Cycling in Calgary AB: Where to Ride Bikes

One of Calgary's unique features is its bounty of opportunities for bike exploration. The city offers diverse biking options, from bike lanes on busy roadways to dirt paths in natural areas. From urban pathways to some of Calgary's best parks, Cowtown provides a mix of scenic routes to suit every rider's preference. Whether you seek bustling cityscapes or tranquil green spaces, the cycling possibilities are endless. Get ready to pedal your way through the best cycling in Calgary!

Bow River Pathway

If you're looking for a picturesque biking route in Calgary that offers stunning city skyline views, the Bow River Pathway is an excellent choice. Starting at Peace Bridge in the heart of Calgary's City Centre and winding its way to Edworthy Park near the Wildwood neighbourhood, this bike path offers a diverse experience for cyclists. As you pedal along, you'll have the opportunity to explore Kensington's boutiques and restaurants, adding a touch of urban charm to your ride. The pathway takes you through downtown Calgary, where you can enjoy a mix of urban and natural scenery, making it a delightful journey for all riders.

One of the highlights of the Bow River Pathway is the scenic ride it offers, with views of the city skyline and the tranquil waters of the Bow River. Passing by iconic landmarks like Prince's Island Park, the Peace Bridge, and downtown Calgary, this route provides a perfect combination of beauty and urban exploration. Bow River Pathway is sure to impress with its views and enjoyable biking experience whether you're a casual rider or a cycling enthusiast. 

Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park, covering 11 square kilometres of natural grassland in Northwest Calgary, is a sprawling natural area that offers some of the best views in the city. This beautiful biking destination offers picturesque views and serene green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. As you explore the park, you'll encounter rolling hills that provide a challenging yet rewarding biking experience. The vast expanse of Nose Hill Park allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.

Proximity to Nose Hill Park is one of the reasons people love living in Northwest Calgary, and the park's stunning natural beauty creates a peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely bike ride or a calming nature walk. Nose Hill Park's expansive grasslands give you a sense of being far removed from the city, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and fresh air. Whether you're looking for a challenging biking adventure or a tranquil retreat, Nose Hill Park offers a diverse outdoor experience within the city limits.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Covering over 13 square kilometres in Southwest and Southeast Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park offers cyclists more than 80 kilometres of paved and gravel pathways, catering to all skill levels. 

Bordered by areas like the Sundance neighbourhood and the Parkland community, the park provides a picturesque setting for bike rides through lush forests, meadows, and the serene Fish Creek. As you pedal through the park, you'll encounter diverse wildlife from birds to deer, adding an element of outdoor adventure to your journey. 

The pathways and bikeways within Fish Creek Provincial Park offer a peaceful escape. They allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature while enjoying an invigorating biking experience without having to leave the city. So, gear up, head to Fish Creek Provincial Park, and start on an unforgettable biking adventure surrounded by the beauty of one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Glenmore Reservoir Loop

Consider exploring the Glenmore Reservoir Loop for a rejuvenating and picturesque waterfront bike ride through some of Calgary's most expensive neighbourhoods. This 16-kilometre bike path winds through the urban oasis of Glenmore Reservoir, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. 

As you pedal along, you'll pass through the Weaselhead Natural Area. This loop caters to cyclists of all abilities, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals looking for a leisurely nature experience with stunning city skyline views.

This Southwest Calgary loop is particularly convenient for those living in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood. The Glenmore Reservoir Loop is popular for those seeking a peaceful break from urban life. It provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cityscape, offering a revitalizing change of scenery. Hop on your bike and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the Glenmore Reservoir while enjoying the calming waterside views.

West Nose Creek Park

Hidden amidst Calgary's natural beauty awaits West Nose Creek Park, offering 73 hectares of serene biking trails to explore. The park, located on the western edge of Northeast Calgary, features a paved pathway ideal for cycling, where riders can enjoy scenic views of the creek and surrounding greenery. West Nose Creek Park is a popular spot for tourists and casual riders, providing a peaceful and serene environment for biking and other outdoor activities in Calgary. 

As you pedal through West Nose Creek Park, you'll be surrounded by nature's tranquil beauty, making it ideal for leisurely bike rides. The Beddington Heights neighbourhood and the Huntington Hills area border it to the west; Harvest Hills is to the north of the park, and Calgary International Airport is to the east. 

The well-maintained paths and picturesque landscapes offer a relaxing escape from the city. Whether you're looking for a quick ride or a peaceful retreat into nature, West Nose Creek Park is sure to satisfy your craving for cycling in a beautiful, natural space. 

Weaselhead Flats

Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park beckons nature enthusiasts with its diverse ecosystem and tranquil surroundings. As the city's only delta and the Elbow River's confluence into the Glenmore Reservoir, Weaselhead Flats stands out as a must-visit destination for biking enthusiasts. The natural spaces in Weaselhead Flats offer a peaceful retreat, making it an ideal spot for biking in Calgary.

The area is renowned for its abundant birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the region. As you pedal through the winding pathways of Weaselhead Flats near the Lakeview neighbourhood, you'll have the chance to admire the beauty of wetlands, aspen groves, and various wildlife habitats. Weaselhead Flats provides the perfect setting for a leisurely bike ride in Calgary for avid birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. So, grab your bike, head to Weaselhead Flats, and immerse yourself in the charm of this enchanting natural oasis.

Road to Nepal

The Road to Nepal, located just beyond South Calgary, is a scenic bike trail that offers a challenging and rewarding ride through picturesque rolling hills and farmland. Spanning approximately 55 kilometres, this route features an elevation gain of around 600 metres, making it suitable for intermediate cyclists. Starting at the junction of Highway 22X and Highway 773, where a convenient parking area is available, cyclists embark on a journey marked by steep climbs and thrilling descents. The trail provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the city of Calgary, and the pastoral scenes typical of the area, making it a visually enriching experience as well as a physically demanding one.

Cyclists can expect to complete the ride in about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace, though this can vary depending on individual fitness levels and the number of stops along the way. About 7 kilometres into the ride, a visit to the Granary Road Greenhouses and Farmers Market offers a chance for refreshments and a break. Further along, riders can enjoy a stretch along the Cowboy Trail.

The Road to Nepal is renowned for its scenic views, providing ample opportunities to soak in the natural beauty of the foothills. This trail is a popular choice for both road cyclists and recreational riders seeking a memorable and scenic adventure.

Pedal Through Calgary

The next time you're looking for things to do in Calgary, remember that the city's diverse and numerous bike paths offer something for everyone. Whether you're seeking urban views along the Bow River Pathway or a more natural escape in Nose Hill Park or Fish Creek Provincial Park, there's a route waiting for you. Let the city's beauty surround you on your next ride. Ride on and explore the beauty of Calgary's diverse biking routes!