Group Programs

Programs for groups of all ages and abilities

Doesn’t matter if it’s snow, sun or rain, there’s something fun all-year round at Bow Habitat Station.

Booking a Group Program

Group rates must be booked and paid for a minimum of one week in advance to be eligible for the discount rate.

  • Group bookings are available Tuesday through Saturday year-round.
  • Bookings are available in 1-3 hour timeslots with morning availability starting at 9:30 AM and afternoon availability starting at 1:00 PM.
  • It is recommended to book early as space is limited.

Step 1: Select Your Program

Toddler Groups | Ages 3 & under

Self-Guided

Duration: Recommended 30-60 min.

Cost: First 10 people ages 4+: $65
Each additional group of up to 5 people ages 4+: $30

Adventure through five galleries of hands-on exhibits and marvel at over 20 freshwater fish species as you discover the incredible aquatic ecosystems of Alberta.

Fish Feeding

Duration: 15-20 min.
Cost: $50
Group Size: Max. 30 people including infants/toddlers

Discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy as you help feed thousands of eager trout in the Fish Hatchery.

Youth Groups | Ages 4-12

Self-Guided

Duration: Recommended 30-90 min.

Cost: First 10 participants: $45
Each additional group of up to 5 participants: $20

Explore through five galleries of hands-on exhibits and marvel at over 20 freshwater fish species as you discover the incredible aquatic ecosystems of Alberta.

Fish Feeding | All Ages

Duration: 20 min.
Cost: $50
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy as you help feed thousands of eager trout in the Fish Hatchery.

Recommended for:

  • Younger audiences (ages 4-6)
  • Groups with limited time or focus
Fish Hatchery Tour | Ages 6+

Duration: 30 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

It’s all about trout! What science and technology are needed to successfully raise a trout from egg to adult? Why does Alberta have such an extensive fish stocking program? This engaging tour through North America’s second largest fish hatchery will leave you reeling!

You’ll have time to ponder all of the amazing info you learn on this tour as you discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy in the ponds of the Fish Hatchery - a fin-tastic way to finish up the tour.

  • Groups with capacity to focus for a 30 min. science-based tour

Build A Habitat | Ages 4-12

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $65
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

What does a fish need to survive? Find out with a hands-on, play-based learning activity in which your group builds a home for a fish.

Create A Craft | Ages 4-8

Duration: 20-30 min.
Cost: $65
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Fish fashion is fabulous, but also all about science! Join us to create some amazing, eco-friendly wearable art, inspired by the science of fish adaptations.

Recommended for:

  • Groups with limited time or focus
Marsh Mysteries | Ages 7-12

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

What strange creatures are lurking in that mysterious marsh water? Zoom in on the extraordinary invertebrates that swim with the fishes in this hands-on exploration. We’ll go from micro to macro with an invertebrate lab, science sketching, and a self-guided tour through the ecology of the marsh.

  • Groups with capacity to focus for a 30 min. science-based activity
Responsible Reeling: Small Fry | Ages 5-8

Duration: 60-75 min.
Cost: $150
Group Size: Max. 20 youth and up to 10 adults/leaders

It’s never too early to learn to love fishing – and that includes taking good care of fish habitats, knowing which fish is which, and how to safely release fish back to their homes. All learning happens through active, hands-on games and carefully designed fish hatchery experiences. Guaranteed to turn your small fry into a fish enthusiast!

Recommended for:

  • Smaller group sizes
  • Beaver or Spark groups working towards a fish or stewardship badge
Responsible Reeling: Junior | Ages 8-12

Duration: 60-75 min.
Cost: $150
Group Size: Max. 20 youth and up to 10 adults/leaders

Build your fishing skills as we dive into fish anatomy and habitat, fish ID, water stewardship, and everything you need to know to enjoy fishing in our beautiful Albertan lakes and rivers. You’ll even get hands-on experience in fish handling, learning the best way to safely release fish before your next fishing adventure.

Recommended for:

  • Smaller group sizes
  • Brownie or Scout groups working towards a fish or stewardship badge
Who Am I? | Ages 5-12

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Meet some of the wildlife who call Alberta home! Put your investigation skills to the test as you use wildlife facts, tracks, pelts and more to identify furry, feathered or scaly animals.

Catch a Critter (Seasonal) | Ages 6-12+

Seasonal: Available May through September

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Our wetland classroom is full of weird and wonderful wildlife! Come dip a net in the Interpretive Wetlands and discover the underwater world of aquatic invertebrates.

Nature Sense | Ages 4-8

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Connect with nature using your senses on a guided walk through the Interpretive Wetlands.

Trail Trekking | Ages 6-12

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

You don’t need to leave the city to find incredible wildlife. Come meet your neighbours in nature as we adventure through the urban forest and wetland in one of Calgary’s oldest green spaces.

Youth Groups | Participants ages 12-17

Self-Guided

Duration: Recommend 60-90 min.
Cost: First 10 participants: $45
Each additional group of up to 5 participants: $20

Explore through five galleries of hands-on exhibits and marvel at over 20 freshwater fish species as you discover the incredible aquatic ecosystems of Alberta.

Fish Feeding

Duration: 20-30 min.
Cost: $50
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy as you help feed thousands of eager trout in the Fish Hatchery.

Recommended for:

  • Groups with limited time or focus
Fish Hatchery Tour

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

It’s all about trout! What science and technology are needed to successfully raise a trout from egg to adult? Why does Alberta have such an extensive fish stocking program? This engaging tour through North America’s second largest fish hatchery will leave you reeling!

You’ll have time to ponder all of the amazing info you learn on this tour as you discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy in the ponds of the Fish Hatchery - a fin-tastic way to finish up the tour.

Recommended for:

  • Groups with capacity to focus for a 30 min. science-based tour
Responsible Reeling

Duration: 1.5 hr.
Cost: $150
Group Size: Max. 20 youth and up to 10 adults/leaders

Build your fishing skills with a deep dive into the role of fishing regulations in fisheries management practices. Using live fish in the aquariums, learn how to use basic fish anatomy to identify some of Alberta’s sportfish. You’ll even get hands-on experience practice proper fish handling techniques so that you can be a responsible angler on your next fishing trip.

Recommended for:

  • Smaller group sizes
  • Students in the Environmental and Outdoor Education course

Trail Trekking

Duration: 45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

You don’t need to leave the city to find incredible wildlife. Come meet your neighbours in nature as we adventure through the urban forest and wetland in one of Calgary’s oldest green spaces.

Wetland Wonders (Seasonal)

Seasonal: Available May through September

Duration: 45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 30 people including adults/leaders

Take a hands-on approach to discovery as you use buckets and nets to dip into the waters of the Interpretive Wetlands in search of aquatic invertebrates. Investigate the characteristics of these spineless species to identify your discoveries and learn about the valuable role invertebrates play in wetland ecosystems.

Adult and Senior Groups | Ages 18+

Self-Guided

Duration: Recommend 1-1.5 hr.
Cost: First 10 participants: $65
Each additional group of up to 5 participants: $30

Group Size: Max. 25 participants

Self-explore through five galleries of hands-on exhibits and marvel at over 20 freshwater fish species as you discover the incredible aquatic ecosystems of Alberta.

Fish Feeding

Duration: 20-30 min.
Cost: $50
Group Size: Max. 25 participants

It’s all about trout! What science and technology are needed to successfully raise a trout from egg to adult? Why does Alberta have such an extensive fish stocking program? This engaging tour through North America’s second largest fish hatchery will leave you reeling!

You’ll have time to ponder all of the amazing info you learn on this tour as you discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy in the ponds of the Fish Hatchery - a fin-tastic way to finish up the tour.

  • Groups with mobility issues and/or wheelchair users
Fish Hatchery Tour

Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 25 participants

Learn about how trout are raised from egg to adults, and the role that recreational stocking plays in Alberta. This program includes an opportunity to feed thousands of fish in the burrows ponds.

Recommended for:

  • Groups with capacity to stand for longer periods of time

Step 2: Check Program Availability and Dates

Weekday bookings through June 2023 are SOLD OUT. Contact us to be added to the waitlist.

Bookings for July and August 2023 open April 18.

Contact us with the following information:

  • Your email:
  • Phone number:
  • Group name:
  • Participant ages:
  • Number of participants:
  • Name of activities you wish to book:
  • Dates and times (morning or afternoon) of interest:
bow.habitat@gov.ab.ca 403 297-6561

Step 3: Review Program Policies

Program Supervision Policy

Adult supervisors are required for all youth groups. Mandatory attendance ratios are:

  • 1:4 for ages 4 and under
  • 1:6 for ages 5-9
  • 1:8 for ages 10-12
  • 1:12 for ages 13-17
Payment policy

Payment is required a minimum of 30 calendar days in advance of your tentative booking date to secure bookings.

Programs booked within 30 calendar days of the scheduled program require payment within three business days to secure the booking.

Cancellation policy

Bow Habitat Station reserves the right to cancel bookings or change program activities due to unexpected business interruptions and/or severe weather warnings issued by Environment Canada. Where possible, alternate activities may be substituted and/or activities rescheduled to a later date. Should less than 50% of a program be completed, a refund of 50% of the program fee will be provided. Should more than 50% of a program be completed, no refunds will be provided.

Refunds are not available for a reduced number of participants or programs on the day of visit.

A refund will be provided for program cancellations received a minimum of 30 calendar days in advance of their first schedule program date. All other cancellation will be subject to a $20 per program fee.


Updated: Apr 3, 2023