Bearspaw

Bearspaw is a rural locality and community in western Alberta, Canada. It is situated in Rocky View County, roughly 20 kilometers northwest of downtown Calgary, in the Bow River valley near the Calgary foothills. The area comprises agricultural land, large-lot residences, and scattered small businesses, with a landscape of rolling prairie and open spaces. Bearspaw is primarily residential, with farms and horse properties, and it serves as a gateway to nearby outdoor recreation areas.

The origin of the name Bearspaw is uncertain; local lore suggests it reflects wildlife observed in the Bow River valley by early settlers. Governance falls under Rocky View County, as Bearspaw does not have its own municipal government. County services, along with nearby urban centers, provide education, healthcare, shopping, and other amenities.

Transportation options include major routes such as Highway 1A and surrounding county roads, which connect Bearspaw to Calgary and other western communities like Cochrane and Bragg Creek. Development in Bearspaw has seen gradual suburban expansion alongside traditional farming, creating a mixed land-use pattern that preserves open space while accommodating new homes. The community is characterized by a rural-urban transition, with residents often commuting to Calgary for work while enjoying the area's natural setting and agricultural heritage.