We packed light but returned with full galleries. These are the 9 most rewarding hiking trails in Calgary.
A few years ago, I took up hiking because my New Year’s resolution was to challenge myself and explore the outdoors. Well, no one told me that once you climb your first mountain, you never stop.
You just start climbing more and you keep craving the crisp fresh air at the summit every time the weekend rolls around. Now, I just keep my hiking bag packed so I can head out as fast as I can every time I hear about a new trail I should try.
But of course, not all trails are equal. Some are more challenging while others come with better views. In this list, I’ll be sharing my top trails in and around Calgary so that you too can enjoy the magic of the outdoors.
1. Glenmore Reservoir Loop
– Media credit: thebestadviceintheworld
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Glenmore Park, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3
Contact details: 403 253 1248
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Glenmore Reservoir Loop is a great trail for those who can’t leave the city but still want to feel connected to nature. You don’t see buildings for most of your hike and there’s plenty of bird life to make it feel like you’re deep into a forest.
It does get quite busy with people though, so try to arrive early to avoid most of the crowd. Arrive late in the day and you’re going to have to weave through other hikers, cyclers, and bird watchers on the pathways.
Experienced hikers will probably find this loop quite easy since it doesn’t have any drastic elevations, but don’t underestimate it. It was one of the first trails that I tried and it took me around 3 hours to complete the whole thing.
Luckily, the path is always well-maintained and there are multiple water stations around to help you keep going. Plus, there are great views wherever you look because of its proximity to the water.
| Pro tip: This trail isn’t only popular among hikers and cyclers, but among mosquitos as well. Make sure to bring lots of bug spray, especially in the summer when the bugs come out in full force. |
2. Discovery Ridge & John Simonot Trail Loop
– Media credit: jsmeets82
Address: 160 Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4Y3
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Discovery Ridge and John Simonot Trail Loop is a hiker’s version of a choose-your-own-adventure loop. You’ll start off on the main paved path, but later on, you’ll notice that it branches off to a bunch of side trails.
So if you visit this place often, you can change it up by going on a different route each time. Most of the trails are still pretty easy, even the dirt paths, and will take less than an hour to finish.
Going off the main path actually feels more rewarding because you tend to stumble upon “hidden treasures”. Some of the fun things I’ve come across include a shallow creek with a stone path, a nice flowing stream, and a log bridge.
Just remember to download an offline map of the trail so that you always know where the path you’re taking is headed. Keep an eye out for closed areas as well — there’s occasionally some bear activity nearby.
| Pro tip: Since the path is a mix of paved pathways and rocky ground, it can get slippery and icy in some parts during the winter. Although there are no cliffs or steep edges, wearing spikes during the cold season is still recommended for better traction. |
3. Douglas Fir Trail
– Media credit: parksofcalgary
Address: 175 Bow River Pathway, Calgary, AB T3C 2Y8
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Novice hikers can take their skills to the next level by taking on the Douglas Fir Trail. The dirt track here is only 5.6 km long, but the thing that’ll get you tired is its elevation.
Get ready to sweat because you’ll be crossing a ton of stairs and bridges to get to the final viewing platform. Thankfully, there are railings beside the steps that come in handy when you need to boost yourself up.
The path also poses a couple of challenges from time to time, such as being muddy and slippery in some parts. So you should definitely prepare and wear the right footwear before coming here.
But even if my first time here wasn’t a walk in the park, I’ve gone back a couple of times, especially during the fall. Apart from it getting easier the more you do it, the trees along the path change into such lovely colors that it makes it all worth it.
| Pro tip: Since this trail is pretty accessible both in terms of location and fitness level, it gets quite popular during the weekends. The best time to hike here to enjoy a quiet trail would be early on a weekday. |
4. Nose Hill Park Loop
– Media credit: jaywll
Address: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6
Contact details: +1 403 268 2489
Operating Hours:
- 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Nose Hill Park Loop is where you can go when you’re feeling stressed and in need of a walk. It’s got some great views of the city that make your problems feel much smaller in retrospect.
Of course, you don’t need sentimental reasons to hike here. But the quiet trail and the windy breeze are perfect for some meditation or reflection.
| Pro tip: If you have a furry friend, bring them along! You’ll be passing an off-leash dog area in the middle of the park where you can let your pet run around as you catch your breath and rest with the other owners. |
5. Fish Creek Provincial Park: Shannon Terrace to Votier Flats
– Media credit: frostadphotography
Address: 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2W 5R6
Contact details: +1 403 297 5293
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Fish Creek Provincial Park has a great trail for families with older kids who are starting to get bored with playgrounds. The path from Shannon Terrace to Votier Flats has just the right amount of obstacles without being too challenging.
This out-and-back trail usually only takes around 2 hours to complete and has a manicured main gravel path. However, this track is usually crowded with bikers, so it can be somewhat hectic.
You can choose to take one of the dirt paths and explore the wooded trails instead. It’s much more quiet and idyllic on these routes. And you’ll come across more scenic spots, especially near the river.
| Pro tip: Fans of HBO’s hit show ‘The Last of Us’ would be excited to know that an episode was filmed here. You can take some pictures on a bridge that was featured in the third episode of the first season. |
6. Prairie View Trail
– Media credit: allaboutfawzia
Address: Kananaskis, AB T0L 1N0
Contact details: (403) 230 1401
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Prairie View Trail is a good way to introduce yourself to more challenging hikes. Here, you’ll be faced with a steady gradual incline that ends in a steep, yet short climb to get to the top.
Even though completing this trail takes around 4 hours, hikers push through it to get to the windy summit. That’s where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy.
There are also some interesting rock formations where you can rest or even enjoy a picnic. Lots of people actually go there early to sit and watch the sunrise.
Be warned though that it can get slippery at the top, especially during the colder months. So it might be best to bring spikes and poles just to be safe, especially if you’re not that confident in your climbing skills yet.
| Pro tip: Even though it’s very windy at the highest point of this trail, most people choose to hike it during the winter season from February to October for the views of the snow-covered mountains. |
7. Ha Ling Peak
– Media credit: brittanymexplores
Address: Kananaskis, AB T1W1 2T5
Contact details: (403) 678 0760
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
When you’ve conquered Ha Ling Peak, you know that you’ve made it into the big leagues. This trail is very challenging and would make any novice hiker cry.
It’s cold at the summit all year round so wear layers when you go. Be prepared to tackle a trail that’s mostly on an incline by bringing the proper climbing equipment as well.
At one point, you may have to enter the headspace of a mountain goat to make it through the steep parts of the trail. And when you think it’s over, you’ll then be faced with your biggest nightmare during this hike: neverending stairs.
Breaks are crucial here. Speaking from experience, your legs and knees will be screaming at you for some rest.
However, when you finally reach the top, nothing will compare to the feeling of accomplishment having made it up the trail. But be warned that the feeling is short-lived because then you’ll have to make your way down, which isn’t any easier than going up.
| Pro tip: For the hikers who really want a challenge, try doing this trail in the winter. They usually close the road leading to the trailhead during this time, so you’ll be adding more distance to your route. |
8. Moose Mountain
– Media credit: aggeranders
Address: Kananaskis, AB T3Z 3R3
Contact details: (403) 933 7172
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Even though Moose Mountain technically isn’t in Calgary, we just had to add it to this list. It’s only a short drive away and has one of the most picturesque views in Alberta.
This would be a great hike for a big group of hikers with a healthy mix of experience levels. Proficient hikers would appreciate the long hike, which takes around 5 hours in total.
On the other hand, newbie hikers would benefit from the confidence of finishing this trail. This is because the trek, which starts out easy with a small incline, ends in a short but moderately challenging climb.
But the view at the top will get rid of any fatigue you might be feeling. Try to count how many summits you can see as you catch your breath and prepare for your descent.
| Pro tip: During the winter, doing the final climb really isn’t recommended unless you’re familiar with it. It usually gets packed with snow so it becomes hard to see the trail. |
9. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
– Media credit: jonny0161
Address: 2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T4
Contact details: (403) 268 2489
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Not every hike needs to be grueling, which is why the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary made this list. This 2.4 km loop runs along the Bow River and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
It’s perfect for those who just want a serene stroll amongst nature or for families with kids. Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed on the trail so you and your young ones are sure to be safe.
The road is mostly flat and well-maintained so there’s no need to bring any protective gear. However, you’ll likely be encountering some interesting wildlife that you can observe from afar.
| Pro tip: Aspiring birdwatchers would really benefit from taking this trail. Over 270 bird species can be observed in the area, depending on the season. |