12 of the best bike trails near Calgary to hit for a summer ride

May 10 2019, 11:40 pm

What better way to spend a summer day than peddling away?

Ditch the car and pump up the bike tires to take a spin around some of Calgary’s natural beauty on any of these gorgeous trails.

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Glenmore Reservoir

 

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Connect back with nature in this urban oasis as you bike around one of Calgary’s largest bodies of water. The full trail is about 16-kilometres, but with so much scenery, that time will fly by.

This water reservoir is the only delta in the city and you can see how the mouth of Elbow River flows directly into the Glenmore Reservoir.

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Bow River

Beginning at Peace Bridge (also a great place to get that pre-workout selfie), take a ride down the Bow River trail all the way to Edworthy Park. For a more relaxed ride with a bunch of little stops, make sure to go through the Kensington Village and visit the numerous boutiques before heading to the park.

Nose Hill Park

 

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Nose Hill Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Pedal your way through the pathways and experience city and mountain views set behind a sea of rolling hills. The pathways are perfect for the intermediate biker as the trails can get difficult and bit steep.

Eau Claire Park

Eau Claire Park provides the perfect location for a light morning or evening ride as the soft glow from the city on one side illuminates the trees and nature on the other. The trail extends from Bow River into Elbow River. For a spectacular view of downtown Calgary, continue down the west side of the Elbow River.

Prince’s Island Park

 

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Prince’s Island Park is another great leisure ride, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Located on Bow River, the ride throughout the park is one filled with nature and a bit of the concrete jungle. Stop by a nearby café for lunch and take in the sites.

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Fish Creek Park

Fish Creek is a provincial park that gives you some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a perfect place for a family outing or a solo trip. Stay a little longer and experience a sunset like no other.

Confederation Park

 

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Confederation Park is a little more of an all-day outing. The park boasts beautifully maintained gardens and lawns with picnic tables, tennis courts, and even a golf course. Talk about you say summer go-to!

Bowmont Park

Bowmont Park offers more challenging single-lane trails for riders looking for a bit more of a challenge. Trust us, these ones will really get your blood pumping. Bowmont Park is located on the northern bank of Bow River.

Sheep River Valley

 

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Located about 45-minutes out of the city, the Sheep River Valley trails provide you with a stunning farmland backdrop. As you’re riding, look out for fields of cows (and cowboys, of course) or head towards the winter gate for a beautiful view of the mountain.

The Canmore Legacy Trail

Possibly one of the most famous bike trails in all of North America, the Canmore Legacy Trail provides an unprecedented ride through Banff along the Vermillion Lakes. The trail spans 26-kilometres and was built in 2010 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Parks Canada.

Lake Minnewanka Loop

 

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The Lake Minnewanka Loop is a 15-and-a-half kilometre long ring that rides along part of Two Jack Lake. Make a small pit stop to snag a pic in the iconic Parks Canada red chairs. If you aren’t already convinced, there’s a possibility to see some Bighorn sheep just chilling on the side of the road.

Highwood Pass

Highwood Pass is another ride that falls on the more intense side. It’s a great workout that provides never-ending mountain scenery. The full ride both ways is about 108-kilometres but most riders simply go one way by enjoying a more relaxed ride down.

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