Group Programs
Closed for the Holidays December 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
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 capacities to welcome large groups 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.
Self-Guided Fish Feeding
Duration: 10-15 min.
Cost: $2 per person ages 4+
Availability: Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Guided Fish Feeding | All Ages
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.
Recommended for:
- Younger audiences (ages 4-6)
- Groups with limited time or focus
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.
Self-Guided Fish Feeding
Duration: 10-15 min.
Cost: $2 per person
Availability: Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Guided 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.
- 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.
Recommended for:
- 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
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.
Self-Guided Fish Feeding
Duration: 10-15 min.
Cost: $2 per person
Availability: Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Guided 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.
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: 2 hr. (option for school classes to split into two 1 hr. visits)
Cost: $190
Group Size: Max. 20 youth and up to 10 adults/leaders
Build your fishing knowledge! Using live fish in the aquariums, learn how to use basic fish anatomy to identify some of Alberta’s sportfish.
Dive into the role of fishing regulations and some of the basic fishing gear you’ll need for your next fishing trip.
You’ll even get hands-on experience practicing proper fish handling techniques in the Fish Hatchery.
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
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.
Self-Guided Fish Feeding
Duration: 10-15 min.
Cost: $2 per person
Availability: Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Guided Fish Feeding
Duration: 20 min.
Cost: $50
Group Size: Max. 25 participants
Discover the true meaning of a feeding frenzy as you help feed thousands of eager trout a snack.
- Groups with mobility issues and/or wheelchair users
Fish Hatchery Tour
Duration: 30-45 min.
Cost: $75
Group Size: Max. 25 participants
It’s all about trout! 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 stand for longer periods of time
Responsible Reeling
Duration: 2 hr.
Cost: $190
Group Size: Max. 20 people
Build your fishing knowledge! Using live fish in the aquariums, learn how to use basic fish anatomy to identify some of Alberta’s sportfish.
Dive into the role of fishing regulations and some of the basic fishing gear you’ll need for your next fishing trip.
You’ll even get hands-on experience practicing proper fish handling techniques in the Fish Hatchery.
Recommended for:
- Smaller group sizes
- Adult groups seeking to learn the basics of fishing in Alberta
Step 2: Check Program Availability and Dates
Bookings for the 2023-24 school year open August 30 at 8:00 AM.
Contact us with the following information:
- Your email:
- Phone number:
- Group name:
- Participant ages:
- Total number of participants and adult supervisors:
- Name of activities you wish to book:
- Dates and times (morning or afternoon) of interest:
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.
Outdoor Program Policy
Bow Habitat Station reserves the right to change program activities due to
weather warnings issued by Environment Canada. This includes:
- Air Quality Health Index levels of 7 or above
- Extreme cold (-25 degrees with windchill or lower)
- Extreme heat (35 degrees or greater)
- Heavy rain
- Hail
- Thunderstorm or tornado warnings
- Wind gusts of 50 km/hr or greater
Cancellation policy
Bow Habitat Station reserves the right to cancel bookings or change program activities due to unexpected business interruptions. 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: Aug 28, 2023