10 Epic Bike Pathways in Calgary

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.

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

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

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 theBow 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

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

No bike? No problem. Gear up and go with these local rental shops:

• Pedego Electric Bikes

• Bow Cycle & Sports

• University of Calgary Outdoor Centre

• Joe's Garage

• Sports Rent

Most rentals include helmets and locks, so just bring your sense of adventure.

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.