Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland

Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland is a captivating, natural place in the middle of the city, waiting to be discovered.

The park showcases several aquatic habitats found throughout Alberta plus the wildlife and plant species that call them home. The system of interpretive trails will foster your appreciation of Alberta’s aquatic environments.

You’ll see these types of waters in your explorations:

  • Backwater pond
  • Bow River
  • Cold water stream
  • Prairie marsh
  • Riverine forest
  • Sandstone pool

Come and explore the Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetlands

Wildlife watchers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy wandering the interpretive trails of Pearce Estate Park. Three unique trails showcase a variety of aquatic ecosystems and plant and wildlife species.

  • Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) Webfoot Lane

    Stroll around the DUC marsh and experience Alberta’s wetlands. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes and ears open for nesting common goldeneye, spotted sandpipers and red-winged blackbirds in spring and summer. Look overhead for tree swallows and Swainson’s hawks, Mallards and Canada geese can be found year round.
  • Government of Alberta Walking on Water Trail

    Take a walk “into the foothills” and over a subsurface-flow wetland. Learn how water from the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery is cleaned before it enters the Bow River. Watch for grey partridge in winter and delight in the sights and smells of a variety of wildflowers, grasses and shrubs in summer.
  • BP Canada Discovery Trail

    Enjoy the lush shrubs, tall balsam poplar trees and the flowing water as you meander along the BP Coldwater Stream. Learn about different types of stream habitats and the importance of streamside vegetation to fish. Watch for yellow warblers, least flycatchers, and cedar waxwings in summer. Black-capped chickadees and our resident great-horned owl are present year round.

Visit the Bow River

Follow the paved regional pathway to the banks of the "Blue Ribbon" Bow River, known for its world-class brown trout fishing. In summer, watch for common mergansers, double-crested cormorants, California and ring-billed gulls, and American white pelicans searching for fish beside the Western Irrigation District weir.

Picnicking, Fishing and Fun

Bring a picnic, explore the playground and go fishing along the Bow River — Pearce Estate Park is a great place to spend the day with your family!

To reserve Pearce Estate Park for your private event, visit:

Posted: May 26, 2009
Updated: October 22, 2009