Alcohol in Parks
Drinking alcohol is permitted at some neighbourhood picnic tables, select large picnic sites, a few open areas within City of Calgary parks and some fire pits.
After a successful pilot in summer 2021, Council approved the expansion of park spaces designated for alcohol consumption.
Based on feedback from participant surveys, more individual picnic tables have been added to high-density neighbourhoods where citizens may not have a private backyard to socialize with family and friends.
Large open areas where people can walk around with their drink or set down a picnic blanket and some large picnic sites (multiple picnic tables) have also been designated for alcohol consumption.
Alcohol in Parks 2021 pilot program
The Alcohol in Parks 2021 pilot was very successful with over 1500 bookings and additional first-come, first-served use. Surveys indicated that over 65 per cent of Calgarians supported the program, 96 per cent of users found the program was a great alternative to being indoors and 73 per cent indicated that their park visitation increased because of the program.
Rules for drinking in parks
The following rules apply to all Calgary green spaces designated for alcohol consumption:
- Alcohol consumption is permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. only.
- Drink in moderation and be a good neighbour. Be aware of Canada’s low-risk drinking guidelines. Public intoxication and disruptive behaviour, including public urination, is not tolerated. Most sites designated for alcohol consumption do not have public washrooms nearby, plan accordingly.
- AGLC Act allows for alcohol consumption only at designated sites. Areas where alcohol is permitted are clearly signed.
- A person must stop consuming liquor in an area designated for alcohol consumption if a Calgary Police officer or community peace officer believes that they are intoxicated and requests that they stop consuming liquor.
- Don’t drink and drive! Call 911 if you see someone drinking and driving.
- Remove all garbage and empty drink containers from the site before you leave the table.
Where can you drink in parks?
There are four types of locations where alcohol is permitted in parks: neighbourhood picnic tables, large picnic sites, open areas and winter fire pits.
Neighbourhood picnic tables
These individual picnic tables are designated for alcohol consumption and are located in neighbourhood parks. Picnic tables can be booked for free or used on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bookings are available in 2-hour increments. But, participants may make multiple bookings or remain longer if no other bookings have been made.
You can only drink alcohol at neighbourhood picnic tables that have an 'Alcohol permitted at tables only' sign attached.
You can either book the table in advance using your City of Calgary Live and Play account or scan the QR code on the sign (attached to the table) to find out if it is available and then use your City of Calgary Live and Play account to book the table.
'Alcohol permitted at tables only' sign.
Locations of neighbourhood picnic tables where alcohol is permitted
NW picnic table locations
| Location and booking code |
|---|
NE picnic table locations
| Location and booking code |
|---|
SW picnic table locations
| Location and booking code |
|---|
SE picnic table locations
| Locations and booking code |
|---|
Use the map to find neighbourhood picnic tables where alcohol is permitted.
Large picnic sites
Some picnic sites located in Calgary’s larger regional parks are designated for alcohol consumption.
Picnic sites include multiple picnic tables and often have amenities like fire pits, shelters and seasonal washrooms nearby.
These sites are often pre-booked months in advance at a cost (booking cost applies if they are designated for alcohol consumption or not) but, if available, can also be used on a first-come, first-served bases.
Locations of large picnic sites where alcohol is permitted
| Locations |
|---|
| Edworthy Park: Site 1, Site 2, Site 8 and Site 9 |
| North Glenmore Park: Blue Jay, Kingfisher, Meadowlark, Peregrine and Song Sparrow |
| Sandy Beach: Picnic site 5, Picnic site 6, Picnic site 7, Picnic site 8 |
| Shouldice: Picnic site 1 |
| Stanley Park: Picnic site 1 |
Use the map to find which picnic sites permit alcohol.
Open areas
Some open areas within Calgary park spaces are designated for alcohol consumption.
Those interested in playing frisbee while having a beer or two with friends or enjoying a wine and cheese spread on a picnic blanket or taking a stroll while having a drink can do so at these select open areas and parks. Onsite signage at these green spaces clearly defines where you can drink.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited outside boundaries indicated on onsite signage—even if you are still within the same park. Boundaries are designed to avoid child-focused amenities like playgrounds.
Locations of open areas within parks where alcohol is permitted
| Locations |
|---|
| Barb Scott Park |
| Buckmaster Park |
| Lindsay Park |
| Southview Off-Leash Area |
| Tomkins Park |
| West Baker Park |
Winter fire pits
Some firepits in The City are designated for alcohol consumption during winter months.
If you have questions, please contact 3-1-1.