An Insider's Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary

An Insider's Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary
An Insider's Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary
Make Calgary Part of Your Rockies Getaway

An Insider's Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary

Local tips to the top hiking experiences in the city.

 

Best Hikes in Calgary

You've just arrived in Calgary and you’re chomping at the bit to catch those jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain views you’ve been drooling over in your Instagram feed, but perhaps you haven’t had a chance to explore all the city has to offer. Downtown Calgary is only 20 minutes away from the airport and it’s a hotbed for hiking, urban walks, and a whole lot of cool experiences that you won’t want to miss. And if you’re willing to go a little further, you can find wild places both within and just outside of the city limits.


So hop in a taxi or grab an Uber and get downtown. Please give us at least a few hours – if not a whole day and a night - to show you the best bits of the city on foot. You’ll be happy you did. In case you didn’t know, Calgarians have a reputation of being friendly so if you ever need help or directions on any of the hikes don’t be afraid to ask a local. Have fun and don’t forget your sense of adventure.

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Gearing up for Your Hike

The beauty of an urban hike is that you don’t need much – a pair of comfortable walking shoes, loose fitting clothing and perhaps a small backpack with room for a water bottle, a few snacks and extra clothes. If you still feel you need something there are a couple of places in downtown Calgary where you can stock up on clothes or gear. MEC Calgary is located on 10th St SW while Patagonia has an outlet on the Stephen Avenue mall. If you visit MEC, be sure to pick up freshly made raspberry scones across the street at Sucre.
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The Simmons Building along the River Walk features great food and drinks for a pit stop

The Simmons Building along the River Walk features great food and drinks for a pit stop

Downtown Calgary Hike – the River Walk and Bow River Pathway (East)

The Bow River, running east – west through downtown Calgary, is lined with multi-use paths on both sides of the river. Pick a starting point – like the Instagram worthy Peace Bridge and head east past Prince’s Island Park. If it’s a Sunday, consider a stop for brunch at the River Café on the island. Continue walking parallel to the Bow River all the way to Fort Calgary, a distance of roughly 3.2 kilometres. Along the way don’t miss a stop for coffee at Phil & Sebastian and a truly decadent, sinfully delicious, gooey cinnamon bun from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. You’ll find both in the historic Simmons Building.

Retrace your steps to the George C. King Bridge. Turn the hike into a loop by crossing the Bow River and continuing west on the Bow River Pathway to return to your starting point. If you need a dose of adorable, continue east two kilometres to reach the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Another option if you want to explore the nearby Inglewood neighbourhood is to continue east just past Fort Calgary and follow the advice in the next section.

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Take a hike through the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary at any point during the year

Take a hike through the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary at any point during the year

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Inner city hike - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre and the Inglewood Neighbourhood

Combine a hike through the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre with a stop at one of the cafés or restaurants in the trendy Inglewood neighbourhood. The sanctuary entrance is located at the end of 9th Avenue SE, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Calgary. Explore 2.5 kilometres of flat, easy hiking trails that meander up and down sloughs through the woods and alongside the Bow River. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the 270 bird species that have been spotted here.

There are two options to return to the Inglewood neighbourhood on foot. Either continue walking west along the pretty Bow River Pathway cutting in and away from the river on either 12th or 15 th St SE or follow 9th Ave SE for a faster, more direct route back.

The second option allows for a stop at the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner, a local favourite, only 10 minutes on foot away from the nature centre. Visit if you’re a fan of all day breakfasts, pie and home cooking specialties at reasonable prices. On your return poke your nose in quirky, locally run shops before stopping for food. Good choices abound and include Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar, The Nash, and Bea’s Eatery inside Bite – Grocer & Eatery.
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Start your walk along the Bow River Pathway downtown before heading out west to Edworthy Park

Start your walk along the Bow River Pathway downtown before heading out west to Edworthy Park

Inner City Hike - Bow River Pathway West to Edworthy Park with a Kensington Village Layover

Start at the Peace Bridge again, but this time cross it and continue west along the Bow River Pathway until you reach 10th Street NW. This road is the main entrance to Kensington Village, another neighbourhood brimming with restaurants and shops. Take an hour to wander through here, perhaps grabbing a coffee at either Vendome or the Regal Cat Café (if you’re into cats). You might even want to time your visit to have a drink at Container Bar, the only outdoor alleyway patio bar in Calgary.
Return to the Bow River Pathway – continuing as far as your legs will take you. Edworthy Park, 6.3 kilometres distant would be a worthy goal especially as a warm-up for anyone planning to hike in the mountains. In Edworthy Park cross the Bow River again (but if you need a pick-me-up refuel at Angel’s Cafe just before you cross the river) and follow it all the way back to the Peace Bridge, this time on the south side of the Bow River.
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This pathway is right in the middle of Calgary near Inglewood

Even though it looks like the countryside, this pathway is right in the middle of Calgary near Inglewood

 

Westside Hike - Bowness Park

At the western edge of the city squeezed between the Bow River and a lagoon sits Bowness Park. While it’s smaller than many others in the city it’s worth a visit for its tranquil location. Walk the scenic trail beside both the lagoon and the Bow River, stopping in at the Seasons of Bowness Park if you need refreshments. For those wanting a longer walk continue east along the Bow River Pathway, crossing the Bow River twice to reach a couple of small ponds. The Bow River Pathway continues north and east of the ponds but you’ll have to retrace your steps if you parked in the park.

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In many of Calgary’s parks, you’ll see scenes like this in the middle of a major city

In many of Calgary’s parks, you’ll see scenes like this in the middle of a major city

Elbow River Hike - Elbow River Pathway and the Mission Neighbourhood

The Elbow River Pathway starts at the confluence with the Bow River across from Fort Calgary and travels all the way to the Glenmore Reservoir, a distance of some 21 kilometres. It’s a multi-use trail with most people hiking sections of the pathway between neighbourhoods. A good four hour loop walk would take you south from the confluence, past Calgary Stampede Park following the bends of the Elbow River to reach the Fourth Street neighbourhood. From here, it’s a straight line downtown to reach the River Trail and compete the loop. But don’t be in a hurry to leave Mission. It’s also full of great restaurants and cafes. Pick up fabulous croissants at Yann Haute Patisserie; enjoy coffee at Philosafy Coffee and breakfast or lunch at Red’s Diner. It’s also worth detouring a block or two on 17th Ave SW so you can grab a beer and burger at National or The Ship and Anchor, local watering holes that offer a great outdoor patio experience in good weather.
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Roam through Stephen Avenue, a pedestrian-only street in the heart of Downtown

Roam through Stephen Avenue, a pedestrian-only street in the heart of Downtown

 

An urban, culture, food filled walk

If you’d prefer a walk that hits some of the main attractions in downtown Calgary, try this one starting at the Calgary Tower. Take the elevator up to get a bird’s eye view of the city – and your bearings. Continue east a short distance to reach the Central Calgary Library. Pop in to see the beautifully designed space before continuing east for another block to reach Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. An hour in here will give you a sense of the place but if you’re a music buff – watch out as you could easily spend a whole day in here – perhaps even trying out the recording studio.
Continue north a few blocks to 6th Avenue SE and go west to reach the Wonderland Sculpture – an unmissable 12 metre tall bent wire head of a young girl in front of the Bow Building. Stop for photos! Around the corner on 1st SE are the Armengol Statues, 10 giant nudes that caused some controversy when they were first unveiled. Head south, this time on MacLeod Trail to reach the Olympic Plaza, an urban park created for the medal ceremonies for the 1988 Winter Olympics. That puts you squarely on Stephen Avenue – a major pedestrian mall. Try the National on 8th, home to Canada’s largest rooftop patio. From here let your stomach dictate your route. It’s always easy to find your way back to the Calgary Tower – by looking up.
For coffee and pastries in the downtown area check out Deville, Monogram, and Alforno Bakery and Café. Check out the popular Native Tongues Taqueria, a Mexican restaurant with an incredible tequila selection and a late night menu.
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Nose Hill Park provides great views of the city

Nose Hill Park provides great views of the city

Hike on the Wild Side - Nose Hill Park

If you like your hikes on the wilder side, head to Nose Hill Park, situated on a height of land in the northwest part of the city. Get your bearings with a landmark – whether it be the airport, the mountains or Calgary’s downtown and start walking on the impressive network of trails that weave through the 11 square kilometres of park. While there are maps scattered about on the main trails, half the fun here is exploring. Visit in spring and you’ll be treated to impressive wildflower displays. Go on a summer evening and catch a dramatic sunset. At any time of the year count your blessings if you see some of the wildlife that calls the park home including deer, porcupines, coyotes and Richardson’s ground squirrels. The easiest place to park or be dropped off from downtown is in the parking lot accessed off of 14th Street SW, 1.4 kilometres north of John Laurie Boulevard.
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Hike in a Wild Urban Park - Fish Creek Provincial Park

Even in the city, you’re likely to meet some furry friends along the trails

Hike in a Wild Urban Park - Fish Creek Provincial Park

Canada’s second largest urban park, located in the south end of Calgary offers over 80 kilometres of mixed use trails – that are mix of paved and dirt/gravel. With good location maps throughout the park it’s easy to figure out where you are and where you might want to go. Trails broadly follow either a section of the Bow River or Fish Creek. There’s a good chance you’ll see deer but if you see a bobcat, buy a lottery ticket as you’re one lucky person. Post hike, except in winter, plan a refuelling stop at Annie’s Café for coffee, pastries and ice cream. For a fine dining experience visit the historic Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant in the park
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The Weaselhead Flats are an urban paradise on the western edge of Calgary

The Weaselhead Flats are an urban paradise on the western edge of Calgary

 

Weaselhead Flats

Situated at the western end of the Glenmore Reservoir, Weaselhead Flats offers an extensive network of hiking trails in a beautiful landscape that feels far removed from a big city. Give yourself an hour to enjoy this nature filled walk that takes you both along the Elbow River and through the woods. Be on the lookout for deer and even bears. Post hike, pop into nearby Glenmore Landing for a coffee. Look for parking at the corner of 37th St SW and 66th Avenue Sw.
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The Glenbow Ranch just outside Calgary on the way to the Rockies

The Glenbow Ranch just outside Calgary on the way to the Rockies

Rocky Mountain Views Hike - Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Situated on the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane within view of the Rocky Mountains sits historic Glenbow Ranch. The park is crisscrossed with approximately 25 kilometres of trails, many of which are part of Canada’s Great Trail. Have a look at the map by the Visitor Information Centre to plan your hike. Heading west towards Cochrane is especially pretty, especially when you’re down in the coulees, feeling far removed from civilization. There are nice viewpoints along the Bow River and plenty of historical artifacts around. You’re likely to see deer, perhaps a bald eagle or two and plenty of birdlife come summer,

 

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The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area in the foothills

The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area in the foothills

 

Foothills Hike - Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Just outside of Calgary in a landscape of rolling foothills sits the beautiful Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. With close to 20 kilometres of trails, you could easily spend the better part of the day exploring the landscape. Some trails offer mountain views while others look out over the prairies. Don’t expect much company save for the odd deer or two and perhaps a black bear in summer and fall. Plan ahead and bring snacks, water and a lunch as the trailhead, off of Highway 22X isn’t close to any services.

 

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By
Leigh McAdam
August 3rd, 2022

Leigh McAdam, is a Calgary based outdoor and adventure blogger and the author/co-author of two books, including the bestselling 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta.

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