“Would you like to join us for a little hike on Sunday at Brown Lowery Provincial Park? It’s just a little Calgary day trip, about 30 minutes south of the city.”
Pretending I know what my friend with small children is talking about, I enthusiastically reply, “Oh yes that would be great fun!”
Meanwhile I madly search the internet for this unknown-to-me Alberta Provincial Park. Is it Brown Laurie park?
No that search brings up John Laurie Park in Calgary.
Brown Lowery Provincial Park
My friend, sensing my lack of Albert Provincial Park knowledge, kindly spells it out for me. It’s not Brown Laurie but Brown Lowery.
How is it that for three years we have sought out Calgary activities for our granddaughter and have not heard of Brown Lowery Provincial Park?
What is there to do at Brown Lowery Provincial Park?
Easy hiking near the Brown Lowery parking lot
When thinking of things to do in Calgary and beyond, often a Banff tour comes to mind. We love Banff National Park, as do 4 million other visitors each year. Finding space where one is not elbow to elbow in Canadian National Park paradise, can be a summer game of hide and seek.
Although considered small at 700 acres, Brown Lowery offers over 12 km ( 7.5 mi) of easy to moderate trails. If you are looking for extreme hiking this Provincial Park does not offer it.
Brown Lowery Provincial Park Trail map
With views of the Canadian Rockies and rolling foothills, as well as a glimpse of downtown Calgary, the assortment of trails are primarily a lovely wander in the woods.
Small creeks, wildflowers, assorted mushrooms and moss, keep the kids enthralled in discovering species.
Our friends’ daughter carried a wildflower book and loved entertaining us with descriptions of what we might use assorted plants for should we become stranded in the forest.
Identifying Alberta wildflowers
Is there wildlife at the park?
Known as a prime destination for birders, there is no shortage of feathered friends to be seen. I admit that my bird knowledge includes robins and woodpeckers. I am happy to report I identified both.
The Brown Lowery Provincial Park is also known to be home to moose, elk, deer, cougar, black bears and lynx. Cheeky squirrels scampered up and down trees during our hiking.
The assortment of bugs, bees and butterflies spark curiosity of young hikers. Why did that worm cross the hiking trail?
This butterfly took a liking to our friends’ son on our Calgary day trip
History of the park and where does the name come from?
In 1943 Home Oil acquired this land which had been used for logging from 1896-1915. Some of the old logging roads remain as part of the trail system today.
In the 1950’s, seismic lines ran through the property, in the quest for oil and gas. These too are part of today’s trail system.
In 1969, Home Oil donated the land to the people of Alberta and the government of the Province of Alberta. The gift of wild land was to be kept in its natural state. In 1974 the natural habitat became a provincial recreational area.
On October 27, 1992 the land was designated Brown Lowery Provincial Park. Named in memory of Robert Brown and Major James Robert Lowery, founders of Home Oil and considered pioneers in the Alberta oil industry.
“Home Oil trusts that Brown Lowery Provincial Park will be enjoyed by all who tread these paths and serve as a reminder of the oilmen who helped build this province.” (Excerpt from a commemorative plaque at the park trail head.)
Brown Lowery Provincial Park directions
Approximately 30 minutes southwest of Calgary, Brown Lowery is accessed via Highway 22x and 22. Turn right on to 242 Avenue, then right again at Plummers Road. Park on the north side of Brown Lowery Provincial Park.
Brown Lowery Provincial Park directions
Tips for Visiting Brown Lowery Park
-Brown Lowery has a small parking lot and parking is allowed on Plummers Road. Since the park appears to be Calgary’s best kept secret day trip, overcrowding is not an issue.
On arrival at 9 am on a holiday weekend, we are the fourth car in the lot. At noon the lot is full and four vehicles park on the road.
Parking lot Brown Lowery Provincial Park
-Washrooms equipped with vault toilets, are available at the parking lot and include toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We suggest to bring these supplies along, just in case the supplu has run out.
-There is no garbage pickup at the park. Please pack out everything you bring in.
-Volunteers maintain the trails, however, they are not wheelchair accessible. Some of the trails have roots and would not be suitable for strollers.
Great for exploring as a family
-Dogs are welcome if on leash. Remember to pick up after your pets.
-Brown Lowery is a day use Provincial Park.
-When arriving check the notice board for any updates and wildlife advisories. Although we saw no evidence of bears we suggest carrying bear spray when hiking in Alberta.
Stream crossing Brown Lowery park
– Do not feed wildlife. For more information on safety around wildlife read this article from Alberta Parks.
-Please stay on the designated trails and share space with other hikers. As tempting as it might be to pick wildflowers or mushrooms, please do not disturb these natural ecosystems.
Where is your favourite place to hike? or a best kept secret trail in your neck of the woods you are willing to share?
Other articles about Alberta
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Wildlife Crossings Banff National Park – Why The Grizzly Crossed the Road, Alive!
Sounds like you found a little gem to explore not too far from home! We have a few similar parks in our area. Lovely little hikes in the woods when one is seeking the quiet of nature.💕
I could hardly believe we didn’t know about this place. Nice easy hiking and as you say in the quiet of nature. Glad to hear you have similar walks in the woods. Hope you are doing well and able to see that sweet granddaughter.
We have been helping to offset daycare so lots of wonderful time spent with our granddaughter!💕. Now awaiting the arrival of her baby brother, hopefully very soon!🤞
That’s fabulous news Lynn! Sending very best wishes for a smooth and safe arrival.XO
What a great looking place for a hike!
Wonderful when we discover these hidden gems especially close to home.
Excellent photos and description of this beautiful provincial park. I wouldn’t mind hiking there.
Horn I think you would enjoy it very much. With your your eye for birds I am already imaging the beautiful photos. Thank you for your kind feedback. I hope this finds you well.
We found some wonderful out of the way spots when we lived in Calgary. I remember the day we discovered Sheep River Falls. It was so scenic and we had the place to ourselves. Another fun place to visit is Bar U Ranch. You can never get bored in Alberta!
Darlene now here is a coincidence. We were to Sheep River just last week! Bar U Ranch is another great one. The good thing about this pandemic is we are getting to know our backyard much better.
There is always a plus! So much to see and do around Calgary.
We are discovering more by the week Darlene. Always good to keep looking on the bright side.
Looks like the perfect place to go hiking with the family. So much to see there. Love the little girl with her book of remedies. 😍
I love that photo too Sylvia. She is such a good reader for her age and we had such fun listening to her descriptions of what each of the plants could help us with.
How lovely …we lived in Calgary in the late 70s and spent our weekends hiking and backpacking trails in and around Banff …I don’t think we ever came across this park. Perhaps after Covid19 we will return to Calgary and check this spot out. Our most recent family hike was in Comox Lake Recreational Park, Comox, BV mid Aug. some lovely trails also with Great Lake views as well, it was stroller friendly which was great for my daughter in law and my youngest grandson. The Bearbait trails were great and we were happy no bears out for a picnic at that time. No problems parking or crowds either 🙏🙏🙏
Jayne thank you for sharing your own find in Comix Lake Recreational Park. Perhaps it is one of the positives of this challenging time that we are all finding lesser known gems in our own backyards. Like your own exploring when you lived in Calgary, we have been more drawn to areas like Banff. Great to be introduced to quieter natural beauty close to home.
Sue, you had me at moose and elk. How lovely to find out about this little hidden gem in your own backyard, it is fantastic to discover something new. Sounds like this lovely park is the perfect place to spend time with your grandkids with so much for them to do there, but also things to keep the adults happy.
Gilda although we didn’t see any of the big animals that day, it’s always a wonder to see them in the wild. Thanks for taking the time to read and to share your thoughts. It truly is a little hidden gem.
What a special place, so close to the city and easily accessible.
Wonderful to find this little escape. We will definitely return.
what a lovely hike, Sue. nature and its little surprises! 🙂
So true! Wonderful to find these hidden gems. Wishing you a great weekend.
Great post….looks beautiful and a perfect day with grandchildren!!! Your pictures make me feel like I was part of the hike. Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
Kirt I’m happy you enjoyed the walk along in Brown Lowery Provincial Park. We’ll definitely take our granddaughter out there sometime soon. Nice easy walking. Wishing you a great long weekend. hoping you and your family are all doing well.
I lived in Calgary for 30 years, and never heard of Brown Lowery Park. It sounds (and looks) like a lovely little piece of wilderness! Nice to see that there are still some parks that aren’t overrun by people. 🙂
Diane it makes me feel better to know I wasn’t the only one with no knowledge of this park. Like you, I am very happy to find places that aren’t mob scenes. Brown Lowery seems to be perfect for the times we find ourselves in.
What a gorgeous place to hike. I like the idea of “easy” trails – gives you an easier time to explore birds and wildflowers. Also very positive that they allow dogs on a leash. We love to hike a wildlife refuge nearby with beautiful trails and birds but dogs are not allowed in many of our nearby parks.
Pam that must be challenging for dog lovers. Although we don’t own a dog we do have granddogs. I’ll have to ask our son and daughter-in-law about restrictions here. I know many places your dog must be on leash.
Bear spray! I didn’t even know it existed, let alone the park 🙂 🙂 Happy family time, Sue.
Canada is a gorgeous country but we do have bears in the Rockies. Bear spray is a standard piece of hiking equipment, or at least should be. The key is never to surprise a bear so travelling in groups of four or more, talking and singing are usually enough to let the bears know you are there.
This is a great post, Sue, thanks so much for introducing Brown Lower park to us. Great overview, reminding us it’s not for hard-core hiking, but a park nonetheless that’s filled with natural wonders and plenty of activity for folks of all ages. I espec. liked the young girl in your party who took an interest in the wildflowers and kept you all informed. It’s parks like these, and parents and adults like you and your friends, who make a difference on the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. We need that! Many thanks.
Jet it was wonderful watching the children’s enthusiasm for the flora and fauna of the area. Such a great classroom nature can be. I think getting kids out to enjoyable spots like this, that aren’t too hard to hike, help develop a love for the outdoors. our friends have done a great job instilling that curiosity for nature.