About Bow Habitat Station
Bow Habitat Station is an environmental education centre dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between humans and their natural surroundings. Through self-guided and facilitated experiences, visitors explore Alberta’s fish, aquatic habitats, and environmental connections.
Our Vision
To inspire and nurture a sustainable human connection with Alberta’s environment – one experience at a time.
Our Mission
To inspire positive and meaningful environmental action through hands-on learning experiences related to
Alberta’s fish, wildlife and ecosystems.
Our Core Values
Opportunity
We reduce barriers to environmental literacy by providing engaging opportunities to explore and discover Alberta’s diverse landscape.
Understanding
We facilitate an understanding of ecosystems and relationships to encourage responsible action and informed decision-making.
Connection
We provide meaningful experiences that foster lifelong connections with nature and inspire stewardship and community action.
Our History
Small acts create large waves.
The vision for the Bow Habitat Station began in the early 1990’s. At the time, the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery had been operating for over 20 years, sparking public interest in learning more about fisheries management and Alberta’s fish species. To meet this growing curiosity, a group of passionate educational volunteers established the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery Volunteer Society (SLFHVS) and began laying the groundwork for a visitor centre.
With support from community stakeholders and the Government of Alberta, the SLFHVS formed a Core Committee to develop conceptual plans, themes and key messages. These efforts led to the opening of the Discovery Centre in 2009. The evolution of Bow Habitat Station continued with the development of the Interpretive Wetlands in the late 1990’s and the launch of the Kids Can Catch Trout Pond in 2012 – milestones made possible by a group of dedicated individuals.
These volunteers built the foundation of Bow Habitat Station, shaping it into a place for fisheries education and environmental stewardship. Their efforts continue to ripple outward, inspiring visitors to think, plan, and act with the environment in mind.
A Unique Learning Experience Awaits
Through hands-on discovery and interactive exhibits, visitors of all ages dive into Alberta’s fish and wildlife, gain an appreciation for the province’s diverse aquatic ecosystems, and learn about our shared role in stewardship.
Located just minutes east of downtown Calgary in the vibrant community of Inglewood, Bow Habitat Station is easily accessible by Calgary transit and offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience that’s sure to leave you hooked.
Operated by the Government of Alberta under the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, Bow Habitat Station leverages its four unique attractions to engage, inspire curiosity, build empathy, and motivate Albertans to think, plan and act with the environment in mind.
At the Bow Habitat Station, you’ll find:
- Discovery Centre and Aquariums – Hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and aquariums of over 20 of Alberta’s native fish species
- Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery – A behind-the-scenes look at Alberta’s fish stocking program
- Kids Can Catch Trout Pond – A chance to cast a line and learn about responsible fishing
- Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetlands – A natural space to explore Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems
Updated: Apr 2, 2025