Verified Bowness community reviews, ratings.
Answers to top 10 frequently asked questions about what it's like living in Bowness.
Bowness is a highly-rated community (4.8/5 from 552 reviews) known for top-tier schools (4.8/5), family-friendly atmosphere (4.6/5), and a reasonable commute to downtown (25–35 min). Safety is rated 4.5/5 with active neighborhood watch programs. Pedestrian-friendliness scores 4.2/5, cycling 4.0/5, and transit 4.5/5. The housing market offers diverse options from entry-level to luxury, and residents frequently praise the parks (4.6/5), amenities, and community events. See all 10 FAQs below ↓
Bowness is a community district in west Calgary. It was an autonomous town until 1964, when it was annexed by Calgary. The neighbourhood is bordered by the Bow River on the north and east, 16th Avenue on the south, and Stoney Trail on the west. Immediately over the river to the east lies the community of Montgomery, itself an autonomous town until Calgary annexed it in 1963. On the northwest end of the community is one of Calgary's most popular parks, Bowness Park. The park sits between the Bow River and a lagoon, and is popular for picnics, summer sports, ice skating in the winter, and boating. It is also part of the city's large pedestrian pathway network. To the south-east, it is bordered by Edworthy Park. Most public senior high school students from the community attend Bowness High School, which was built before the annexation. Junior high and elementary schools include Thomas B. Riley Junior High, Belevedere Parkway Elementary, Bowcroft Elementary, and R. B. Bennett Elementary (closed in 2004). There is also one K-9 Catholic school, Our Lady of the Assumption. Additionally the area is home to Bearspaw Christian School and College.
| Category | Rating | Reviews | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Livability | 4.7 / 5 | 552 | Weighted average of all resident ratings |
| Pedestrian-friendly | 4/5 | 37 | How easy it is to get around on foot |
| Cycling-friendly | 4/5 | 29 | How bike-friendly the streets are |
| Transit | 4/5 | 52 | Access to buses, trains, and subways |
| Car-friendly | 4/5 | 47 | How easy it is to drive and park |
| Groceries | 4/5 | 61 | How close grocery stores are |
| Shopping | 4/5 | 48 | Shops and retail within reach |
| Cafés | 4/5 | 33 | Coffee shops and casual spots nearby |
| Restaurants | 4/5 | 57 | Places to eat out close by |
| Nightlife | 5/5 | 26 | Bars and evening spots in the area |
| High schools | 4/5 | 39 | Access to nearby high schools |
| Primary schools | 4/5 | 45 | Access to nearby elementary schools |
| Daycares | 4/5 | 31 | Childcare options close by |
| Quiet | 4/5 | 55 | How calm and low-noise the area is |
| Vibrant | 4/5 | 42 | How lively and busy it feels |
| Parks | 4/5 | 63 | Green space and parks nearby |
| Wellness | 4/5 | 36 | Gyms and health spots in reach |
All community reviews are verified manually to maintain integrity. We authenticate each submission to ensure genuine feedback about living in the community. Ratings are based on experiences and may change over time.
Trusted local data & guides for Bowness:
Safety: 4.5/5 – Active watch, low crime
Schools: 4.8/5 – Highly-rated
Housing Market: 4.7/5 – Diverse options
Commute: 4.6/5 – 25-35 min
Family-Friendly: 4.6/5 – Parks, events
Amenities: 4.3/5 – Shopping, dining
Diversity: 4.2/5 – Mixed demographics
Jobs: 4.3/5 – Local centers
Top Community real estate agents here to deliver results. Find screened agents with deep knowledge of the housing market.
Trusted Alberta Neighbourhood Experts Community Sponsor Program
Local Alberta REALTORS®, Home Builders, Neighbourhood Businesses and Industry Professionals sponsor the neighbourhoods you specialize in as local community supporters & Neighbourhood Experts. This program allows verified real estate agents to give back embracing the communities which they do business while providing useful and updated resources.
Data & MLS® Listings Disclaimer
Data supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service®, and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) identify quality of services provided by licensed real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
Consent to Contact
By using this site, you agree that you may be contacted by call, email, or text message. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any text message or clicking the unsubscribe link in any email.
Disclaimer: Always consult a licensed REALTOR® or local real estate professional. Information on these websites is not guaranteed accurate and should be independently verified.
© 2026 All rights reserved.