West Nose Creek Park, also known as Confluence Park, lies along both banks of West Nose Creek near its confluence with Nose Creek in Calgary's northeast.
Location: 300 Beddington Tr. N.E.
Area: 73 hectares
Park hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Book this park
- Off-leash area
- Interpretive signage
- Meandering creek
- Home of the 2007 BP BirthPlace Forest
About the park
West Nose Creek Park lies along both banks of West Nose Creek near its confluence with Nose Creek in the northeast part of the city. The park was created in the early 1990s and occupies about 73 hectares. The name comes from its relationship with Nose Creek.
Experience nature in the city
West Nose Creek Park is home to a riparian zone, which is the narrow green space along the edge of a water body. The diverse group of plants and animals found in this habitat are different from those a few metres away on either side. The creek meanders through multiple curves in the valley bottom. The slow and steady movement of the water produces a rich riparian zone.
This park also has a considerable amount of native grassland, shrubland and a historic stone quarry. Further, the park contains "Split Rock", one of the best known glacial erratics in the city.
Much of the valley floor and walls are native Rough Fescue grassland, whereas the uplands have been converted to Smooth Brome. The remainder of the valley floor is a rich riparian zone with several species of willows growing along the banks. Along the north-facing valley slopes there is an extensive shrub community composed of Saskatoons, Northern Gooseberry, American Silverberry and Red-osier Dogwood.
Birds adapted to this range of habitats are easily seen from the extensive trail and pathway network. They range from waterfowl to several species of swallows and raptors such as Northern Harriers. This park is one of the best locations in the park system to obtain a close-up view of beaver dams and lodges.
The valley was forged by runoff from the last glaciation and is therefore considerably younger than the Bow and Elbow river valleys. In certain areas, the creek has carved through the bedrock. Outcroppings of the bedrock, known as the Porcupine Hills Formation are exposed along the north bank. You will also find "Split Rock", the glacial erratic along the north bank. The erratic was once part of Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park.
The park is home to several significant archaeological sites, not the least of which is Split Rock. The uplands have been farmed since the late 1800's and a stone quarry operated for several years near the west end. Stone from this quarry was used to build many of the historic buildings in Calgary—once known as the "Sandstone City".