Calgary’s best walking paths

WALK THIS WAY:

CALGARY’S BEST WALKING PATHS

Grab your walking shoes, and your cap and sunglasses, as the sun is out, and spring is finally in Calgary. But put on something warm to ward off the chill wind. Although coffee at the favourite café along your favourite walking path can do the trick too.

Some of the most gorgeous walking paths in the province can be found right here in Calgary. Calm riverside footpaths, rolling walking trails through the prairie grassland, or urban sidewalks that take you through the trendiest neighbourhoods around. They present the best opportunities to explore the city and get to know its denizens.

Travel Alberta compiled a list of the best pathway systems to get to know the city a little better. So, lace up those walking shoes and stroll your way to some amazing discoveries. You can find the original article at travelalberta.com with helpful maps to guide you.

Bow Tower

WALK 1: CALGARY DOWNTOWN, SUNNYSIDE, CRESCENT HEIGHTS, BRIDGELAND, EAST VILLAGE RIVER WALK

This seven or 11 km (4.3 mi to 6.8 mi) walk begins at the glassy, swirling, sloping masterpiece that is the Calgary Central Library. Walk back in time through the surrounding neighbourhood, which is where Calgary began. “Head” inside the public art of Wonderland at the Bow Tower before joining the Bow River Pathway while en route to the Peace Bridge, Calgary’s cultural icon. Bright red with a unique design, it pays homage to the Canadian flag. The neighbourhood of Sunnyside, with garage art, gargoyles and the tasty Vendome Café, leads to Crescent Heights and epic views of the Canadian Rockies, the Bow River and towering skyscrapers. Grab picnic supplies at the Bridgeland Market and stop in at St. Patrick’s Island. Or grab lunch to go from Sidewalk Citizen and sit along the River Walk; a perfect spot to be part of the city.

WALK 2: STANLEY PARK AND ELBOW RIVER PATHWAYS

Stanley Park is the starting point for this 7.5 km (4.7 mi) Elbow River walkabout. The riverside views are ever-changing, from beavers to groups of rafters to gorgeous homes. Graze your way up the Saskatoon berry slopes of the Britannia neighbourhood and then take a detour to Britannia Plaza for a scoop of habit-forming Village Ice cream or coffee at Monogram Café. Back on the escarpment path, watch for bald eagles soaring at eye’s view before you descend and then climb to River Park, where the ultimate river-valleydowntown view is your reward. Detour to Bell’s Bookstore & Café to pick up a snack, and then navigate Elbow Park’s architecturally diverse streets. A standout Rideau Garden is the big finish!

Stanley Park

WALK 3: ROXBORO, MISSION, MOUNT ROYAL, 17 AVENUE

Calgary’s urban vibe is loud and clear on this 7.5 km (4.7 mi) walk that begins in Roxboro, where a hidden

Inglewood

pathway leads to the Elbow River Pathway and into the vibrant walking streets of the Beltline. Follow the 13 Avenue Heritage Greenway to Central Memorial Park; food trucks await. Looking for a patio and some nourishment? Grab a pint at the Ship and Anchor, a Calgary mainstay perfect for people-watching, or get your caffeine fix from Analog Coffee. Finish off with an indulgent scoop of Made By Marcus ice cream. A climb past the impressive homes and gardens of the Mount Royal neighbourhood leads to 4 Street S.W., home to more local shops and food hotspots. Yann Haute Patisserie, in the bright yellow house, is a must-visit for melt-in-your-mouth pastries and crusty breads. Simply the best!

WALK 4: EAST VILLAGE TO INGLEWOOD LOOP

Walk 1 covered part of East Village, but now it’s time to head in the opposite direction to explore historic Inglewood on this 4.3 km (2.7 mi) loop. But first, coffee. Grab a drink and a snack at Phil & Sebastian in the Simmons Building to fuel your exploration and then set off along the east portion of the River Walk. You’ll pass Fort Calgary, plenty of Canada Geese and locals floating along the Bow River as you make your way to Inglewood. The path winds past the Deane House restaurant – a fantastic pit-stop if you’re feeling peckish. Continue on to 9 Avenue, main street Inglewood, and wander past local shops before turning right onto 10 Street SE. This street curves around to pass The Livery and Inglewood’s signature red barn as well as the National Hotel – now home of The Nash restaurant. Turn right again onto 11 Street SE and make your way to Cold Garden and Ol’ Beautiful, two neighbourhood breweries. Head north on 12 Street SE back to 9 Avenue SE, where you can spend as much time as you’d like exploring the local boutiques that give Inglewood its eclectic character. When you’re ready to loop back, follow 12 Street SE towards the new Zoo Bridge and follow the river to Confluence Plaza at St. Patrick’s Island. Take your time strolling through this oasis in the city until you cross St. George’s Bridge. Get an unbeatable view of the city as you make your way back to East Village and the Art Walk.

WALK 5: EAU CLAIRE AND KENSINGTON

The northwest end of downtown Calgary is a great starting point for this 2.3 km (1.4 mi) loop. Begin your exploration at Alforno Café & Bakery before moving on to the lush greenspace of Eau Claire Park. Follow 2 Avenue SW to reach the park and eventually, the Bow River Pathway. Stop at Poppy Plaza for a quick photo op before crossing Memorial Drive to 10 Street NW. Turn onto Kensington Road NW and taking your time exploring the village in the city. Crave Cupcakes, Higher Ground Café, Pages bookstore, Kensington Pub and Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey are among the many local favourites. Double back to return to 10 Street NW and continue north to 2 Avenue NW. Check out containR, an installation as well as pop-up arts and culture hub, along with Vendome Café. Hang a right onto 9 Street NW to make your way back to the Bow River Pathway. Cross the Peace Bridge and soak in the scenery before arriving back at Eau Claire Park.

Kensington

St Patrick Island Peace Bridge