These 10 scenic trails in Calgary will make you hit the ground running!
I remember the days when I would hop on the treadmill and count the minutes until my workout was over. It felt like a never-ending struggle and honestly, it just wasn’t working for me.
That’s when I decided to lace up my running shoes and explore Calgary’s beautiful trails! With its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, the city is a trail runner’s paradise.
Now, I can’t wait to share the breathtaking paths I discovered that helped me reignite my love for running. Join me as I share my favorite spots that will inspire your next run!
1. Bow River Pathway
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Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Time to complete: 30 minutes
Distance: 48 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
One of my favorite spots in Calgary is the Bow River Pathway, a beautiful 48-km paved path along the Bow River. It’s perfect for runners of all levels, whether serious runners, casual joggers, or just looking to stroll.
I love how you can take in these incredible city views while you run. The stunning Rocky Mountains are in the background, and the river just adds to the overall beauty of it all.
Plenty of parking spots, restrooms, and picnic areas are lined up along the way. The pathway is also dotted with benches and scenic spots ideal for sitting back, catching your breath, or snapping a few photos to remember the moment.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the pathway during sunset. Plus, you might catch glimpses of local wildlife as they come out to play! |
2. Elbow River Pathway
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Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours
Distance: 30 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Elbow River Pathway is an 11-kilometer multi-use pathway that winds along the beautiful banks of the Elbow River. It’s a mix of paved and natural trails, so whether you’re a runner, a casual walker, or a hiker, there’s something here for everyone.
One of the coolest things is that the pathway connects Fort Calgary to the Glenmore Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll find charming wooded areas and serene water views that will take your breath away.
Pro tip: The route has parks, picnic spots, and plenty of rest areas. My favorite stop is Prince’s Island Park. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath, picnic by the water, and watch the ducks paddle around. |
3. Glenmore Reservoir Loop
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Location: Glenmore Reservoir, Calgary, Alberta
Time to complete: 1 to 1.5 hours
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Glenmore Reservoir Loop is a 16 km trail that offers a little adventure. You can experience everything from beautiful forested areas to stunning open-water views.
What I love most about it is how well-maintained the trail is. It’s paved, so you can hit your stride while running or cycling. You also won’t have to worry about finding a washroom or a place to grab a snack.
Picnic areas are scattered along the loop, perfect for taking a break and soaking in the gorgeous water views with the Rocky Mountains in the background. As you stroll, there’s also a nice educational twist with signs about the local wildlife and plants.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the water stations along the loop. It’s eco-friendly and will keep you hydrated as you enjoy your run or walk around this beautiful reservoir! |
4. Nose Hill Park
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Location: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6, Canada
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 5 to 10 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Nose Hill Park has over 1,100 acres of landscapes and trails that stretch over 10 kilometers. The elevation is great for pumping your heart, and the views are breathtaking.
It’s one of the largest urban parks in Canada and has ancient indigenous sites, like medicine wheels and burial mounds, peppered throughout. These sites add a whole new layer of appreciation to your visit.
Pro tip: Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars! The elevated vantage points throughout the park offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. |
5. Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Time to complete: 30 to 40 minutes
Distance: 10 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Fish Creek Provincial Park has over 80 kilometers of trails winding through lush forests and open prairies! Some paths are paved, while others are a bit more rugged, so there’s something for everyone.
It spans over 1,000 hectares, making it one of Canada’s biggest urban parks. What hits home for me is the diversity of the landscape. You can run under a canopy of trees one minute and then find yourself in a sun-drenched meadow the next.
Established in the early 1970s, it was named a provincial park because of its ecological richness and the recreational options it offers. With over 200 species of birds and wildlife hanging out there, every run feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, located within the park. It offers workshops and events focused on sustainability and conservation—perfect if you’re interested in deepening your connection to nature. |
6. Douglas Fir Trail
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Location: 175 Bow River Pathway, Calgary, AB T3C 3A6, Canada
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Douglas Fir Trail is a hidden gem that captures the area’s natural beauty. Picture this: you’re walking along the banks of the Elbow River, where the trail runs for about 7 kilometers.
What I love most about this trail is the mix of scenery and wildlife. The Douglas fir trees that give the trail its name play a huge role in keeping the ecosystem healthy.
There are plenty of benches scattered along the way, so you can take some time to relax and just soak in the views. One of my favorite things to do is pack a picnic and find a nice spot by the river.
Pro tip: Be sure to arrive early in the morning to catch a glimpse of local wildlife! The early hours are often when deer and various bird species are most active. |
7. Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
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Location: Arbour Stone Rise Pedestrian Bridge, Calgary, AB T3G 4M9, Canada
Time to complete: 2 to 4 hours
Distance: 138 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is a whopping 138 kilometers of interconnected trails weaving through the city. It loops around and connects many parks and neighborhoods, making it an essential part of the outdoor scene here.
This place is fantastic if you’re training for a marathon or just looking for a good, long route. And don’t forget to take a moment at the viewpoints of the Bow River or soak in the skyline.
Pro tip: Check out the interpretive signs. They offer information about the local flora and fauna, which adds this wonderful layer to your adventure. |
8. Bragg Creek Provincial Park
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Location: Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour
Distance: 20 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Bragg Creek Provincial Park is like a little slice of paradise tucked in the Rockies’ foothills; honestly, it’s only about a 30-minute drive from the city. Perfect for a weekend getaway or even a spontaneous Tuesday evening adventure!
The park spans over 1,500 acres and is part of Kananaskis Country. There’s something about running alongside Bragg Creek with stunning views of the mountains in the distance that just take your breath away (figuratively and literally).
What I love most about Bragg Creek is how diverse the trails are. Imagine winding forested paths with gentle hills—it’s ideal for runners like me who are somewhere between casual joggers and those who like to push themselves a bit further.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the park’s water stations before hitting the trails. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you plan on exploring more challenging routes! |
9. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
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Location: 255001 Glenbow Rd, Cochrane, AB T4C 0B7, Canada
Time to complete: 1.5 to 3 hours
Distance: 30 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a hidden gem that spans over 1,300 acres, and let me tell you, the views of the Rocky Mountains are breathtaking.
One of my favorite things to do there is hit the trails. Glenbow has more than 15 miles of them, and they’re all well-marked and suited to different skill levels. I love how peaceful it feels to run along the river, surrounded by stunning scenery.
What’s cool about the park is its history. Imagine this place once being home to a working ranch in the late 1800s! It’s an incredible blend of grasslands, wetlands, and forests, perfect for spotting wildlife.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the Glenbow Ranch’s guided nature walks, often offered during peak seasons. These walks provide insights into the local flora and fauna you might miss if you explore on your own. |
10. Twelve Mile Coulee
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Location: Calgary, AB T3L 0A3, Canada
Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours
Distance: 5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Twelve Mile Coulee is an incredible running trail about 5 kilometers long. The views of the Bow River are breathtaking. What I love about this trail is its perfect mix of hilly terrain and gorgeous scenery.
You’ll experience everything from rolling hills to wide-open grasslands and even some wooded areas as you go along. But fair warning: it’s rugged, so it’s more suited for those up for a challenge.
And it’s super accessible, too! There are parking spots at both ends, so you can easily pop in for a run whether you’re driving or biking. Don’t forget to take a breather on one of the benches along the way or grab a snack at the picnic spots.
Pro tip: Bring a camera—sunset at Twelve Mile Coulee transforms the landscape into an artist’s palette of colors that you won’t want to miss capturing! |