Field Trips

Join our volunteer naturalists on outings within and beyond the Calgary. Everyone is welcome – more eyes mean more sightings! Field trips are held throughout the year and visit parks, natural areas and wildlands within the city and in the prairies, foothills and mountains. Field trips are led by Nature Calgary volunteers with local knowledge. Nature Calgary also organizes special trips to explore natural areas beyond Calgary, including bus trips.

Upcoming field trips are listed below. For any questions about the field trips, please contact the field trip leader directly.

Nature Calgary updates the field trips throughout the year to accommodate trail conditions and weather. Become a member for the latest updates or check this page often for trip updates.

Field Trip FAQ

Before the trip

Who can join the field trips?
Everyone is welcome to join the field trips. Check the event description for the level of activity and length of the outing. If you have any questions before the trip, contact the event leader.
Who leads the trips?

The field trips are led by volunteers with a passion for nature and for sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with others. Our volunteers have walked the paths before and will try to encourage your interest in natural history. If you are interested in leading a trip, learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

What if the weather is questionable?
Calgary’s weather can change quick. To confirm the field trip will still happen, contact the trip leader and check this page for updates. If you’re uncertain, always contact the trip leader.

 

If the weather changes for the worse during the trip, the outing may be cut short. And sometimes, trips are extended if the weather is great and everyone is having a good experience.

How much do the field trips cost?
Most field trips are free for Nature Calgary members, with the exception of our special trips. If the trip has a fee, payment can be submitted through the website when registering for the trip. Non-members can join in most field trips and non-member pricing is available for our special trips.
Do I need to RSVP?
Most field trips do not require pre-registration. Some events, such as our bus trips, do require pre-registration. Please check the event details to confirm if pre-registration is required. If pre-registration is required, please contact the trip leader at least 24 hours in advance of the outing.
During the trip
Where is the meeting place?
The outings are located throughout and beyond the city. See the event descriptions for the meeting places and times – they are different for each field trip.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes – all participants must sign a waiver and release.

 

What should I bring?

Bring appropriate clothing, gear and food for the conditions and expected duration of the field trip. Here is a suggested list:

 

  • Appropriate footwear and clothing
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Water, snacks and a lunch if going for a full day
  • Camera
Can I bring my dog?
No – we ask that you leave your dog at home.
Are there any ethics or etiquette that I should be aware of?
Participants are requested to stay with the group, let the leader lead, share the sighting and move quietly. For more information about birding etiquette please see the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics.
 

Have more questions? Contact the trip leader directly or send us a message with any general inquiries.

 

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Carburn Park

    Carburn Park 67 Riverview Dr. S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    This is a field trip at one of Calgary’s best birding sites. The day will be spent on both paved and graveled paths, so good footwear is required. The pace […]

  • Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: World Migratory Bird Day

    Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Saturday, May 9th (World Migratory Bird Day). Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This field trip is at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary,  2425 – 9 Avenue SE. The […]

  • Birding on St. Patrick’s Island

    St. Patrick's Island (656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1) 656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Join Nature Calgary for a birding walk on St. Patrick’s Island to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. All event information is available on Eventbrite. Nature Calgary members get 50% off with […]

  • Carburn Park Plant and Nature Walk

    Carburn Park 67 Riverview Dr. S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    May 10, 2026  Plant and nature walk at Carburn Park from 9 am -12 pm.   Please register with Sandy at rockhill29@shaw.ca

  • Creekside Shopping Centre: Wetlands

    Creekside Shopping Centre: Wetlands 12432 Symons Valley Rd NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    The Creekside Shopping Centre management (Choice Properties) has invited Nature Calgary to lead field trips from their location. This is a fairly new birding area with a nice wetlands just […]

  • Birding on St. Patrick’s Island

    St. Patrick's Island (656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1) 656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Join Nature Calgary for a birding walk on St. Patrick’s Island. All event information is available on Eventbrite. Nature Calgary members get 50% off with the code NCMember.

  • Victoria Day – Annual Nature Calgary Big Day

    Monday May 18, 5:30 am. All day. Victoria Day – Annual Nature Calgary Big Day. See over 100 bird species at various locations within Calgary. There will be a few longer walks mixed with driving and […]

  • Carburn Park May Plant Count

    Carburn Park 67 Riverview Dr. S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    May 28, 2026  May Plant Count project.  This is a project with Nature Alberta from May 25-31.  We will be documenting the plants of Carburn Park using iNaturalist.  Time 9 […]

  • Pearce Estate Park: May Plant Count

    Pearce Estate Park 1440 17A St. S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    May 29,  2026  May Plant Count project.  This is a project with Nature Alberta from May 25-31.  We will be documenting the plants of Pearce Estate Park using iNaturalist.  Time […]

  • North Glenmore

    North Glenmore Park (Parking Lot C)

    This is a wonderful Field Trip. We start at Parking Lot C at 9:00am and follow the reservoir for the first bit before heading away from the shore. Because of […]

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