4 Best Reasons to Love Living Near Pearce Estate Park in Inglewood

Posted by Justin Havre on Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at 7:11am.

Perks to Living Near Pearce Estate Park

If your Calgary home-buying wishlist includes proximity to a world-renowned park, Inglewood should be at the top of your list. Pearce Estate Park is located within Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood, a unique part of the city with a variety of quirky shops, flavourful restaurants and fantastic art galleries. Living near the park has numerous benefits, and there are stylish condos and a number of new construction homes within walking distance of this natural respite in an urban city. Here, we'll explore the rich history and some of the perks of buying one of Inglewood's homes for sale near Pearce Estate Park.

Calgary History in Your Backyard

Pearce Estate Park is one of the community's most prized areas and was once owned by William Pearce. This prominent early Calgarian constructed an impressive sandstone home on the property in 1889 and lived there until he passed away in 1930. As a nature lover, Pearce generously gave Southeast Calgary his 80 hectares of land on the Bow River.  

The wetlands here were once used partially for agriculture by Pearce, and they have been transformed many times over the years since being gifted to the community. The city began developing the area as part of a riverine forest destination. This space was ultimately re-naturalized to represent its original environment and now serves as an interpretation facility that includes:

  • Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery
  • Visitor Centre
  • Walking on Water Trail
  • Discovery Trail
  • Ducks Unlimited Webbed Foot Lane

There is a 15-hectare wetland area that joins up with Bow Habitat Station to form the current 21-hectare park. There are picnic areas, a playground, ponds and streams, and numerous pathways for visitors to enjoy while exploring the historical markers and location on the site.

Pearce Estate Park Additional Information

  • Location: 1440 17A Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T9
  • Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
  • Contact: (403) 297-6561

4-Kilometre Trail For Year-Round Fun

Pearce Estate Park Features a 4km Trail

A highlight of the park is the 4-kilometre multi-use trail that offers opportunities for hiking and biking in warmer months and serves as a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the wintertime. The trail is rated "Easy" and is ideal for users of all ages. Pets can join owners, but only on leashes.

A number of animals and bird species reside in Pearce Estate Park, and self-guided and guided tours are available. There are signs along the trail route that explain how the wetland came to be and describe the wildlife that can be spotted here.

Some common birds here are the White-breasted Nuthatch and Catbird, while several species of nesting birds include Tree Swallows, Northern Flickers and Common Goldeneye. Additionally, there are quite a few waterbirds around the river and ponds, such as American Coots and several types of ducks.

While summer is the perfect time to participate in catch-and-release fishing for trout in the pond, winter brings other uses for the trail. Bring a pair of skis for cross-country skiing, which is exhilarating and offers beautiful scenery. Snowshoes can also be rented at the visitor's centre for hiking the trail.

Kid-Friendly Fun at Pearce Estate Park

Kids can have a day filled with fun at kid-friendly Pearce Estate Park, which features a stellar playground near shaded picnic sites. This area includes interactive installations and climbing structures in addition to standard park features like swings, slides, and walking bridges.

Bow Habitat Station is the central part of the park, but the adjacent Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, where over a million rainbow trout are raised, is a real treat for the whole family. Between the Bow Habitat Station and the parking lot, a spacious park area has been converted into a catch-and-release fishing pond. Visitors can bring their own pole or rent one at the station for $5. Please note that a ban on bait and barbless hooks is in effect year-round.

Guests can try out the Inglewood Bike Pump Track, where rolling hills and smooth turns are accessible for both beginners and experienced mountain bike riders. With two asphalt tracks to choose from, newbies can take advantage of the easy route, while those up for a challenge will encounter larger ramps and rollers along the terrain. This park area also has a sizeable harvest-style table for groups to commune near the tracks.

Proximity to Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery

Pearce Estate Park is Near the Bow Habitat STation

The Bow Habitat Station & Discovery Centre is a place where visitors can explore and learn more about Alberta's natural environment. Bow Habitat Station technically encompasses a visitor's centre, the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, and Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland.

There is an impressive beaver dam display that visitors can crawl into before heading to the 15,000-litre fish aquarium, and the experience concludes with an award-winning film. After seeing the sights at the station, guests are invited to visit the adjacent Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery.

As one of the largest enclosed fish hatcheries on the continent, an average of one million fish are raised here annually to re-stock Alberta's lakes and rivers. A catch-and-release trout pond lets kids get the chance to catch or feed rainbow trout, and admission includes one serving of fish food.

Bow Habitat Station & Discovery Centre Additional Information

  • Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Cost: $2.00, Free for Children Under 3

Living Near Pearce Estate Park Enhances Daily Life

Regardless of the season, there is always something to do at Pearce Estate Park—one of the things Calgary is famous for. From hiking or skiing the trails to catching rainbow trout or having a picnic with family and friends, spending the day here is a treat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to entertain kids or have a family picnic after a day on the trails and exploring the park, this is a remarkable place to live near!

If you're interested in Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your Calgary dream home today.

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