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Bow Valley Ranch day use infrastructure development plan engagement

Albertans shared feedback to help inform the future of Bow Valley Ranch day use area.

Overview

We are preparing an Infrastructure Development Plan for the Bow Valley Ranch day use area in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Our goal is to improve the day use facilities and amenities and help us address aging infrastructure, changing visitor needs, and to ensure visitors can continue to connect with nature, each other, and our shared history. 

Feedback was collected and will be considered alongside input from partners operating in the park in the development of the plan. We will also use results from technical assessments to help identify key infrastructure upgrades to better meet the needs of park operations and management staff.

Status

  • Open

    Survey closed October 17, 2025

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Forestry and Parks

Get informed 

The Bow Valley Ranch day use area is located in the eastern part of Fish Creek Provincial Park and includes amenities like the park’s Visitor Centre, a restaurant and administrative offices. The day use area is accessed via Bow Bottom Trail and is connected to the rest of the park and nearby communities through a network of pathways and trails. 

Map - Bow Valley Ranch day use infrastructure development plan engagement

  • Infrastructure Development Plan

    The Infrastructure Development Plan is a guide for facility and amenity improvements. It identifies a shared vision, set of priorities, and an implementation strategy for ensuring an enjoyable visitor experience now and in the future.

    By engaging Albertans on an infrastructure development plan for the Bow Valley Ranch day use area, the government aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive plan that reflects Albertans’ diverse perspectives, values and priorities and supports the long-term vision for the area.

  • Timing of this plan

    Bow Valley Ranch day use area and Fish Creek Park Provincial Park see more than 2 million visitors a year. A comprehensive plan will help identify and prioritize improvements to address the aging infrastructure and facility spaces in the area.

  • Project background

    The Bow Valley Ranch day use area has the highest concentration of facilities, commercial and partner operations and visitation in Fish Creek Provincial Park. As visitor use increases, so does demand on facilities like parking, washrooms, and businesses. 

    Over 2025, Alberta's government has worked with onsite partners and has identified challenges with aging infrastructure, most notably the Visitor Centre, the Red Barn, and the old bunkhouse (also known as the jobber’s house and head herdsman’s house) which have been vacant for many years. We are undertaking a comprehensive plan that will help identify and prioritize improvements based on a holistic view of the area.

  • Project Area Preliminary Plan

    Over 2025, Alberta's government has worked with onsite partners to determine the opportunities and challenges to enhancing the visitor experience within the Bow Valley Ranch day use area, while bringing efficiency to onsite operations for partners and the government. The preliminary plan illustrates where redevelopment could occur within the site.

    Preliminary plan map

Input received

Online survey

Albertans were able to complete a survey to share feedback from September 22 to October 17, 2025.

Engagement timeline

  • Phase 1

    Data collection and initial input from partners operating in the Bow Valley Ranch day use area.

    Winter 2023 to Fall 2024
  • Phase 2

    Complete technical assessments to inform future improvements.

    Fall 2024
  • Phase 3

    Gather public, stakeholder and Indigenous feedback on the vision.

    We are here
  • Phase 4

    Develop an infrastructure development plan and release a summary of the plan.

    Winter 2025

Outcomes

Your feedback will help inform the Infrastructure Development Plan for the Bow Valley Ranch day use area. The completed Plan will reflect the contributions of interested parties, Indigenous communities and the people of Alberta.

Contact

Connect with us for more information on the Bow Valley Ranch day use area:

Email: [email protected]