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Neighbourhood Guide
Bowness
NorthWest, Calgary
Bowness is a historic and vibrant neighborhood located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta.
Bowness is a vibrant, historic neighborhood in northwest Calgary that offers a unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and small-town charm.
With its rich history, close-knit community, and access to some of the city’s best parks and recreational spaces, Bowness is an appealing place to live for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Bowness was originally a village established in 1896 and became part of Calgary in 1964. Its rich history, small-town charm, and distinct character make it one of Calgary’s most unique neighborhoods. The area is known for its beautiful parks, particularly Bowness Park, the Bow River, and its welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. Bowness has a mix of older character homes, modern infills, and apartments, attracting a wide range of residents, including families, young professionals, retirees, and students.
Location and Accessibility
Bowness is located in the northwest region of Calgary. The community is bordered by:
- North: Bow River
- South: Highway 1
- East: Bow River
- West: 33rd Avenue NW
Bowness offers residents beautiful views of the river, quick access to major roadways, and proximity to nature, recreational facilities, and Calgary landmarks.
Education and Healthcare
The community is served by several reputable schools that include River Valley School, Thomas B. Riley School and Bowness High School. Outside the neighbourhood, there are plenty of excellent schooling options for the kids. See our list of schools nearby here.
Post-secondary institutions are close by, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and University of Calgary, both easily accessible by public transit or a short drive, making it a convenient area for students.
South of the community is The Foothills Medical Centre and the Alberta Children’s Hospital, one of Calgary’s largest hospitals. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and outpatient services, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare.
Life in Bowness
Bowness is known for its friendly, tight-knit community and offers a laid-back lifestyle with a small-town feel. Many residents are long-time locals, contributing to a strong sense of belonging and community pride.
With its beautiful parks, river access, and variety of housing options, Bowness provides an ideal setting for families, young professionals, and anyone looking for a close-knit community in Calgary.
On The Map
Bowness is located just north of Highway 1 and bordered by Greenwood Greenbriar and the Bow River.
Bowness Schools
If you're buying a home in Bowness and looking for a school for your child, you'll be pleased to know that the neighbourhood has a number of schooling options to choose from.
Nearby Schools
- River Valley School – Bowness: Website
- Our Lady of the Assumption School – Bowness: Website
- Thomas B. Riley School – Bowness: Website
- Belvedere Parkway School – Bowness: Website
- Bowness High School – Bowness: Website
- Terrace Road School – Montgomery: Website
- Foundations for the Future Charter Academy, North High School Campus – Montgomery: Website
- Westmount Charter Mid-High School – University Heights: Website
- University School – University Heights: Website
- Dr. Gordon Townsend School – University Heights: Website
- Varsity Acres School – Varsity: Website
- St. Vincent de Paul Elementary & Junior High – Varsity: Website
- Marion Carson School – Varsity: Website
- F.E. Osborne School – Varsity: Website
- École Terre des Jeunes – Varsity: Website
- Christine Meikle School – Varsity: Website
- University of Calgary – University Heights: Website
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SIAST) – Hillhurst: Website
Calgary Schools
- Calgary Public Schools: Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
- Calgary Catholic Separate Schools: Catholic Separate School Board
- Calgary French Immersion Schools: Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
Amenities
The Bow River runs along the Northern edge of the park, with winding walking & bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
A beautiful lagoon offers skating in the winter & paddle boating in the summer. The park also has picnic sites & firepits, Tea House, playgrounds & a rideable miniature railway. Nearby is Shouldice Park with its Arena, Athletic & Aquatic Parks – a 28 hectare lying along the Western edge of the neighbourhood. Tennis courts & sports fields, playgrounds, picnic sites & baseball diamonds makes it a popular destination year-round.
Bowness offers its own community association, which sponsors many activities throughout the year, including a Harvest Fair, Christmas Craft Fair and Christmas dinner. The Tour de Bowness Street Festival is an exciting street festival with great food vendors, live music, local artisans as well as a cycling race – is a very popular event in the community.
Bowness Community Association – www.mybowness.com
Shop & Dine
Bowness has a growing commercial district along Bowness Road, where residents can find a variety of local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The neighborhood is known for its independent businesses, giving it a unique, small-town feel within the city. Cadence Coffee, Angel’s Drive In, and Bowness Pub are local favorites, contributing to the community’s distinct character. For more extensive shopping, residents are just minutes from Market Mall, one of Calgary’s largest shopping centers, which offers a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and services.
Bowness Real Estate
Bowness offers a diverse range of housing options, from older, character-filled homes to modern developments.
The neighborhood is known for its older character homes, many of which date back to the early to mid-20th century, lending a historic charm to the area. These homes often feature large lots with mature trees, adding to the neighborhood’s appeal. In recent years, Bowness has seen significant redevelopment, with modern infill homes, townhouses, and low-rise condos being built, catering to younger families and professionals looking for updated amenities. The wide variety of housing options makes Bowness accessible to a broad demographic, from renters to homeowners.
With Team Hripko’s expertise and extensive knowledge of the area, they will guide you through the available real estate options and help you find the perfect home.
Bowness Real Estate
See today's Bowness homes for sale.
4615 82 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2P8
Bowness, Calgary RE/MAX House of Real Estate
6129 32 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 0J9
Bowness, Calgary RE/MAX Real Estate (Central)
8319 44 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 1Y1
Bowness, Calgary RE/MAX Realty Professionals
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