There are many great bike paths in Calgary. From Fish Creek in the south to Nose Hill in the north, there are amazing places to take your bike. With over 1,000 kilometres of maintained pathways, Calgary is way more bikeable than I once believed. So whether you’re looking to get some speed and distance, or going for a leisurely ride with your family, there’s a path in the city for you.
Last Updated: January 22, 2024
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Bike Paths in Calgary
In all the uncertainty of the pandemic, hopping on the bike paths in Calgary was very helpful to manage day-to-day stress. Also, the occasional ice cream didn’t hurt!
That was a different kind of spring in Alberta — in all of Canada, for that matter. Summer followed suit as the world continued to deal with COVID-19. In many places, we were wearing masks, staying physically distant, and washing our hands like mad. But even when Canada’s public health measures were in full force to flatten the curve, we were still able to leave the house and spend time outside.
Here are Calgary bike paths that I really enjoyed when I lived in the city:
Fish Creek Park
Situated in the south of Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park boasts more than 80 kilometres of interconnected pathways — about 30 kilometres paved and dirt trails for the rest. In addition to great trails, you’ll find all kinds of wildlife in the park, like pelicans, owls, coyotes, deer, and more. A Calgary gem for cyclists, Fish Creek Park is a highly maintained provincial park with trail maps posted in multiple locations.
As one of the largest urban parks in Canada, Fish Creek easily makes my list. This park was conveniently close to my house, about 8 kilometres to the entrance near the McKenzie Meadows Golf Club. The Fish Creek Park bike trails connect to the Bow River Pathway and the Rotary / Mattamy Greenway, making it a great place to start or finish a ride.
Read more: Biking in Edmonton: The Beautiful River Valley Trails
Bow River Pathway — My Favourite Bike Path in Calgary
Do you jump at the chance to spend time by the water? I sure do! So cycling next to the Bow River is almost as good as it gets. One time, I decided to ride 85 kilometres from Copperfield to Bowness and back along the Bow River Pathway. That took about 4.5 hours. The path connects with RiverWalk in downtown East Village (great place for coffee or lunch). At this point, you could continue along RiverWalk to Eau Claire Market or to Prince’s Island Park. But I crossed over the bridge to continue on the Bow River toward Bowness Park.
Ultimately, if you want a longer ride with beautiful views along the river, then the Bow River Pathway is the place for you. This is one of my all-time favourite bike paths in Calgary.
Nose Hill Park Calgary
Another of Canada’s larger urban parks, Nose Hill Park has over 11 square kilometres right in the middle of Calgary. The city has maintained beautiful green spaces (…yes, they’re Calgary brown in the shoulder seasons!). When I lived in the city’s southeast, I really didn’t travel to the northwest very often. But if you’re in this neck of the woods, why not see what Nose Hill Park bike trails have to offer?
There are some flat paved areas for street cycling, but it isn’t the best place to gain distance. On the other hand, if you want some fun ups and downs, bring your mountain bike to Nose Hill for both cityscape and Rocky Mountains views.
Read more: 5 Easy Hikes for Rocky Mountain Rookies (Plus a Bonus!)
Glenmore Reservoir & Weaselhead Flats
The fantastic 16-kilometre Glenmore Reservoir bike path is popular for a reason! On the one hand, the loop can become quite congested with cyclists and pedestrians. But if you come at the right time (weekday, for example), this is a very pleasant ride and you may even forget you’re in the city.
The pathway stretches around the Glenmore Reservoir and into Weaselhead Flats Natural Area. The Weaselhead bike path is maintained by the City of Calgary and nicely forested with fun ups and downs. And I’ve even come across deer and other small wildlife here.
Rotary / Mattamy Greenway
The Rotary / Mattamy Greenway surrounds Calgary and connects other bike paths like spokes on a wheel. This loop around the city is about 140 kilometres, networking with 1,000 kilometres of Calgary’s impressive pathway system. From my home in Copperfield, I could often jump on the Greenway to head north alongside Stoney Trail. Have you been to Ralph Klein Park? Visit the Parks Foundation website for more information.
I’ve explored sections in the northeast near Abbeydale and the southeast near Copperfield. One of these days, I may attempt the 140 kilometres…. maybe!
Read more: Douglas Fir Trail in Calgary’s Edworthy Park
Cycling Essentials — What To Bring on a Bike Ride
For a successful and safe bike ride, the two most basic essentials are the bike and helmet. When I head out, I always bring a water bottle on my bike. Oftentimes I’ll bring my day pack with my water reservoir and snacks like energy chews. I also carry a little repair kit with a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a small pump (just in case).
You might also want to consider carrying a basic first aid kit and a phone (or satellite communications device) for emergencies. Remember to dress for the weather and bring along an outer layer jacket to protect against the wind and rain. If riding in sunny conditions, don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses. Always important to ensure your bike has lights and reflectors, too!
Calgary Bike Paths Map
Do you have a favourite place to ride in Calgary? Are you from a different city or town with exceptional bike paths? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
