10 Epic Bike Pathways in Calgary
Pedal your way through Calgary’s neighbourhoods, parks, and picture-perfect river pathways.
Bow River pathway - East Village (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Stay & Wander Media)
With more than 1,000 km of connected pathways, Calgary is easy to explore on two wheels. The city’s pathway network stretches farther than any other urban system in North America, linking rivers, parks, and neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re chasing distance, fresh air or your next coffee stop, cycling in Calgary connects you to the city in a way cars just can't.
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Bike pathways
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Circle the entire city on Calgary’s most ambitious cycling project ever built. The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway , which was completed in 2017, forms a complete ring around the city, connecting 55 communities, along with parks and wetlands.
Distance: ~138 km (full loop)
Terrain: Primarily paved multi-use pathway
Best for: Distance riders, multi-neighbourhood exploring, long weekend rides
Glenmore Reservoir
You can bike the entire loop around the Glenmore Reservoir , Calgary’s largest body of water. You'll follow leafy shoreline pathways, look out at sailboats, and drift through the wild beauty of the Weaselhead Natural Area.
Distance: ~16 km loop
Terrain: Paved, mostly flat
Best for: Scenic loops, families, sunset rides
Bow River - West
Cross the iconic Peace Bridge to the north of the Bow River and follow the pathway west toward Edworthy Park . There will be beautiful river views the whole way and if you fancy a detour, there are plenty of coffee or ice cream spots in Kensington, West Hillhurst, and Parkdale.
Distance: ~6 km one way (Peace Bridge to Edworthy Park)
Terrain: Paved riverside pathway
Best for: River views, café stops, relaxed city cruising
Poppy Plaza - Kensington (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Kelly Hofer)
Bow River - East
Start at Prince's Island Park and head east along the Bow River, through the East Village, ending in historic Inglewood. In just a few kilometres, skyline views give way to heritage streets lined with local shops, craft breweries, and live music venues.
Distance: ~2.5 km one way (Prince’s Island Park to Inglewood)
Terrain: Paved riverside pathway
Best for: Urban exploring, public art, brewery stops
Bow River pathway - Inglewood (Credit: Travel Alberta/Chris Amat @christopheramat)
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Spend the day exploring the pathways of Fish Creek Provincial Park , one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Forested trails, open meadows, and quiet riverbanks stretch for kilometres. Make sure to stop in at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant after for a well-deserved meal.
Distance: 44 km paved; 34 km gravel; 43 km single track
Terrain: Paved, gravel, and single track
Best for: Long rides, wildlife spotting, full-day adventures
Confederation Park
Follow the gentle stream and wetlands through Confederation Park in northwest Calgary. It’s relaxed, accessible, and ideal for an easy neighbourhood spin.
Distance: ~2 km between 30 Ave NW and 14 St NW
Terrain: Paved
Best for: Casual rides, picnic stops, all-ages cycling
Nose Hill Park
Pedal through rolling grasslands at Nose Hill Park. Climb a little, coast a little, and take in sweeping skyline views that remind you how closely city and nature converge in Calgary.
Distance: ~300 km of trails
Terrain: Gravel, dirt, paved, rolling hills
Best for: Big views, hill training, prairie landscapes
Nose Hill Park (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Bowmont Park
Bowmont Park occupies a quiet stretch of the Bow River bank in Calgary's northwest. Most of the pathways and trails in the park follow a bluff above the river which provides the opportunity for some challenging sections.
Distance: ~5 km (Bowmont Park's western edge to Dale Hodges Park)
Terrain: Mix of paved and dirt trails, some hilly sections
Best for: Intermediate riders, peaceful river routes
Bowness Park
Pedal the pathway that circles around beautiful Bowness Park. You'll ride along the Bow River, go past the Bowness lagoon, and you can even extend your ride across the river to Baker Park.
Distance: ~4 km loop
Terrain: Paved, flat
Best for: Casual rides, families, picnics
Elbow River
Begin at ENMAX Park and follow the Elbow River south to Sandy Beach Park. You’ll start with stunning downtown views past Stampede Park, then drift between tree-lined communities, before ending at a lovely river-side park.
Distance: ~7 km one way (ENMAX Park to Sandy Beach Park)
Terrain: Paved riverside pathway
Best for: Scenic river riding, downtown-to-nature escapes
Glenmore Reservoir (Credit: Pedego Electric Bikes/Calin Charles)
Bike rentals
No bike? No problem. Gear up and go with these local rental shops:
Most rentals include helmets and locks, so just bring your sense of adventure.
Hutch Café (Credit: Food Bike Tour/ROAM Creative)
Bike tours
If you want a local to lead the way, join a guided ride and uncover Calgary’s history, hidden gems, and best snack stops.
Toonie Tours – Join a 3-hour tour that takes you from historic Stephen Avenue, along river pathways, and through charming neighbourhoods.
Food Bike Tour – Sample Calgary's food scene with three mouthwatering stops along a 4-hour tour.
