing students on a teacher-guided field study or with an external service provider other than Alberta Parks are requested to:

    For additional info on selecting activities or park sites, phone Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre at 403-297-7927.

    Suggestions for Areas to Visit

    We ask that teachers NOT visit or conduct their own programs in the Shannon Terrace area. This area is already busy with groups booked into Park operated school programs.

    Day use areas in the park that offer picnic areas and washroom facilities include:

    • In the eastern portion of park
    • In the western portion of the park

    Fish Creek Provincial Park Pathway Map

    Seasonal Safety Concerns

    Season Safety Concern
    Autumn 
    • Wasps seek shelter from cool temperatures under fallen leaves. Reaching into piles of dead leaves may result in a painful sting.
    • Most wasp stings occur in the fall.  Wasps are lethargic then and less likely to use flight as a defense.
    • Anyone who is allergic to wasp or bee stings must have their kit with them at all times while in the park.
    Winter
    • Trails may be extremely icy.
    • Use caution, especially when walking downhill.
    Spring
    • Spring runoff may flood some trails.
    • Fish Creek may be flowing high and fast. Keep back from the banks which can be slippery or eroded.
    Summer
    • Mosquito repellent will be necessary.
    • Everyone must have a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids to avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke

     

    Preparatory Discussions

    Class Discussion About Protecting Natural Areas

    Parks and protected areas are lands set aside to preserve the biodiversity of natural environments.  Alberta's parks system includes a spectrum of sites ranging from intensively developed recreation areas to pristine wilderness. 

    Discuss how students should behave on the visit to show respect for the natural environment and a commitment to its care. All park rules reflect this need to respect, preserve and protect the environment.

    Class Discussion About Field Study Safety

    To help ensure everyone's safety during the park visit

    • Stay with at least one other person. Fish Creek Provincial Park is very large. It is easy for a child to become disoriented and lost. 
      • Elementary age students must always remain within sight of an adult.
      • Junior high school students must always be with at least one other student.
    • Walking is safer than running. There are many things in a natural environment to trip over. If you fall when running, your injuries are likely to be more severe.
    • All park pathways are multiple use. Use caution to avoid potential collisions with cyclists and other users coming from the opposite direction.
    • Dress appropriately for an outing in a natural area. This may include: sturdy, waterproof footwear; a water repellent jacket; and a change of socks and pants.
    • Also refer to the seasonal safety concerns outlined above.
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Updated: Mar 20, 2025